What It Means To Love

-3-

Wil's apartment felt like home.I liked staying here; it felt very homely. And the owner was the best.I took a shower immediately after arriving and changed into his clothes.I got comfortable in his lounging area as he made us supper.Wil and I met in highschool. He was my sworn enemy until we worked out our differences. He and I clicked and our ten year old friendship began. He was an extremely attractive man though not as him... He was  a 6'4 with dark chestnut hair and hazel eyes. He was well built though not as him..... Enough with the mental comparison already. Just thinking about him made me reflush allover. Thinking of him brought butterflies again to my stomach and another feeling I hated. Before I completely lost it, Wil served dinner and boy did he look good.And it tasted great.
"Marry me Wilson Anthony Herd,"she said as they ate.
"Not happening ,"he said and I feigned being hurt."Not my type."he added and I acted more hurt. Of course  I wasn't his type. He was gay.If he weren't I would have already snatched him for myself.
"How was today?"he asked and I sighed before telling him all that happened at the ball. Everything.He cursed at Hales and asked whether he should involve his parents . They were the governor and the first lady of the state. I declined politely reminding him my uncle was the president.
He cursed once again and then randomly asked about Carl when I had thought he had forgotten.Just the mention of his name made me blush all over again.Agai I recounted tonight and I blushed further.
"You like him, don't you?"he jested. I could have denied instead I recounted how wonderful it felt to be in his arms . I would not mind being in his arms again. Yep  I was definitely beet red.Wil must have noticed because he immediately began teasing me.
"You are blushing hard, Belle Clarisse Freeman,"he teased.
"I'm not,"I attempted to lie then gave up,"what's there not to like?"I suddenly remembered what happened years ago and it was chilling .Tonight had been wonderful but I would prefer if remained just a wonderful memory. Wil noticed my shift in demonour and held my already cold hand.
"It's been years Belle. It's time you let go of the past. You , more than anyone deserve to be happy,"he said and I pushed back the tears that threatened to spill out. I nodded then smiled sadly.
He tried his best to cheer me up and succeeded. For the rest of the night he reminded me the reason why he was my best friend.
*******
My darn phone rang again,rudely waking me up. It was a Saturday. Who could be calling me at this hour? Cursing ,I pushed the pillow off my face and reached for my phone on the stand . The time was 11 in the morning. It was Aubree who was calling. She had called 17 times and left 14 voicemails all begging me to call her. What could be so urgent ? Before I could call her, she called me .
"Hello ,thank God you finally picked up.Where have you been and why aren't you picking up the phone?"she bombarded me.
"Well good morning to you too,Bree. I slept well,thank you for your concern,"I answered instead sarcastically.
"Not funny ,Belle. I need you to get to the company this instant,"she said stressing her words.
"Why?What's going on?" I asked. She sounded extremely serious and nervous.
"The president of Donovan Group Of Companies is here. He's been here for the past hour waiting for you.That's why you need to get your ass here this instant,"she almost screamed but then lowered her voice,"he could be the investor we are looking for..."
I didn't need to hear the rest of the conversation. I was already in the shower and I took the shortest shower in history and got dressed. Nearly half of his closet contains my clothes,shoes and accessories. I slept over at his house a lot of times thus this.

I opted to dress formally just to be prepared. I put on  a white business suit that consisted of an official palazzo pants and a matching coat. I put on a a black sleeveless top and ended the look with Louis Vuitton red bottom heels. I straightened my hair and held it behind my ears . A white sling bag and light makeup with peach lipstick and I was done.
Downstairs will had packed my coffee in a mug and some toast even though he knew I wouldn't eat it. My driver arrived in record time and I left for the company.
****
"How much longer are we going to wait for your boss?"Raphael asked . He was annoyed that they had been waiting for over an hour for a Belle Freeman who hadn't shown up.
"Please be patient with her.I just talked to her.She assured me she is on her way,"Aubree answered nervously. The two men had very imposing auras. But they didn't scare her.
"Is she even a CEO?"Raphael scoffed.
"What did you say?"Aubree asked annoyed.She could take anything but anyone talking ill about Belle.
"I mean which CEO reports to work this late?"he asked rolling his eyes.
"Hey,"she screamed,"Incase you don't remember,it's the weekend. Time for everyone to rest. She was at home resting off the week's cares . You guys come here interrupting her rest and even insult her. Shame on you."
"Shame on us?"Raphael asked after recovering  from his initial shock. This human girl was really brave.
"Don't you know who we are?"he asked.
"Assholes,"Aubree replied cooly.
"Come again.I didn't quite hear you,"he said towering over her but she seemed unfazed . What was wrong with her? How come she wasn't scared of them?

"I said you guys are assholes,"she spat meeting his eye. Raphael was so ready with a come back but Carl beat him to it.
"Miss Freeman,is it?"he asked politely.That voice though calm sent shivers down her spine.And his eyes,one could easily drown in them.
"Ye,,,yes,"she stammered.
"I'd like to really meet your boss and my assistant is sorry for talking rudely. I hope we can get along well in the future,"he said and Bree could only nod.
At least he had manners.
"I hope so too sir. I'll be outside if you need anything,"she said then left.
"You should have let me break her skull open,"Raphael said angrily. Carl remained silent for a while. He looked at the picture of his mate ,her assistant and the man she left with the previous night on the table. It was obvious she had a strong bond with them. He didn't want to annoy her before he had her.
"Raphael,"he called out,"we're here to meet my mate so behave,"Raphael's mouth literally dropped to the floor.
******
My car pulled up at the door of the company. Crap !A headache. Hungover effects. Drinking is fun until the next morning.The driver opened the door and the first person I see is Aubree and she looks pissed. I was on for an earful. She didn't even say hi rather began an updating me. She was definitely mad about something.
The first thing I noticed was a person seated with their legs wrapped on my new and by the way very expensive desk that I purchased barely a month ago!I resisted the urge to yell at him and plaster a fake ass smile on my face.
"Good morning gentlemen,"I greet cheerfully.None of them reply and internally I swear at them.Rude much. I made my way to my chair and the man I recognize as  Carl Donovan swings his legs down.
"Right,how about we start with introductions,"I suggest.The one whom I assume to be his assistant reaches his hand,"Raphael Sobiet,his right hand."I accept it studying him . He was handsome alright. He had brown eyes and hair. He wasn't as heavily built as Carl but his general physique was great. He would definitely be a heartbreaker without even having to try.
"Nice to meet you,Belle Freeman,"I answer.
"You are pretty,"he says and surprisingly I do not blush. If his boss said that I'd be beet red.
"You too,"I answer and he smiles, a really beautiful smile.
"I'll be outside,"he says and I nod to which he leaves.I'm left with Carl alone .
"You are not a morning person,"he says.
"Not my thing. Mornings make me rethink my existence,"I say before I can stop myself and he chuckles. The best thing I ever heard. Damn.
"Okay,down to business,"I shift before I embarrass myself further,"to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit ,sir?"I ask
"Carl,"he corrects
"Excuse me?"I'm puzzled
"You can call me Carl,"he says and I swear my heart almost breaks out of my rib cage,"it's shorter and I want to hear how sexy it sounds coming from you."