Captivated

Thirteen

Ellie

After the meeting, Parker and I went out to eat dinner. Once dinner was done, Parker and I decided to take a walk since the hotel was just near the Buckingham Palace.

I was walking and looking at the sights when Parker spoke. “You were right about Carter. He needed reassurance. You saved the deal,” he said.

I looked at him and gave out a small smile. “I hope he decides to seal the deal,” I said. I watched him as he lifted a hand to cover another yawn.

“I like Carter,” I said.

“He seemed to like you too,” he said.

“Do you?” I asked.

“Yes. Everything I told him earlier was all true,” he said.

“No, not that,” I said. “Do you like me?” I asked.

He stopped. “What do you mean?” he asked.

“Nothing. Never mind it,” I said. What am I thinking? I’m crazy.

“What are you talking about?” he said sounding confused. “Everyone likes you.”

“But what about you? I know you find me too loud and talkative,” I said.

“Yes, you are loud and talkative. But I got used to it,” he said.

That was not the answer I wanted to hear, but I think its best to just keep my mouth shut.

We were still walking when Parker held my hand and dragged me into a boutique.

“Let’s get you some gloves,” he said.

“No, don’t mind it,” I said.

“Come on,” he said ignoring what I said. He pushed the boutique door open and went inside.

There were a lot of winter clothes displayed in the store, most of them are leather. Parker walked to the counter and talked to a saleslady. I roamed around the store, looking at the clothes. I saw some gloves on a shelf and grabbed them. I tried them on. It was so soft and warm. I don’t want to take it off.

“Those are a nice fit,” Parker said behind me.

“Yeah,” I said. I felt sad because I could not buy it. it’s in euro, and from the looks of it, it’s expensive. I took it off. “I don’t have money to buy it,” I said.

“But you like it, right?”

“Yes, I do. But that’s not the point,” I said, returning it to the shelf.

“Exactly the point,” Parker said. He grabbed the gloves and gave them to the saleslady. He also grabbed a glove for men. “We’ll take both,” he said.

“Parker, no,” I protested. “I can’t get them,”

“You’re not. I’m getting them.”

I felt touched to what he said. “I won’t allow you to do that,” I said.

“You have no choice. They’re a gift of help for today,” he said. He handed out the cashier his card.

“But I don’t really need it,” I said, still protesting.

“I know, but I want to get them for you,” he said, taking his card back to his wallet after the saleslady had charged it.

I bit my lip. There’s no way I could take it back. “Thank you,” I said, and I tiptoed to give him a kiss on the cheek.

When I was about to step back, he pulled me in and grabbed me into a kiss. He kissed me passionately.

When he pulled back, I completely forgot where I was.

He ran a finger down my cheek. “I’m sorry,” he said.

I couldn’t manage to say anything, so I just nodded.

He stepped back away from me. “We better go back to the hotel, it’s getting late. We need to rest,” he said and walked out of the boutique first.

I sighed and followed him outside.

Parker

I looked at my reflection in the mirror the next morning. I didn’t look any different, but I knew something was off.

Playing tourist, flirting, kissing my assistant… am I going crazy? I’m not supposed to have any other business aside work with my assistant.

The next time she wants to walk around the city, I’ll let her be alone.

What if something bad happens to her? Damn.

The woman was fearless. But it wasn’t the same as being safe.

Even though she can manage to make friends and converse, it's still not safe for her to wander around this foreign place.

I dried my hair using a towel and tossed it aside.

I had fun last night.

She made me laugh.

I’ve always enjoyed a woman’s company, but her around was different.

And I need to end this. As soon as possible.

No more laughing, no more flirting, and especially no more kissing.

I went out of my room and went to the dining area. Ellie was already sitting across the table and eating her breakfast. I heard the telephone ring. She was about to stand up and take the call but I signaled that I’ll be the to take it.

It was Carter telling us what time we should meet later this afternoon.

It had been days since Carter have already decided to do business with us. Papers were signed and contracts have been dealt with. I spent the rest of the week browsing for properties and interviewing local contractors and vendors. We decided to build the shop here in London instead of Germany. Errands and calls were done earlier than we thought, so I allowed Ellie to wander around the city. But I made her promise to be back before the dinner Carter had set for us.

“I don’t know where to start,” she said while looking at London’s map and brochures. She gave one to me. “You decide where to go,” she said, smiling.

I wanted to go with her but I declined. “You go out without me. I have lots of calls to attend to,” I said, not bothering to look at her. I need to be cautious about her.

She nodded. “Okay. I’ll see you later then,” she said and went out of the suite.

I finished everything that needs to be finished. After hours of making calls and doing papers, I went in for a shower and changed into a formal suit for dinner. While waiting for Ellie, I decided to check my emails.

After minutes of waiting, I heard Ellie’s room door open, but I did not bother to look at her because I was busy with reading reports.

“I’m ready,” I heard her saying.

I checked all the reports and then checked my watch. We were just in time for dinner. We still have fifteen minutes to go down and meet Carter and his wife.

I looked at Ellie’s direction, and my jaw almost dropped.

Ellie is wearing a hot, tight, black dress that fit well on her body. The dark color showcased her pale skin and her high heels made her legs look long.

Her red lips made it so tempting to kiss.

I think I’m in big trouble.