It was an honour for Fort Arch And Designs, to receive a client such as Mr Wilson.
He was well known and was a ticket for bringing more affluent clients if he gives a good recommendation. That is why Alison was given the job to take care of his demands and expectations. She was the best architect the company has and this was her first global client. She has to make sure all comes out well for her reputation and the company's reputation.
She sank further into the tube and relished the hot steam penetrating her skin it relieved her pour sore muscles from sitting so long on the plane.
After a good fifteen minutes, she had to get out of the shower even though she doesn't want to, knowing she might be late if she did not prepare on time.
She dried herself up with a towel and picked out her professional wear, splaying it on the bed to avoid rumpling.
She then layered the cream on her skin and hurriedly combed the long mane of her brunette hair.
Applying a little mascara to bring out the light shade of green in her pupils she massaged enough amount of face moisturizer on her face before finishing it up with dark matte pink lipstick.
She put on her clothes wide pant trousers, and a tuck-in shirt and tied her hair into a bun to give her a professional look and an aura of self-confidence. Removing the creases on her shirt by smoothing her hands over it later sitting on the edge of the bed to wear her low-block heel.
She was not that tall but found it hard to walk in stilettos finishing her look with her micro bud earrings, she admired herself in the mirror, one would think she spent hours trying to achieve this look.
Reaching the high-rise building she entered the elevator to go to the top floor where the Fort Arch and Design branch office took their place. They shared the building with another company.
Waiting for the bling sound, she listened to the boring tune playing in the elevators.
After a few seconds, it opened up and she stepped out just to hit a wall which caused a fall. A wall wasn't there for a while, just as she was about to hit the floor a huge arm enveloped her waist and drew her closer.
Alison's heart leapt when her eye fluttered open to see a man staring down at her concerned.
Stormy grey eyes stared at her momentarily she felt they were alone for a moment until she heard another bling of the elevator, embarrassed she straightened herself and felt her cheeks heat up feeling flustered.
"Are you okay?" his deep baritone voice broke her reverie she nodded like a little child.
"Th...thank you." She muttered taking in his presence, she found herself lost for breath.
if there was another word to describe the most beautiful man in the man she needs that word.
He had piercing grey eyes, a chiselled face, and a jaw, his lips were pink and luscious. It has a dark red lustre on the lower lips making it appear red and full of blood. His nose was straight but the tip was crooked, she wondered if he broke it recently.
His finger raked through his dirty brown bleached hair, asking if she was alright, she nodded finding herself distracted by his perfectly tanned skin soft lips and grey eyes. His presence was exhilarating and his six-foot-something inches frame towered over her.
His lean muscle bulked through his tight waistcoat and a crisp long-sleeved shirt, he stared at her with his thick dark lashes resting on his cheeks anytime he blinked.
A man should not be these beautiful even though her lashes were not that long. Jealousy stirred her insides, "I should be going, thank you for stopping my fall. Excuse me" She said awkwardly and he hummed at her and watched as she walked away.
*
"What? I can't drop Mr Wilson's project, I am not even close to finishing."
"Well, you have to. I will hand it to Paige to finish it up." Rebecca said a mixed-race woman-owned and managed the company. Her beauty was well-spoken as well as her authoritarian nature.
She was nicknamed Iron Fist and had the reputation to sack you for the slightest mistakes but she had a very platonic relationship with Alison because she came to realize Alison was a gem and she wasn't going to let her go any time soon.
An important project came up and one was close to her and her family. Her father longtime friend Davis Adriano's son wanted to build his restaurant here in New York. His son Leonardo just visited her to finalize the details and contract forms.
Alison was the best architect in the company so, she assigned Alison to him because he requested the best. He reminded her that his father was doing this for friendship but he was not and it was strictly business to him.
Leonardo made it clear he wants no excuse for errors he was a perfectionist after all.
He believes business comes before personal relations, without such ideals he would not speak to Rebecca in such a manner given that she was his childhood friend.
Handing the file to Alison whose face was displeasure with the latest development happening.
"Here, I have looked at the model for the Wilson Hotel project it looked better than he even asked for. Hand it over to Paige to edit and work out any errors, I doubt there would be any. "
She continued, "For now your focus should be on this new project. Adriano project is building a diner on the east side of the Hudson Riverbank. You would look at the site today, and tomorrow you would meet up with Leonardo."
"Okay, Ms Rebecca" she sighed in defeat she was really into Mr Wilson's project.
"Here is the project briefing and the files you will need you are to collect more data from the site and create ideas of how the diner should look." She said then quickly remembered.
"Ah, do your research properly and make no mistakes. You can leave now, I advise you to head to the site."
Feeling exhausted as she came back to the site that was to be used for the Adriano Project. Her legs ached as she took a survey around the land area. Her notes were full as ideas kept pouring out of her. The site was close to the water, she wrote down her suggestions of how the restaurant should look for Mr Leonardo, she hoped he'd like it.
She had a short shower and changed into a flowery jumpsuit and tied her uncombed hair in a high bun with numerous strands falling at the sides of her face. Her stomach rumbling was a sign that she was hungry as well as the slight headache and pangs.
Deciding to eat dinner even though it was a little late. She went down to the hotel and met the receptionist for recommended restaurants to go to.
She settled for the one a little down the street her hands held her bag which housed her laptop and her sketchpad. She planned on working there after dinner and she wanted to FaceTime Gran Karen.
Opening the door, she was surprised at how bold and loud the restaurant was on the outside contrasting with the cosy insides. It was warm with a fireplace, it warmed her from the cold outside.
Looking for a seat she settled for one close to the glass wall, she was a bit distracted by the light display going on outside the view looked beautiful.
A waiter came to her to ask her for her order, and a few minutes later he came back and dropped her drink.
Waiting for her meal, she made use of her time by face timing Gran Karen.
Sam's face popped on the screen, "Mommy!"
Samantha yelled excitedly, Gran Karen by her side.
"Baby, how are you?"
"Fine Mommy"
"Gran she is still awake?" she asked Gran Karen, Sam should be in bed by now.
"Yup waiting for the sugar in her system to run down, she had a lot of cake"
"Yes Mommy it was delicious" Sam gleamed.
Talking more, she ended the call when the waiter brought her meal.
"Mommy needs to eat, I have to go" She announced.
"Samantha go to bed Okay? don't trouble your Gran."
"Yes, Mommy bye!"
Closing her laptop, she raised her eyes to see a familiar back of a person.
Turning around their eyes met and her breath hitched.
It was the wall .... no, no, the man she hit.
What is he doing here?
He came in her direction and stopped at her seat, "Can I seat here?" he asked as her jaw dropped momentarily.
She nodded confused.
Opposite Alison was the man she bumped into yesterday. He requested to sit at the vacant seat opposite her and she allowed him.He wore a simple T-shirt and light jean trousers. His hair hung low and seemed heavy, it looked damped but towel dried.He looked dashing nonetheless with the light enhancing his grey irises.Now she thought about it she was reconsidering her decision to let him sit here.For one, it was oddly quiet and the tension was very much thick. She wanted a quiet and relaxing dinner, not this.Secondly, she was afraid to look at him he might think she was swooned by his beauty like the waitress writing her number on the napkin she handed to him.She stared at the food in front of her, and for some unknown reason, her appetite went out the window.Her spoon roamed the plates thoughtfully."That is getting cold" His voice broke through her.Startled a bit, she sat upright and gave him a quick awkward smile.She ate her food slowly, "Tell me do I make you uncomfortable?"
The silence in the room did unnerve her but Alison held her ground to the finish. Glancing at the expressionless faces of Ms Rebecca and Leonardo, she could not comprehend their thoughts about the presentation she just carried out. The presentation was simply the overall idea she came up with of how the new diner should look like. Earlier she asked Mr Adriano to give his suggestions or his thoughts about how his new diner project should look like but he declined. He said he was eager to see what she came up with. Ms Rebecca, therefore, pushed her forward to carry out a little presentation to summarize the ideas for the restaurant. Yesterday she went to the site and instantaneously fell in love with the scene and the calm environment. Ideas kept throwing themselves at her. Looking at the land environment, she could feel the need for the diner to have a simple but elegant structure extending a bit into the river. Envisioning the outlook, the dining area should be outdoors to view
His breath hitched as he stared into her eyes, even if he tries he wasn't sure he could look away. Taking a sniff, he loves the way she smells like fresh spring flowers. Her presence carried vibrance and left him exhilarated. "And drop the formal tone. Just call me by my name." He said coolly. "This is business. We are bound to be formal and I don't appreciate the proximity, Mr. Leonardo." Her heart was beating faster than normal. "Leonardo not Mr. Leonardo. I promise you that I won't leave you easily if you call me Mr. title. You are still my friend for a day so drop all formalities." She kept quiet and she stepped backward she saw his smirk and smacked herself in her head seven times. Now he thinks she was affected by him, "You should blush more. It suits you," He admitted causing her to be thoroughly flushed. Leaving, they walked to the door Alison saw her driver and went to meet him. "Mr. you can take the car by to the hotel. I don't need your services now." "Also, go for
Alison had Leonardo tailing her as she surveyed the area. Her notepad settling on her arm she walked around the whole land area, her legs ached endlessly. "The land measurements?" Stopping in her steps, Leonardo almost bumped into her. "Two acres" he replied casually. "No wonder my legs ache so much." She forcefully jerked her legs to and fro to get back the feeling. "You have been here before, so why are you complaining?" He said walking to her side, he stood beside her awaiting her response. She turned slowly towards him, "I've been here before doesn't mean I necessarily walked around and surveyed the land." He sensed a bit of assertiveness in her voice. Turning her attention to her notepad, she jotted down eagerly taking a glance again at the surroundings, and jotted more. He felt utterly useless at that moment. So much for having a private time with her, he stood in a place as she walked forward taking in more notes. She went towards the Riverside and observed, her gears
"Tying your hair into a bun won't stop me." he said matter-of-factly. "Yes I agree but I can. Stop teasing me Mr. Adriano, I have no time for such silly games, I kept myself reserved earlier because Mr. Johnson appeared. I would have given you an earful," She retorted crossing her elbow. He loved how fiery she can be. "What if he caught us if such compromising position? What would people say? And given that you are famous or popular. So I have heard, to what degree I am not aware of. I would not want to be entangled in your complicated life with my name tainted with tabloids gossips" Her voice came out very worried. She had all to lose but he had nothing. He came closer despite all her ranting, "Don't worry about proximity Alison. I won't cross my boundary until I make you mine completely." he thought to himself staring at her in an indecipherable way. She moved her body backward until it was at the end of the bank close to water. Mr. Johnson stood from afar making a phone call,
Why were they having this conversation?Food was the one thing she doesn't have an intensive knowledge of. Any food quiz she is bound to fail.Most of the food at home was prepared by Gran Karen other times, she mostly took takeouts and prepared the only thing she was good at for Sam.Either making a salad or sandwich would do until Gran Karen brought the food she home-cooked. Samantha loved Gran Karen food and besides, she doesn't have time to cook.The last time she stood by the stove, things got burnt and wasted.Wait, he called her Aly, she almost missed that."Hmm, I don't know why I don't believe you." She raised her eyebrows at that statement and snorted. She was grateful he suspects her, that way he would drop the topic."Tell me, Aly, what is your favorite food?""I love all food... And quit calling me Aly," She sighed sipping her glass of water."What do you take regularly?" He furthered and she felt agitated, she wasn't here for a question and answer session.Just answer hi
Removing her little luggage from the car, Alison strolled her way into Gran Karen's gate after pressing the security code on the electronic gate. Wanting to surprise both her grandmother and Sam she came two hours earlier than expected boarding a plane, on her other hand was a plastic bag containing Samantha's favorite caramel chocolate, she also brought some airport souvenirs.Finally, reaching the door she dropped her bags and rang the doorbell.Waiting, she thought back at her exclusive night with Leonardo, it brought goosebumps afresh on her naked arms. For a moment she wanted to be engulfed back into his jacket, inhaling his sweet smell embedded in the jacket. She wanted his hands back on hers and that reassuring smile he throws at regular intervals.Did he forget she was another plain woman? She was nothing compared to the women he might have dated. He scared her by thinking he might have feelings other than friendship for her. She was not sure of how to accommodate that.Who ta
"Sir your drink." The air attendant stood before him as he slowly opened his eyes and saw the drink stretched to him. He collected it and the air hostess left him almost immediately. The sound of his jet blended with his thoughts as he sipped slowly, his lip resting on the rim of the fancy glass.Closing his eyes again he thought about her. Alison, he had her more on his mind these days.Its been three days, three days without seeing her and he was starting to feel an ache.Dropping the drink on its holder, he brought out his phone and scrolled through his contacts. He stared at the number he saved as Aly.He never dared to call her, would she pick up. Would she be mad?She might wonder how he got her number?Of course, her file helped him, but he had a feeling this wasn't her personal number.What was the harm in trying? It might be or it might not. There is only one way of finding out.Calling her.A part of him told him a little bickering between them is more than enough to fill
Alison wondered where they are as the car they rode in drove around little streets away from the major roads. Leonardo busied himself with some magazine, while she sat unsettled by the change of environment. This was their fourth day in Italy he persuaded her to come out with him without giving a particular destination.She snatched the magazine he read drawing his attention towards her, "Where are we going to? "She peered out the dark window glasses looking at the streets the driver drove through.Every where was rowdy and loud with stalls around.Is this a market? She wondered.Suddenly the car came to a halt, "You will soon find out, "Leonardo said taking hold of her hands, trudging out of the car with her into the open streetsIt was loud here and smelled funky, with different items from flashy to dull displayed in the stalls that stood at the sides of the road.She looked at him expecting some kind of explanation "This is a market, " he explained."Figured, what are we doing in a
Back in the penthouse, Alison could not face Leonardo without turning a full shade of red, she can't believe how wild they were yesterday. They had sex under an open sky and in a glass house, all she could think about was how she shamelessly gave herself to him, no regrets though.But this is how shameless she has become, doing crazy things like having sex in a transparent house what if someone caught them on camera or saw them.Leonardo came out of the bathroom looking wet, his lower body tied in a towel, revealing his hard ridges made by lean muscles, the sight of him alone had her hormones dancing, she look away feeling shy for having such dirty thoughts."Don't look away my sweet Alison, you own all of me now, " he teased, capturing her lips in his.She felt his bulge forming on her stomach, "I am addicted to you, see even he has the same opinion." He gestured to his erection, her eyes widened to that effect and she slid away from him feeling shy, and a bit overwhelmed by their s
Warning: Mature scenesHe brought her to an open artificial lawn in the greenhouse on the floor was a blanket, he took her to it and instructed her to lie on her back with her eyes shut.She found the request weird but she did as she was told, wondering what the surprise was all about.Leonardo moved to the automatic roof button and pressed it, it slid to opposite directions as it opens up to a now darkened sky with stars littered like grains of sand on it.After waiting a few minutes, Alison felt some lying beside her, his hand slid into her as he grasped it tightly, "You can open your eyes now." His deep masculine broke through her piqued mind.She fluttered her eyes open meeting the most beautiful sky she has ever seen, the stars were bright and contrasted perfectly with the dark sky. "It is beautiful," she muttered."Not as beautiful as you though"You never stop flattering me, I feel slightly embarrassed when you do that, " she said feeling her cheeks getting hotter. He always
The grasp on her hand tightened as Leonardo led her to the vineyard pen. She felt apprehensive going there due to yesterday's incident, but Leonardo won't let her be, and he cancelled all his meetings just to be with her today.After yesterday's night incident and his plea for her to come back to the penthouse she agreed, hoping this time the trust surrounding their relationship would grow stronger and Leonardo was eagerly on track with her, ready to open himself up to her, she tried to explain she doesn't want the process of getting all his pain out of his chest to feel forced in any way or fir him to feel like he was being pressured. She wanted him to have the urge to tell her willingly and hopes he would when he feels ready. With a touch on the rusted Pen's door, it clicked open, the musky smell of the animals residing there hitting her on the nose. She followed him behind as he led the way, a familiar bark was directed to her as they walked, it was from the puppy from the other d
Alison dragged her feet to the porch, her skin dripping with rainwater parts of her hair smeared and smothered to her body while some clung to her face. She could hardly feel her skin or breathe properly, her body trembling at the same time and her lips could not stop quivering as she moved forward her steps faltering with every step. She moves an inch closer to the door using her last strength to push the bell and resigned to squat on the porch steps resting her head on the pillar, a sharp pain struck across the sides of her head, her eyes strained and weak under the rain, she fluttered them close hoping the aches all over her body might subside, instead, she felt weaker and slowly succumbed to the darkness billowing around her.Edward heard the doorbell from his study room and wondered if the lousy helpers has responded to it, it was raining heavily and the buzzer might not be audible enough.He stood heading to the front door and twisted it open surprised to see the last person hi
Leonardo could not contain the rage he felt inside, all the hurt he had to nurture in the past came rolling back to him, this time twice the force.He rolled his hand into a fist, and walked towards Alison, trying to keep his pain out of her view, before he could make half of the journey, Edward came closer to Alison and stretched out his hand to her hair removing a leaf from it.Alison smiled at him in gratitude, all he could see were images of that night he wants to erase forever in his head, falling in love with the wrong woman. The woman, who destroyed his capability to reason and delved him into depression.He closed his eyes once more, images of Alison being happy when she noticed that ring on her finger, the moment she raised her toes to kiss him to express how content he made her feel.Alison is not Felicity, he muttered to himself trying so hard to believe it. He trusts Alison with his life, she won't give him the pain that would be twice what he felt during his low times aft
Stirring her eyes wide open, she felt herself cradled in someone's chest, she fluttered her eyes open and is met with Leonardo's face. He looked so adorable when he slept, she drew lines on his face with her fingers and gently dug her hands into his hair raking it a bit.He stirred fluttering his eyes open to reveal his grey orbs staring at her. Feeling slightly embarrassed at being caught, she tried to move away but Leonardo was faster, he drew her back into his arm, she fell on him her finger holding on to his chest.His gaze was intense, and indecipherable using his left hand to hold her in place he gently tucked the hair falling on her face behind her ears. Slowly he said, "Don't you know you can't run from me."She felt a familiar heat rushing from the nook of her neck up to her face. She was blushing, this position was so intimate and he isn't ready to let her go."I wasn't running from you. I felt shy," she admitted truthfully.A slow grin appeared on his face, he leaned forw
All that resonated in Alison's head was the defeated glistening look in Aunt Rosalina eyes, Isabella losing all the cheerfulness she once possessed. As glum replaced the once cheerful feeling they all shared now ruined by the Adriano brothers.Leonardo dragged her still, his anger blinding the fact he was mishandling her. She could see the constraints in his jaw as he gritted them, his teeth clenching representing the degree of his anger. They are now in the open sky, the night fully on with the moon disappearing under the light night clouds.She was exhausted by today's event both emotionally and physically, it drained her off of all the reserved energy she has."Leonardo, you are rough with me, " she called out softly, and immediately he stops an apologetic look on his face, some part of his anger dissipating gradually. "I am sorry," he muttered still faced forward, while she stayed behind, hiding his face from her, hiding his emotions.She could hear the regrets his tone carried.
He was surprised by her scream and was taken aback when she jumped on him, hugging him like he was a lost toy or something like that. Alison could not help the frown forming at her face, or the jealousy burning deep within her bones.She is his cousin, a part of her justified, even so, cousins shouldn't be that close to her Leonardo.Possessive.She twitched her mouth to the side, disliking Isabella, with her hug being unnecessarily long.She finally drew away from him, "I missed you," she muttered, leading him to the dining area, totally ignoring she was present."You saw me in Spain, I spent time with you and went shopping at your request.""That was two months ago," she exclaimed, still maintaining her stance."I wish you would come back to Italy, you are the better brother. You know how Edward is like." she protested, a fake pout etching on her lips, but Alison can't deny her puppy eyes was good, almost as good as Sam's. She noticed the disinterested look on Leonardo's face at the