The Proposal

Chapter 3

Bella's POV

Man I shouldn't have stayed out so late dancing , you thought as you take a long sip of your hot coffee waiting on the elevator doors to open. Glancing at your watch you sigh, ten mins late for your meeting with your dad. Your father was not going to be happy about your lateness. Finally the elevator dings and the doors open to the top floor where yours and your father's offices are. Rushing forward you stop at your father's office door, you straighten your dress, put on a professional face and open the door. Your father , Jacob Lee, frowns as you quickly apologize for being late.

" I'm sorry for being late , there was a little issue ...."you trail off as you notice the handsome man that stood up and turned around to greet you. It's the same handsome man from last night at the club. In the bright lights of the office you get a better look at your mystery man named Noah. He looked to be around 6'3 with dark chocolate wavy hair with striking emerald green eyes, tan skin with a slight stubble on his face, and dimples that could melt your heart when he smiled. He was the most handsome man you had ever seen, but what was he doing here in your meeting with your father?

"Noah "you say as you take his hand to shake .His grin gets bigger as he says, " we meet again. Miss Lee I presume ."

Your father clears his throat as he looks between the two of you and asks, " you know each other Bella ?" You shake your head to clear the fog and pull your hand back. " Not really, we met for only a few mins last night. Noah helped me out of a terrible situation at the club last night and then I went home" you say to your dad.

Mr. Lee nods and then claps his hands together, " Let's get started since we are all here now. Mr. White please take your seat . As you have already met my daughter introductions aren't necessary ." Mr. Lee stands up and walks to the liquor cabinet to pore himself a tumbler full of whisky. " Care for a drink , Mr. White ?"

" Sure , whiskey neat please and call me Noah . Mr. White is my father " Noah smiles.

" And you Bella " your father turns to you.

" NO father. I like to keep my witts about me. " Your father nods his head and hands the drink to Noah and makes his way back to his seat. You clear your voice and both men look to you." So I guess we start this meeting , but as I thought this was about you retiring I am unsure why Mr. White is here father." Your dad finishes his whiskey and sets his glass down on the table loosening his tie . He starts speaking avoiding your eyes as he begins to talk. "I'm getting on up in my years as you know Bella. I've worked my entire life and got everything I wanted. Everything except fun and relaxation and as I'm getting close to my golden years , I feel it's time to hand the reigns down."

" I'm so glad you finally decided to retire. You and mom can relax and have fun , go on vacations. You have trained me well and I am ready to make you proud ."

Your father raises his hands and says," whoa, whoa, you miss understand me."

Your eyes go wide and you shake your head, " What do you mean, Father ?"

Noah continues to sit there with a twinkle in his eyes and a smirk on his face. You look at him anger flashing across your face. He has the nerve to look amused you think. Your father continues to avoid your eyes as he states "Mr. White, Noah is going to be my replacement . He is the new President of Lee Enterprises effective immediately." As those words leave his mouth you jump out of your chair knocking it back against the wall.

" What do you mean he's the new president ? I'm your daughter, your flesh and blood ! You raised me to take over the business !"

" Bella calm down sweatheart. It's not forever. Your still young and Noah here has already proven himself and when the time comes he will hand the company over to you. Kind of like a guardianship" my father stated.

" I'm not a kid , dad. I don't need Mr. White as my babysitter . How do you even know he will hand it over to me ? Do you even know him " you ramble on as you wave your hands in Noah's directions. At this Noah speaks, " Isabella "

"It's Miss Lee to you "

" Miss Lee , this is what I do. I step in and help when I am needed then step out when I'm no longer needed, to put it in simple terms."

Your father clears his throat, "My sweet Bella, you are still young and I think you need a little more supervision. On that note I'll excuse myself and let you two get to know each other." As your dad leaves, your left standing there with a dazed look on your face.

" So Miss Lee , I'm Noah White"

" Just stop right there ! I don't know what your playing at but it won't work. This is my company and you can just leave" as you point towards the door. His smile widens as he stands up moving closer to you. You watch him with heat in your eyes. You take a step back as he moves forward as your back hits the wall. Your pulse quickens as he places his hand against the wall by your hand .You take a deep breath in, God he smells good. " Come on Isabella , we are suppose to get to know each other" as he leans in his lips mear inches from yours . " you wouldn't want to disappoint your dad would you ?"

" What if I don't want to get to know you " you say in a shaky voice as you place your had on his rock hard chest. He brings his other hand up letting his finger slowly glide down your cheek and under your jaw lifting it so he can look into your eyes.

" I really want to get to know you Isabella. I promise I'm just here to help you . I'll give the company back to you when you are ready. Please come out to dinner with me ." Your body shivers as he speaks . How can he make your body respond this way? You shake your head trying to clear your senses . As your head clears somewhat you push him away from your body already feeling the heat from his body leaving yours. You stand up straight , smooth your dress out, walk towards to door . As your hand closes around the door knob you look back and see Noah watching you intently with fire in his eyes . "I'll think about it " you say as you walk out the door.