His Shortcake

Chapter 53

Dustyn Franco

I was surprised to see Mara standing outside of my office as I was heading back from my meeting with future investors. Dressed in a blue knee-length dress, she stands there with a beautiful smile on her face. My mood lightens and my tiredness disappears as I set my eyes on her.

I couldn't help but close the distance between us faster. "Why... You look beautiful." I said with a smile, cupping her cheek as I do.

She closes her eyes as I do. "Thank you. I was hoping we can have lunch together?"

I nodded my head then turned to looked at my new assistant, Millie, who is staring at Mara in shock. This is the first time that Mara has been here since Veronica resigned to focus on her pregnancy. "Can you cancel my lunch meeting?" I asked her.

She nodded her head. "Of course, sir"

"Thank you." Tamara said gratefully as I took hold of her hand. Millie hands me my phone and wallet, and I pull Mara to leave.

"How did you get here?" I asked as we ride the elevator down to the parking lot. Now that Alec has completely dismissed their bodyguards, and even let Emil go, there's no one following Mara around. She's on her own and I don't think Alec has even bothered to buy her a car in the past after getting her driving's license.

"I had Alec drop me off. I asked him to go check how Rory is doing with the wedding in two days." She said with a smirk on her face.

I shake my head, knowing that she's planning something to make the two get closer together. It's possible it's what she has been doing for the past weeks that I haven't been to see her. "You little devil."

She gasped, acting so innocent. "Who? Me? I would never." I watch as she breaks out in laughter and couldn't help but smile at the sight. "I'm just helping my brother out."

"And Alec didn't say anything?" I asked, raising an eyebrow at her.

She rolled her eyes. "Of course he did. Are you kidding me? Alec never lets anything slip by him." She said sounding a little disappointed that her plan has been busted from the start.

I took hold of Mara's hand again as the elevator door opens. I guide her through the parking lot and to my car which was parked near the entrance. I opened the door for her and jogged to my side of the car.

"So. Where do you want to eat?" I asked as I enter the busy streets of New York.

"Is pizza a bad idea?" She asked, looking sheepishly at me.

I shook my head. "Nope. That sounds good, actually." I replied with a smile.

She grins. "Then you know where to go."

I nodded, knowing the only pizza place that she loves in the city.

I came back to the office, more energized than I have ever been. I enjoyed my lunch with Mara. It was fun and relaxing. After we ate, I dropped her off at their house before heading back to the office.

The employees greet me with a smile, but a weird look in their eyes. It must have been the first time, in weeks, that I've come back from a lunch whistling a happy tune as I walk to my office.

"You look happy." Mark's voice made me stop from entering my office. I turned around to the direction of his voice and found him standing in front of Vero's old office. He looks out of place in his casual clothing in a building where everyone is wearing work clothes.

"What are you doing here?" I asked. Mark hates traffic, especially during the rush hours. He barely goes to the city aside from picking up Vero from work or buying something. But since Veronica resigned, I haven't seen much of him either.