It wasn’t Alexandra’s lucky day.
She was just supposed to do her best friend a favor. Go on a blind date arranged by her friend’s father, scare the guy away, and she’ll pay her a pretty high sum back.
Nothing new, she’s done this a million times before.
But the guy sitting across from her was Charles Baldwin, CEO of Rose Blanche; the place where she worked.
“Is there a problem?” Charles asked, as Alexandra fell silent after he answered her question about his occupation.
“No, no. Of course not.” Alexandra tried to pick up her composure.
Charles smiled, but something didn’t seem right. He was used to various reactions from women when they find out he’s the CEO of such a big company.
“I just expected you to act a little bit more shocked.”
“I am. Actually.” Alexandra tugged a strand of hair behind her ear. Come on, Alexandra, it’s not like you to let the men under your skin. Focus.
Charles was used to women fangirling over him and his company, but this woman’s calm demeanor piqued his interest. He took a sip of his drink.
“Usually, women would say that they’re huge fans of my company and it’s their dream to work for me,” Charles said. “So why didn’t you seem surprised, Miss...?”
Alexandra posed as Mia Abano, so the right answer would be to reply ‘Abano’, but it was also easy to blurt out her real name, so that was what she did:
Charles smiled again. “Miss Hagen, is that correct?”
A waitress refilled his drink, and Charles took a sip.
“You didn’t seem surprised when I said that I was the CEO of Rose Blanche. Why is that?”
“I work for you.” Alexandra tapped her nails against the glass.
Charles’ smile widened into a smirk. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes still on her.
“Ah, so you’re one of my employees? In that case, it does make sense why you didn’t seem surprised.” Charles crossed his arms against his chest, tilting his head slightly. “But that does leave me to wonder... What if I hadn’t said where I work, hm? Would you still be this calm, Miss Hagen?”
“See you as a normal man?” Alexandra tried her way.
“As a normal man?” Charles echoed as he leaned forward a bit. “So you think I’m not normal since I’m the CEO of one of the largest companies in San Diego?”
“You certainly wouldn’t go out with me under different circumstances.” Alexandra traced the patterns on her glass.
Charles’ smirk widened. He could tell this woman was playing with him, and that only intrigued him more.
“Perhaps,” he said. “But the fact that we’re on a blind date remains, and you didn’t seem surprised that you were talking to the CEO of Rose Blanche.” Charles paused, shifting in his chair to lean forward even more. His hands clasped in front of him on the table, his eyes fixed on Alexandra’s face.
“You also work for me.” Charles pointed out. “Does that mean you also knew this was a blind date before meeting me?”
Alexandra wrapped her hand around the bowl of her glass. “Yes, actually... I wasn’t supposed to be here.”
Charles’ smirk turned into a satisfied smile. Now things were starting to make sense. His eyes narrowed slightly.
“Is that so?” he mused. “You weren’t supposed to be here, so then, who was?”
“A friend of mine,” Alexandra mumbled like a reluctant child.
“A friend of yours, hm?” Charles leaned back in his chair again, his expression turning thoughtful. “And why would your friend send you here in her place?”
“Her father is blinded by money, so he tries to set her up with wealthy men so the money stays in the family...” Alexandra tapped her glass again.
Charles chuckled lightly. “Ah, so it was an arranged blind date. So your friend doesn’t want to marry for money, then?” He raised an eyebrow. “And by keeps the money in the family, do you mean... her father has a large company as well?” Charles let Alexandra answer, lifting his glass to his lips, taking a drink while keeping eye contact with Alexandra.
“He owns almost every nightclub in San Diego, even if he didn’t build it.”
That piqued Charles’ interest. He sat up, his attention fully on Alexandra. “So your friend’s father owns every nightclub in San Diego? That’s quite an impressive feat,” he mused, pausing. “And what is the name of such a man?”
Alexandra watched him. Charles’ sudden interest in the Abano family and Mia herself made her uneasy, a feeling like she’s gonna be sick at the bottom of her stomach.
Was this jealousy? He wasn’t the first man she gave the ick to in Mia’s name. So why did she want him to be the first man she’d charm in her name?
“Riccardo Abano...” Alexandra answered finally.
Charles nodded in recognition. He was familiar with the name. Riccardo Abano was indeed a powerful man in San Diego.
“Ah, Abano. That explains why he’s trying to keep their fortune within the family. It’s quite common in high society, isn’t it?”
He took a moment, noticing the change in her demeanor. “Is something wrong, Miss Hagen?”
Alexandra looked up from her glass. “Oh, no.”
“Are you sure? You seem a bit distracted.” Charles observed her. He could sense there was something bothering her, even if she tried to hide it.
“Yes.” Alexandra saw the way Charles took a liking to Mia. To her disappointment.
Charles didn’t buy it, but he decided not to press further. For now. “Alright, if you say so. But there is one thing I can’t help but get curious about, Miss Hagen.”
“Why did you agree to go on this blind date in your friend’s place?” His question was straight to the point. Now it was her turn to be put under his sharp gaze.
Alexandra sighed. “She pays me.”
Charles raised an eyebrow, a small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He was now finding this little blind date very interesting.
“She pays you?” he repeated, his tone showing his disbelief. “And how much exactly did she pay you?”
Charles chuckled, clearly finding the whole situation amusing. “She pays you 500 dollars to go on a blind date for her?” He shook his head, still smirking.
“I’ve heard of people doing strange things for money, but this is a new one.”
Alexandra crossed her arms, resigned. “I need the extra cash, alright?”
“No need to get defensive, Miss Hagen. I wasn’t judging you.” Charles took a sip of his drink. “Though I find it interesting why someone as lovely as you needs the extra cash.”
She gulped, no one but Mia knew this, and she’s about to reveal it to her boss. “My mum is in the last stage of chemotherapy, but it’s the most expensive one yet.”
Charles’ smirk faded, and his gaze softened with a touch of sympathy. He wasn’t expecting that.
“I see... So the money is for your mother’s treatment.”
He paused for a moment, taking in the information she just shared that suddenly made her less of a bad person. “I’m sorry to hear about your mother. I know how difficult it can be dealing with a sick loved one.”
“I know it’s not,” he said softly. Charles paused again before asking a question that’s been on his mind.
“But Miss Hagen, if you need money, why work as an accountant in Rose Blanche?” His eyebrows furrowed slightly.
“Don’t get me wrong, your performance is one of the best employees that I have, and I am actually impressed by how sharp of a worker you are, and I have never considered firing you, but you’re severely underpaid.”
“What are you suggesting?”
Charles smirked. “How about this.”
“You see, there’s a gala in two months, held by Rose Blanche. I have a proposition. I need a lover, someone so they’ll believe I’m off the market, a concubine if you will. If you agree, I’ll give you a raise.” Charles leaned back in his chair, waiting for her reply.
Alexandra watched him with a mix of horror and disbelief. “You want me to sell myself? For quick cash?” Her voice raised a bit, causing the other guests to turn their heads.
Charles’ smile widened, his eyes glinting mischievously. “Now, now, there’s no need to get excited,” he said, trying to calm her down. “It’s not like I’m asking you to take your clothes off or anything.” His smirk grew even more. “You’re not exactly my taste.”
There was a small silence as Charles waited for her reaction.
That hurt. She wasn’t his type, so that’s why it was so easy for him to pretend. Little did she know, he was going to be her type.
Alexandra scoffed, pulling her chair back with a scrape. She placed the 500$ Mia gave her on the table to pay for half of the bill. “I’m not an escort, Mr. Baldwin.” She turned on her heels, exiting the restaurant into a pouring rain.
The guests were definitely watching the debacle now.
Charles watched as Alexandra stormed out of the restaurant, feeling a mix of amusement and mild annoyance. He hadn’t expected her to react that way, but he couldn’t help but smirk at her sudden outburst.
The other guests were whispering and watching the scene unfold. Charles paid them no mind. He tossed a credit card on the table, paying for their meal.
Charles leaned back in his chair and took a moment to gather himself, his mind already planning his next move.
That woman was full of intrigues.
Charles waited a few minutes before he headed out of the restaurant, ignoring the curious glances from the other guests.
The rain was still pouring, and the dark streets were deserted. Charles looked around for any signs of Alexandra, but there was no trace of her.
He let out a sigh and got into his car. He had underestimated her and her principles. Charles never had to beg or ask another person more than once. He wasn’t used to being rejected; it was an interesting turn of events.
Alexandra had been walking for ten minutes before lights cut the darkness, and a honk sounded out, followed by Charles' urging her to get into the car because of the rain.
“What do you still want? I said no.”
Charles rolled down the window of his Rolls-Royce, the raindrops running down across the glass.
“I want to talk some sense into you,” he said, his tone a bit annoyed. “Get in the car before you catch a cold.”
He gave her a once-over, taking in her soaked state. “You’re already drenched.”
Alexandra begrudginly accepted at last, circling the car and slipping into the passenger seat. Getting sick won’t help her or her mother.
Charles looked her up and down, noting the way her wet clothes clung to her curves, but he quickly banished that thought. He wasn’t interested in her... at least not in that way.
“You’re stubborn, you know that?” he said with slight annoyance. Without waiting for her response, Charles started the car and pulled away from the curb.
They drove in silence for a few minutes, the only sound being the rain hitting against the roof of the car and the windshield wipers swiping back and forth.
Charles’ mind was racing with thoughts, but he kept his focus on the road. He glanced at Alexandra from the corner of his eye, his eyes lingering on her. He couldn’t help but wonder why she rejected him so abruptly.
He took a deep breath and decided to break the silence. “You know, you could’ve at least heard me out.”
She watched the trees and buildings pass by. “Fine.”
Charles seemed pleased that she was finally willing to listen. He kept his gaze on the road.
“I want to know why you rejected my offer so quickly. Other women would’ve jumped at the chance to be my fake lover, not to mention the raise and hefty bonuses.”
“I don’t sell my affection for pennies, Mr. Baldwin.”
Charles raised an eyebrow at her response.
“Pennies?” he repeated, his tone dripped with sarcasm. “$10,000 raise and $5,000 in cash is not merely pennies, Miss Hagen.” Charles glanced at her before returning his eyes to the road. “Not to mention, I wasn’t asking you to ‘sell yourself’. I just wanted you to pretend to be my lover for two months.”
Alexandra turned to look at him at the mention of the sum. Pretend to love a man who didn’t even find her attractive, but get money for her mother’s chemo, or continue her life as is, and the bill will keep expanding?
Charles noticed her reaction to the amount he offered, and he could tell that it caught her attention. He smirked, knowing he had her.
“Ten grand more every month, Miss Hagen,” he repeated. “For merely being my fake lover for two months.” He gave her a sidelong glance, his eyes scanning her. “That’s something you wouldn’t be able to make in two years of work in Rose Blanche.”
Charles smirked. He had her right where he wanted her.
“You have two days. Two days to give me an answer. I’ll give you the details once you decide.”
The car then fell into silence again as they drove through the rain-soaked streets of San Diego.
Until Monday. New work week. “Until Monday...” Alexandra voiced for him.
“Until Monday.” Charles smirked. “I expect you to look presentable.”
Alexandra scoffed, turning to look out of the window again. Watching as the nightly San Diego merged into one colorful striped due to the car’s speed. “Where are you taking us anyway?”
“My penthouse,” he answered, his eyes fixed on the road. “You’re soaked to the bone, I’m not letting you go home in this state.”
“Is this your usual move, or am I special?” she quipped.
Charles chuckled softly at the comment, finding her sarcasm amusing. “Trust me, Miss Hagen, you’re far from the first woman to be in this car.”
He took a moment to glance at her. “You’re special because you’re the first to reject me.”
Alexandra smiled to herself. “We all have our firsts.”
Charles let out a small snort at her comment. “You have a smart mouth, don’t you?” he said, his tone a mix of annoyance and amusement.
They drove in silence for a few more minutes before the car turned into a quiet, upscale neighborhood. Charles pulled into a driveway that led to a lavish penthouse.
“We’re here,” he said, killing the engine and turning to her.
Alexandra breathed out, glancing through the windscreen.
Charles got out of the car and walked around to open her door. He held out his hand, indicating for her to take it.
“Come on,” he said, his voice softer than usual, hinting at a small form of gentlemanly concern.
Alexandra placed her hand on his. Charles' grip was firm as he helped her out of the car, ensuring she didn’t slip in the rain. He kept his hand on hers, guiding her towards the entrance of the penthouse.
As they reached the doorway, Charles fished out the keys from his pocket and unlocked the door.
“Come in,” he said, pushing the door open and gesturing for her to enter first.
Alexandra looked at him before entering the apartment.
Charles followed her inside the penthouse, closing the door behind them.
The spacious living room was tastefully furnished with a mix of modern and minimalist decor. There were floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a panoramic view of San Diego.
Charles shrugged off his suit jacket, hanging it on the coat rack. “Make yourself comfortable,” he said, gesturing towards the sofa. “I’ll grab a towel for you to dry off.”
Alexandra walked further into the apartment, walking up to the window overlooking the heart of San Diego, looking like an ant city from this height.
Charles watched her observing the view; he couldn’t help but admire her in the dim lighting. He walked back to her with a fluffy towel in hand, he stood behind her and gently draped it over her shoulders. “You’re shivering,” Charles commented, breaking the silence.
Alexandra raised her hands to the towel, turning her head to look at him.
Their eyes met, and Charles found himself getting lost in hers for a moment. He shook his head, breaking the brief moment of intimacy.
He took a step back, putting some distance between them. “You should take a hot shower. I’ll lend you some clothes to change into.”
Charles turned and headed towards the bathroom, expecting her to follow.
Charles led Alexandra into the spacious bathroom. The room was fitted with luxurious fixtures and finished with marble tiles. The large shower stood in the far corner, the rainfall showerhead gleaming chrome under the lights.
He pointed towards a shelf that held several guest towels, extra toiletries, and clean undewear. “There’s a bathrobe hanging by the shower, use whatever you need.”
He then turned to look at her, his eyes scanning her soaked figure. “You’ve definitely seen better days,” he commented.
Alexandra rolled her eyes, watching Charles leave her before scanning the room. She stepped out of her heels, taking off her dress, bra, and underwear as she stepped into the shower. She sighed as the first droplets of hot water hit her skin.
After ten minutes with no more signs of hypothermia, she stepped out. Changing her undies and wrapping herself in the bathrobe. Her hair wet strands around her head as she left the bathroom.
Charles had sat on the sofa, browsing through his phone as he heard the shower turning off and the door open. He looked up, and his eyes widened slightly at the sight of Alexandra in nothing but his bathrobe.
He cleared his throat, trying to ignore the way the fabric clung to her curves and how her wet hair accentuated her features.
“Feeling better?” he asked, his voice slightly gruff.
“It’s definitely warmer.” Alexandra walked back into the living room, drying her hair. “I left my clothes in there.”
Charles noticed the way her bare legs were exposed from under the robe as she walked, and he couldn’t help but steal glances.
He stood up, trying to regain his composure.
“I’ll take care of that,” Charles said, walking back into the bathroom. He picked up her clothes and dumped them into the washing machine, and closed the lid. He then walked back into the living room and found Alexandra sitting on the sofa.
Charles cleared his throat again. “You should stay the night.”
“Are you sure?” Alexandra tugged her legs under herself.
Charles nodded, trying to sound nonchalant.
“It’s still raining heavily, and besides, you need rest and a warm bed to sleep in. You look... exhausted.” His gaze lingered on her, noting the dark circles under her eyes and the slight tremble in her hands.
“What bed will I be sleeping in?”
Charles gestured towards the hallway that led to the spare rooms. “You’ll be sleeping in my guest room,” he said, trying not to think about the alternative and how tempting it would be.
Charles led her to the guest room and opened the door, revealing a cozy yet luxurious room. There was a large four-poster bed in the center, a desk and a comfy reading chair in the corner, and a window that overlooked the city’s skyline.
“This is your room for the night.”
Alexandra took the room in. “Thanks.”
Charles hovered near the door, his eyes scanned the room, and then her. “You’re welcome,” he said. “The bathroom is just across the hall, and I’m right next door if you need anything.”
He shifted his weight on one leg, suddenly feeling a mix of awkwardness and something else he couldn’t quite put his finger on...
“Good night, Miss Hagen.”
“Good night, Mr. Baldwin.” Alexandra watched him close the door before slipping under the covers. She kept the bathrobe on due to no extra, proper clothes.
Charles leaned against the closed door, letting out a sigh. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to push away the image of her in just a bathrobe walking around. He shook his head, trying to focus on something else.
Charles walked into his bedroom and walked into the en-suite bathroom to take a cold shower.
When he finally lay in bed, his mind kept going back to Alexandra. Her defiance, her sharp tongue, her curves under that bathrobe... He groaned, trying to stop his thoughts from going wild.
Tomorrow morning would prove to be interesting.
Tag List: @topech, @failingghost
