Billie Bossa Nova

12.

Kai exited the matt black Rolls-Royce with an elegant strut, covering his eyes with a pair of silver prada polarized sunglasses when the glare of the sun became overbearing. He nodded towards his driver, who would have to wait outside until they got back. He walked into the venue without looking behind at his assistant, who followed in tow with her handbag hanging on her shoulder.

He looked up at the grand size of the horse racing park. It was half the size of his company, only thirty-eight stories high. The cheers and racket on the inside was tangible and he'd barely made it a few steps in. Boot heels clicked behind him. Something in his chest began to thud a little more actively, and he was certain it would never be his heart. That thing didn't move for anyone.

"This should be fun," Billie mumbled silently to herself. Her sarcasm almost made a smile break his lips.

Just when they narrowed into the venue, Gabriel Storm and two other unfamiliar women came to. They stopped just before each other and Gabriel thrust a hand out to him. Kai took it into his, shaking it firmly.

"Good day, Mr. Rivera. I am so glad you could make it," said the lad. "And what a pleasure it is to work with you for the first time as the new CEO of Luna International. My congratulations." He was around his late twenties, but the man, with his bearded face and faded eyes, looked more into his forties. His hair, all out of place, was blown side to side by the wind. Kai resisted the urge to run his hand across his own hair to make sure that it was still in place. He hated appearing out of place, even the littlest, and the hair on his head was the first thing people would judge you by. Hair should never be out of place, it's a bad look. Respect was not given to people who showed no appearance worth respecting.

With a firm tone, he replied, "Thank You, Mr. Storm. I'd like you to meet my assistant, Ms. Eilish."

"Ah, yes, the beautiful young lady." The man stepped in and took Eilish's hand. "And might I say, you look rather daunting today, Miss." He kissed her full on the cheek, and Eilish blushed on cue. A charming response that clearly gauged an adoring response from Mr. Storm, who grinned towards the young lady in admiration.

Kai nearly scoffed at the gesture. Refrained with much difficulty. He would never admit to anyone including himself that he quite envied Storm for having the privilege of planting his lips on her cheek. Surely, Kai himself would have been rewarded with a slap rather than a smile if he pulled such a daring stunt. She was, as Storm said, a sight to see after all. Irresistible by nature. His assistant had come dressed in a pair of skinny jeans and a sweater, some boots with her hair tied into a neat ponytail. Anyone with eyes would find reason to smother her with their gaze.

"Thank you," she replied, as if this was news to her. Surely, she knew how good she looked. Kai didn't believe, what with the mirrors in her room and bathroom, that she didn't know how enticing she looked.

"I'd like to skip the pleasantries, Mr. Storm. We have business to discuss."

Storm seemed put off by Kai's comment. And maybe Kai was scowling. He couldn't tell sometimes. But he could feel it in his chest that he was a little vexed, unsure as to why but knew that Storm kissing his assistant's cheek might have played a part. Had the man never heard of hand kisses? Polite and platonic, just how it should be.

After chuckling quite uncomfortably, the man nodded. "Yes, of course . But before we do, I'd like you to meet someone too. First, my wife, Jenna."

Kai looked towards a brunette woman he didn't properly notice was standing there, catching sight of her nervous grin. When she held out her hand, he took it, kissing her gently there. Perhaps he should've have went for the cheek to see how Storm would react to it, but that would be petty. And he didn't do petty. When he rose to meet the woman's eye again, she had a light swoon in her expression, lips pressing together as her eyes gave him a subtle once-over.