Warm fuzzy feelings took over as I wrapped my chocolate brown hair over the styling wand. Images flashed in my mind-Elias's soft lips, him defending my honor, our hands laced together. But as soon as the warm fuzzy feelings came they were overpowered with a much uglier feelings, doubt and confusion. It was totally my thing to overthink things to a bloody pulse. Like a doubled edge sword I was also graced with impulsiveness, impulsiveness that did more harm than good.

Accident or not, I had acted on impulse when I settled on my bosses lap and kissed him. A boss I had sworn myself to stay away from. I had convinced myself that my actions were because I couldn't bear to upset the sweet older woman but was that really why? Or did I find myself fighting the urge to comfort him unbearable and the sweet older lady was just an excuse. If I had just stayed seated things would have been less complicated than they are now.

The moment I laid eyes on Elias I was captivated, intrigued and curious.Drawn into him by some unknown force. I figured it was just sexual desire and maybe at first it was. But when our lips found each other again it revealed it wasn't just lust.

In lust there is no romance, no getting to know each other, it's just sex. I would know all about that because it's how Thomas and I's relationship was built off.

I was an impressionable 18 year old girl going through a hard time, who was lonely, angry, and miserable. I felt like I was drowning while things at home were crumbling beneath my feet. When I laid eyes on Thomas he was distraction from the pain I felt. When he gazed at me there was insatiable hunger in his eyes. A hunger that could only be satisfied by claiming me as his. Instead of going against it, I gave in to him, into temptation.

My heart pounded in my chest with every soft kiss he laid on my skin, with every delicate touch my loneliness evaporated. In the moment, I didn't care if it was my first time,or if we were nothing but mere acquaintances. I was desperate to feel anything, anything other than despair.

Euphoric feelings fled soon after our heated passion leaving me with a bigger void than before. I was naïve to think sex would be anything other than a temporary fix. I swore to myself it was a onetime thing but as two lonely broken people we found each other again and again. I was comforted with the false feelings of closeness. Sex was like a drug, a natural pain reliever that numbed all my pain.

Before I realized it, I was already entangled into his grasp with his claw sunk deep into heart. I felt like I was in love, on cloud nine every time we were together. I knew there was no turning back and since then had been his...well until a month ago.

My stomach churned with the memory. A month and some change was all it took.

I felt betrayed by my own heart. I couldn't help but feel riddled with guilt. How could I be convinced that I was going to spend forever with someone, be absolutely heartbroken about it when it ended, to now feeling whatever I felt for Elias.

I went from a tumultuous relationship to whatever this was .

Elias had the power to make me forget history and turn me into complete mush. That alone terrified me. Maybe I had confused lust for love then, and history was repeating itself. I knew I wasn't powerless, I could fight this, fight the blossoming feelings for Elias.

I just didn't want to.

Maybe that makes me weak. Maybe it makes me stupid. Maybe it makes me irresponsible and reckless. Maybe it makes me a traitorous bitch.

Scratch that, I was going to fight this. I needed to fight this. Tooth and nail. How hard could it be?

I rubbed my fingers through my freshly curled hair. I made an attempt to put a little more effort into my appearance today since I had my very first client today. I smoothed down my leather skirt that I paired with a white quarter sleeve fitted top. As I slid on my pumps my bedroom door barged open.

"Wow sis, your boss will surely give you a promotion looking like that." My father swayed his head at my sister.

He tossed me a set of keys. "Lord Asshole dropped these off this morning."

I let out a big breath with everything that went on yesterday my jeep was the last thing on my mind. Isabella chimed in as she repressed a smile. "Dad warned if he didn't leave he was going put a bullet through his butthole, you should of seen Thomas face," Isabella sighed "highlight of my morning."

My eyes widened "Dad, you really shouldn't be threatening someone like Thomas he could sue you or file a police report."

"Did I call the police on his ass when he was on my property yelling at my daughter?? He is lucky, your boss or whatever handled him instead of me."

"You're telling me both of you," I pointed back and forth at them "were watching from the window? That's an invasion of privacy!"

My father shrugged his shoulders "It was in my front yard how private could that be," He paused "There is something I need to talk to the both of you about-"

I brushed past him "Can it wait? I am running behind schedule and I still have to take Ms. Nosyella to school." I took one last look in the mirror "We will talk about it after work, Isabella let's hit the road."

I revved the engine to my bucket of bolts, the engine sputtered as I drove off.

"Spill the beans, I can see your mind is going a million miles an hour. I don't want you to give yourself an aneurysm" Isabella stated nonchalantly.

For a second, I think of making up an excuse but decide against it "I feel like I went zero to one hundred with Elias, I went from trying to avoid him to holding his hand to kissing hi- "

Isabella playfully hit my shoulder "Omg you guys had s-e-x?"

I shook my head from left to right so much, that it might just roll off my neck. "No, It's just that, Thomas threw it in my face that the only reason I got this job was because Elias wanted to sleep with me and the next day what do I do? I get all cozied up with him. It makes me look bad like I'm the fraud."

"Look, there's clearly something sparking between you and Elias ever since you guys made out at that club. It was a coincidence, maybe fate that brought you guys back together who the hell knows really. But you have two choices. Either One: you ignore what you feel for Elias and crawl back to Thomas. But I honestly don't know why you even care what he thinks. He is a scumbag that cheated on you, and was a total asshat the whole duration of the relationship. You were just too blinded by him to see it. We both know how that story ends, it ends in Misery. He will never change and you will be collateral damage on his path to destruction."

My voice heightened "I am not wanting to go back to with Thomas but that does not mean I should fall in my bosses lap either. For all I know, Elias was just comforting me, he probably pities me. Plus, the kiss we shared was purely accident-"

"Did you accidentally hold hands, did his hands accidently almost kick Thomas's ass for you, and did his lips accidentally kiss your forehead? That's like textbook romance there! For goodness sake, its not like you two are getting married tomorrow. Option Two is simple: bask in Elias's company, get to know him and see where it goes. He is the CEO, he makes the rules therefore he can choose to pursue you if he wants he can't fire himself. But from what I saw outside, he fücking wants you. Go with the flow, who knows where it will lead but at least you allowed yourself to feel, letting it rattle your bones, letting it completely devour you. "

My sister's words replayed over and over the duration of my long drive to work. I had no response for her because she was right. But I had already made up my mind I was going to fight this. I don't think my heart could handle another heartbreak no matter how cheesy that sounded.

I was an independent woman I could do this, I needed to take it one day at time, one foot in front of the other and repeat.

As soon as I made my way into my office I  prepared my data and notes for my client. This was my hundredth time going over his financial data, I had practically memorized it by now. I felt confident but wish I knew the clients personal information to better understand what talking points I should use. But unluckily for me, there was no name on the file. I wondered if this was some kind test from Elias to see if I would fail.

I had enough of the files and slide them away from my view. I had two hours to kill, with nothing else left to work on. I had finished all my work load from this week.

The work I received here was similar to Anderson's, I could probably finish it in my sleep. It was simple and tedious work. I had hoped this position would challenge me more but nonetheless I was content and not complaining.

I glanced around my office, I still yet have to add my personal touches to it. All that sat in front me was a black desk with two white modern chairs. I wanted the beautiful view of the city to still be the main focal point maybe adding a flower arrangement would spruce things up bit, or a nice rug.

I paced around realizing how much space I really had, I could probably add some bookshelves and a little sitting area over here.

My door creaked open and walked in a cute freckled red-headed woman with black rimmed glasses. Her attire was casual, a simple grey cardigan with light colored slacks.

She extended her hand "Hello, we haven't met I'm Mia Page, Mr. Castellano's personal assistant. I'm here to drop off your itinerary for next week."

"It's nice to meet you Ms. Page and thanks I'll take a look at this right away."

She gave me a toothy grin. "Please, call me Mia, I forgot to mention Mr. Castellano would like to see you in his office ASAP."

I tried my best to hide my nerves. Why would he want to see me? Not later, but now, ASAP.  My throat became dry as followed her out my office.

She turned around giving me a reassuring look "I wouldn't worry too much, he seems like he's in a good mood. He even laughed at all of Alexander's lame jokes this morning. "

I chuckled softly as we silently waved goodbye. Thankful, that she had slightly eased my nerves. I closed my eyes, inhaling and exhaling before I opened the his office door.

Fück, I forgot to knock.

I gave him an apologetic look but he didn't seem offended in the slightest. His brown eyes never left mine as I slowly sashayed to the chair in front of his desk. His gaze intensified by the second sending chills up my spine. My own eyes betrayed me as they drifted making their way down his toned body.

He looked different and it wasn't just because of the brown rimmed glasses he wore. He seemed less stiff and more at ease than usual. Instead of wearing his usual black suit, he wore a casual grey suit jacket with a white dress shirt that was slightly unbuttoned giving me a glimpse of his chest.

Why did he have to look so...irresistible?

I sunk into the chair before I straightened my posture and rested my hands on my lap.

Taking off his glasses, he settled them on his white dress shirt. "Did you sleep well last night?"

I had actually had the best night's sleep but he didn't need to know that. Something told me that his inquiry had something to do with him. There's no need to inflate his ego.

"Yeah, guess so. Yours?"

He narrowed his dark brown eyes running his hand over his jaw. "It was wonderful, other than being woken up by a little snore in the middle of the night."

Shit. I must of fell asleep before hanging up last night. Did he bring me into his office just to humiliate me?

I quipped "Hmm, maybe it was a cat or something"

He nodded as he gave me a smirk "Yeah, a little kitten perhaps."

Did he really refer to me as a little kitten? I suddenly had the urge to meow, but instead I refrained and stayed quiet.

His playful smirk evaporated leaving a serious expression on his face. "When I interviewed you I stated this would be a trial period at first."

"I don't want you for the position," he took a long pause before continuing "I want you for a different position, one that I think is better suited for you."

Did he really need to talk in short phrases with the longest pauses in the universe? Is he trying to give me a heart attack?

"This is a more prominent role than the one you applied for. You will be directly involved in strategic and tactical matters related to my company. I will hold you accountable to more responsibilities, cost benefit analysis, forecasting needs, securing new funding and anything else I see fit. I will need you by my side during board meetings, business deals, business trips etc starting now. What do you say?"

My mouth froze open as I figured out what I wanted to say. "How will the employees take to this? I have only been here a short time-"

"This position has been yours since the initial interview. I never wanted you just as financial consultant that would be a waste of the many great qualities you possess. My employees knew you already held this position, the only one who didn't know was you. I wanted to see your work in action before I told you. You're almost done with your master's degree si?"

He handed me several files in black folder. "Yes, very soon."

I opened the black folder to find my salary, it was thrice, almost quadruple what I was paid at Anderson. A number so big,  sweat formulated on my forehead.

So attractive.

I quickly turned the page to see a list of policies skimming through them into one in bold stuck out to me.

Castellano Enterprises DOES NOT implement a workplace Fraternization policy, disclosure is appreciated but not required.

I turned the page again before became a puddle of sweat. The next page was a non-disclosure form and a contract. I sighed in relief, knowing it wasn't some Christian Grey type of contract, even though that would be one hell of plot twist. 

The contract was just a bunch of legal jumbo that I would follow the policies and other boring stuff.  I gracefully leaned over his desk to reach for a pen, I had clearly not thought this through, the pen was far from my reach. I settled one foot on the floor while the other extended outwards in order reach for the pen.

Ahhh, Victory! I silently celebrated as I settled back in the chair signing the contract and non-disclosure forms with a swift signature.

I looked up from the forms and handed them to Elias as he had another smirk plastered on that beautiful chiseled face.

"You probably shouldn't do that again gatita, did it pain you just to ask?"

I realized, I must have given him the perfect view of my breasts as I leaned to grab the pen. It probably looked like I was trying to seduce him but that wasn't the case I was just L-A-Z-Y.

And did he really call me kitten again. If I'm not mistaken I would think he was flirting with me. Huh, he also had never looked at me so intently before. He would always look away quickly but today he didn't he gazed at me as if he were taking me in, studying every detail.

I couldn't think too much into it as I was relishing over the revelation he had just shared.

Finally. I would be in a position that would challenge me. Elias stood and proceeded to exit his office, I stayed still in my seat wondering if I should follow him. He turned around and grinned. "Come Scarlett, you don't want to be late for your first business meeting."

It was all starting to make sense, the person I was preparing data for was not an existing client of ours, but a potential client and we were on our way to discuss a deal.

The financial data from earlier was just for me to get me basic overview of the clients company. My mind was racing as I crunched numbers in my head formulating the financial risks, gains- "Elias, who is the client?"

He pushed the elevator button for parking garage. "I know you like to be prepared but you need to learn how to be quick and adapt to situations. The financial data I provided is all you need."

I sighed in frustration "but knowing the client can give me a better understanding on how they are likely to spend their money something that financial data can hide."

We exited the elevator and I felt like I'm running just to keep up with his long strides. "We won't always know personal information about potential clients, they tend to keep their lives private for those very reasons. All you will ever need to know will be in front of you, the suits they wear, if their shoes are polished or not, if they are freshly groomed etc."

I remained silent as we entered his Maserati, he had a point and I had nothing to add. I was now distracted from the client by him. His big hand sprawled on the middle console, inviting me to intertwine with his.

I bit my lip fighting the temptation to feel the roughness and warmth of his hand. Simple touches, felt intensified with him.

My mind reverted to the night at the club, a memory I tried to repress but to no avail. He had been in control of the conversation but I quickly relinquished that control as soon as I bit his lip.

I felt the inner beast unleash within him his eyes grew darker as he brought me closer kissing me roughly tasting the metallic blood from biting his lip a little too hard. The metallic taste left leaving a sweet taste of a mixture of tequila and cinnamon. We kissed as if we were long lost lovers who hadn't seen each other in years. A kiss so intense if our will to survive depended on it. I loved that he didn't handle me with fragility, I thoroughly enjoyed the roughness of his touch.

When he bit my lip and pulled away he was sending me a message of who was really in control.

The only thing I had was his name and the after effects of our passionate kiss. My lips were still plump and red. The red marks around my waist also served as remnants of him holding me tightly against him.

Thinking about that just made me want to unleash myself from my seatbelt to feel those sweet lips of his again. I wondered how he would react to that.

Did he miss my lips as much as I missed his?

I peered against the passenger window to escape from my primitive thoughts. I closed my eyes, sleep will surely turn off my brain. But I knew there was no way I could fall asleep. There was just too many things on my mind to drift away in bliss.

I honestly couldn't believe that I hadn't put the pieces together that I held a more prominent role in the company. Little fish don't get massive offices next to the CEO. It tugged at my heart that Elias potential in me.

Everything about me was often overlooked by my looks no one believed a girl like me could be smart then I became only known as Thomas Anderson's girlfriend.

I spent three and half years at Anderson working my ass off day in and out doing more than what my job description stated. I advised Thomas on every decision he made regarding the company. Everyone loved his ideas and innovative mind, when really they were mine.

He willingly took all the credit only thanking me behind doors for my 'genius' brain. He was the second in command then and was completely clueless I can only imagine how lost he is now, that he's the CEO.

They all knew that I held more value than just being his girlfriend. But it never stopped them from ignoring all my achievements to only acknowledge every chance they got that was Thomas's "exotic" girlfriend.

I had many recognitions, like being featured in Bloomberg magazine to graduating first in my class in high school and college.

But nope most important thing about me was him. It felt like he was the sun and I was just rotating around him. But, little did I know, I was the sun all along.

"I don't bite" Elias teased.

He must have been referring to the fact that I had settled my body as far away from him, any further my ass would be hanging out the damn window of his Maserati.

I turned my head to see he held a giant smirk on his face. "I can't take any chances, you have bit me before."

"And you loved every second of it, didn't you? If I don't recall you bit me first Tesoro."

"I was very drunk that night, my perception wasn't at its best."

His eyes went dark with mischief "I'll gladly refresh your memory and test how your perception is when you're sober. My guess you will love it just as much."

The tension in the car increased, the air felt thick and the song about sex that was blaring off the speakers did not help. I needed to change the subject quickly.

I was proud that I had even made it twenty- three minutes and forty-seven seconds without blurting something out about last night. I was dying to know so many things. Like why all of a sudden was he flirting with me and why the hell did he facetime me just to fall asleep.

"So, where are we meeting this potential client?" 

He signaled with his hands for me to get closer. "San Diego, it's a long drive, even longer if we get hit by the storm on the way. You might as well get comfortable and rest those big brown eyes of yours."

The sky was riddled with thick grey clouds shielding the sun making it the perfect environment to nap in.  He knew that and wanted me to make use of his arm by making it my pillow.

San Diego was more than two hours away, it was only a matter of time before I fell asleep. Regardless, I decided not to oblige to his demand, it was clear from the flirting and the cute names that we were on two different pages. I don't know what page exactly since he was harder to read than book in braille.
                         *****
I noticed the car stopped moving and opened my eyes only to find my head laying on Elias's big muscled arm. What the fffuu--My traitorous body must slithered its way on him while I slept.

I quickly settled myself, wiping the small amount of droll off the corner of my lip. I swear I'm a train wreck that can't be stopped. My head still felt foggy and light as I looked at Elias who seemed more than amused.

"Is this funny to you?"

He handed me an iced Starbucks drink flashing his pearly whites. "You look very cute when you wake up, Are you ready for this princesa?"

I've had enough of this little pet names, not that they didn't make my heart race a little bit faster each time he uttered them. Two could play this game, Elias.

My heels snapped on the concrete floor as I exited the car.

"As ready as I'll ever be, and thanks for the Starbucks baby cakes."

He laughed as I gave him a little smirk "Baby cakes? Really?" He shook his head "and No problem, I figured you would need a boost after your little kitten nap."

I rolled my eyes as we entered the private elevator. His tone became serious "When we get to the conference room, don't be afraid to speak up at any time."

With each floor my nerves heightened, my first official meeting.

The elevator dinged open hearing a accented voice yell. "BRAINS? Is that you?"

"Oliver?"

His sandalwood scent infiltrated my nostrils as he gave me a big hug lifting me off the floor.

"How you do, brains. It's been too long love." 

He broke aaway giving Elias a firm handshake. "Hiya Mr. Castellano, it's a pleasure to finally meet. Come follow me."

He led us through the mahogany polished doors the words conference room etched above. Oliver gave me devious grin as his grey eyes look me up and down.  Elias sat next to me looking a bit confused as Oliver sits in the middle behind a massive screen that I assumed is for PowerPoints.

"Brains look at you, lush and lively. It's been what, four years since I've seen that beautiful grin of yours?"

I looked over to see Elias still looking quizzically at me. "Me and Oliver where childhood friends until he moved back to England our senior year. I didn't know you were back in the states Oli, let alone running your fathers company."

Elias's phone started ringing. He gave us an apologetic expression. "Excuse me, I have to take this."

Both Oliver and I gave him a quick nod as he stepped out.

Oliver ran his hand through his golden locks then kissed my hand. "I'm not running it dearie, my father will be here shortly. I just flew in to help with the nonsense that Thomas of yours created. I can only hope you two aren't together?"

Using my best fake accent voice that sounded like a mixture of every single dialect in the world. "You've guessed right mate. What type of nonsense are you talking about? I thought Cain and Edison were best buddies? I can't imagine him breaking ties with Anderson's even though Castellano Enterprises is the top leading technology company by far."

He laughed "fuck, you're still terrible at that, and they are brains but its business. Ever since that wanker ex-lover of yours took over we've been in ruins financially. Many investors believe he is reckless and immature so they are pulling funds from anyone involved in any way with the Anderson's. It's clear now, why everything gone to shit there, you were literally his brains. We're hoping misaligning ourselves will remedy our situation before as you Americans say shit hits the fan."

"Why is Cain giving over the company if Thomas wasn't meant to take over until 24? Especially if investors are backing out you would think he would stay as CEO until Thomas got his act together."

"Simple, Joan is divorcing Cain and threatening taking over the company herself unless Thomas is in charge. Cain is doing everything in his power to not see the company he built wither away. Even if that mean his own flesh marry that wretched girl fisher to get her father's assets. They been planning to wed for a year and investors are starting to get weary."

My chest tightened. I couldn't even register Oliver's words. A year ago, I was mourning the death of my mother while he was by my side.

"For a year? That can't be true, we were still together then. Even after we ended things, he was adamant on not marrying her."

"You're telling me you didn't know? Geeze, brains. Apologies, I was under the impression you two have been separated for longer. Dearie, he is the one who came up with the idea about marrying her in first place. I was there, I even took him aside and asked him if you two had broken off. He became enraged and basically told me to bugger off. What an arsehole." He leaned over the chair giving me a side hug."He's a lazy sod who never deserved you love."

Oliver takes his hand off my back as Elias walked in raising his left eyebrow. "So, what's the story behind 'brains'?

I couldn't help but smile when I saw Elias with his glasses back on. I took a sip of my drink and cleared my throat trying to forget Oliver and I's previous conversation. Even though I knew it was going to plague my existence for the rest of the day probably the rest of my life. I needed the truth. But right now I needed to lock it away.

"It's silly, we used to watch a T.V series called Bones together. It centers about a woman who is a forensic anthropologist. She's very astute but sucks at interpreting social cues-"

Oliver chimed in as he laughed "Basically the main character sort of reminds me of Scarlett because she's straightforward and awkward at times. You see, Scarlett is a secret smarty-pants but for some reason she doesn't like people to know.  So instead of bones I thought she's brains because she can solve multiple mathematic equations in her head but the same woman has trouble having small talk with strangers. But don't let her fool you, she's a force to be reckoned with once you get to know her. Anyways, It's lame nickname but what can I say, I was just a lad in high school when I thought of it. "

Elias smiled as he looked at me "I like it, and I agree she is an intelligent woman. I'm very lucky to have her."

Four men in suits carrying black suitcases entered the conference room we rose from our seats and introduce ourselves. The men introduced themselves as well, one man is Oliver's father, and the other men are the VP, Chief marketing officer, chief of technology.

Oliver pointed the small remote in his hand towards the screen. "Alright, let's get started."

Eight hours later... Eight painful excruciating hours later the meeting had adjourned. My rear was numb and my stomach was growling loudly. The meeting went surprisingly well, Elias was more dominant and took control throughout most of the meeting. He would exchange glances with me throughout to make sure I agreed with what he spoke on.

I would only take over the reins when in regard of the financial mumbo jumbo. The only downfall is that, we hadn't reached any sort of negotiation, we barely even scratched the surface. We would need to return tomorrow to hopefully come to some sort of agreement. We said our goodbyes and the room emptied other than me, Elias and Oliver.

Oliver yawned "Apologies, for the meeting running long. I would ask to entertain dinner to make it up, but I'm completely knackered. I'll see you two, tomorrow." Oliver kissed my cheeks and gave Elias a handshake.

Oliver disappeared down a hallway while Elias and I made our way down to the parking garage. We both were silent and completely worn out. The parking garage was dark and a bit scary. My heart rate spiked as we continue walking towards the car.

The sound of a loud bang resonated through the concrete walls shaking me to my core. I subconsciously burrowed my face into Elias chest preparing myself for what is to come.

I felt the vibrations against his chest as he chuckled "It's just thunder."

I felt the heat rise from my cheeks "Oh, I knew that honey bunny."

Both I and Elias groaned as we settled into the car our phones both rang loudly in unison. A thunderstorm and flood warning for the following areas; San Diego, Riverside, Anahiem... California was currently in a drought but of course today the heavens would release plentiful amounts of rain enough to make the streets flood.

The highway back to Los Angeles was most likely filled to the brim with traffic from people freaking out thinking it's the end of the world. It would be an absolute nightmare to drive through. I knew we were both thinking the same thing as we sat in silence.

Elias ran his hand through his hair as he sighed. "We should try to find a hotel and stay in San Diego for the night, driving back to Los Angeles with this storm would be a nightmare. Plus I know you're hungry."

"I agree, but we don't have any clothes for tomorrow, toothpaste, toothbrush, underwear, paja-"

"I'll have Mia bring us everything we need in the morning. The hotel provides basic toiletries but we could find the nearest store to get everything you need."

"Fine, hotel it is. I'm so tired and you're right I'm very hungry."

We both retrieved our phones he called his assistant to help us track down a hotel in such short notice and I sent texts to my sister that I would not make it home tonight. He proceeded to talk on the phone while we exited the parking garage.

The rain was pouring down, it was almost impossible to see through the windshield. Lightening illuminated the dark night sky as thunder followed shortly after.

He turned to look at me and mouths. "No luck yet."

I was starting to get worried if we would find a hotel at all. His face lit up as he grinned. "Thanks Mia, I'll call you in a bit."

We entered the circle entryway to the luxurious modern hotel.

"Mia said this is the closet hotel downtown with two rooms available." 

"You better hope so, if not I'm going to have to eat you." well that sounded a lot more flirty than I Intended. "You know eat you because I'm hungry" I reiterated.

"Okay, whatever you say Tesoro."

We entered the golden glass doors as we walk towards the concierge desk.

A large older man with a grand smile greeted us. "How can I assist you this evening?"

Elias half smiled in return "Yes, we need two rooms, any available room will work."

The chipper old man smiled again as he hummed to a Justin Bieber song while he typed forcibly into the computer. We stood there for what felt like an eternity as he continued humming away unbothered by our presence.

"We have one room available it's a presidential suite with one king size bed, living room-"

I could sense the frustration in Elias's voice "Your website clearly states that there are two available rooms." He showed the old man the screenshot that Mia had sent him.

The man smiled widely to the point where I even think it's getting a bit obnoxious. " I'm sorry sir, summertime is the peak travel time for San Diego. With such short notice this all we can offer. We can discount the presidential suite if money is an issue. That is the least we can do for the minor inconvenience of our website."

I turned to Elias who seems like he about had it with the cheery old man. I inhaled a deep breath before muttering off "Its fine we'll take it." disbelief flashes through Elias's face "Are you sure? I don't want you to feel uncomfortable. We can figure something out."

Many ways I envisioned my evening, let's say staying in a presidential suite with Elias wasn't one of them.

My breathing increased as I lied through my teeth. "Its fine, honeybutt. We're two adults, we'll figure it out."

Elias handed the man his credit card. I was not totally sure if he had bought my whole cool girl façade internally I was freaking the hell out.

     •••••
How long before Scarlett gives in?