3

MYKEL

Elise had a key to my penthouse, but she always rang the doorbell when I was home. Even if she knew I would never bring women to my loft, she still respected my privacy. That was why I cared about her a lot.

“Morning.” She placed the bag I bought for her on the lounge chair before showing me my schedule on the iPad. I was generous to my employees, especially her and my security details, Sax and Kye. 

“Morning.”

“I moved your meeting on Monday evening to the afternoon so you can have time to rest before your flight to LA.” She sent it to my phone.

“It’s not a long flight, Elise.”

“I know, but I don’t want you to complain of not getting enough sleep, and you’re a terrible boss when you’re lacking it.”

“I’m not gonna stand in front of the UN councils. This is your idea, remember? Addressing and encouraging the youth to work for their future.” I quoted in the air.

“It means a lot to me. I just don’t want you to change your mind.”

“I know, and I won’t. You know I never back down once I’m committed to something. And I’ve been a college student once. I got this.” Her idea of accepting an invitation to speak in front of the senior student was not a bad PR. “And I have a business meeting after that, anyway.”

“You’re the best.”

“Thanks.”

Another doorbell interrupted us.

“That’s them.” She strutted toward the door in a lively manner.

I waited for them to walk in, and I couldn’t wait to see Adley as she shot me her sarcastic remark.

“Thanks for coming on such short notice. I really admire your works and have been your follower since you did my friend’s apartment. I thought it was gorgeous. He loves it, and his wife couldn’t stop babbling to her friends about your designs.”

“Thank you. That’s so kind of her. They let us do the magic, and we were glad she loved it.” Adley was wearing a pair of boyfriend jeans and a white shirt. Her wavy copper brown lock was tied in a bun with a few loose strands, showing her delicate slim neck, and she’d never looked more appealing to me.

Then a guy just joined them—the business partner. “We’re happy to make your dream office come true.”

I didn’t have to worry, right? I was sure he was not into her, or Adley was too naive to notice if he was interested. Did he know Adley went out on a date last night? I bet he did.

“I’d like you to meet my boss. It’s his office you’re gonna do your magic with.”

They made their way. The business partner was still busy checking out the paintings on the wall.

“You?” Okay, I was expecting that reaction. Her big sterling eyes grew bigger as she instantly recognized me, reminding me of a stormy sky.

“Adley, right?” I closed our gap, extending out my hand.

Just as I imagined, she glared at me, not even caring at my hand in the air waiting for her soft, delicate, and small palm for a handshake.

“I’m her business partner, Blaze Burns. Nice to meet you in person, Mr. Creed.” The bastard interrupted us instead, shaking my hand.

“Mykel is fine.”

“Miss Hart, I’m sorry to have wasted your time. I may have overlooked our calendar, but we are fully booked for the whole month. I can give a few preferences for interior designers, though.”

Blaze held her arm as he stared at Adley in confusion. I was an ass to her last night, and she didn’t definitely expect to see me sooner again. I wasn’t surprised if she turned me down, even if I was going to be a big client. 

“Adley, can we talk?” He then looked at me apologetically. “Please, give us a minute.”

When they were at the corner, they whispered and hissed at each other. Elise came, throwing me a quizzical look.

Before she could ask something, I knew she would. I told her first. “I didn’t.”

“Then why did she act so shocked and about to punch you in the face?”

“Long story—”

“The elevator guy? The jerk you were talking about is him?”

Elise chuckled beside me. “I see.”

“The jerk, the elevator guy is here.” I waved my hand. 

Adley’s heart-shaped face reddened in annoyance, making her cheekbones more pronounced. I couldn’t remember the last time a woman had left me so amazed, and I had never encountered such a woman who never batted her lashes at me. She’s something. And I couldn’t wait to watch her work in my office. 

Damn, even her glare was sexy. And I was losing my shit over here. 

“I’ll double the payment, or you can name your price.”

“We don’t need your money. We offer our service, and you will pay the same as our previous clients.” Of course, I know money is not an issue for her.

“Very well then.”

“Let me show you the office.” Elise offered Blaze. 

When we were inside, I watched Adley as she looked around the plain white room, and Blaze started measuring the four corners from end to end. 

“Would you like to incorporate the color and designs from your living room, Mr. Creed?”

“I have enough with the living room. How about you, Adley? What would you like to suggest?”

She stopped scribbling something on her notes before she lifted her gaze and looked at me. A frown line was still deep on her forehead. “I have a lot of ideas. You see, Mr. Creed, a home reflects the personality of a person living in it. I can do that for you if you want.”

A smile spread across my lips voluntarily. “Tell me about it.”

From the corner of my eye, Blaze was giving her a signal.

“Blaze, care to show me some color schemes?” I reminded myself to give Elise a bonus and maybe, another designer bag she adored.

“Sure. Follow me.”

Blaze and Elise left the room. Adley suddenly shifted, aware of the fact that we were alone.

“I’m not gonna do something stupid like last night. This is a professional courtesy.” I had waited for her to throw her sarcasm, but it did not happen.

“You do not seem surprised by me showing up in your penthouse. You handpicked me to do this job, didn’t you?” She shot back, annoyance dripping from her lovely face. 

“Busted,” I smirked.

“Now tell me what you want? First is the style. You can choose from minimalist, modern, electric, traditional—”

“Do what you want? The budget is limitless. And maybe it’s a good idea to reflect on my personality. How about over dinner? So that you can get to know me well.”

 For a sophisticated woman like Adley Kross, I knew it would not work. She ignored my invitation. “What color do you not like to incorporate?”

“Pink, yellow.”

“On the other hand, maybe, I would mix it, Mr. Creed.” She tried to hide her smile, but it slipped eventually.

“And don’t even try. You’re gonna have to redo it. Unless you intend to see my face again.”

She rolled her eyes. “I’m doing this because you are our client. Nothing more.”

I followed her as she walked out. “Nothing more?”

She paused, turning around. “I’m still thinking of gouging your eyes out, Mr. Creed. So be careful with the words you’re going to say next, or you might find your office in a Peppa Pig theme.”

“Call me Mykel.”