Chapter 3: First Encounters

A few months before…

Reece’s POV

I can’t seem to keep myself from shaking. Even the gorgeous dress I had on was not helping ease my anxious state. Gwen had offered to take care of my dress, hair and makeup which had eased my mind about showing up looking like a slob. I have always been completely hopeless when it came to fashion and so growing up I had relied on my sister’s expertise or rather she’d offer it unsolicited. But now I rely wholly on Gwen and at least with her, I could be sure she’d never stir me wrong.

She had adorned me in a brilliantly white gown that clung to my body like a second skin, highlighting my ample chest and slim waist. It flared nicely at my hips then flowed out into a beautiful floor sweeping skirt at the bottom. It had lace trimming that made up the sleeves and that also covered the sweetheart neckline giving off a demure yet sensual look. She had also styled my platinum blonde hair, giving it the illusion of a halo framing my face enchantingly. She had finished off the look with minimal makeup and lusty ruby red lips. She’d said I looked like a sexy angel and despite her constant reassurance that I could pull it off and that the night would go well, I couldn’t help but worry.

So as the limo slid smoothly down the road and closer to my destination, I can’t help but wish I could turn back and have someone else stand in for me. It’s the first gala of the year and it would help me prepare for the one I’d be hosting later in the year. So I basically had no choice, I had to attend.

As the limo pulled over in front of the hotel, I let out a sigh of relief when I saw Charles Falkland waiting by the entrance. He’d be close friends with my dad and had served on the board since my dad was CEO. He was one of the few people I could trust to help me run the business.

The car door swung open and gathering the flowing skirt of my dress, I gracefully stepped out. Charles greeted me with a bright smile and I couldn’t help beam back at him. He offered me his arm and after taking it he led me into the hotel.

The foyer was beautiful. It was brightly lit and boasted a brilliant chandelier that seemed to bring to life the furniture that sat spaciously all about. Even the check-in desk looked like a masterpiece and I almost felt a little sad we weren’t stopping there first.

When we finally stepped into the ballroom, I was in awe. The whole place shimmered in gold and when I looked up I finally realized why. Around four chandeliers lit up the room but surrounding them were little gold streamers that reflected the light giving the illusion of golden snowflakes f light shimmering down us. I was so caught up with the lights I didn’t even realize where Charles was taking me until we stopped.

My eyes finally found their way down from the lights and onto a beautiful hunk of a man. My breath hitched.

He is a sight for sore eyes. Was my first thought.

"Mr. Alec Platon, I would like you to meet your rival for this year." Charles announced with a wide grin.

"Lovely to meet you,” The beautiful man said while eyeing me curiously but only briefly before he went on. “Though I am a little disappointed that Charles here forgot that I'd asked to be introduced to the CEO of The Hale Scott franchise, not the manager."

He had extended his hand in greeting but withdrew when I didn't respond in kind. "No offense Miss, I'm sure you're great at your job."

What the.....? I thought as anger whirled inside me. Who did this guy think he is?

Charles burst out laughing causing e to turn to him in shock. Did he not just hear the same thing I did?

As I fumed inwardly, the arrogant bastard just stared in amusement.

"Mr. Platon, this is the owner and CEO of the Hale Scott franchise. She is Miss Reece Hale." Charles finally said as he wiped away an imaginary tear.

The man turned to me with furrowed eyes as though I was a puzzle he was trying to figure out. Then it finally dawned on me.

He didn't think I could hold such a position because I was a woman!

Appalled by this man’s arrogance, I decided to go look for Dinah, Charles’ beloved wife and maybe grab myself a drink as well.

"Charles,” I said turning to him. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go look for Dinah now."

"Okay child. I can actually see a few familiar faces as well. If you’ll both excuse me..." Charles said scurrying off to God knows where leaving me with the arrogant bastard. His earlier charm had gotten lost in the banter

Having nothing more to say to him I turned as though to leave when his hand latched onto my arm. I stiffened when I felt him close behind me, his mouth right at my ear, his breath on my skin.

"Forgive me love. I didn't mean to offend you. I've just never met a woman who holds rank."

"Not to worry.” I began with a sickly sweet smile on my face as I gently pulled my arm from his hold. I made sure to steel my back and look him straight in the eye. “Neither have I been around a Neanderthal before."

Having no idea where the confidence came from but I made a big show of turning and finally walking away from him. As I sashayed away, the dress highlighting my curves while its length fluttered gently around my feet as I moved, I couldn’t help but be glad Gwen had pushed for this dress.