My dream life

1 • Zelah

I sighed, sketching a dress design. I wish I could leave early to see Xavier, maybe go on a date, and spend the evening watching TV together.

No daydreaming, not right now; Haley will kill me if she sees.
I set my pencil to paper, beginning another dress design. This time, I was going to try something new.

My brain is still clouded with thoughts of Xavier, which is evident as I couldn't help but sketch Xavier's favorite type of dress, short and tight.

Okay, that makes him sound like a pervert; it's his favorite dress on me. He's very supportive of me and knows I'm not very confident with my body.

I shook my head, resketching the dress into a long, flowy sundress. It looked good enough. I just needed to tweak it a little bit.
As I sketched, Haley stormed into my workroom, looking exasperated. Her brown-blonde streaky hair was tangled and pulled into a loose ponytail.

Uh-oh.

I looked up at her nervously. Her expression wasn't happy, and she glared at me accusingly. "Zelah! What is taking so long? All the other designers have submitted their work for today!"

Well, crap. We haven't had an update for our line since December, and the Valentine line is taking so long to complete.

I stood up, pushing my chair away from the table. "Sorry, Ms., I'll submit these, and then—" "Go home, Ms. Melanie. I already have to deal with the interns; I cannot take your idiocy tonight." She grumbled, irritation drawn on her features.

I paused, a bit hurt. "Yes, Ma'am," I murmured, getting up from my chair and taking my jacket.
I headed straight for the elevator, my mood deflating with each step. I really wanted to see Xavier.

I sighed, pressing the button to call the elevator. I wiped the dust from my coat, groaning softly.

I feel exhausted, mentally and physically. Why can't this damn project get done?
The elevator dinged, signaling its arrival. I quickly stepped inside, my eyes shooting to a tall man in a suit.

His blue gaze met mine, his brows raising in what I assume is curiosity. He had the top button of his shirt undone and his tie loosened.
I pressed the button to the lobby.

I averted my gaze, feeling fuzzy. He was stunning, but I have a boyfriend, so it's my loss, I guess. Wait, no, Xavier's lovely, don't think that way, Zelah.

I heard a faint buzzing, and he pulled a phone from his pocket. He looked at the caller ID and accepted, raising the phone to his mouth.

"Not now," he ordered in a deep, smooth, yet slightly raspy voice, hanging up. A chill ran up my spine, and warmth shot up my neck.

I glanced back, meeting his deep blue eyes again. He opened his mouth slightly as if to utter a word, yet nothing came out. He closed his mouth, shaking his head as if to clear it.

I raised my eyebrow at him questioningly, and he turned his attention to the floor.
The doors dinged open, releasing us. He quickly strode forward, exiting the elevator. I unintentionally followed as he headed for the parking garage.

He strode toward a sleek black convertible, unlocking the doors. I paused, scanning over him, now noticing the expensive watch and designer shoes. Oh, so he's rich, rich.

I mused internally, heading to my Kia. I watched in my rearview mirror as he drove away.