11. IZZY
“You got stuck in the elevator with Nick Hale?!” Tanya was practically squealing over the phone. I had to pull away the phone from my ear. “How lucky can you get! And that led to him agreeing to invest in EcoChic?”
“Yes, yes, and yes,” I answered, laughing. It was certainly amusing and maybe even a bit hilarious. But I didn’t dare tell her about how we’d jumped at each other like animals and had wild sex in one of the offices in the building. She did not even know about that first time at her birthday party.
“Well, talk about destiny!” Tanya said, giggling. “I mean, what were the chances something like that would happen right after he grilled you over your proposal and acted like it wasn’t worth his money and time! I think the stars are aligning in your favor!”
“Yep, indeed,” I agreed with a happy laugh. I had decided that I would have to force myself to only maintain a professional relationship with Nick Hale from this point forward.
“So, what really happened inside that elevator?” Tanya suddenly inquired with great curiosity in her tone. “Did you not bond over other things? Did you not get tempted to seduce him or kiss him or anything like that?”
My heart skipped a beat as I lied to my best friend. “No, Tanya. I already told you. We talked some about business stuff and about environmental stuff. We tried several ways to escape the elevator. That’s it.”
“Aww, that’s boring,” she complained jokingly. “I mean, I’m sure you were tempted? He looks so much like Dan, after all, and you’ve been crushing on Daniel Hale forever! But hey, you did the right thing, or it would have become awkward, with you two working together on your business.”
You nailed it, girl.
“Yup,” I said aloud. “Well, anyway, I have to go. I’m just going to finish these dress patterns, and maybe we can get together for dinner tonight?”
“Yes, after my modeling shoot.”
“Okay, see you!”
Later on, I was immersed in my work, hunched over the patterns spread across my dining table, when the chime of my doorbell interrupted my concentration. Frowning, I set down my pencil and crossed the room to see who could be at the door of my apartment.
As I opened it, I was met with the sight of an impeccably dressed young woman with a warm smile on her face. Her professional attire suggested she meant business, and her polished demeanor gave the impression of someone accustomed to dealing with high-profile clients. I was momentarily taken aback.
“Good morning,” she said in a pleasant tone. “I”m Emily Blake, an account officer representing Mr. Nicholas Hale. I’ve been assigned to your project.” She glanced down at her phone, then smiled at me again. “EcoChic Couture?”
I struggled to hide my pleasant surprise as I replied, “Hi, Emily. It’s good to meet you. I”m Isabelle Turner, but please call me Izzy. How can I help you?”
“Well, I’m sorry to barge in on you like this, but I was calling earlier but no one was picking up?”
“Oh,” I answered, realizing that I’d missed her calls on my phone. “Maybe I didn’t hear the ringing. I was so caught up with work and…” I motioned to the materials and papers on top of my dining table as I opened the door wide enough for her to see. “Please, come in and have a seat.”
Emily entered my apartment, her eyes wandering over the eco-friendly decor and the various fabric swatches and sketches scattered across the room. “Nice. I’m excited to work with you too.”
“Oh, thank you!”
“Well, Mr. Hale asked me to come fetch you for a lunch meeting. We need to discuss the business plans and how we’ll move forward. We also have to create a timeline.”
“Today?” I asked incredulously, to which she nodded with enthusiasm. “Uh, sorry, I wasn’t expecting this. Can you give me a few minutes to get ready?”
“Of course. It’s still early, anyway. I’ll just wait in the company car with the driver.”
As I threw together an outfit, I remembered receiving a message from someone named Catherine who was supposed to be Nick’s assistant. But she did not mention any thing about this lunch meeting, so I figured this was a spur-of-the-moment thing.
Doesn’t sound like Nick at all, though I don’t know him very well. But he just seems like someone who plans every little detail.
He didn’t plan your sexual encounters, though, a voice in my head reminded me. But I ignored it and rushed to put on some makeup and spray some perfume.
In just a few minutes’ time, I found myself sitting on an elegant chair in a lovely Italian restaurant, with Emily beside me and Nick across from me. Even before he’d arrived, I had been tapping my foot under the table and trying to look calm. But I was far from calm, especially now that he’d joined us at the table.
He looked stunning in an expensive charcoal suit, and I could not help admiring the way it emphasized his impressive physique, especially his broad shoulders. He wasn’t smiling as always, but there was a knowing twinkle in his eye.
“Hello, Miss Turner. We meet again.”
His choice of words had a double meaning, and it made me squirm. At the same time, I felt my heart jumping.
We got down to business immediately, with Nick leading the conversation. I tried to concentrate on everything he was saying, but his moist lips were distracting me, reminding me of how they had felt against my own. And when he took a sip from his glass, I remembered how his lips had sucked on my nipples, and how they had nibbled on the area around my clit.
He leaned forward, clasping his hands together, and fixed his intense dark brown eyes on me. I felt like Emily had disappeared into the background. “Miss Turner, as I mentioned yesterday, I’m genuinely interested in investing in your sustainable fashion business. We see great potential in your vision and your commitment to eco-friendly practices. It’s not every day that I get to meet someone who’s as passionate as you about fashion and the environment.”
I nodded, my excitement bubbling under the surface. “Thank you, Mr. Hale. I’m thrilled about the possibility of working together.”
Nick continued, outlining some of the key plans and policies he had in mind. Emily quickly brought out a drawn contract with these indications, giving us both a copy.
Nick then mentioned the financial support his company would provide, along with access to a network of industry experts and resources that could help my business grow. However, as he delved deeper into the details, I couldn’t help but raise a few concerns.
“Mr. Hale, while I appreciate your change of heart and willingness to support EcoChic Couture, I’d like to discuss a few adjustments to the policies you’ve mentioned. For instance, as you know, I’m committed to using sustainable materials for my designs, and I’d like that to be a key aspect of our collaboration. How can we ensure that our suppliers meet strict sustainability criteria?”
Nick nodded, his brow furrowing slightly. “Of course. We can include provisions for sustainable sourcing in our agreements.”
I felt a sense of relief, knowing that my principles wouldn’t be compromised. I continued to push for changes that would align our partnership more closely with my vision for sustainable fashion. Emily diligently took notes as I made my points, ensuring that every detail was documented.
Nick, to my surprise, was accommodating and willing to negotiate. “Miss Turner, your passion for sustainability is commendable, and I’m fully supportive of your efforts. We can work together to create a framework that reflects your values and our investment goals.”
“Thank you.” I was genuinely pleased that he wasn’t arguing with me this time. I felt like there was a lot of good things awaiting us down the road.
“Excuse me,” Emily politely interrupted. “I’ll have to make some revisions to the contract, and we can set up another meeting for the signing.”
“Yes, of course, Emily,” Nick said to her.
“That’s perfectly fine,” I added.
I couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of respect for Nick as he acknowledged my concerns and respected my vision. “Glad we can agree on those things,” he told me. “Shall we seal the deal with a handshake?”
As I shook his extended hand, a series of images flashed in my mind. The handshake brought me back to when he’d pulled me toward the ladder outside of the elevator. It also triggered the memory of how he’d gripped my hand over my head while he shoved me on top of the office desk.
Quickly I pulled back my hand when the memory struck me. He gave me a questioning look, but I looked away.
Fortunately, the food arrived, and we were temporarily distracted. “Let’s enjoy this meal,” Nick invited. “Consider it a celebration.”
It was indeed a mini feast as he seemed to have ordered so many delicious dishes. Emily, however, had to hurry because she still needed to go to another meeting.
I couldn’t help but grow both excited and anxious at the prospect of being left alone with Nick Hale.
“So…” he began as soon as Emily had left. “How did you sleep last night, Izzy?”
I definitely noticed that he called me by my nickname once the account officer was gone. What did that mean?!
“I, uh…slept okay.” The truth was that I had been tossing and turning in my bed, recalling all the events of the unforgettable day. “How about you?”
“Honestly, I couldn’t sleep.” He sounded serious. He wasn’t smiling. I knew he was being truthful. “I kept thinking about what happened. I kept thinking about you.”
I was confused. What game is he playing?
Before I could think of a response, he was the one who leaned back on his chair and changed the subject, suddenly talking about the food and about the improvements they planned to make to the building.
“You don’t have any plans after lunch, do you?” he suddenly quipped after paying the bill. “I want to show you this old clothes factory that I just purchased. Check it and see if it will suit your needs. You’ve started the hiring process?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. Shall we go?”
I nodded, my heart pounding in my ears tremendously. We stood at the same time, and he led me out of the restaurant.
We sat at the back of his luxury car while his driver stayed at the wheel. To my surprise, I found myself beginning to relax and enjoy his company once he wasn’t mentioning the events of yesterday anymore. And when he got me talking about my vision again and all of the preparations I’ve been doing for EcoChic Couture, I just couldn’t stop.
He chuckled. “You’ve done your homework, and you’re 110 percent invested in this, obviously. I guess that means I can relax and know that my money is in good hands.”
I grinned. “Of course. I’m brilliant at what I do. But hey, I’m a beginner in business. So, that’s where you also come in, right?”
“I guess,” Nick replied, nodding. “Honestly, in all our startup investments like with yours, it’s only the account officer that deals with the founder or CEO of the company. But I’m intrigued by this project of yours, and I personally want to work on it.”
“Wow, thanks. I appreciate it.”
Suddenly, I felt his hand taking mine as we sat side by side in the car. I gave him a surprised look as he gazed into my eyes intently. “And it’s because you’re… different…special…”
He was apparently struggling with how to say this, but I got the message. And it warmed my heart and filled my body with a mixture of warm and cold sensations.
The old factory held an air of history and nostalgia, its walls echoing with the whispers of the garments it had once produced. Nick and I walked through the cavernous space, our footsteps echoing against the concrete floor as we explored the various areas. Sunlight streamed in through broken windows, casting intricate patterns on the dusty ground.
“This is quite big,” I commented. “But it’s not old. I think if it’s cleaned and repainted, it will serve its purpose well.”
“I thought the same,” Nick agreed. “And it’s in a very good location too.”
I couldn”t help but feel a sense of awe as I gazed at the vast potential of the space. It was a blank canvas, waiting for us to breathe life into it and create something beautiful. Nick had purchased this abandoned factory as part of our collaboration, and I couldn”t have been more excited about the possibilities.
We were engrossed in conversation, discussing layout options and the potential for a sustainable, eco-friendly design studio. Nick’s ideas and input were invaluable, and it was clear he shared my enthusiasm for the project, now that he was more open to the concept of an environment-friendly business.
As we examined one of the larger rooms, I couldn’t help but pause and take in the sheer magnitude of the space. “This area could house our main production unit,” I said, my eyes scanning the surroundings. “With eco-friendly machinery and efficient systems, we can ensure minimal environmental impact while creating our designs.”
Nick nodded in agreement; his dark brown eyes filled with determination. “That’s perfect.”
It struck me how well we were getting along during the earlier meeting and this visit, which I wasn’t used to. Nick wasn’t the usual grumpy, challenging presence I had initially encountered. Today, he was engaged, open to ideas, and remarkably agreeable.
Unable to resist a playful quip, I turned to him with a teasing smile. “You know, Mr. Hale, you’re being surprisingly easy to work with today.”
He chuckled and grinned. “So, you miss our arguments, huh?”
“I don’t know,” I answered truthfully, shrugging. “It just feels weird.”
That made him laugh, which I knew came very rarely. I couldn’t help but marvel at the sound of his laughter.
My attention was momentarily diverted as we entered a smaller room, a space that held the promise of a dedicated design studio. The room boasted large windows that overlooked a neglected yard, weeds reclaiming the ground.
I approached the window, drawn to the potential of this overlooked space. The sunlight filtered through the dust particles and warmly illuminated the worn wooden floor.
“Hhmmm…I can imagine myself coming up with designs here,” I murmured, the excitement spreading throughout my body.
Lost in my thoughts, I took a step back, not realizing how close I was to Nick”s well-built physique. A gasp escaped my lips as I collided with him, the impact sending a shiver down my spine. I quickly turned around, expecting a look of annoyance on his face, but instead, our eyes locked in a silent exchange.
“Sorry,” I uttered quietly.
His intense gaze held mine, and for a moment, the world around us seemed to fade away. My heart pounded in my chest, a rapid rhythm that echoed the fluttering butterflies in my stomach. I couldn’t deny the magnetic pull between us, the massive tension hanging in the air.
However, Nick, with his customary control, took a step back, breaking the spell. He cleared his throat and shifted the focus to a safer topic. “So, Izzy, tell me more about your initial fashion designs for the business. I mean, I’ve seen some of them. But what’s your vision? Do you already have samples?”
I stammered for a moment, still reeling from the proximity we had just shared. I also felt a hint of disappointment that he had chosen to move away. Perhaps he wanted to keep that professional distance between us, too, now that we were officially going to work together.
“Well…I envision a collection that features light, breezy, and eco-friendly fabrics, with designs that inspire change…”
Walking behind him, I began describing my ideas, my hands animatedly tracing the air as I painted a picture of the designs I had in mind.
As I spoke, my mind drifted, and an unspoken desire lingered in the air. I couldn’t shake the yearning to feel his lips on mine, to explore the connection that seemed to spark between us. Yet, I knew that such thoughts were a dangerous distraction, especially in the midst of discussing my business.
“Any specific themes or inspirations?” he asked me.
I was thoughtful for a while, forcing the other thoughts out of my head and trying to gain control of my feelings. “Nature, primarily,” I answered. “The organic beauty of the world around us will be reflected in the patterns, colors, and textures. I want the collection to tell a story of harmony between fashion and the environment.”
Nick was nodding with a satisfied smile on his face as he paused and faced me. “I like the sound of that. And the way you said it, it’s perfect. We can actually quote you on that and put your words on the website and on our marketing materials.”
I blushed, not expecting his praise. “Thanks.”
“You’re a real artist, Izzy,” he whispered, moving closer to me and making my heart explode into a million heartbeats. “Someone with great passion and purpose too.”
I was definitely flattered, but his closeness was distracting me, making me lose all my concentration. Logic was flying out the window. Again.
Suddenly, I began blabbering. “More and more people are becoming conscious consumers, you know. They want products that not only look good but also contribute positively to the—”
I was cut short by his kiss, our lips meeting in a sweet and passionate union. It happened so fast I didn’t even have time to react. But my body had instinctively returned the kiss, and the pounding in my chest was beyond measure.
No, you can’t keep doing this, Izzy.
His hands pulled me closer, but I took a step backward and gently pushed him away. We stood there gazing at one another, our eyes wide and our faces flushed. “I’m sorry, but we can’t keep doing this,” I told him, though my voice was faltering and didn’t sound too sure about what I was saying.
He stood up straight and nodded, the expression on his face becoming stern and serious once again. “Of course, Miss Turner.”
So, why do I feel like shit?