Shayne
I was greeted at the front door at Carrington Ranch, by the scolding eyes of Aunt Ava. She looked at her wrist watch. "Did you forget that The Thatchers and their niece, Astrid, are here? You were supposed to be here for dinner."
"Aunt Ava, I'm so sorry. I ended up staying late at work. I was trying to make progress on something important." I'm being pulled in so many different directions, with this Winthrop situation.
I gave my aunt my irresistible smile, hugged her, and kissed her cheek. "Did I at least make it in time for dessert?"
"What am I going to do with you, Shayne? You are such a charmer! Everyone is in the dining room, dessert is being served," her eyes softened, and she touched my face like Mom always did.
I wrapped my arm around Aunt Ava's waist, as we strolled toward the formal dining room. The aroma of delicious smelling roast chicken, came wafting out into the hallway. My stomach started growling. I made a mental note, to head to the kitchen for left overs after dessert.
"Shayne, there you are," Bianca exclaimed.
Her big brown eyes lit up, "Do you remember my cousin, Astrid?"
"Of course I do. It's so nice to see you, Astrid." I moved in her direction and sat in the empty chair beside her.
A dark blush quickly stained her cheeks, as she looked up at me. "Hello Shayne, I can't believe it's been two years since the wedding."
"Catherine, it's always nice to see you and Andrew. I know Baby Colin, is thrilled to have you here as well." I wanted to acknowledge everyone in the room.
Catherine smiled widely at me and blew me a kiss across the table. "You must have all of the women falling at your feet, Shayne."
"Some, but not all." I chuckled thinking about, Sabine Harlow.
Colin eyed me curiously, he knows me. "Did you finish your project at work?"
"No, it's a work in progress, big brother. In fact, I'm going into the office early tomorrow morning." I winked at him, as I got ready to dig in to my dessert.
"I was hoping you could show Astrid around tomorrow." Bianca stated with disappointment in her voice.
What is Bianca up to? I already told my brother that I'm not interested in Astrid, at all.
"Sorry, Bianca. I have my hands full at Carrington Enterprises, as Colin and Andrew can both attest to." I'm sure she already knew, but was up to matchmaking.
"Yes, Shayne is buried trying to help with financial recovery efforts. How are things working out with your new assistant, Sabine?" Colin had the nerve to ask me, as he put his arm around the back of Bianca's chair. He studied me, as I answered.
Suddenly, all eyes at the dining table were on me.
"Oh, I didn't know Sabine was your new assistant. I've always liked her. She's a lovely girl, she speaks her mind." Aunt Ava chimed in laughing to herself.
"Yes, she certainly does. Today, was her first day working with me. She used to work for an accounting firm and since I'm the CFO, I needed someone with an accounting background. Bianca recommended her for the job." I glanced at her with a smirk, as I ate a bite of my chocolate cheesecake.
I took a sip of water, and sat my glass down on the table. I directed my next statement to my sister-in-law. "I didn't know Sabine had a boyfriend. She told me about her date tonight." I tried to sound like I was just sharing small talk. But I was still curious for some reason.
"I didn't know she was dating. You know more than me, Shayne. I'll have to call her tomorrow. We don't get to talk, as often as we used to." She looked surprised.
Why should this be of my concern? Maybe its because she's my personal assistant. I'm just interested in my new employee. Yes, that's it. . .so I'd like to believe. It couldn't possibly be any other reason. I don't even like the infuriating woman.
Colin folded his arms and gave me a good scrutinizing stare, that made me jumpy. My brother, knows me better than anyone. He didn't say a word, but it was written all over his face. He didn't believe me.
"Astrid, perhaps you and I can go out to dinner tomorrow evening. I'll try to get off early." I turned my body to face her and ignored Colin.
"That would be lovely, Shayne. This is my first time in the U.S. and I would love to see the sights here in Dallas." She stated shyly, as she accidentally bumped her knee into mine.
I didn't want Colin getting any ideas about, Sabine. So, I had to invite Astrid out to dinner. I don't really want to go out with, Astrid. Why am making all of these off of the cuff decisions, as of today?
I announced, as I stood from my chair, "It was good to see everyone tonight, for dessert. I'm going in the kitchen to grab some leftovers and then heading to bed. I have an early day at work in the morning. I'll see you tomorrow for dinner, Astrid. Goodnight everyone." I couldn't escape from the dining room fast enough. This is all that ridiculous woman's fault!
*****
Sabine
I arrived home in the nick of time, before Skyler Pennington came for our date night. I like to call him, Sky. We met on a blind date. An old friend of mine set us up, thinking we were the perfect match. He is extremely handsome and a very wealthy bachelor.
I put on a pretty dress, and the most adorable red high heeled pumps. I slicked my hair back into a high ponytail. I found the perfect pair of dangling earrings that complimented my outfit. I smoothed my dress nervously, as the doorbell rang.
I glided toward the door, casually opening it, not wanting to appear too eager. "Hi Skyler." I tried to be cool, calm, and collected.
He stood there with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. "These are for you. They pale in comparison to your beauty." He smiled charmingly.
"Oh, thank you for the flowers and the compliment. I'll just put these in some water. Why don't you have a seat in the living room?" I pointed in the direction of the living room and he went toward the sofa, while I went in the kitchen.
I recently moved into my one bedroom, loft apartment. It is currently sparsely furnished. I have just the bare essentials for now. I'm busy working, I don't have a lot of time to decorate, and shop for furniture.
I love the open floor plan, with exposed brick walls in the kitchen. There are beautiful oak hardwood floors throughout. My living room walls currently have various paint samples on them. I'm still trying to pick the perfect color.
I have a mattress and box springs to sleep on. I use Totes, that act as a dresser and nightstands in my bedroom. There is a sofa and flat screen TV in the living room, with a few odds and ends scattered throughout my apartment. I'm sure my boss would have plenty to say, since I commented on his office decor. But he'll never see my apartment.
My cellphone rang on my granite countertop, as I entered the kitchen. "Hello Sabine, this is, Shayne Carrington. I hate to interrupt your date, but can you come in at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow morning?"
"I recognize your voice. How did you get my phone number?" I spoke in a low whispery tone, as I opened the cabinet door looking for a flower vase.
He paused. "Bianca gave me your cellphone number. I told her that I needed to call you. By the way, I should have your number since you are my assistant. Are you out with your special guy? Just pretend I'm a friend, so he doesn't take me calling you the wrong way."
"You are so obnoxious. I will tell him, that my boss called me about work. How is he going to get that confused?" I whisper-yelled, while putting the flowers in the vase a little forcefully. I was so annoyed at this man on the phone.
He actually gave a breathy laugh. "Well, what is your answer about coming in at 6:30 a.m. tomorrow? I don't wish to hold you up any further, with my obnoxiousness,"
"I will be there at 6:30 a.m." I pressed end, without saying goodbye. He annoys me!
I didn't hear Skyler approach. "Is everything okay? You don't seem yourself after that phone call."
"I'm fine. That was a friend. Are you ready to go to dinner?" I can't believe I chose to listen to Shayne, saying it was a friend on the phone. I'm not trying to ruin a good thing with, Skyler.
Shayne Carrington irks me. . . .
Skyler opened my car door, like a southern gentleman. Check number one! He is meeting my expectations and then some. We were seated at a cozy table for two, at a fine dining restaurant.
He pulled out my chair, and then took his seat across from me. I loved the low lighting and the candles on our table. It was so romantic. We perused our menus, that the hostess handed us while we waited for our server.
"How was your first day in your new position at work, Sabine?" Skyler had to bring that up—which involved, Shayne.
I couldn't help picturing those steel grey eyes and my heart had a little, involuntary flutter. "It was okay. Better than I thought it would be." I was startled, by my unexpected reaction. I had to quickly camouflage my blushing cheeks I felt starting to spread.
Where did that come from out of the blue? He infuriates me.
"My day was filled with boring financial reports. How was your day? I'm sure it was more interesting than mine." I had to divert all of my attention back to my dinner companion.
He began to talk about his day. From his waking up, what he had for breakfast, literally, his whole day. I had never known him to talk all about himself. He's on the quiet side. I didn't get a word in throughout the whole dinner. That was strike number one. Even Shayne didn't do that much talking about himself. Not even in the third person. Why am I comparing him to Shayne? I'm ready to ask for the check, ugh.
Skyler drove me back to my apartment, and was still telling me about his day at Pennington, Inc. I had a splitting headache, after hearing him rattle on. This was a totally new side of him. I've only known him for two weeks.
He got out to open my car door. "I'd like to take you to the new dine in movie theater on Friday night."
"Okay, that sounds good. Just text me with the time and the movie info." I started yawning, to emphasize how tired I was.
"Thank you for dinner, I had a lovely evening. You don't have to walk me inside. Talk to you tomorrow." I kissed his cheek and quickly ran inside my apartment building. I need Tylenol, and a goodnight's sleep.
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