NOAHWhat the hell is she doing here? Or maybe it is I who needs to answer that question, Melissa had dragged me out for a lunch break and I had reluctantly agreed, hoping to get some fresh air and clear my head. But now, I'm faced with the last person I expected to see - Aria Hayes. And to make matters worse, she's sitting with that ugly-looking dude, laughing, chatting, and being all touchy. Who is he? I am familiar with her brother Arthur Hayes, I had been opportune to meet him during my meeting with Hayes Tech, so, I know that's not him. Perhaps her boyfriend? She didn't exactly strike me as the type who would have time for a boyfriend, maybe a fuck buddy, but not a boyfriend. Why am I even bothered by this piece of information and why am I getting pissed off at the sight of that guy touching her?What do I even care who she hangs out with? I'm here with Melissa, anyway. But my eyes keep drifting back to her, and I can't help but notice the way she's smiling, the way her eyes

ARIAAs I step out of the restroom, I walk to my table immediately. My eyes fall on Noah's date and her eyes lock with mine for a moment, I can't tell if she saw Noah entering the female restroom with me. I avoid her gaze and join Ryan at my table. "Girl, why did you take so long in the damn bathroom? Were you giving birth or what?""I am sorry, I was em..." I didn't exactly think of an excuse on my way here."Locked up with Noah Wright?" Ryan raises an eyebrow. "What?""I saw him, his eyes were fixed on you like a hawk, and from the way he left his seat. I suspect he wanted to speak to you," Ryan says. "So, did he?" "What? No. I mean we did say Hello because you know his cousin used my services recently at his wedding," I lie. Well, technically it's not a lie, George Wright did use my services but I am not about to tell Ryan I just made a bet in that bathroom.A ridiculous one at that, one that I am starting to regret as I see Noah heading towards his seat and talking to his date

ARIAHe laughs, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Well, that's part of the reason, Miss Hayes.""....""I am waiting, Miss Hayes," he smiles staring at me. "Noah," I mutter, why am I getting nervous calling him by his actual name? So, awkward. "Thank you Aria, I will take it that you have forgiven me.""I didn't say that," I correct him, trying to sound firm but my voice comes out a little shaky.He chuckles, his eyes never leaving mine. "Oh, I think you did, Aria. You're a very forgiving person, I can tell just by looking at your pretty face."Did he just call me pretty? He is definitely drunk and will probably regret this conversation tomorrow. I roll my eyes, trying to hide my smile. Focus Aria, it's not like he is the first person to call you pretty, but why does it sound so genuine coming from him? He grins, his teeth flashing on the screen. "We should see tomorrow regarding the bet, the sooner, the better.""You really meant what you said?" I ask, even though I know he wasn

NOAH"Ah, I see someone did their research," I say impressed that she decided to do some background checks. Funny enough, I am not surprised I am aware her father has a way of getting people's information, my only worry is how much she dug into me. "I also have my way of getting the information that I need.""No more lies then, but I have to warn you that a fake relationship won't stop me from wanting you," I inform her, I stand up from the chair and close the distance between us. I place my hand on the couch above her head and lean in. She swallows slowly, her eyes locked on mine, "I know you didn't come here only to sign the contract. You came here on a mission."Her lips curl up into a mischievous smile that takes me by surprise. Isn't she nervous? Doesn't she want me to back off from her? Instead, she touches my tie, twirls it around her hand, and pulls me closer to her until our faces are inches apart."What mission is that Mr. Wright?" She asks, her voice low and sultry. My e

ARIAI laugh out loud, my head falling to the side, "You want us back, Ben?""Ben, we've been over this. We're done. Finished. Kaput. I've moved on with my life, and so should you," I say, trying to sound firm but calm.I remember vividly how he broke things up between us, he had been a coward, unable to face me. He dared to send his assistant to tell me that it was over and he would appreciate it if I didn't call him, message him, or reach out to him. Hurtful as it was, I didn't bother to reach out to him, it was already embarrassing to have his assistant tell me all that to my face.Ben's expression turns serious, his eyes narrowing. "You're not even willing to listen to me? After everything we shared?"I sigh, feeling a sense of frustration. "Ben, we shared nothing but heartache and pain. You made it clear you didn't want me, and now you're showing up at my doorstep, expecting me to fall into your arms? Please.""I am not expecting you to run into my arms Aria, I mean I am, but I