Alice and the Hot Banker Heir

Car Trouble

Dayna looked like a child on Christmas morning when Alice arrived back at her desk. No doubt, her mouth watering at the fresh gossip she knew was coming her way.

“All right mate, spill…did he bully you? I don’t care that he’s a Carrington, his name will be manure if he treated you badly.” She said menacingly.

Alice signalled her to lower her voice as she sat down. “Not at all.” She whispered, grinning “He was actually quite nice and put me at ease about the whole thing.”

“Really?” Dayna said, matching her grin “Come on! What did he say?”

“I asked him if I should pack my things after spilling my drink on the boss’ younger brother. He said absolutely not and then turned all self-deprecating, saying he would be teased about this for a long time to come. He was very kind and said there was no harm done…after I pulled myself together, we both left.” Alice had omitted the fact that she had met him the day before and Richard’s own personal story as firstly, although friendly, she did not know Dayna well enough to trust her. Secondly, she was fast becoming protective over her and Richard’s interactions.

Much as she wanted to put him in the classical stereotype of “I’m rich, good looking and I know it” jerk, there seemed to be more to him than that. He was sweet, funny and clearly intelligent. The fact that he was handsome, did not hurt either, but Alice also knew that this was not all fun and roses. Her warm feelings could be unrequited and he could simply have been nice out of courtesy. Besides, dating at work was something she’d never done as she knew it could backfire and she did not want to put this new career at risk.

‘Oh well.’ She thought ‘He was in a different department, on a different floor, and I’ll probably see him once a week if I’m lucky.’

Getting back to her task, she was happy with the distraction work provided as she learned the ropes and the day seemed to fly by when Dayna tapped her wrist, signalling their day was over. She showed her how to tag out and informed her that her laptop should never be left at her desk and she had to take it home with her in case they faced another sudden lockdown etc…

Leaving her newfound friend and colleague at the first basement level, she rode the left to the third level below ground floor and made her way to her little, modern KIA and opened the passenger door, stashing her bags on the car floor. Getting into the driver's seat, she tried to turn on her ignition but the vehicle did not respond. Sighing, she tried again and sure enough…no response. She walked to the front of the car and opened the bonnet, having little to no idea what she was actually looking at.

“Not your day, huh, Miss Beacham.”

Turning to face the voice teasing her, she could not help but smile. Richard was making his way over to her with that classic half smile on his face. He held his jacket over his back with one hand and his briefcase in the other.

“Not really…” she sighed, looking at the uncooperating engine.

“Are you insured?” he asked, a serious expression taking over his features as he placed his things in the back seat of his parked Range Rover. “I’m afraid, I’m no good at car diagnostics besides the basic stuff.”

“Yes, of course.” Alice replied, trying the ignition once more before lolling her head against the headrest.

“Let me call a tow truck. I know a good garage nearby. I’m taking you home myself.”

“Oh please, you don’t need to go to any trouble!”

“Absolutely no trouble at all, there is no way I am leaving you in an empty parking garage when we live on the same hill. Get your stuff in the back seat of my car.” He insisted and his tone of voice told her this was not up for discussion. He took his phone out of his pocket and dialled the garage. Alice obeyed his instructions and put her bags in his car. She could not help but admire the luxurious interior. He’d clearly had it personalized with top materials and the leather scent was intoxicating.

Richard tried to get the car to turn on himself to no avail. Scratching his full beard, he asked her if she had filled her tank and when she replied that she had stopped for fuel that very morning, he put his hands up in surrender and pointed out that there was nothing to do but wait for the towing truck to arrive.

“So where do you actually live on Warwick Rd?” he asked, opening the passenger door of his car for her.

“Midway to the top, next to the building with the lovely front garden.”

At this, he almost choked on his own spit “That’s my block too, I own the penthouse.”

“Sure you do!” she said, laughing, this could not be happening.

“On my life! Number 35, red door.”

The realisation hit them both when Alice looked at him as if he told her he had an extra hand, but any further discussion was interrupted by the lights of the tow truck as it made its way down the garage. Giving her details to the helpful driver, Alice looked on as he loaded her little car on his huge truck and made his way back out of the building.

Running her fingers through her brown locks, which were back to their original straight state, she allowed Richard to accompany her to his car once more. Making sure she had her seatbelt on, he looked around to the back.

“What are you looking for?” asked the brunette, puzzled.

“Any beverages you might be able to pour on me while I’m driving…because that would be highly dangerous.” Replied the Carrington heir, feigning the most innocent expression.