The Millionaire's 'Friend' - Natasha's Story

Chapter 10 - Without The Mask

"Huh?" I uttered, dumbfounded.

"Those were your words I believe, Miss Jones." As he spoke Cole stood from his chair and skirted around the front of the desk. He unfasted the buttons of his designer jacket and casually leaned back against the edge of his glass desk.

I was still staring. My brain was busy trying to catch up with what had just happened. I was so busy preparing myself for a major dressing down that I'd missed the fact that Cole had finally cracked. Inside I should have been whooping for joy and congratulating myself on my success – but I wasn't. I was still staring, open mouthed, and waiting patiently for the little lightbulb in my head to flash on.

Clearly realising I was struggling amused Cole because he broke out into a broad grin. He appeared relaxed and easygoing, now that the mask of superiority had washed away.

Finally coming to my senses, I narrowed my eyes once more and playfully growled "Git!"

Cole's head immediately tipped back and he laughed so loudly and carefree that I cracked up too; a laugh so strong and liberating it felt like it was shaking off all of the day's stresses and strains. Val must have been able to hear us from outside because we were laughing so hard it was echoing all the way around Cole's enormous office.

When we both managed to restrain ourselves I walked back across the room and came to halt a couple of strides from Cole. It felt like I was approaching a completely different man. The man in front of me now seemed to me to be completely laid back, warm and welcoming. No trace of self-importance or severity.

"You remember."

"Remember what, Miss Jones?"

"Don't start with me, Cole. I've had enough of your bullshit."

He chuckled at my plain speaking. "Yes, ok, I remember. Happy now?"

"I guess." I pouted and slumped back in the chair beside Cole. He watched me, full of amusement – thank god!

"Why the pretence?"

Cole shrugged. "To be honest, the more I started to remember from the other night the more of an idiot I started to feel. I not used to making a fool of myself, Miss Jones."

"Oh, so what? You decided you were long overdue a night of stupidity and that's what that was?" I quipped.

"Hmmmm," Cole replied, but he shifted uncomfortably as though he was surprised at his own behaviour. I decided to take a more serious tone and see if he was ok but before I could form my question he began, " I don't remember ever being bossed around by a woman like that in my life. I suppose I wanted a little revenge."

"Revenge?! Hence the pretence? Thought you'd put me in my place did you?"

Cole shrugged again. For a multi-millionaire CEO, with a ton of responsibility and a powerful position, there was something delightfully boyish and innocent about that small movement. As though the high powered businessman was the real act, but inside he was just a lost little boy trying to get out.

"I do hope your friend forgave you." Cole spoke, breaking into my silent thoughts. "Fliss wasn't it?"

"Yes, that's right, and she did thank you – or at least she did once she found out who you were." I joked. "Apparently you're quite the eligible bachelor Mr Cole." I smirked mockingly and watched with pleasure as Cole's cheeks lightly flushed a delicate pink.

He cocked his head and pulled a face at me in distaste.

"Hmmm, so they tell me."

I'd meant my comment to be light and breezy, we seemed to be enjoying some easy banter, but for some reason, even though he'd smiled, my comment looked to have hit a nerve. As he spoke Cole had moved away from his leaning post and retaken his seat on the other side of his desk. His expression draining a little of the humour he'd started to show.