I stared at myself in the mirror and there was no denying the fact I look like Andrea, at least the one everyone is truly familiar with. My hair was up in a tight bun that brought out the features of my face more. I had woken up early in the morning learning makeup on YouTube so I could apply on my face. It wasn't as perfect as I wanted it to be but I still managed to get the job done.
My lashes were perfectly curled and laden with mascara, the cat eye I drew was sharp enough to kill a man, in Taylor Swift's words not mine. The deep red lipstick brought out a certain defiance in the look, making my lips appear full and bold. It was far from perfect, but it was enough to make an impression.
The outfit completed it, a fitted black coat cinched at the waist with a gold belt, paired with leather thigh high boots. Sharp commanding and completely professional. I was ready to take on the world, ready to take on anything.
"Where you going?" A deep voice asked from behind me.
Maybe except him!
I turned only to meet Grayson who was sitting up on the bed where he slept last night. His dark hair was sticking out on all sides and for some reason, I found it cute. "Good morning. How did you sleep?"
"Fine." He mumbled as he massaged his neck, "How did you sleep?"
A glance at the floor, where a makeshift bed of blankets lay neatly folded, answered the question well enough.
"Oh," Grayson said before he relaxed on the bed, "Well you could have joined me on the bed, it's not like there isn't plenty of room."
I arched one perfectly raised brow up at me, "Really? Few days ago you could barely stand to be near me but all of a sudden you are comfortable with it?"
Grayson had the decency to be embarrassed because he looked down. "I'm sorry."
"What was that?"
He raised his head up to stare at me this time around. "I'm sorry." He repeated this time around with more sincerity in his gaze.
Well that took me by surprise but I managed to mask it. "It's alright I guess," I mumbled before I turned to look at the time, I was starting to run late. "I need to drop by at the office, I've already taking days off. I can't afford to that again."
"Okay then I'm coming with you!"
"No, definitely not!" I shut him down.
Grayson arched a brow up at me then sighed. "I need to come with you, showing up at your office alone for the first time ever since you got married is going to start raising suspicions and I'm sure you will want to avoid that on your first day."
Well he's got a point! My subconscious whispered to me. I already have too much going on, the last thing I needed is raising suspicious. I glanced back at Grayson who had a small smile on his face. Seems the bastard already know what my answer was going to be.
Muttering a curse under my breath, I grabbed my bag. "Fine but do not be late or I'll leave you behind!"
"Yes ma'm." Grayson said with a boyish smile on his face and I was temporary startled with how handsome he looked. He looked carefree and the smile on his face felt really genuine and it made him really beautiful in a way which made my heart beat faster.
Shaking my head, I shouldered my bag and walked out of the room, collapsing against the door as I Iet out a breath I didn't know I was holding. What the hell was that? I asked myself as I clutched my chest while staring at the door.
"You need to get it together Andrea!" I chastised myself.
If I was going to get through this I didn't need anybody ruining it for me. I needed to think with my head not my heart. Besides he dumped us, he hates us, so we cannot afford to give in to his charms. No matter how cute or hot he might seem, we can never fall for it. No, we will never fall for_
The door suddenly opened and Grayson stepped out, his appearance pumping the break on my train of thoughts. His dark hair was slicked backwards and he wore all black. Black suit with a black shirt underneath it whit the top for buttons loosened. He wore black trousers and black shoes that were shiny, the reflection of the lights in the corridor could be on it.
I was utterly and completely screwed!
"I look that good huh?"
Grayson's words snapped me back to the present. I snapped the mouth I didn't know I had opened to gawk at him short. "The fuck are you supposed to be? The mafia?"
Two brows went up, "You do not like my outfit?"
"I didn't say that."
"So you like it?"
"And I didn't say that either!"
Grayson blew out an exasperated breath, "So what's it going to be?"
"Whatever, we need to leave now, I am already late." I didn't bother to respond to him as I turned and left.
Grayson's deep chuckle sounded behind me and I could feel the corner of my own lips tugging upwards to form a smile, but I'll be damned if I let him see it.
***
The moment we arrived at the company, it took a lot of willpower not to let my surprise show. But as I got out of the car and stared at the impressive building in front of me, I couldn't help but open my mouth in awe and wonder. The building was towering, sleek glass stretching skyward with a kind of authority that made everything below seem small and significant. I had seen pictures of it plastered all over the internet of course but nothing could have prepared me for this.
Maybe it was nerves or the pressure of having Grayson beside me, watching me.
His gaze lingered on my reaction, a flicker of amusement crossing his face. "You are acting like this is your first time seeing it, you miss it that much?"
"Yeah," Was all that came out, dull and flat.
I felt frustrated that he had witnessed me in my vulnerable moment, he almost got me there. I needed to get it together which meant no more surprise.
Brushing off the frustration, my eyes fixed on the building ahead. Focus! The thought echoed in my head. This was my first day at work and it was time to prove what was capable of.
Taking a deep breath, I walked up to the building and entered inside and if I thought the outside was beautiful the inside was simply breathtaking. The lobby was a symphony of glass, marble and light, all arranged in clean elegant lines that seemed to draw every eye forward. High ceilings stretched overhead with intricate chandeliers casting a warm glow that softened the polished surfaces.
This was more than just a building, it was a testament to what hard work and ambition could achieve. Smiling, I continued my walk about to head to the receptionist when suddenly I heard loud footsteps. They sounded hurried and I looked up to see a group of people, probably twenty of them, all dressed in suits as they ran towards me.
Instinctively, I took a step backwards towards Grayson just as the people stopped in front of me. I pressed myself closer to Grayson who was wrapping a hand around my waist.
Shit! Did I get caught already?
"Who are all these people?" I whispered to Grayson who arched a brow up at me.
But before he could respond the people immediately bowed their heads at me, "Welcome back Mrs. Carter!" They chorused as one in a loud voice that startled me.