Chapter 63
Alaia
I pulled up the pants of my suit and glanced at the small scar in the mirror. The cut had nearly healed, and the bruise was almost gone. We stayed in the UK until last week when I felt better.
I finished socializing on the progress of the project, and we returned to Los Angeles. The issue with González was ongoing, and I’ve been informed that he won’t be getting out of jail anytime soon.
1 put on the blazer over the black lace blouse I’ll be wearing today, fixed my hair, and grabbed my purse. As I headed downstairs, I saw my family gathered, still shaken from the recent scare. Thankfully, it didn’t escalate, and I must acknowledge that Nick was there at the right moment. If it weren’t for him, the outcome of that day might have been different. He stayed in the UK during my recovery, and I still couldn’t fully understand his behavior. He was very attentive, even though I’d insisted on keeping my distance.
I said goodbye to my family, Tino, and my babies, and headed to the meeting with Ash. Today, we were meeting with Minister Lander and Nick. We’ll visit the locations where we’re working on the project, and Minister Lander will see the progress, which is going very well.
We arrived at the Garnett technical facilities. I’ve only been here once, so Ash knew the place better. Minister Lander was already waiting in the parking lot with his team.
“Alaia, it’s a pleasure to see you,” he said, extending his hand to me.
“Minister,” I replied, and we started a cordial conversation.
The workers handed us protective gear to enter the buildings.
“The place is incredible,” the minister said, and I had to agree. The surrounding landscape was beautiful. “Where’s Nick?” he asked, and that’s when we saw him coming out with Will. Nick was wearing a pristine white shirt, dark blue jeans, and an orange helmet. He walked towards us and put on a pair of sunglasses. Will was dressed similarly, but his shirt was light blue.
Ash and I watched them as they approached us.
“Why does it look like they’re walking in slow motion?” Ash asked, wrinkling her nose, and I remembered my dear Tino’s words.
“I don’t know,” I replied, and we stopped watching them as they got closer.
“Good morning,” Nick greeted, but only looked at me.
“Good morning,” we all responded.
“Let’s go,” he said, and they guided us through several blocks, where the Garnett and Morgan teams were already integrated with our networks and starting tests.
“Your work is impeccable,” the minister commented, and I smiled as Nick patted his back.
“Let’s go to the main block’s conference room to discuss the details p>
We enter the mentioned room, and there’s a table with food. Nick is a good host.
We take our seats after having a bite. Will started presenting what his company has done on the project, and then it’s my turn. While I speak, Nick’s gaze is constantly on me, unlike the others who alternate between looking at the documents in front of them and paying attention to what I’m saying.
I finish my presentation at noon, and the meeting concludes. I started organizing my things. Everyone leaves, and Ash exits before me.
“I’ll catch up in a second,” I say, and some of my folders fall to the floor. “Damn,” I whisper, bending down to pick them up. I stood up and put everything in my purse.
“Are you going to stare at my butt all day?” I asked without looking at him. I don’t know when he came back, but I know he was sitting in a chair right in front of me.
“I could, and I wouldn’t get tired of it,” he replied. I looked up and stared at him incredulously.
He gave me a flirtatious smile.
I huffed and shook my head while putting the last item in my bag. I turned around and walked towards the elevator, pressing the button for the first floor.
The elevator didn’t move, and I frowned. I pressed the button repeatedly, but it still didn’t move. I pressed the door open button, and they opened, just as Nick stepped in, filling the small space with his cologne. Four other people entered, and we ended up trapped in the back of the elevator.
We started descending in silence while the others talked. The elevator moved forcefully, causing our bodies to brush against each other, and Nick held me by the waist as the movement continued. The lights started flickering, and the people with us looked worried while Nick checked something on the metal walls. The lights came back on, and the movement stopped.
That’s when I realized that I was clinging to him. I didn’t even have time to react before his lips were on mine, his tongue entering my mouth, kissing me hungrily. I was paralyzed for several seconds as he played with my mouth. Nick stopped the kiss when the elevator dings, signaling we’ve reached the first floor. My breathing was rapid, and I opened my eyes to find him looking at me, breathing just as heavily. I snapped out of it and pushed him away abruptly, feeling utterly confused by my emotions and refusing to feel anything for him. I slapped him hard, when we were alone in the elevator, and rushed out to get to the car.
“What a face you have, darling. What happened?” Ash asked when I closed the door.
“Nick kissed me,” I said, watching him exit. He looked serious but not angry.
“What?” Ash yelled.
“You heard me p>
“My goodness, what is your ex up to?” she said, completely surprised.
“I have no idea,” I replied, falling silent as my heartbeat returned to normal.
We arrived at my building, and I went straight to my office. I sat in the manager’s chair and looked out at the city, the sensation of the kiss lingering on my lips.
“He kissed you!” Tino yelled, bursting into the office.
I looked up in despair and met Ash’s eyes, who pressed her lips to stifle a laugh.
“It slipped out, darling. I’m so sorry,” she covered her mouth with her hand.
“Good heavens, this feels like a soap opera. The ex kisses the fiancée of another man. Oh my, what a predicament!” Tino exclaimed, bringing the back of his hand to his forehead.
“But darling, tell us, what did you feel? Did it tickle?” my friend asked, coming closer.
I stood silent and shook my head.
“It seems like you’re lying! Lying like a scoundrel!” he pointed at me.
The phone in my office rang, and I picked it up immediately under Tino’s suspicious gaze.
Erika announced my lawyer’s arrival, and I allowed her to enter.
“Good afternoon,” she greeted us.
We responded, and I pointed to the chair in front of me.
“I came as soon as I got the news,” she said, looking for something in her briefcase. I waited for her to continue, “The divorce will proceed. There is a case where a couple can divorce if they haven’t lived together for at least 18 consecutive months. We’ve submitted the evidence, and now it’s in the judge’s hands. I’ve brought you a copy of the case for you to review. I have some contacts, and it will be a matter of a couple of weeks for your marriage to be dissolved p>
Nick’s gaze from this morning came back to my mind, and I shook those thoughts away. I took a copy of the document.
“So, will there be a wedding?” Tino asked.