This chapter is for irish_alyssa_1499 who left me sweet message ^_^

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Chapter 10

Frozen in place I watched the skinny bald man shouting profanities, his pale skin blotched red from anger. What little hair he had waved back and forth as he walked from one side of the rug to the other not once pausing from his rant. He was a long time client of the company always bringing in enough profit to keep Henry and the board pleased which meant we kept renewing his contract despite his short temper and bitter insults.

It all started early this morning when he came by to check out the new cover -which I personally liked- and to say he wasn't pleased was an understatement, as soon as his eyes fixed on the cover he started cursing loudly hating the so called 'childish' illustrations. Sending my team away I decided to spare them his cruel insults and took the blame, I'm the boss so any praise or criticism hits me head on.

"It's a fucking joke and I am not putting my name on that shit. In fact I'm not putting my name under this company." he said stopping in front of me

"Now Mr. Sanders that is a bit drastic, we'll redo the cover to your specifications and the problem will be solved." I spoke in a professional tone

The skinny man's brows shot up as if I told him the secret of life is in my left drawer, his features hardened as anger glowed in his dark brown eyes burning a hole straight through me. Of all the editors in the company I was one of the few who could deal with his harsh anger especially when he had that expression, the expression of a man ready to rip someone's head clean off their neck.

"Oh little Ms. Snobby is going to snap her pretty fingers and save the day what a fucking surprise!" he shouted throwing his hands up in the air dramatically "You know I hate people like you."

"People like me?" I repeated raising one brow but keeping my expression neutral

Nodding, the frail man walked up to my desk and placed his knuckles against the smooth, shiny steel desk his eyes narrowing to slits filled with disgust. Keeping my posture straight as a ruler I refused to show any sign of weakness because men like him thrived on those reactions, to see their victim squirm uncomfortably under those beady eyes. Keeping my expression clear of any emotion I waited for him to elaborate his opinion of me, not that he cared if I wanted to listen to him or not.

"You are the worse kind of human Ms. Sparks." he spat my name as if it were poison "The kind that is dead on the inside, you have no emotion which is why you wouldn't understand writing needs passion a feeling you will never feel because you don't feel. You're just another business person looking for a bigger paycheck and squashing the little guy's creativity doesn't mean shit to you. You're a leech, a filthy, dream sucking leech and people like you disgust me!" he spat darkly

Nodding curtly I felt a lump form in my throat at his harsh insult, swallowing the lump that seemed to make breathing difficult. I refuse to show this scum bag a reaction and please his twisted self by bursting into tears. Folding my hands over the desk I kept my gaze locked with the man staring down at me with filth, with a emotionless mask effectively hiding the blow of his insult I spoke.

"Well you can go to a different editor if you like Mr. Sanders otherwise you will have to endure with any unlikable traits about me just as I have to endure your flaws." I replied in a dead tone

The man seemed surprised by my calm reaction and rather rude reply but at this point I could care less if the asshole took offense. Stunned silent the man didn't utter a word as he waited to see a reaction and he would be waiting a long time if he expected me to crack under those beady eyes. Standing up I adjusted ruffled blouse keeping a business like attitude firmly up.

"Now if you would excuse me I have work to get done, please see yourself out Mr. Sanders." I said in a clipped tone

Grunting at my not so friendly tone the old man turned his nose up at me and stomped out of the room slamming the door as he disappeared from view. Walking around the large desk I sat on the edge of the gold painted corner staring aimlessly at the door as I thought over Mr. Sanders's opinion of me.

I've only worked with the man a few times and most times he was screaming at one of my employees for a small mistake than complain about my lack of control over my employees and shortly after he would stomp out of the building threatening to leave the company. This time would be the first time he has directly insulted me and thankfully it was when no one was around.

Dead on the inside.

Over my short twenty six years of life that is the worse insult I have had thrown at me. Worse than when Greg broke up with me when I caught him with Stacy in my family home, tangled together in the closet like sex starved people. People were gathering around the small hall closet following the angry shouting when he had blurted out the truth; that no one could love a cold, hearted bitch who had as much emotion as a block of ice in the arctic. Frozen by his confession I found myself the center of an embarrassing break up as the crowd of so called friends and family burst into whispers. Mortified by his true feelings towards me I fled the house as casually as I could as if not to show the pain I felt knowing my boyfriend despise my very being.

His bitter words and disgusted expression seemed to be burned into my memory, forever reminding me that I would never be enough for anyone to actually love, because love was an emotion something I apparently was incapable of. And now I'm dead on the inside, not a trace of feelings of a normal human being. After years of being teased for being a heartless bitch you would think I would have been use to people spewing words of hate but each time I'm surprised. Surprised and hurt by the harsh claims of me having a block of ice as a heart. Even in middle school I was considered a stuck up bitch at the private school I attended; my pupils openly mocked me when I was near and that was when I first started to grow a hard shell that as I grew older, grew harder. I was able to ignore the whispers and concentrate on my personal goals but that didn't mean it didn't hurt.

Wiping the stray tear that slid down my cheek I couldn't help but hear Wes's laughter from last night, his question had taken me by surprise that was for sure but his laughter, it was a kick to the gut. His opinion hurt more than I would care to admit and that confused me, I don't care what he thinks but still the questions plagued me all night. Did he think I was cold hearted too? Or did he need more time to see what a complete stranger could?

A knock on the door sounded snapping me from my thoughts, wiping my eyes for any more pesky tears I called the person in. The dark polished door opened revealing a vase of differently assorted flowers, behind the bouquet was Amy. Her curvy figure was hidden behind the tall vase.

"This came in for you Ms. Sparks, and your mother is on line one." she said placing the ceramic vase on my desk and as quickly as she entered she exited without another word

Someone sent me flowers? Excitement burst through me at the thought of someone caring enough to send me such a pleasant surprise and at the moment I needed a lift me up. I walked giddily towards the petal pink designed vase with a slight touch of a pale yellow; the two colors swirled in the bottom and rose up to the tip of the vase in a curvy line. The flowers were a different blend of daisies, tulips and thumb sized roses; the assorted colors blended perfectly together all a bright pink and yellow with the occasional white rose. Bending down I sniffed the flowers and sighed as the soft floral scent tickled my nose. They would be the perfect touch to my rather plain office.

Smiling happily I lifted the large vase not realizing how heavy it was until now. Placing it down on the coffee table in front of the love-seat in the corner of the office I stepped back pleased with the place I chose for them. It was than I spotted the small card nestled safely between two roses.

Taking the card out of it's spot I read the note, my brows shot upwards and I reread the note just to be sure.

Thought you could use a bit of color in your office. Sorry for being an ass, forgive me?

-Wes

A small smile touched my lips as I pictured the florist who printed the note, no doubt they laughed at the idiot. Placing the card on my desk I couldn't help but break into a full out grin at the simple yet cute gesture. He seemed confused yesterday when I kicked him out but its safe to say he knows he messed up now. Biting my bottom lip I couldn't help but pick the card up and reread the brief note.

A warmth spread in my chest at the sweet gesture, there was no need for him to send flowers over but he did. Just to apologize for something he to this moment doesn't understand, and that was what had my heart soaring despite the rational voice that said not to get my hopes up.

This relationship isn't real and it's best to keep that in mind. The facts are straight and clear. I need Wes to play this 'moved on' role I've painted and that is it! There can and never will be anything between us and it's better for me to learn that now, that way there is no repeat of last night. Wiping the happy grin from my face I picked up my office phone answering my too enthusiastic mother knowing she has news I won't like.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Stepping out if the elevator I ran my fingers through my hair completely stressed by the news I received this morning. My mother -always the barrier of bad news- was having a family get together tonight at our family estate, a celebration dinner for Stacy and Greg. Both families were invited for the 'wonderful occasion' as my mother put it, which meant facing the same people who two years ago witnessed one of the most humiliating moment of my life. Of course that fact slipped my mother's mind as she so excitedly spoke of the decorations and caters she hired for tonight. But I couldn't blame her for getting caught up in the madness to remember such a small detail, my mother tends to get cared away when it comes to these important events.

Other than having to face a crowd of people I hate, I have to now face Wes and ask if he could accompany me to the dinner tonight. Having to face Wes after my outburst last night was bad enough but now I have to pretend to like the guy after yesterday's devastating hope to 'get lucky'. Did he even notice how much I wanted him to kiss me? And more. If he pulled my towel off I wouldn't have protested, heck I would have helped him discard it!

The thought frightened me, this irresistible man has this bewitching effect on me, one glance and I'm blushing like a schoolgirl. I hate how my body reacts to his presents, how my body heats as I catch a whiff of his cologne, or how I shiver when he is behind me. It all sends my hormones on a frenzy and my hands aching to touch him. Huffing out a breath of frustration I dug my keys out of my bag, glancing over my shoulder at Wes's door I debated whether I should knock.

Shaking my head I shoved the key into the lock and twisted the knob and entered my apartment before he opened his door. Maybe I can tell them he is busy tonight?

"Your home."

Startled by the masculine voice I jumped as a small yelp tore from my lips. Pressing a hand to my rapidly thumping heart I glared at the man sprawled on the floor near the bathroom. Opening my mouth to scold him for scaring me I snapped it shut when I saw what he was doing.

"Your fixing my door." I said rather than asked

Wes gave a nod returning his attain back the his work "I figured that's the least I could do for knocking it down in the first place."

Dropping my bag on the floor I found myself walking towards him, watching intently as he screwed the nails into their holes in the hinges as his large hand held op the top of the door. Stunned by the nice yet unnecessary gesture I noticed the door frame had been replaced as well, although it matched the other doors in the apartment the door frame was damaged after Wes knocked down the door. He must have had someone replace it while I was at work. I was thinking of calling someone to fix it later this week but that meant I would have had to stay home and I didn't expect this.

"How long have you been here?"

Shrugging he squinted as if estimating the time "A few hours but the frame took most of the time."

Wes stood up with his hand still holding the heavy door up with the screw driver in his mouth, frozen I watched as the muscles in his back flexed beneath the fitting T-shirt as he switched to holding the door with one hand while screwing the top hinges on. Unable to tear my gaze from him I thought of offering to help but recalled his 'sensitive' ego and stood in place as he finished screwing the last nail on.

Stepping backwards he nodded pleased with his work "What do you think?" he asked rubbing his shoulder

Guilt plagued me as I watched him rub the injured muscle, it must have been difficult to have held up the door with an injured shoulder.

"It's perfect, thank you." I admitted "But how did you get in here?"

Lowering his hand from his shoulder he met my gaze, a smile lofting at his lips "I promised the landlord free lunch for a week."

I didn't know if I should be frightened or angry that my landlord gave my key out for a free meal, instead I laughed. A genuine laugh that seemed to surprise Wes as well as myself. The sound was foreign in my ears since I didn't do much laughing to began with. He stared at me with a warm smile as if I were a rare species. The laughter died in my throat at the smoldering expression we wore as his eyes took in my appearance not attempting to be discreet about it either.

The room suddenly felt smaller as I stood under his heated gaze "Thank you for the flowers you sent." I said hoping to distract him from analyzing me, I knew I looked a bit of a mess at the moment, my hair had escaped the tight bun I had it in earlier and my once smooth blouse had more creases than it should.

"You liked them?" he asked bring his eyes up to mine, his voice held a hint of uncertainty

For some reason his slight vulnerability and doubt in his choice of flowers had me grinning. It's good to know Wes wasn't cocky and confident in everything he did.

"I loved them but I don't recall telling you where I worked?"

His cheeks took a slight pinkish shade, lifting his hand he rubbed the back of his neck embarrassed for a reason that was still unknown to me. Raising a brow I waited as he cleared his throat suddenly very uncomfortable by the question.

"I looked you up online."

Completely shocked by his confession I nearly burst out into a fit of laughter at the length he had to go to to find where I worked, it was sweet that was for sure but still amusing to know he had searched the Internet for my work place. Rummaging through useless information about me and gossip...oh no! If Wes searched the Internet than there is a very strong possibility that he read the wide variety of gossip about me. Gossip like the one from a few days ago that claimed I was in love with him or worse! He could have read about my relationship with Greg and the my other relationship that first hit the press and humiliated me worse than Greg ever could have.

A wave of nausea hit me as I recalled that disastrous relationship and the bitter breakup that led to my ex spilling my secrets to the press. Some were exaggerated lies he stretched to get back at me but at the time everyone believed them, even my own mother. Wes could know all of it and for a reason still unclear to me that had me feeling unease. On shaky legs I walked to the kitchen hoping Wes doesn't sense anything a mist.

"Would you like a drink?" I asked already opening the fridge and pulling out a bottle of wine my mother and Stacy brought when they came over.

Retrieving a couple of wide rimmed wine glasses I noticed Wes staring at the bottle of wine as if it were threatening him.

"Do you have beer?" he asked still staring at

"No." I replied, it was my turn to stare confusingly at him

With a shrug he strode lazily towards the island in the middle of the spacious kitchen and took a seat on one of the stools.

"Cheers." he grinned clanking his glass to mine

Lifting my glass to my mouth I stole a quick at Wes, he took a gulp of the red wine and swallowed the mouthful with the expression of a person who ate a cup of sugar. Lowering my glass I watched as he swallowed another mouthful, sticking his tongue out he had his nose scrunched in disgusted. A small giggle bubbled from my lips at the childish expression he wore, you would think I gave him paint rather than a six-hundred dollar bottle of wine.

"What's so funny?" he asked his brows pulling together

Composing myself I managed to show him how to drink wine; to swirl it around his glass before lifting it to his mouth.

"Now smell it."

"What?" he exclaimed lowering the glass

Rolling my eyes I returned the glass to his mouth when he did as I instructed "Good, now take a small sip and savor the fruity taste."

To my surprise he followed my instructions and gave a small sigh. Nodding I took a sip of my own enjoying the fruity liquid as it hit my taste buds, I must admit my mother new how to pick an amazing wine.

"Isn't that better?" I asked

"Yea." he responded and lowered the glass "But a cold beer is so much more refreshing." he added with a devilish grin

"I bet it is." I mumbled under my breath

"What?" he asked

Shaking my head I muttered nothing as a swarm of butterflies flooded my stomach and the nervousness I felt earlier returned. Twisting my index finger I noticed my hands trembling on top of the counter as I purposely ignored Wes's gaze. I could feel his gaze burning into the top of my head as the silence grew to an unbearably awkward degree.

"How's your shoulder?" I asked lifting my gaze to his clothed chest, the image of the foreign tattoo appearing in my mind

"A bit sore but nothing I can't handle."

Nodding I felt the silence return, the awkwardness on full blast. Drumming my fingers against the counter I kept my gaze on his chest knowing if I spared a glance up into those soft gray eyes I would be lost in their depths just like yesterday. A soft blush touched my cheeks as I recalled my body's wonton reaction to his defined and very toned body firmly against mine. The feel of his warm breath tickling my neck and those large hands resting on my waist, clutching the fabric separating his hands from my eager body.

The said large hand waved in my face, blinking confusingly I glanced up at Wes "Hello sweetcheeks?"

"What?"

"I said do you want to order some food, you know to make it up to me." he coaxed flashing me an angelic smile

Glaring at him I fought the grin tugging at the corners of my mouth at his teasing comment "As much as I would love to endure another evening with you my mother invited me for dinner."

The smile slipped off as a small frown took it's place, a brief flash of disappointment shadowed his features, it came so quick I think I might have imagined it. Why would he be upset if I did deny his offer? I'm sure he can pull out his little black book and have another woman at his place within the next twenty minutes.

'Ask him!' A voice growled as the thought of another woman spending the night with Wes crossed my mind.

Sucking my bottom lip between my teeth I racked my brain for a proper way to approach the subject without coming off as desperate. I asked him to be my fake boyfriend I think I've crossed that line a while back, when I begged him in this very spot a few days ago. What if he says no? There is no guarantee he will cooperate with this insanity and he doesn't have anything to lose if he should decide to walk away, while I have everything on the line.

I haven't thought about it much till this moment but it is very true. Wes could walk away from this mess whenever he wanted and leave me stranded to deal with the chaotic mess I've placed myself in. The thought unnerved me to know I could be thrown to the wolves, literally.

"That's good, your mom seemed nice." he spoke breaking me from my dizzying thoughts

"Far from it." I snorted before I could register what I said

Lifting my wide eyes up to Wes I nearly groaned at the brow he raised at my comment. "You seemed close the other night."

Tracing the rim of my glass I couldn't help the bitter laugh that pasted my lips at the common misassumption most people made when spotting my mother and I out together. It was an act people fell for far too often and although it is infuriating when they compliment our 'relationship' it is much better than the ugly feelings beneath the surface. Our true relationship.

"It's an illusion I've had drilled into my head since I learned to speak. Smile to strangers and mask any dark feelings." I repeated the words my mother had spoken over a hundred times since the first event I attended when I was six.

"Wow it seemed...."

"Real." I finished glancing up at Wes who nodded in agreement "That's the Sparks family for you." I added bitterly

My family was notorious for the dark secrets they kept hidden snuggly under the rug, no one has ever suspected our family to be anything but perfect which was the exact opposite. We were beyond perfect and so far off of loving we don't even know the meaning of the word. The bitter feelings that came with thinking of the lies in my family had me staring beyond Wes's head, too caught up in the dark life I had to endure because of the secrets and lies that were too easily swiped under the rug.

"Still a family dinner is good for families."

Shaking my head I blinked down at Wes confused by what he said when it came back to me.

"It's for Stacy and Greg." I said in a dry tone, thinking of my sister had me rethinking my earlier idea to attend without Wes. No way am I giving her the pleasure of teasing me all evening and with the same people I was humiliated in front of.

"I was hoping you would accompany me tonight." I said in a detached tone no longer fearful of a rejection as the bitter hate I felt towards my family out shadowed any other emotion.

The corners of his mouth curved upwards revealing a row of pearly straight teeth "Are you asking me on a date, kitty?" he asked with a wag of his eyebrows

Folding my hands over my chest I narrowed my eyes at him, in no mood for any teasing banter at the moment.

"Are you coming or not?" I snapped

Standing up he gave a small nod "Yes, when do we have to be there?"

Glancing down at my silver wrist watch I grimaced at the already late hour, my mother is definitely going to scold me for being late.

"In an hour." I replied

"You took a while to ask don't you think?" he said sarcasm dripping from his tone

Not willing to admit that I put it off due to the fact that I was nervous he would say no I opted for the next best thing "Shut up and go get dressed!" I shot back frustrated with the childish comeback

Lifting his hand he flicked my nose with his index finger a teasing smile etched on his lips and a glint of amusement sparkling in his eyes.

"I'll be back in fifteen minutes." he said as he walked backwards "Hopefully I'll come back while your still in the shower." he winked

Heat flushed my face at his secret indication to last night, before I could reply to the embarrassing comment he left with the sound of his deep chuckle ringing in the air.

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this is unedited since I'm tired and want to fall into a pile of pillows, I am exhausted after work and in a few hours I have school. My mind is a melted mush in my skull so if you spot any mistakes do tell me and I'll fix it tomorrow after school.

So what do you think of Wes's 'apology' to Khloe? Do you guys like him again or is he still a @$$?!

Well I'm off to bed-yawns-

Vote:)