8. How do we progress?

RYAN'S POV

I adjusted my necktie as I stared back at my reflection in the full length mirror in my room.

Thoughts of the media's speculations about me and Anita Richardson occupied my mind.

It was easy for me to keep the reporters off my home because of my connections but how about her? She was only a famous model and was bound to face the heat of my decision some days back.

If nothing was done, I don't think she would be able to hold up anymore.

I paused on my attempt at buttoning my suit jacket, as a thought flashed through my mind. I wondered where she was staying at the moment but I quickly brushed off the thought as I knew her management would sort out the issue for her.

But for how long?

I sighed and buttoned up. Maybe I should just hold a press conference and tell the media everything. A strange chill ran down my spine at the thought and I stepped away from the mirror and walked to my bedside drawer to get my phone.

"Doing that would be even more disastrous, Ryan." I said out loud to myself.

The moment I picked my phone up, a notification popped up on the screen and I stared at it.

It was a text from Jose.

*Sir, Ms. Richardson would like to meet with you today.*

My eyes widened and anticipation built in my heart instantly.

Has she made a decision already?

*Alright. Arrange a meeting immediately.* I texted back.

As soon as I sent the message, I took one last glance at my appearance in the mirror before hurriedly walking out of the room.

___

I hurried into the display hall at the top floor of the private museum and glanced around for any sight of her.

Jose had informed me she was here waiting for me. Anita had picked this location herself, he told me.

'Seeing how she choose to meet in public, does this mean she's considering my offer?' I wondered within me.

I halted on my steps the moment I sighted her. She was staring at one of the exquisite art paintings displayed on the wall of the museum. Her back was turned in my direction so she hadn't seen me yet.

Anita was dressed in a dark-green, handmade knitted female sweatshirt, a tight black leather pants and a handmade knitted clutch purse and black leather boots.

Her long and wavy brunette hair, fell down her back, adding more feminity to her feminine bodily charms.

Her sweatshirt and clutch purse was obviously one of the latest collections from the famous AMC brand. She had modeled for them in one of her recent commercials. It was a unique brand and their products worth all the hype they usually get.

She suddenly turned in my direction and on seeing me, she waved a hand with a smile curving at a side of her lips.

Well... What's with the change of attitude?

Regardless, I smiled back and walked up to her.

"Hello, Anita."

"Ryan," she smiled. "Thank you for coming." She added and I nodded.

Her lemon green eyes glanced around the vicinity briefly before it returned to meet mine.

Leaning slightly towards me, she said in a low tune. "I am ready to fake it with you, Ryan."

I stared at her with raised brows in slight surprise and she smiled and leaned back up, pursing her lips afterwards. "So, how do we progress?"

I stared at her and smiled.

I imagined this happening many times, but why am I surprised?

"Let's sit somewhere private and discuss." I finally said and she nodded in agreement.