I straighten my hair, apply some lipstick and mascara, and contemplate which dress to wear. I was planning on wearing the little black dress, but now I’m not sure, with Mark and Ace joining us. I decide on a different black dress that sits above my knees. It’s strapless, but not as fitted.I put my heels on, and give Lucky, the kitten, a quick cuddle, and make my way downstairs, only to be greeted by a bar full of wolf whistles, from the Savage Snakes.‘Zuri-doll. Looking hotter than ever! You going on a date?’ Boomslang asks.‘I wouldn’t call it a date. It was meant to be just Hailey and I, but she decided to invite that CEO and his brother along,’ I explain.‘You mean the guy you kicked in the nuts?’ Viper asks.‘Yeah, that one,’ I say.‘Good luck doll! Or should we be wishing him good luck?’ Viper asks, and I laugh.‘He probably needs the luck more than I do,’ I say, and they all start laughing.‘You want a lift into the city?’ Boomslang offers.‘Sure, that would be great. If Lucky
AceAfter hitting on me, a woman, who I thought was here for an interview, has just left in tears. Was she hoping I’d snap her up and make her my girl? For what? My bank account and the perks of being with me?There’s a knock on the door, and Mark enters, pleading with me to squeeze in one more interview with someone he has been impressed with, and hopes to have as his assistant.I can’t believe he has been paying someone to do his work. It explains why his work improved so much and why I was so impressed at the last meeting, when I looked at the print-outs he gave me.‘Fine! Bring her in. But it’s me who needs the personal assistant,’ I snap.‘Great. She’s waiting outside. I’ll go get her,’ he says, smiling, and he opens the door and waves her in.I can’t believe my eyes as Zurielle enters my office and with a smile that can outshine any sunray. Her smile instantly fades, and she scowls as soon as she sees me. ‘What are you doing here?’ We shout, in unison.‘This is my company, Zuri
AceFreshly showered, I put my dark navy jeans on, with a white, fitted shirt, and a faux leather jacket I designed myself. I’d love to pick Zurielle up in my Lamborghini, but as she was originally going out with Hailey, it makes sense we all go together. As much as I don’t want Mark there. We’ll go in the limo.We wait outside Pure Fashion Industries, where Hailey told us to meet them. The moment I see Zurielle through the back window, I get out of the limo.Zurielle is naturally beautiful, but to see her made-up, in that little black dress and high heels, makes me want to drop to my knees and grovel at her feet. She looks at me, up and down, her lips part, and her chest rises, as she inhales sharply. I don’t get enough time to enjoy or study that look in her eyes, because Mark gets out, behind me.‘Zurielle, you look absolutely stunning,’ Mark says.‘Thanks,’ she replies, softly.‘I can’t believe you’re taking us out in a limo!’ Hailey squeals.‘Well, my Lamborghini only fits two pe
ZurielleAs soon as I get home, I jump in the shower and want to go to sleep, but I spend the night, tossing and turning, thinking of Ace. I’m frustrated, thinking about how handsome he is, and how he was more pleasant, and bearable.I feel bad for lashing out at him. He was actually being polite, and only wanted to make sure I got home safely. I spend the day downstairs in the bar with the Savage Snakes. Lucky follows me everywhere.The Snakes are taking a real liking to Lucky. Honestly, seeing these tough and rugged men, smooching and cuddling Lucky, is quite attractive. I’m reminded of Ace and how sexy he looked last night. It was impossible to not stare at him; the way he looked into my eyes when he first saw me; when he caught me when I fell out of the limo; his hands on my waist were warm and firm. I hate that I liked it, that my body betrayed me, and longed for him. I didn’t want him to let me go. I hope he didn’t see the lust in my eyes. Mark broke the intense moment between
AceAfter my coffee with Zurielle, I’m on cloud nine.I worry she is going to decline my offer of a fresh start, as I’m still waiting for her answer as she stares blankly at me in thought. She does something I’m not expecting: she gets up and walks away. I’m gutted. It’s best if I just leave.After being tapped on the shoulder, I turn around and see her beaming at me, with her hand out to shake mine. I’m shocked.‘I’m Zurielle Summers. Very pleased to meet you. I hope you enjoyed your coffee, and that you’ll be a regular customer?’ She says, so sweetly, igniting something inside me. Concealing my shock, I gently shake her hand.‘Ace Brightly. Pleasure to meet you. I guarantee I’ll be back for another coffee,’ I reply, smiling. I want to stay but we both have to get back to work.With a spring in my step, I cross the road; stopping twice to look back; reassuring myself that what just happened was real and not a dream.I spend the next few hours working on new designs, with Zurielle on
ZurielleMr Fulton seems extra happy at Cafe Charm, on Tuesday morning.‘Zurielle, I’m excusing you for the first hour, this morning,’ he says.‘Have I done something wrong?’ I ask, worried, and he laughs at me.‘No, dear. Quite the opposite, I believe. You’ve been requested for a meeting, so make yourself a coffee, and have a seat.’‘A meeting? With who? What for?’ I ask.‘I can’t say anything. You’ll know in a few minutes,’ he says, smiling. What’s the big deal? Why can’t he tell me anything? I wander over to the coffee machine and make my coffee.Ace comes in looking mighty handsome with that smile on his face. He is smiling at me, and walking like he is on a mission.‘Good morning, Miss Summers,’ he says.‘Good morning, Mr Brightly. It’s not you who has summoned my presence this morning, is it?’ I ask, smiling. There is a foreign air between us; whatever it is, I like it.‘I have requested your presence this morning, Miss Summers. I hope that’s okay with you,’ he says.‘If it’s im
ZurielleI wear a knee-length, flowy, maroon skirt and a sheer black, button up blouse. I tuck the blouse into the skirt, and wear a nude-coloured belt, around my small waist, and nude-coloured heels to match the belt.I pin my blonde hair up on one side. I apply some mascara and lipstick, and step back from the mirror to inspect myself, happy with how I look. I grab my handbag and head to Pure Fashion Industries.At Cafe Charm, Hailey has two flat whites ready for me, to take into the office.Outside Pure Fashion Industries, I take a deep breath and walk in. Here we go, Zurielle. You got this! The staff look up from their desks, excitedly, watching me enter.I walk confidently to the elevators and press the up button. The woman next to me is grinning.‘I’m sorry, but I have to ask if the rumours are true. Have you been employed as Mr Brightly’s assistant?’ She asks.‘I have,’ I say, with a smile.‘That is great! We can’t stop talking about you. Mr Brightly has been less grumpy since
Lucky gently paws my face, waking me up bright and early.‘Okay, Lucky. I’m awake.’ I give him breakfast, and jump in the shower. Leaning my head against the wall, I decide I’ll avoid Mark as much as possible. I haven’t led him on or given him the impression I want a romantic relationship with him. I told him I’m not interested, and he insisted he’ll pursue me anyway. The last thing I need in my new job is drama. Avoid him, and keep everything between us short and professional; he’ll get the hint and move on.After showering, I get dressed in a matching maroon blazer and skirt, a white blouse, and black heels. I put my hair up in a high pony tail and put a pair of studded earrings in.On my way to the bus top, I hear footsteps behind me. I stop and turn, many times, but there’s no one behind me. My stomach sinks, and I walk faster, and reach the bus stop, where someone else is waiting.The bus arrives, and I sit at the back so no one can sit behind me. I look out the window at a man d