Rosalind's POV

"What did you just say?" I turn to face him, wearily aware of the fact I didn't really want to know the answer nor did I need it. I knew what he said as I'd heard him loud and clear, what I really need to know is why? 'Chill out Rose' I instruct myself, the reality hitting me like a tidal wave. If I am wrong for some reason than panicking will only make him question me and my reactions, I am best to play this cool.

"Huh?" Gian, having broken eye contact for a moment, looked up at me with his expression as unreadable as usual.

"I asked what you said, I didn't quite hear you clearly?" I probe, trying not to give away the true reason for my inquiry. The longer I think about it, the more convinced I am going crazy though. Seriously, what am I panicking about, it's just a word? He has no idea what he's just said.

"I was just thanking you, Rosalind. You know, someone recently brought it to my attention that I could be making better use of my manners," he grinned as he spoke, showcasing his pearly white teeth and gorgeous dimples.

"I appreciate that thank you, I just thought you said something else. Nevermind."

As I turn to head back out the door I steal a quick glance back at Gian, but he had already returned to reading whatever he had on his desk in front of him. Was I wrong? Am I hearing things? Imagining things? Do I secretly want it to be him? Oh gosh, so many things are going through my head right now, maybe I've been pushing myself too hard lately. I am losing my freaking mind.

Returning to my desk, I gather the necessary documents and make my way to the elevator. Now I have to add dress shopping with the stylist to my list of things to do, my absolute least favorite past time. What the hell was I thinking, agreeing to go like that? Now I have to arrive at one of the biggest events our company has and I will be on the arm of Giao bloody Costello, yeah that's not going to have people talking at all...

As the elevator opens, I prepare to step inside but am blocked by Stephen exiting the lift.

"Ah, Miss Bennett wasn't it.  What a lovely surprise to see you again," he cooed, touching a hand to my shoulder as he spoke.

'Really, a surprise? When I work here?  What a jackass.' I smile up at him but can't help the snide comments rolling in my head.  I mean, he knows I am Gian's personal assistant so shouldn't it be expected that he WOULD see me?  Gosh, I hope I can shorten this conversation, I really want to get going.

Gian's POV

"Stephen, you're late. Do you think we can get on with this meeting now, it was you who demanded this was it not?" The frustration seeping into my voice provided a thin veil over the more than obvious jealousy and possessiveness I was feeling, seeing him chatting with Rosalind. He is my best friend but I have seen him in action when it comes to woman, I do not want him near her. Not my Rosalind.

"Alright, alright Gian. Shit mate, I hope you don't talk to your staff like that? Does he, beautiful? You can tell me, love, I'll sort him out for you," Stephen gave her a cocky grin and a wink, the result of which was making my blood boil.

"Stephen, my office now. Miss Bennett has plenty of other duties she needs to attend too."

I breathed a sigh of relief as Rosalind stepped onto the lift, the doors securely closing behind her. Stephen, who had watched her exit like it'd kill him to look away slowly turned and grinned at me.

"Gian, fuck man, your personal assistant is a hot piece of ass."

"For fuck sake Stephen. Looks like someone needs to reattend the sexual harassment seminars again. You're teetering on the edge of what most will not tolerate. Stay away from Miss Bennett would you, she happens to be a phenomenal employee. I'd like to keep it that way."

"Relax, mate. You know she liked it. They all like to fantasize fucking the big bosses, you know that."

Sitting back at my desk, my hands begin to clench and shake anxiously at my sides as I listen to Stephen ramble on like Rosalind was some fresh piece of meat. Best friend or not, if he hurts her I will literally nail his ass to the wall.

"Can we get on with this meeting now, I have other appointments booked for the day."

"Gian mate, you my friend, need to get laid. You're turning into the grinch who stole Christmas. Look I am here for business, I've had a call from finance in regards to the budget for the launch. It seems they have shuffled around some new figures and there are more funds in the bank then first anticipated. They thought we might like to increase the marketing campaign later this week."

I listen to Stephen ramble on about funds, marketing plans and even increasing the launch party budgets for well over an hour. My mind, however, was on Rosalind and thinking about how I might be able to convince her to give me a shot. I also made a note to call the stylist regarding approval for an uncapped gown purchase. Even though she could wear a paper bag to the launch and still look beautiful, I want her to have whatever dress she so desires.

Rosalind POV - Later that week

"I don't know Becca, it's not really me, is it? I knew I should have insisted the stylist change it."

I stood before my full-length mirror, eyeing myself in a stunning spaghetti strap gown with thigh split up the front left-hand side. The dress was made of two beautiful bronzed fabrics, one a solid bronze, and the second a sparkling glitzy bronze. The two contrasted well and added depth in the layers they had created in the design, however, me being me was more concerned that people would think I was trying too hard.

"Rose, will you just stop it already. You look beautiful, absolutely perfect baby. You deserve to spend the evening looking like a queen," Becca had taken a day off to make sure she could be here to aide in my preparation aka make sure I didn't pike at the last minute, "And you will be arriving on the arm of a King so you need to look your best."

"Becca! Oh my god, talk about pressure. Shit, I think I am going to pass out just thinking about it."

"And are you sure that isn't a result of the two bottles of wine you polished off last night?"

"Don't you dare judge me Becca, you know I wasn't in my right mind last night!!" I protest, looking back at her with my best somber expression.

"Two bottles though babe, really?" Her no-nonsense attitude dripping with sarcasm.

"Well I got to the end of the first bottle and I was still feeling emotional, starting a second bottle just seemed like a logical next step," I smile gingerly, knowing very well that it was not my finest moment. Poor Becca was drunk dialed to come and console me after the second bottle had still failed to cheer me up.

"Rose, I really don't understand why you do this to yourself? Why can't you see how wonderful you are?"

"Stop Bec, you're killing me here. You know I love you babe but we don't have time to redo my makeup so quit with the soppy stuff." I giggle, shoving her arm.

"Alright, okay you're actually right, I need to complete my masterpiece. How about we finish the look with some large hoops. Oh and I spotted some gold pumps in your walk-in which would accent the dress exquisitely."

I stepped into the pumps Becca placed in front of me, hooking my hoops in as I went. Finally, the ensemble is completed. My usually luscious long locks had been pulled firm into a low knot at the base of my head, continuing the sleek sophisticated lines of the gown. We'd kept the makeup soft and natural, my lipstick a warm elegant rose pink.

"Wow, just wow babe. Mr. Costello is going to have a hard time keeping his hands to himself tonight that's for sure," Becca exclaimed, taking my shoulders and spinning me to face her. It was such a harmless comment and yet it had such an effect on me for which I was not expecting. My skin prickled in anticipation and I felt a rush of warmth wash over my body and settle into my core. I felt a heated flush grace my cheeks for which I looked away. I didn't need any extra questions from Becca, I can only imagine the filthy ideas she would concoct if she knew Gian had already shown an interest.

"Whoa, oh my gosh, okay this is really happening isn't it?" Reality swept over me as I take in my overall appearance, almost unsure of the woman staring back at me. I'm going to need to tap into my inner goddess to make it through this evening.

"Yes Rose, it's happening and you will enjoy yourself, am I clear? You deserve this, you need to let loose and have some fun. Shake that ass and see where the night takes you."

Becca catches the sideways glance I'm giving her as we both dissolve into a fit of laughter. This is why we are the best of friends, she simply understands me like no other. She knows when to push me and when to back down, when to make me laugh and when to let me cry. Today, well her goal for today was easy. She was to keep me distracted from the upcoming event and the pressure I will likely place on myself about the high profile event. Becca was to ensure I don't revert to the old Rosalind and run screaming in the opposite direction. Tonight I need to let the Goddess take the reigns metaphorically, of course, I can't have my boss see that complete side of me as I'd die of embarrassment.

"Come on Rose, let's have a glass of bubbly before your Prince Charming sweeps you off to the ball," Becca takes my hand and leads me out into the living room where she had the bubbles waiting for us.

"Prince Charming," I scoff, trying not to let on to his softer side which I have been seeing more and more lately. It was only yesterday that he offered to do something for me at work so I wouldn't have too, which I find amusing given it's my job to assist him and not the other way around.

"Hush you,'' she giggled, pouring us both a glass and raising them for a toast, "To a fresh beginning, Rosalind 2.0 if you will."

"I'll drink to that."

I wander over to the window to look out over the city as I sip my bubbles, appreciating the beauty amongst the hustle and bustle of the busy city streets below. These last few months have had such an effect on me, my perspectives and the way I see things has changed. I've grown and developed in such a way I never would have expected. I am incredibly nervous about how this night will play out yet I have agreed to go anyway. Despite my inner reservations, I am dressed in this elegant and enticing gown. I will arrive on the arm of one of America's Hottest, walking the red carpet like I belong on it. Well, at least that is the plan.

"Holy Shit!"

I startle and almost drop my glass, having not realized Becca standing directly next to me.

"What the hell Becca, you scared the shit out of me." I glare over her but she's too busy peering out the large glass window to notice.

"Rose, do you see that down there? Oh my god, it's him, isn't it? Mr. Hot boss has rolled up in style, dammmm Rose."

My gaze shifts to where Becca is pointing, drawing in a sharp breath as my eyes land on the beautiful white stretch limousine that had not long pulled up outside our apartment building. There was no telling if it was in fact Gian, though the odds were high. He was an extravagant son of a bitch and no doubt he's looking to make a good impression on his arrival at the launch.

"Can I come?" Becca grinned at me, throwing in a quick wink for good measure, "Come, let's go touch up your lippy and make sure everything is perfect. Don't panic now baby, you've got this in the bag. Just think how far you have come since that first night we visited the Fetish Club. Eeek I am so excited, how come you're not excited, oh my god you must be excited."

I look over at Becca as she continues to ramble incessantly, panic rising in my chest with every passing second. 'Relax Rosalind, you are a goddamn Goddess. You can handle a simple work party,' I recite to myself, words I'd telling myself all week.

BUZZ

I hear the doorbell and instantly snap myself out of my dreamlike state. I take a quick last peek in the mirror to make sure my lipstick was perfect, smooth my hands down over my dress to make sure it's sitting perfectly before making my way to the front door. Becca gives my bum a quick slap on my way past her earning the dirtiest of glances and gestures. She had promised she would make herself invisible once he arrived, but from where I am standing it doesn't appear she will keep that promise.

I take a last deep breath and open the door. Standing before me was Gian Costello, looking more handsome than I'd ever seen him. Every hair was in place, his black tuxedo fitted perfectly to his large masculine physique. His eyes sparkled with an excitement I'd never seen before and this clean-shaven jawline, it screamed nibble me. My eyes traveled over him again, then noticing his tie. A bronze tie that almost looks at if we'd cut if from a portion of my dress. That cheeky bastard got a tie to match my gown. My inner goddess smirked, rather pleased with this revelation but I push her aside for now.

"Rosalind, wow! Look at you, you look absolutely beautiful."