LICENSE TO LOVE

7: Corporate Desires.

Three months. That's how long it has been since I began working for Mr. Winchester. Craig, of course, as his personal driver since the death of his previous close driver, Owen Wilson.

Many at times, I try not to get engaged in any conversation with him but fail woefully and although we were way past his mistake of him almost getting me killed, he still manages to tease me every once or twice.

About now, he's currently in a board meeting, almost done, as it seems. I stand by the luxurious Rolls-Royce Phantom, feeling a sense of pride as I survey the grand entrance of GLAZE GLOBAL CORPS' corporate building. The Phantom's deep navy paint gleams under the afternoon sun, and the spirit of Ecstasy on the hood seems almost regal. It's a stunning sight, reflecting both power and prestige, and it feels almost like a personal statement of the success of my employer.

I glance back toward the building, where my employer is in the midst of a crucial board meeting. I can sense the tension and importance even from here. I look up to see him staring at me, lost in thoughts, I suppose but I remain composed and redirect my gaze at something, anything that isn't those deep black eyeballs of his.

I feel a buzz in my pocket and blink from the stare I had been suffering my eyes from. I reach out for my phone and saw the profile of my friend, Carlos. I pick it without hesitation.

"Hey Blaire! How are you holding up?" He asks with a lace of glee on his voice. I roll my eyes, already aware of what's he's up to.

"Well, not that bad." I sigh and then look up to the glass window, my eyes on the face of Craig, who was looking down at something, probably. "I'm playing my part well and avoiding troubles."

"Heard from Ken, lately?" He yawns without care for my earbuds. I pull the phone from my ear for a second.

"You seem to be enjoying yourself, Carl. Helen's got you wrapped around her chest." I tease, letting out a slight giggle which earns me a soft scoff from him.

"She's off for a while now, took a little trip down to Las Vegas." He explains, " she should be back anytime next week, hopefully." He finishes.

"Oh, haven't talked to her for a while now. But my regards to her, anyway."

"Yeah, sure. How's your dad. Last time, you said he's he's getting better daily." He states.

"Yeah, he still is. I'm hoping to see him tomorrow, on weekend." I reply.

"That's nice of you. Best wishes to him, Blaire. Nicholas is a good man. He raised you well. I just hope Craig doesn't drive you nuts." He sighs.

"I'm the one with the wheel, remember. An expensive one at that. I'll make sure we're even before he tries anything funny." I laugh, turning my back against the building entrance, running my hands on the car.

"Atta girl! Craig Winch...-"

"Your boyfriend knows my name." I turn around sharply to see Craig few steps standing before me. My heart beats fast, I hold my phone to my chest with one hand on the car window. I look up at him slowly, his eyes, trained, fixed on mine like i held a secret, which i probably might have.

"His not my boyfriend, Cria-- Mr. Winchester." I state firmly. He smiles and walks towards the car, stretching his hands towards the door as my reflexes kick in and I coincidentally touch his hands. He looks at me, my lips and then at my hand. "Sorry."

"It's fine." He smiles, "You're not my servant. I can open doors myself." He says softly. " I mean, in this context, actually."

"I know, but it's my Job. That's what I signed up for, that's what you're paying me for, right, Mr. Winchester?" I look back at him, once he sat down in the comfortable, soft seat.

"Yes, Blaire." He adjusts his suit, " that's what I'm paying you for." His voice, laying more emphasis on the latter but I choose to ignore it. I choose not to let his words get to me.

I start the engine and look out the window once more to see a lady, about the same age as me, looking back heavily with a focused impression. I turn my eyes and look at the rearview mirror just in time to see Craig turn his eyes from where I had once looked at.

"Who's he then?" Craig asks once we hit the road.

It took a while but I reply briefly, "A friend." I hear him scoff, "What? Is that a hiccup?" I ask teasingly.

"Hm. I like you, Blaire. You have a way of making me smile even in dark times." He says with a small smile.

"Thank you." I say, "Who's she anyway?" I ask, looking at the rearview mirror again.

We reach a crossing point at which there was a little traffic and I relax my arms. He looks out and then shifts towards the edge.

"My assistant, Miss Roberts." He states dryly.

I know a Craig Winchester too well to know when something's off. I remain composed. "Oh, she's beautiful though." I smile wickedly and then hit the gas pedal which makes him jerk forward and lean on my shoulder.

I feel his hand on me and I fight the urge to turn back to which he was aware of and whispers in my ear, "Not as beautiful as you, Blaire Roberts. You drive me crazy." He lets out a small breath on my neck.