Chapter 12: Feelings

"What condition?" I asked curiously. "You'll also be my plus one for my business dinner coming up." She blurted.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her request. "Are you being serious?" I questioned.

"It's a win-win for both of us, don't you think?" she asked 

I hesitated for a moment, but I really needed her help with the business event. "Fine," I agreed.

Arielle's smile widened, and she said, "Good.

Get ready this evening; it's a two-day event, and we'll be staying at a hotel."

I added.

Her face squeezed. "And you failed to mention that it's a two-day program earlier?

Is that going to be an issue now? Do you want to go back on your words?" I asked.

"No, it's just that... "

"It's the weekend, Arielle. Nothing will kill you," I said with a smirk.

With that, I left.

**********

"Arielle, hurry up!" I shouted as she was taking forever to come downstairs. She descended hurriedly with a small luggage.

"I'm sorry. I had to take care of something," she said, out of breath.

My brow furrowed, but I didn't say anything else. We entered my car, and the driver started the engine.

"We're going in my private jet," I said.

So we got to the hanger. After about an hour, we arrived at our destination. My assistant had already booked the hotel we were going to lodge, so it was just a matter of checking in.

We got to the five-star hotel. I laughed internally at how Arielle was disguised herself 

She wore a dark sunshade and tied her hair in a weird manner, slightly covering her face. She really didn't want to be seen publicly with me.

"Hi, Mr. Tristian," the secretary said with a wide smile.

"Good evening," I replied.

Seems I'm becoming too popular. That even in this small town people still reognise me.

She typed a few things and handed me one key card. Arielle stood at the corner, watching.

"Two suites were booked under my name, right?" I questioned.

"No, sir. Just one," she replied.

"Can I pay for another room?" I asked.

"Sorry, sir, but the hotel is already fully booked, and there's nothing i can do." she said sadly.

What has my incompetent assistant done again? How am I supposed to share a room with Arielle? I brought out my phone to call my assistant to look for an available hotel where Arielle could stay.

"Good evening, sir. Why did you book just one suite?" I roared.

But this was not the time and place for this conversation with her. I breathed out. "Just find another hotel as soon as possible."

"Okay, sir," she stammered.

I scoffed.

This was the reason I didn't have her in mind when looking for a plus one.

"What's the problem?" Arielle asked as she walked to me.

"Nothing I can't handle. Something got mixed up, and you won't be staying here," I said.

"Why?" she asked, surprised.

"Don't bother about it," I replied.

Arielle's phone rang, and she answered it. "Excuse me for a moment," she said, stepping away from me. 

Her voice was low and urgent as she spoke on the phone.

Just then, a man walked in. I was surprised to see that it was my dad, and he was with a woman. She was advanced in age too, and I wondered what they were doing in this town. But I tried to play it cool.

My dad had never gone out with any woman after my mom died or maybe I just didn't know.

His gaze fell on me.

"Son?" he asked, like it was a question.

"Good evening, Dad," even though I was pissed at him, I still needed to respect him in front of the lady.

I didn't know you were going to be here either," I said.

"I should say the same," he replied.

"There's a business event taking place here," I said.

"Oh, yeah, the one I heard of. Good to know that you're representing the company well," he said.

I shrugged. "Well, this is Evelyn," he said, introducing us.

We shook hands. "Nice to finally meet you," she said, smiling.

I nodded.

"But why are you standing here, and who are you here with?" he asked.

My glance fell on Arielle, and she was at a corner, talking to someone on the phone. I had never seen her smile so brightly; her smile was beautiful. I wondered who she was talking to and what was going on.

"Is that Arielle?" my dad asked.

"Yes, Dad," I replied.

Arielle was oblivious that my dad was here, and when she looked to my direction, she seemed surprised. She pulled off her sunglasses and walked to us.

"Good evening, sir," she greeted.

"How are you doing dear"

I'm fine sir."

"Good to see you both together," my dad said, winking.

This is Raymond's wife. He told the lady .

Wow nice to meet you dear. And i must confess youre so beautiful.

Arielle blushed

"Nice to meet you too ma." She replied.

"But why are you both outside, Haven't you checked in.?" My dad asked.

"We have, Good bye dad".

I took Arielle's hands and led her to the suite. I didn't want the conversation with my dad to deepen.

She followed me obediently. Probably because my dad was there. the scent of her perfume filled my nostrils as we walked away.

When we reached the elevator she removed my hands from hers forcefully. "What do you think you're doing?" She asked.

"I'm going to my suite. "

"You said I won't be staying here earlier."

"Change of plan. I replied"

"Okay then, hand me my room keys, " she added.

"We're staying together"

Her face paled. "What? "

"You think I want this too." I retorted.

"Don't yell at me." She said with her voice raised

"Then why did you bring me here? You should have told me to make arrangements for myself."

I decided to remain calm before I do something I'll regret.

“Tell me why you're doing this or is this on purpose?” she said, pulling my arms.

I reached to her and grabbed her arms pushing her to the wall of the elevator.

Shock was written all over her face

My eyes met hers, and for a moment, we just stared at each other.

My heart raced as I stared at her, my eyes drawn to the curve of her lips,

I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to kiss her, to feel her body pressed against mine.

Maybe it's the way I love how her lips curl when she's angry.

What's wrong with me?

I quickly regained my senses.

"Let go of me. " She shouted

I didn't realize that I was still holding onto her.

The elevator stopped at our floor.

As the doors opened, Arielle dashed into the hallway, my eyes fixed on her retreating back.

I quickened my pace to catch up on her.

I opened the door and went in.

Arielle stopped by the suite door without saying a word.

“Come inside before someone pass by and sees us.” I said gesturing before She walked in, looking around the room.

The suite was smaller than I had expected, with a living area and bedroom connected by a small hallway.

Arielle seemed to notice it too, and her expression changed from unease to alarm.

"This is the suite" she asked, her voice laced with disappointment, and her eyes widened in surprise.

I nodded, "I'm afraid so."

"Just so you know, it's either we share the bed or you sleep on the couch. " she muttered.

I looked at her, my eyes narrowing slightly.

"Did you really have the thought of us sharing a bed?" I asked suprised.

“And do you think anything would happen if we slept on the same bed?” Her brows furrowed

“It would be as though I was sleeping on the same bed with my brother if I had one.” She added

Ouch. I really had no effect on her. I had a lot of ladies who crush on me and wants to be with me, but not her.

I felt relief and at the same time hurt.

I shrugged, trying to play it cool.

"I'll sleep on the couch," I said sarcastically.

But how am I going to keep up with her in this close space for two days?