Fascinated by You (GM Series #1)

48

A guy she thinks is in his early thirty's stands in front of her. He looks intimidating with his normally arched and thick brows and olive eyes. He wasn't wearing a suit but he still looks formal with his white dress shirt that is folded until his elbow.

"It's fine. I was just around the corner so I decided to come early," he said. "You are?" he also asked.

"Addison Luz Valle," she answered and extended her hand for a handshake. "My brother sent me as his representative," she added, not sure if that's okay to tell him that but she wanted to be honest.

"Ashton De Vera," he said, accepting her hand. "I didn't know he had a sister," he commented. "Have a seat, Ms. Luz Valle," he added, instructing her and she immediately followed.

"Thank you," she said, smiling awkwardly. "I was away for years for my studies and I just started being involved with the company matters," she answered.

"So, you just graduated?"

She shook her head. "I'm still in my last year. I'm taking Civil Engineering," she answered.

"I see. You must be taking after your father's steps," he said.

She smiled and nodded. "We can say that," she answered.

"Why? Is there any reason?" he asked, a little smirk on his lips.

"Long story," she just answered with a shrug before pulling out her iPad and folders that contain the documents about the business they will be discussing from her bag.

"Shall we start?" she asked after handing him the documents.

The guy nodded and let her start with what she will be discussing. She was glad that she was informed about the deal that it wasn't hard for her to discuss it with Ashton.

"If you still have suggestions that you want to add, feel free. We would always like to hear others' perspectives," she said.

Ashton, though, shook his head as it put the documents on the table. "I've already discussed to your brother all of my demands and I'm happy to see all those written here. Indeed, your company's really considerate with other people's thoughts and opinions," he said.

"Thank you," she said, smiling at him.

"Where can I sign?" he asked after.

Surprised, she wasn't able to react immediately that Ashton had to repeat himself.

"Just above your name," she answered, smiling widely this time.

She felt beyond happy to close her first deal. Caius will surely feel proud of her achievement.

Huh! See that? I closed the deal! She said mentally as if she was talking to her brother.

"Thank you. Mr. De Vera," she said after he's done with signing all the documents.

Ashton smiled. "My pleasure. Tell your brother that I want to talk to him for another business proposal, 'kay?" he said.

"Business proposal?" she asked, bewildered.

They just closed a deal and he already wanted another one? Cool.

"Yes, please tell him that," he confirmed.

"Of course. I'll tell him as soon as we see each other," she answered.

Ashton smiled and nodded. "Thank you. And it was nice meeting you, Addison. I hope to see you often now that our companies are already tied," he said.

She smiled as well and said. "Likewise."

That's how their meeting ended. She immediately went home after that, calling Caius to tell him her achievement.

"I can't believe I made him sign! Kabado pa naman ako," she said.

"I know you'll do great, though. Congrats, baby," sabi naman nito.

"I feel so happy right now. And you know what, he told me that he wanted to discuss another business proposal with Kuya Jordan! Isn't that amazing?"

"It is, baby. Who was he, again? You forgot to tell me his name," Caius asked.

"Right. His name is Ashton De Vera," she answered.

"Oh, that guy..." he said.

Her brows immediately rose. "You know him?" she then asked.

Caius shrugged. "A senior from college," he answered.

"Oh? He was also from Saint Martin's?" she asked. 'I don't remember him."

"He was a business majored taking some math course from engineering. Hindi mo talaga siya makikita kasi isang taon ka lang naman sa Saint Martin's," sagot nito.

"You're right. Anyway, I can prove to Kuya that I can be of help for the company," she said, smiling widely.

"He'll be proud," Caius said and she immediately snorted.

"Asa. Baka sabihin pa nun na nakakatawa ako kung hindi ko na-close ang deal," he answered.

"Your brother isn't that bad to say that, baby. Don't hate him that much," he said.

She immediately shook her head. "Believe me, Caius. I was with him since childhood and I surely know how cruel he is. Swear!" she insisted. "And stop defending him! I'm your fiancé, you should always be on my side," she added.

"Of course, baby. I'm always on your side. I will always get your back," he said and laughed as it shifted his position; from seating, he lay down on his bed.

Ugh! She missed lying beside him.

"I missed lying beside you," she voiced out her thoughts.

Caius smiled. "I miss you each second that passes, baby. I miss your smell, your sound and how it feels having you in my arms. I'm missing everything about you," he answered.

And she can't help but smile wider. Ugh! Kinikilig ako! She mentally said.

"Do you want me to go there?" she suddenly asked. "I can swing by there on my semestral break."

But Caius just shook his head. "Your brother will not allow you," he said.

"He doesn't have to know," she immediately answered.

"No, baby. I don't want you to do things that will get your brother upset. Let's just be patient, okay?" he said.

She had no choice but to nod while pouting her lips. But that doesn't mean she will obey. Because when her brother asked her for what she would like to have as a reward for closing that deal, she immediately told him that she wanted to visit Caius even for five days on semester break. Even telling her brother that she won't ask for a Christmas and graduation gift. And with the help of her sister-in-law, her brother was left with no choice but to agree, with which she was set to have a five days' vacation to Singapore.