Her Mischievous Prince (Book 3)

Ten

Jaxon

I knocked on my father’s door thrice before swinging it open. I extended my hand out to let Riley in first and once we were both inside I closed the door shut. “Ah, good you’re both here. Sit, please,” my dad said pointing to the black leather lounge chairs opposite his table. I didn’t bother to ask what this was about because knowing him, it won’t take long before he goes down to business. He hardly uses pleasantries in situations like these. He simply states what he wants straight up which is, God forbid, one of the few things I appreciate about him. “You’re both probably wondering why I called you. So, I’m not going to prolong this any longer. I’ve heard from your mother that you’re an interior designer,” he addressed Riley. “Yes, I am.” My father nodded in acknowledgment. “Good. Good. In terms of clientele, how is that coming along?” The girl f*****g blushed before swallowing. I wanted to jump in and sort of save her, even though I didn't know how because clearly, she’s very uncomfortable right now, but she beat me to it. “Scarcely any for the past eight months.”

I took both information in and predicted where this is going to end up in a few minutes. He’s either about to offer a huge project or a regular job. And if I’m not mistaken, it would be the renovation he’s been planning for the hotel he recently bought in New York. “I hope you don’t mind if I pry, but is there a particular reason why that is?” My father pushed on and I just carefully watched the two of them exchange information and questions. I guess I’m trying to see if this time there’s a need for me to jump in already. “It’s a long story, but to make it short, I used to work for one of the top interior designing companies, but I was eventually tossed out for reasons that don’t concern my work ethics or designs. And since then, I've been trying and working on putting up my own firm.” My head turned quickly to Riley thinking that A, she’s got balls to admit something to people she hardly knew but were rather forced to become her instant family, and B, I’m curious to know the real reason why she was fired and by what company.

My father grunted at her explanation. He’s probably thinking of the same thing as I do but has decided to hold his tongue. This is another thing I admire about my dad he’s all about allowing people to prove themselves before assuming that they’re not good enough or capable enough. He gives them a shot at redeeming themselves before deciding if the person he’s about to employ is right for his company or not. He doesn't listen to opinions, but he observes closely to know the truth. “I think it’s all in the past. I appreciate the honesty. I admire people who are honest,” he paused eyeing me this time and I have a sick feeling that he’s about to throw us to the wolves any minute now. “I have not seen your designs and what you’re capable of, but given the time and investment I am about to pour out in the next months to come, I would like to find very capable people who would be a part of a certain project. Perhaps, you might want to consider taking on this challenge,” My father started handing us both folders, but somehow I already knew what’s inside them. I only flipped through it just to pretend that I was curious or serious whatever works.

“New York?” She gasped. Ah, there it is. I knew this s**t was coming the moment he opened his mouth. “Yes, we have been planning to modernize a newly purchased, but rather old hotel there. Now, this isn’t a permanent project yet as there are other designers who are fighting to get their chance to land this once-in-a-lifetime project. What I’m trying to say is, if you’re interested, I would like for you to go up there to see the place just like the others and then come up with a design based on the guidelines and specifications written inside the folder. This is indeed short notice, but I would like to see what you have designed after two weeks. Honestly speaking, I want options and not just any, I want the best of the best. It's a huge deal which means receiving hefty pay if your design is chosen.” Riley looked at me wide-eyed before slowly turning her head back to my father.

“Jaxon, I need you to manage everything and assist the designers while you’re there. Of course, I will need your reports and projections on how you think we can promote the hotel after the renovations. Everything has been arranged and both of you will stay at the apartment,” he addressed and I couldn’t help but sigh loudly. “When do you expect us to be there?” He then looked at Riley then back at me. “Preferably tomorrow.” f*****g great! Riley, possibly really shocked, slowly stood, turned to start walking, then changed her mind and sat back down and it almost cracked me up. This adorable poor girl has finally met the no-nonsense and all about business Xavier Prince. “I - This is. Umm...” She stuttered, swallowing a couple of times. “Riles, You’re still free to decline,” I told her reaching out to squeeze her hand briefly. “Umm...” She mumbled before straightening her spine. “Thank you for considering me. I believe this is a good opportunity, so I'll surely do my best. I'll have everything ready within two weeks.” She then stood confidently and stretched her hand out to shake my dad’s. With a tight smile and a nod, she strode out of my father’s office a completely different person, and that sure as hell surprised and impressed not only me but my dad too.

“Well, that went well,” I said falling in step with Riley. “Is he always that -” She abruptly stopped and turned to face me. "High-handed? Yeah," I continued for her and a small smile broke out from her face. "No, I mean all business type and intense." I shrugged, putting my hands in my pockets. "He wouldn't be who he is today if he wasn't all those things." Riley stopped at her mother's desk and gave her the stink-eye. "Were you part of that?" She asked pointing at my father's door with her thumb. "Asking you to be a part of his New York project? No, I would never. But, he asked about your job, so I told him," Elvie answered, lifting her palms facing front.

Riley rolled her eyes at her mother. "Well, looks like we're heading to NYC, so I'm gonna head home." She strode behind her mother's desk and gave her a quick hug. "You need a ride?" I asked after they broke apart. "No, that's okay. I can take a cab, but thank you," she answered. "I didn't come here on my bike if that's what you're afraid of," I chuckled and she just looked at me. "Come on. I insist." She gave my offer another thought before nodding and I couldn't hide the smile that was spreading on my face. "See you around, Elvie," I said before leading Riley towards the elevator.

"This is me," she said while unbuckling the seatbelt. I took a peek at the apartment building she lives in wanting to commit it to memory. I want to remember how it looks like and which neighborhood this is, just cause I plan to pick her up tomorrow too. "By the way, the flight is at seven-thirty, so I guess I'll pick you up at six," I stated before she got out of the car. "Oh, Are you sure?" She asked, scrunching her nose. "For you, always and absolutely. I'd walk you to your door, but I don't think you'd appreciate that because then you'll be forced to invite me in. So, I'm just gonna sit here and wait until you're inside the building," I teased and her answering giggle reminded me how much we're in sync sometimes. "True. See you tomorrow, Jax," she said as she awkwardly waved goodbye. "See you tomorrow, Riles."