I had never been called kitten before, but it definitely made something awaken deep inside of me. I smirked and waved the little packet in his face. I knew I wanted this, even if it was just for the night...
April Harding just graduated from Busines...
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I grabbed another glass from a waiter as I looked around The Black Cherry. The walls were a chic black wood while the wall behind the bar was neon pink adorned with flashing lights. All the waiters and waitresses were dressed in slick black uniforms with pink ties and accessories and the bar was cluttered with several expensive bottles of brand name champagnes, vodka and gins. Suddenly feeling sober, I grabbed a star-struck Eve and we made our way to get another drink.
"Good evening, ladies. Both of you look exquisite if you don't mind me saying." A young waiter said through pearly whites while he polished a champagne glass.
"Thank you." I said through a smile, flattered at the compliment.
"What can I get you both?"
"Grey goose, soda and lime with plenty of ice please."
I turned to face Eve and tried to hide my grimace. Grey goose? In a bar like this?
"It's on me, April."
"Great choice, that'll be $58 dollars please."
Oh my god... Nearly $60 for two measly drinks?
"Thanks!" She said confidently, digging into her silver clutch bag and tapping her credit card on the wireless reader.
"Eve, what are you doing?!" I hissed.
"Getting us drinks, genius. What does it look like I'm doing?"
I was about to scold the living daylights out of her for being so reckless with her credit card when a mass of dark hair and long limbs in skinny, ripped jeans started to rush towards us.
"Jake!" I squealed, running in to hug him.
Jake picked me up as if I was weightless and spun me around as I hugged my little brother tightly. I could have sworn he was an inch taller again...
"God, I've missed you!"
"I've missed you too, A.""
Eve pursed her lips and looked away shyly as he put me down and turned to face her.
"Hey, Eve." He said through a cocky grin before scooping her up for a hug.
"Jake."
I watched as the two hugged each other intimately as if they were star-crossed lovers. Jake whispered something that made her giggle and blush like a schoolgirl as he released her from his grip.
"You two look awesome! Those dresses look amazing on you."
"The paparazzi thought we were models!" I giggled.
"I don't blame them." A deep voice cut through the crowd.
My mouth went completely dry as I saw a tall, powerful figure striding towards me as if he owned the place.
"Oh my god, is that-"
"Yup." I said, still not quite believing my eyes.
The man in question was dressed in a slick, expensive looking black suit with a simple yet elegant silver tie. A stunning chrome Cartier watch glistened on his wrist as he approached me and I said the only thing that entered my brain.
"Do you know what the time is?"
Oh my god. Why did I say that?
The man looked slightly taken aback for a moment before he glanced down at his watch.
"It's quarter past 8."
"Right.... Thanks...."
The man smiled a dreamy, delicious half smile as I backed up against the bar. He got closer and closer before slipping a hand around my waist and kissing each cheek.
"I had a feeling you'd be here tonight. It's great to see you again."
I glanced up at Jake who was watching the interaction with his mouth agape.
"You two... You two know each other?"
"You could say that." the man uttered, never taking his eyes off of me.
Eve watched me carefully as I swallowed nervously.
"I'm Ashton."
"April."
"Ah, my favorite month..." He said slowly with a wicked smile as he grabbed my hand and left a feather soft kiss on my knuckle.
My heart throbbed uncomfortably at the intense eye contact. His dark brunette hair was lightly highlighted and his beard was shorter than before and groomed to perfection. He towered over me, even in my five-inch heels and his cologne had me glued to the spot. It was clean, slightly spicy and as mysterious as he was.
"My birthday is in April..." He said with a wink as he took a step back and straightened his silk tie.
"It's an honor to meet you, Sir!" My brother almost pushed his way in front of Eve as she took a startled step back. I frowned. I had never seen my brother suck up to anyone, why this guy?
"Ah, you're one of the models, aren't you?"
"Y-You remember me?!" Jake's large brown eyes were shining, almost as if he was about to cry.
"Of course. All models that show off my collections are handpicked by my team and myself. No one gets casted without my saying so."
"Thank you so much for this opportunity, Mr Stone!"
I choked on my vodka and soda and tried to cough. Holy shit. This was Ashton Stone? CEO of Stone Edge?
"You're welcome." Ashton replied, turning his attention to me. "Are you okay, April?"
"Sorry, my drink went down the wrong tube..." I flushed. I can't believe I had just made such an idiot out of myself in front of such an important man in the fashion industry.
"Is this your friend, Jake?" Ashton asked.
"No, she's my sister."
"I see."
Eve was uncharacteristically quiet which wasn't like her. I half expected her to have business cards in her clutch bag ready to hand out, but she remained silent, just observing the interactions between Jake and Ashton.
"Well, Mr Harding, would it be okay if I bought your sister a drink?"
"Excuse me? Are we back in the 1800's?" I scoffed.
Oh boy... The alcohol had made me confident.
"If you want to buy me a drink, you should ask me, not my damn brother. He's 18 months younger than me for Christ sake."
Eve sipped her drink through a straw with wide eyes and shook her head at me. Oh god, where was this coming from?
"I didn't mean to offend-"
"Well, you did. Have a good night, Mr Stone."
And with that, I turned on my heel and disappeared into the crowd.
