“Caitlin I’m off to work now” my roommate Vince yelled.

“Yep ok see you later, remember I have a job interview today so wish me luck” I called back.

“Ok good luck though you won’t need it, when I get off we can go celebrate” I knew that was coming, Vince was the big partier and always something to celebrate, Vince has been my best friend now for six years, we met in group therapy, we are so close that a lot of people including our parent thought we were an item but no, no way no how, not ever.

I jumped in the shower and got ready for my interview, pulling things out of my closet I decided on a grey pencil skirt, grey blazer and white blouse, ok so too many dull colours going on here so I matched the outfit with my red five inch pumps, put my waist length, blonde hair in a high pony tail and applied light make-up with red lipstick to top it off. I’m nervous as hell.

Looking at the clock in my room I realised I only had 30 minutes to get to my interview, I glanced in the mirror, grabbed my handbag and I was off. I hopped into my red fiat punto and made my way to the office building I hope I will be working in.

Pulling up to the huge building twenty five minutes later I got out of my car and walked into the lobby and to the front desk to find an attractive brunette talking on the phone, caked in make-up with breasts popping out the top of her blouse, yep that looks so professional.

“Excuse me, I am here for the interview for the new secretary”

Holding up one manicured finger she told me to wait a moment and carried on conversation to whomever was on the other line, after waiting five minutes and listening to her talk about her weekend I had had enough, I took the phone out of her hand slamming it down on the receiver.

“You can’t do that, how dare you?” she shouted at me red faced.

“I have been listening to you talk on the phone about your weekend for the past five minutes, I have an interview to get to which I am now late for thanks to you and your unprofessionalism, now do your job and  tell me where to go”

“Name?” she asked clearly irritated.

“Caitlin Moore”

“Ok miss Moore, take the elevator over there to the sixty fifth floor and the receptionist there will meet you”

Without replying I make my way to the bank of elevators pushing the up button and waiting impatiently. Finally the ding was heard and the door opened, the were empty and I hoped no-one would get on so I could go straight up, pushing the button to the top floor the doors closed and to my luck it stopped at almost every floor, this is just great my day can’t get any worse.

Arriving on the top floor a whole fifteen minutes late I made my way to the reception to find another fake Barbie wannabe, is this place full of them?

“Excuse me I’m here for the interview for the new secretary”

“oh yes, you must be miss Moore , if you would take a seat Mr Callahan will be right with you”.

Ok well at least she seems friendlier than the last. With a quick thank you I made my way to the waiting area, I just lowered myself onto the seat when the secretary came to me,

“Miss Moore, Mr Callahan will see you know”.

“Thank you …….”

“Just call me Suzy” she smiled.

“Thank you Suzy”

Walking towards the office all my nervousness from this morning washed away. I pushed the door open at the same time some-one pulled from inside, I stumbled a bit but managed to pull myself together before falling on my butt, straightening my skirt I looked up to be met with the most captivating blue eyes I had ever seen, I scanned the man’s face, chiselled cheek bones, straight nose, clean shaven, he had light brown hair with that messy bedhead look going on and it suited him so well, he was amazingly gorgeous, I looked over his attire and he was wearing what looked like a black Armani 3 piece suit, wow is all that went through my mind.

I was interrupted from the daze I was in by some-one clearing their throat.

“You must be Miss Moore, I am Mr Callahan, when you have finished gaping at me maybe you would like to get the interview started” I heard a deep voice say.

Looking up I realised that voice came from the man standing in front of me. I could feel my face heating up, oh great just great now I make a fool out of myself in front of my potential new boss.

“Yes sir sorry, let’s get on with the interview, I am Miss Moore it’s a pleasure to meet you” I say holding my hand out for him to shake.

He takes my hand and replies “pleasures all mine Miss Moore, please enter and take a seat”.

As I enter his office I am in awe, it’s amazing, it’s massive, one wall made entirely of glass, a large oak desk in front of it with a black leather chair, there are another two chairs on the opposite side of the desk facing the glass wall, a large book shelf takes up another wall, and another is filled with filling cabinets, as I look around I notice another room with appears to be a bathroom and another door that looks like another much smaller office.

“Please take a seat Miss Moore” Mr Callahan states as he sits in his office chair with his back to the glass wall.

“Thank you sir, and please call me Caitlin or Cait”

“Ok Cait, let’s start, how old are you?”

“I am 21 sir”

“Please Cait call me Xavier, sir or Mr Callahan makes me feel old and im only 26” he tells me with a bright smile.

I smile back at him and reply, “Yes Xavier”.

“So Cait I understand you are fresh out of university with a business degree am I correct? If so what made you want to get into the business field?”

“That’s correct, I wanted to study business because of my father, he owns his own company and is a very successful man”.

“If your father is such a big business man then why have you applied to become my personal secretary?” he asked me with a confused look on his face.

“I want to be my own person, I don’t want hand outs, I want to start in the same position as any normal person would, I believe in making my own career and not relying on others to achieve my goals”.

“Good answer Cait, I respect that you don’t want life handed to you on a silver platter”.

“Thank you, it would be an honour to work for and beside you, I am hard working and do my best to meet deadlines on time, I will be there for your every beg and call”. I really hope I’m making a good impression, it’s an amazing opportunity to work with the great Mr Callahan.

“Well Miss Moore, I’m impressed” he looks at his watch then back at me, “How about we finish this meeting over lunch?”

Looking up at the clock on the wall I notice I have been talking to Xavier for a little over an hour and lunch time is approaching.

“Oh no sir I couldn’t do that”

“Sure you can it’s still part of your interview and I’m hungry, you do want this position do you not Cait? And I have told you, please call me Xavier”.

“Ok Xavier, sure as I’m still taking part in my interview, and of course I want this position it’s an amazing opportunity” I reply smiling widely.

“Ok then let’s go” Xavier says standing up from his chair and making his way to the door, I follow his lead standing up smoothing my skirt.

As I make my way to the door I can’t help but look at the back of the man walking in front of me, watching the way his muscles move under his suit jacket, he moves with such elegance and grace, he’s a beautiful specimen of a man. I shouldn’t be thinking about my potential boss this way, I need to get his beauty out of head and be professional, I’m snapped out of my thoughts when I notice Xavier holding the door open for me to exit his office, I walk out with him close behind and make my way to the bank of elevators.

Pressing the down button we wait for the car in silence, I wonder where he is taking me. Surely it’s strange to take the person you are currently interviewing out to lunch to continue the interview? Maybe he just does things differently.

We hear the ping indicating that the car has arrived, the doors open and we step inside, again standing in silence as the car descended down to the lobby. Within five minutes we had reached the main lobby, the doors open and Xavier gestures with a wave of his hand for me to exit first, I make my way past him then feel a hand on the small of my back which makes me jump slightly, I turn to my left a look up  to see a smirking Xavier, he guides me to the front of the building and opens the main door for me, again gesturing for me to exit first, the first thing I see is a black limo parked on the side of the road.

“Are we taking your car to wherever we are going?” I question.

“This here is my limo Cait, it will taking us to lunch” he smiles down at me, I’m just realising how tall he is compared to my five foot three inch frame.

“So may I ask where we are going?” I ask making my way to the sleek looking limo, the driver holding the door open waiting patiently.

“We are just going to a small downtown restaurant, it won’t take us long to get there, maybe ten minutes”.

I slide across the back seat while Xavier slips in next to me sitting so close our knees are almost touching, I can feel the heat radiating off of him, how am I going to work so close to a man like him and nothing happen? I’m going to be professional that’s what, I can’t turn away this opportunity because I find my potential boss attractive, well he’s the most gorgeous man I have ever laid eyes on, I’m sure this little crush will fade away soon.

Ten minutes later I feel the car come to a stop, looking out the window I notice we are at Le Gavroche, one of the most expensive restaurants in London. I turn and gape at Xavier.

“I thought you said a small place downtown?”

“Well it’s not huge is it? And plus I own this place, so come on let’s go I’m starving”  with that he exits the car with me following close behind, I still can’t believe he bought me here and that he owns this place, I’ve dreamt of coming here but I couldn’t possibly afford it.

Again I feel a hand on the small of my back but this time I know who it is so I don’t bother looking, Xavier guides me into the building where we are greeted by very attractive waiter, not as good looking as Xavier but not bad, why am I comparing Xavier to other men?.

“Mr Callahan sir my pleasure, a table for two is it?” he politely asks.

“Yes table for two, try and make it relatively private”.

 “Yes sir follow me”.

He leads us to the back of the restaurant past many lunch time diners, we reach our table in a secluded corner and Xavier pulls my seat put for me to sit before taking the seat opposite me.

“Here are you menus, can I take you drinks order?”

“Yes we will have a bottle of Cheval Blanc please”

“Certainly sir”

With that the waiter walks away and Xavier opens the menu, I do the same scanning over the expensive price list.

“Don’t worry about the price pick anything you want to eat”.

“it’s so expensive, I’m only on an interview I can’t expect all of this, I’m still in shock that you bought me here, I’ve been wanting to come here for so long, it has fantastic reviews”.

“Really order anything, I own this place remember and if you want the job it’s yours, I bought you here to get to know you on a more personal level seen as we will be working closely together”.

“Oh wow yes thank you so much it will be a pleasure working with you, but is knowing me on a personal level really necessary?”

Our waiter then returned with our drinks, I noticed it was a different waiter or should I say waitress, she was a tall slim red head, placing some wine in Xavier’s glass for him to taste she brushed her body slightly against his, I don’t know why but this made me slightly jealous.

“That’s fine please fill the glasses and leave the bottle, thank you”.

“No problem sir, are you ready to order?” she asked not even taking any notice of his company as she shamelessly flirted with him.

“Yes I will have a cheese burger and fries please with salad and mayo, thanks” he hands his menu back to the waitress.

“Cait what would you like?”

The waitress turns to me noticing me at last and scowls at me.

“Err I will have the same thank you”. I reply and hand my menu back to the waitress as she walks away without another word.

“Really a cheese burger in a place like this? We could of just gone to Mc Donald’s or something” I whisper.

Xavier chuckles at my reaction and replies “I own this place we can anything we want, at least here we won’t have to endure the screaming kids that we would at Mc Donald’s”.

“Ok I have to agree with you there, screaming children are the worst, seriously can people not control their children in public?”

“Exactly now while we wait for our meal let’s get to know each other, how about we start with your full name?” he asks me.

“Ok my name is Caitlin Rosemary Moore, and yours?”

“Xavier Marcus Callahan, so what do you do in your spare time?”

“I like reading and writing, and I get dragged out by my best friend a lot, he’s a massive party animal, I don’t like going out and getting drunk all that much to be honest, I would rather sit in curled up on the sofa with a good book, how about you?”

“I get it I’m just going to have to answer the same questions I ask you aren’t I? Ok well I like to read, go rock climbing, spend time with my family, like you I have a party animal best friend that drags me out whenever she can much to my dismay, I also like to get out of country whenever I can”.

Our food arrives just he finishes telling me what he likes to do and it’s the biggest cheese burger I have ever seen, there is no way I’m finishing it all.

“Big cheese burger right? Taste it, it’s the best burger in town I promise”.

“No way you can’t beat Mc Donald’s, but whatever you say” I take a very un-ladylike bite of the burger and I’m ashamed to admit he is right it’s the best burger I have ever tasted, I even let out a small moan.

I hear Xavier chuckle and I look down, my face heating in embarrassment, I can’t believe I just moaned like that over food, in front of my new boss.

“Hey don’t be embarrassed, I know how good it is, anyway that was kind of cute”.

Oh hell that just made me more embarrassed and now I feel awkward as well, great, just great, I get the job then make a fool of myself.

I decide to ignore the comment and carry on eating, this burger is huge but so good I’m not leaving a bite. We sit in silence as we continue our meal, approximately twenty minutes later we are both finished.

Xavier looks at me and chuckles, “you have a little something here” he says whilst wiping the corner of my mouth with a napkin.

“Thank you Xavier but you know I could have got that myself I am capable”

“Come I need to get back to work and you need to get you schedule from my office” he stands buttoning up his suit jacket, he makes his way over to me and pulls out my chair, I stand up and straighten out my blazer and smooth my skirt, as I stand up straight again I feel Xavier’s hand rest on the small of my back again, his hand feels so good resting there, I wonder what it would feel like skin to skin, I wonder what he looks like naked or fresh from the shower, I’m so distracted by my own thoughts I ,don’t notice when we arrive at the limo, until Xavier clears his throat.

“Come on slide in, what’s got you so distracted?”

It’s not like I can tell him I’m thinking about him naked with his skin touching mine is it, so I need to make something up and fast.

“I’m just thinking about what this job is going to be like and what it will entail”

“I have a schedule for you in the office, I also have a list of things that will be required of you, I’m sure we will both take great pleasure in working together” He turns to look at me with a smile whilst saying the last sentence.

If only that were right, I’m going to be spending most of time trying to calm my hormones around him, and I cannot under any circumstances have any relations with my boss.

The ride  back to the office was short and again silent, we were now in the elevator car making our way back up to the sixty fifth floor and to mine and Xavier’s office’s, though I’m still to be shown my office. Exiting the car Xavier guided me along to his office, holding the door open for me to enter first, once inside he made his way towards his desk searching through mountains of papers whilst I stood awkwardly by the door.

“Cait come, I have your schedule here and I would like to show you to your office”.

I made my way over to him and took the papers out of his hand and followed as he lead me to the smaller office connected to his large one.

“Cait this will be your office for the time you will be working with me, as you are my personal secretary you need to be close by hence the reason your office is in mine, a computer and telephone are provided and will be installed by the time you start working here, I hope it is to your liking, you can add whatever you want to make it feel more comfortable”.

“Thank you Xavier, this will do nicely, it’s going to be such a pleasure working with you” I told him with a bright smile, I’m so happy to be given this opportunity.

“I have a meeting to attend in ten minutes so you may leave when you are ready, spend the weekend going over the papers I have given you and I will see you at eight o’clock Monday morning”. With that said Xavier exits my new office and into his own, I take the time to look around the empty space, all that is in the room is a desk and a comfy looking black leather office chair, the walls are all white and honestly it looks so cold and plain, I make a mental note to bring in some personal items to decorate my office on Monday.

I make my way out of my office and into Xavier’s, I hadn’t notices before how scarce his office looks, there are no pictures on the walls or on the desk, the only things I notice are papers, papers everywhere. I leave both offices and make my way to the bank of elevators saying a quick goodbye to the receptionist on the way, as I stand waiting for the car I start thinking about my new job and how I can’t wait to start on Monday, Vince was right this morning today is a day to celebrate, not only did I land the job I wanted but I also had lunch with my extremely attractive boss at an amazing restaurant that he so happens to own, the way today started was horrible but it just keeps getting better and better.

I exit the car and walk into the main lobby on cloud nine, not even Barbie wannabe can ruin my mood right now with her death glares, I walk past smile and give her a small wave seeing her pissed off face, that just makes my day better, I’m glad the feelings mutual between us.

I climb into my car and start the engine beginning my twenty minute journey home, I can’t wait to tell Vince how today went, he will drag me out to a club to celebrate I know it and for the first time I will go without any arguments and actually look forward to it, today is a day to celebrate.

It is now five in the evening and I’m waiting for Vince to come home so I can tell him about my amazing day, he should be home any minute and I’m so excited.

Ten minutes later Vince walks through the door putting his bag down and taking off his shoes at the door, he walks over to the sofa where I am currently sitting and gives me a kiss on the cheek.

“So tell me, how did the interview go?”

“Ok so I had a really bad morning, I got there just in time but had to wait for the snotty receptionist to stop talking on the phone, in the end I got fed up, took the phone out of her hand and slammed it down, by this time I am already running late, she tells me where I need to go, I get in the elevator up to the sixty fifth floor and the poxy thing stops at every bloody floor, not impressed, anyway I make it to the top  and proceed to my interview, I almost make a fool of myself by falling through the door but catch myself, the man standing in front of me is the most amazingly gorgeous man I have ever seen turns out he is my new boss, we have part of the interview and he takes me lunch to continue the interview and he only took me to Le Gavroche,”. Vince’s eyes widen with the mention of the restaurant.

“You’re serious? He took you there, just to continue an interview?”

“Yep but he told me he owns the place, I mean how great is that, so we eat and can you believe we had cheese burger and fries in a posh top notch restaurant, the burger was the best I’ve ever had though, we talk about ourselves a little because he says we need to know each other on a more ‘personal level’ because we will be working closely together”. Vince looks at me questionably, eyebrows furrowed together.

“I don’t understand why he needs to know you personally, he is your boss, I’d say he fancies you Cait”.

“No way, he is my boss, he is incredibly handsome and I’m just well, me, nothing special, and plus when I got home I looked him up, he’s a billionaire playboy, every picture he is will different stunning brunette”.

“Don’t put yourself down Cait you are gorgeous, you could get and man you want, shit even I get hard when you walk around in skimpy clothes”.

I playfully smack his arm as he’s sitting there laughing.

“Shut up Vince you’re nasty”.

“Oh you know I’m joking baby girl, you’re like my baby sister”.

“I know, let me continue with my story, so we have lunch which during he calls me cute, then make our way back to the office, he gives me my schedule and tells me I start Monday at eight am, shows me my office which is connected to his and tells me to read over my requirements in the papers he gave me then leaves me in there so he can attend a meeting” I finish smiling so big I feel like my face is going to split.

“So you got the job you wanted baby girl, I think we need to celebrate tonight, go to a club and get our drinking on”. I knew this was coming, any excuse to party but this time I actually want to.

“Well go get ready then, I’m going to jump in shower” I tell Vince getting up off the sofa.

“Are you serious? You’re not even going to protest, you’re just going to agree?”

“Yep, now I suggest you get your arse in gear before I change my mind” with that he jumps off the sofa running towards his room, I let out a small laugh making my way to my own room to shower.

I walk into my en-suite and turn the shower on, I walk back into my room and into my walk-in wardrobe to find an outfit while waiting for the water to heat up, I pick out a black and silver strapless mini dress and my silver seven inch heels, next going to my underwear draw I take out my black lace strapless bra and matching thong, need good underwear you never know who might see it. I lay the clothes on my bed and grab a towel making my way back to the bathroom, I step into the shower relishing the feel of the hot water running over my body, standing under the water I start thinking about Xavier, I can’t seem to get him out of my head, stupid little crush, I’m a grown women I shouldn’t be having crushes at my age, I shake my head to clear my thoughts and start to wash my hair and body.

Ten minutes later I’m finished in the shower and am now in my room plugging in my hair dryer and curling tongs deciding I’m curling my hair tonight, once finished I apply heavy eye make-up and little foundation, pleased with my hair and make-up I get dressed, the dress reaches just under my bum, I look in my full length mirror smiling to myself, I actually look decent.

I walk out of my room and bump into Vince in the hallway.

“Damn Cait you look hot tonight, I’m going to have to keep a close eye on all the man around you”.

“Oh come on Vince don’t exaggerate”.

I walk into the living room and wait for Vince.

“Ready?” He asks.

“Sure am, let’s go”

We head out the door to a waiting taxi that Vince must have ordered, I have no clue where we are going, I always leave that up to Vince, he knows the clubs unlike me.

Within ten minutes the cab stops outside a place called Café De Paris, I’ve personally never heard of it let alone been there before, we walk straight in Vince saying hello to the two security at the door, the music is blaring and the place is packed, pink and blue lights shining, a huge chandelier above the dance floor and bars on each side, this place is nice.

“Hey how’d you know them bouncers at the door?” I shout at Vince over the loud music.

“I’m sort of a regular, I came here most weekend when you bail on me” he replies smiling at me.

I nod and we make our way to the bar Vince orders us both two black Sambuca shots each, a vodka and lemonade for me and a Jack Daniels and coke for him, we quickly throw the shots back putting the glasses back on the bar I grab my drink and we walk onto the dance floor together, we start dancing up close to each other, nothing unusual, this is why people think we are an item but in reality were just comfortable with one another, I turn around grinding on him, it means nothing and we both know it, we continue dancing and drinking for three hours when my feet start really hurting and I’m now drunk.

“I think we should head home Cait, you can barely stand” Vince laughs.

“Ok let’s go, but can you carry me please, my feet hurt” He smiles down and me and scoops me up carrying me outside to the taxi rank where lucky enough there are taxi’s waiting. He puts me in and slides in next to me, tells the taxi driver where to go and were off. I must of drifted to sleep because next thing I know I’m waking up in Vince’s arms as he walks into my bedroom, he lays me on the bed, takes off my shoes and pulls my covers over me, this is why he is my best friend, he always looks after me.

“Sleep now baby girl I’ll, see you in the morning” he says and kisses my forehead.

“Night Vince, thank you, love you”.

“Love you too, now sleep”, he walks out of bedroom closing the door on the way and I close my eyes darkness taking over.

I woke up with light streaming in through my window, I groaned and pulled the covers over my head, seconds later I heard my bedroom door open and the covers ripped off my body, I look up to see Vince smiling down at me with a glass of water in his hand and a small bottle.

“How’s your head sugar? I bought you some pain killers, I thought you might need them after the state you was in last night”

I take the glass and pills out of his hand swallowing two with the water,

“Thanks, I needed that, my head is killing, how much did I drink last night?”

“Let’s see, every time you had a glass you had two shots as well, you had six glasses so that makes twelve shot, so a lot”

“Great, I never drink that much, why did you let me get so drunk?”

“We was celebrating so why not, now get out of bed get showered and come eat, I’m cooking”

“What time is it?” I ask, my head still pounding, I can’t wait for these pain killers to kick in.

“It’s one in the afternoon”.

“Why’d you let me sleep so late, I’ve got to prepare for work on Monday” I groan.

“You looked like you needed it and it’s only Saturday so just use today to recover from last night and prepare tomorrow, come on we can eat then watch a couple of films together”.

I nod my head and stand up off the bed, Vince leaves and I walk into the bathroom to take a quick shower. Five minutes later I’m out and putting on clean pyjamas, might as well wear them as I’m just staying in today.

I walk out of my room and smell bacon and eggs, entering the kitchen I see Vince loading bacon and fried egg into a fresh French stick. He knows I love that with loads of tomato ketchup.

He puts them on a plate, hands me one with a steaming mug of coffee and walks into the living room, I follow and sit beside him on the couch, I notice a film already in the DVD player waiting to start.

“So what we watching” I as taking a bite of my sandwich.

“World war z”.

“I like this film, come on press play”.

He presses play and the film starts, I honestly really like this film, I’m not really one of those girls that just watch soppy chick flicks, not denying I do like some of them but not all the time, I’m more of a horror or action kind of girl, that’s what living with four men will do to you, I use to live with my mum Cathy, step-father Bruce and three step brothers Liam, Jason and Kevin then I moved out and lived with my dad Martin and my half-brother Cameron then Vince so I have always been around men more than women, my mother was always working and my step-mother Celia died of breast cancer when I was young, she was a lovely lady and we got on so well, when my Cameron was only a year old.

Half way through the film the house phone started ringing, I got up and answered.

“Hello”.

“Hello Cait, its Xavier, I need a massive favour from you”.

“Hi Xavier, how did you get my home number, never mind not important, so what can I do for you?”

“I have a charity event to attend to tonight at seven, please can you attend with me?”

“I don’t know Xavier, you’re my boss, is that appropriate?” I question biting my bottom lip. Vince looks over at me questionably raising one eyebrow.

“Please Cait, I need you to come I’ll send a dress and shoes over to your apartment, I’ll pick you up at six thirty and we don’t have to stay long, please” He’s almost begging now and I feel guilty.

“Ok fine I’ll come, but I am not staying long and I will leave with or without you when I am ready”.

“Cait you are a life saver, thank you so much, see you at six thirty, I’ll have your dress sent within the next hour”.

“Bye Xavier” I say hanging up.

I turn to look at Vince and sigh.

“So what was that about?” Vince asked eyebrows still raised.

“That was my boss, he asked me to attend a charity event with him this evening”.

“Is that appropriate, you now being your boss and all?”

“That’s what I said but he practically begged, how could I say no?”

“Err just say it? Or is it the fact that you do really want to go?” he smirked.

Ignoring the comment Vince made I say “He is picking me up at six thirty and having a dress sent over within the next hour”.

“Right, it’s now two thirty so you have four hours till he arrives, what do you want to do?”

“Let’s watch the rest of the film then I will start getting ready”.

I sit back down on the sofa, press play and return my attention back to the television, forty five minutes later the buzzer goes off and I get up to answer it.

“Hello”.

“Delivery for Miss Moore”.

“Come up”.

I press the entry buzzer and go to the front door to great the delivery women, opening the door I come face to face with a beautiful middle aged women in a skirt suit.

“Here Miss Moore these are for you” she says handing me four boxes, a large, medium and two small.

“Thank you very much” I reply taking the boxes.

“Have a good day” she says and walks down the hall away from my apartment, I walk back in and to the living room.

“What you got there?” Vince asks standing up.

“My delivery, come to my room we can find out what’s in here”.

We walk into my room and I place the boxes on my bed, I decide to open the biggest one first, I take the lid off and move the tissue paper to reveal a red Gucci dress, taking it the box I hold it up and gasp, it is gorgeous, it is strapless and floor length with a thigh high slit up the right side, I lay it down neatly on the bed and go back to the box, there is a silver shawl and red elbow length gloves, I move on to the medium sized box and pull out a pair of silver glittery louboutin’s and they are amazing and my size, I put them down on the bed next to the dress and open the last two boxes to reveal a pair of diamond droplet earrings and a necklace to match, laying them on the bed I turn to Vince.

“Well he spent a fair few quid on all that didn’t he?”

 “Aren’t they gorgeous, I hope I can do them justice though” I say with a slight frown.

“How about you go have a nice bubble bath and when you come back I will help you with your hair and make-up”.

“Ok thank you Vince” I give him a kiss on the check and go to my bathroom.

Returning to my bedroom half an hour later I see that Vince is sitting at my vanity table with hair pieces and different kinds of make-up laid nicely on the top.

“Take a seat sugar, let me work my magic” I smile and sit down, no Vince isn’t gay but he has a family full of women so he knows what he’s doing and he does it well.

An hour later my hair and make-up was done, Vince had curled my hair and pulled it to the side securing it with a silver hair slide, I curls falling down over my shoulder, my make-up was natural with light blush and red lipstick to match my dress.

Vince had done an amazing job, I looked beautiful for once.

“Thank you so much Vince, I don’t even look like me anymore, thank you”.

“No problem baby girl, you look stunning, that boss of yours isn’t going to know what’s hit him”.

“Vince he’s my boss I’m not trying to impress him I just don’t want him to be embarrassed to be seen at this event with me”.

“Sugar no-one could be embarrassed to be seen with you, you are the most beautiful women I have ever met”.

“Thank you Vince”.

Just then I hear the buzzer.

“I’ll go let him in, you take your time and get yourself together”.

I smile and thank him as he walks out the door, taking a few deep breaths I look at myself in the mirror once again, “Ok Caitlin you can do this, just go out there and greet your insanely sexy boss and go to this event with him then come home” I tell myself. What am I saying, insanely sexy? Come on Cait he’s your boss you can’t think of him like that.

“I think you have left him waiting long enough now Cait, he’s getting impatient” Vince says re-entering my room.

“Sorry I didn’t realise how long I was in here”, I grab my silver clutch off my bed and make my way out of the room, I walk into the living room and spot Xavier standing looking out of the window, I just stand looking at his back when he must sense my presence because he turns around and looks at me with a smile, he looks incredibly handsome again dressed in a striking black three piece suit, this one looks like maybe Gucci, he also wearing a red tie that matches my dress, he looks over my outfit, face and hair and gapes, I start to feel slightly self-conscious as he walks over to me, he grasps my hand and lifts it to his lips kissing the back. I can feel my face heating up, hopefully it’s not noticeable due to the blush on my cheeks.

“You look amazing Caitlin, really beautiful, that colour suits you better than I thought it would”.

“Thank you Xavier”

“Are you ready?” he asks still holding my hand in his.

“I am”.

I turn to Vince as he hands me my gloves.

“Have fun baby girl, I’ll see you when you get home”. He kisses my cheek and lets me go.

“I will, thank you again for the creation you have made, I wouldn’t look like this if it wasn’t for you”.

“Of course you would I only enhanced the beauty that was already there”.

“He’s right Cait your stunning anyway” Xavier buts in.

“But we must leave before we are late” He adds.

“Ok bye Vince see you later” I say walking towards the door.

“Bye Cait, look after her Xavier”.

“I will, no need to worry”.

Xavier opens my front door motioning for me to exit first, I thank him and walk through the door, I feel a hand I have come to know rest at the small of my back as we make our way through the building, we step into the elevator and Xavier pulls out a master key and puts it into the control panel.

“You have a master key?” I ask him slightly confused.

“I kind of own this building” he tells me sheepishly.

“Oh ok” is all I can reply.

We descend down to the main lobby and exit the building, Xavier’s hand still resting lightly on the small of my back guiding me through the lobby to the main doors and out of the building.

There is the same black limo and same driver waiting with the door open, I slide in across the back seat as Xavier follows in behind me yet again sitting extremely close.

 “You honestly do look stunning this evening Caitlin”.

I turned and looked at Xavier, he was already watching me, I smiled brightly at him and replied, “You don’t look to bad yourself X”.

“X?”

“Yep X, that’s what I’m calling you from now on, I think it suits you”

He smiles me showing of he’s perfect pearly whites.

“No-one has ever called me that before, I kind of like it coming from you C”.

I laughed at his reply, “C? Really?”

“Yep C, If you can call me X I’m can call you C agreed?” he asks holding out a hand for me to shake.

“Ok agreed” I say taking his hand in mine and shaking, still holding his hand I say “But only I am allowed to call you that and only you can call me C”.

“I agree with that, this will be our thing and our thing only”.

I let go of his hand and look out of the window just as we pull op outside a sensational looking building, Xavier exited the car and held out a hand for me to take, I took it and got out of the car as gracefully as possible. Xavier bent his elbow and I placed my arm through his, my hand resting on his forearm, we walked up to the building and I was gaping in awe, I’ve never seen such a beautiful building.

“What is this place X?”

“It’s called Kew gardens, most of the charity event I attend are held here, its wonderful inside, we will go into the main lobby and head straight to the ball room where the auction will be held which takes around an hour until dinner is announced then we will all be led to the dining room, eat then return back to the ballroom for a short while then we can leave, don’t worry just stick by me you will be fine”.

“Ok I can do this” I say more to myself but Xavier still hears me and gives my hand that is resting on his forearm a reassuring squeeze and smiles down at me, I look up meeting his gaze and smile back.

Walking up to the door, press start taking pictures as we pose for a couple before continuing into the building, as we walk into the building I am gobsmacked, I can’t believe the beauty of this place. There is the biggest crystal chandelier I have ever seen hanging from the ceiling, everywhere I look there are men and women elegantly dressed and waiters walking around dodging people gracefully whilst holding trays of champagne.

Xavier brings me out of my haze when I hear him chuckle beside me. I look up to see him watching me.

“I know it’s a little over whelming C but let’s go to the ballroom before the auction starts”.

I nod my head as we continue walking into a grand hall, there are tables and chairs scattered around the room and a large stage at the front with nothing but a microphone.

We make our way through the tables as Xavier looks for our table, finding it up near the front of the room he pulls out a chair for me and I sit as he takes the seat next to me, he grabs two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter and hands one to me, I gratefully accept and say thank you. I sit in silence looking around the hall at the many beautiful and incredibly rich men and women around me feeing out of place, I let out a quite sigh but Xavier hears me.

He touches my hand and asks, “What’s wrong C?”

“Nothing, I just feel really out of place, I don’t belong here with these sort of people”

“What do you mean, what sort of people?”

“Look around X they are stunning and very wealthy, I don’t belong”.

“I don’t ever want to hear you say that again C, you are the most stunningly beautiful women here tonight and half of these women are stuck up and snobby, they are only here as arm candy for their husbands to show off, most of them are only gold diggers, you are probably the only honest down to earth women here tonight and I am glad you’re here with me” he tells me honestly and I can’t help but smile at him.

“Thank you X, that means a lot”.

I watch as a middle aged couple walk onto the stage and the man takes the microphone.

“Ladies and gentlemen welcome to our annual charity event to support all the abuse victims and past victims in London, this particular cause is very close to mine and my wife’s heart, all proceeds tonight go to helping them wonderful people that have to deal with their traumas every day, most cases go unheard of but we must show that there is support out there for the ones that want it, you will each find a list of what is be auctioned on your table, if you would each take one and look it over the event will start in five minutes, Thank you”.

They walk of stage as everyone takes the papers on the table looking them over, I am looking over the list as the lady and gentleman walk over to our table and take a seat.

“Xavier son how are you?” the man greets.

“Mother, Father so good to see you, I am fine thank you” Xavier replies, I am sat looking between them slightly confused, are these Xavier’s parents? Looking closely I notice the resemblance.

“Who is this lovely lady here with you Xavier” his mother asks gesturing towards me and smiling brightly.

“This here is Caitlin, Caitlin please meet my Mother and Father June and Nathaniel Callahan”.

I stick out my hand to each of them, “It’s lovely to meet you both Mr, Mrs Callahan”.

“You too dear and please call us June and Nat” Mrs Callahan says shaking my hand, next is Mr Callahan,

“Yes certainly and may I say you are absolutely stunning”.

“Thank you very much Nat, June”

The auction is about to start and I drown it out until I hear the mc say, “And last but not least a weekend stay in Mr Xavier Callahan’s house in the south of France, bidding starts at one hundred thousand pounds”.

I turn to Xavier and whisper “You own a house in the south of France?”

“Yes I stay there if I go there on business, you may have to tag along with me some time” he smiles back at me.

I return my attention back to the stage as the mc is closing bidding,

“Four hundred and fifty thousand pounds going once, going twice, gone to Mrs Richardson. Now if you could all make your way to the dining room dinner will be served shortly”.

Everyone stands and makes their way to the dining room,

“Xavier did you bid on anything? I sort of zoned out so I don’t remember” I guiltily asked.

“I did actually but I’m not telling you what, you will have to wait and see” he smirked at me, what’s he up too?

Arriving in the dining room we quickly found our seats and within minutes our food and drinks were served, prawn cocktail for starters, then chicken in white sauce with baby carrots and baby potatoes, it was amazing then lastly for dessert, triple chocolate sundae, that was the best part for me seen as I’m a slight chocoholic. Conversation flowed easily around the table.

Shortly after finishing our meals we were all escorted back to the ballroom, walking in I noticed there was no longer chairs and tables everywhere just a few scattered around the edge of the dance floor.

“Would you like to dance C?”

“I would love to X”

He took my hand in his and led me to the dance floor where couples were already dancing, I rested my left arm on top of his and my right hand securely in his left we started to dance.

“Thank you for coming with me tonight C I’ve had a lovely time with you”.

“Me too X, thank you for inviting me”

We stared into each other’s eyes smiling at each other.

“It’s getting late, I think I should take you home”

“Sure, I’ve got a lot of reading to do tomorrow” I roll my eyes with a smirk.

“Oh ok” he replied “And why’s that?”

“Oh I don’t know, my new boss gave me all this paper work to read before I start my new job Monday morning, I wouldn’t want to disappoint him”.

He looks at me and grins widely “I don’t think he would be disappointed in you”.

I stay quiet as he leads me out of the room, through the main lobby and out of the building, the limo and chauffeur waiting, as per usual he holds the door open as Xavier gestures for me to enter first as he climbs in after me sitting just as close as each other time, we made the way to my apartment building in silence and arrive back in no time, I exit the car and Xavier follows me to all the way up to my front door, I put my key in the door and turn to Xavier. I smile up at him and he returns the smile with a brilliant white one of his own.

“Thank you so much for tonight X I really enjoyed myself, I’m so grateful” I tell him honestly.

 “It was my pleasure C honestly, I really enjoyed your company, I guess I will see you bright and early Monday morning”.

“Sure will, goodnight X see you Monday”.

“Goodnight C”

I walk into my apartment and shut the door to see Vince waiting up for me,

“So come on I want all the details” he says.

I smile at him and fall onto the sofa.