"So do you have any free time this week?"
"So far, just after lunch on Wednesday. Mind you, I need to try and schedule some beauty appointments. Nobody wants a yeti as their lawyer."
"Are you free Saturday night?"
"Yes, why?"
"I have a function I need to attend, and I'd like you to join me. There will be several CEOs attending, so it would be a good networking opportunity for you. It's a fundraiser at the Grosvenor, you'll enjoy it."
"I see. I'm going to struggle to shop for a dress. It's rather short notice." I didn't say no, but was panicking inside about affording a dress, given that my pay rise didn't kick in until the following month. Steel yourself to say thank you if he offers to buy you a dress. Swallow your pride girl.
"I'm booking you on Wednesday. We will do the negotiation, then go shopping. If I can persuade a salon to open late, we can get your treatments done. How does that sound?" I smiled.
"Sounds good. I'll have your contract ready by Wednesday morning at the latest, so we should be good to go directly after lunch."
"Does that mean you'll accompany me on Saturday night?"
"Yes, I'd be delighted to."
Ivan looked really pleased, and seemed to relax in front of me. Our first course arrived, and we began to eat. I contemplated seeing him in black tie for the first time. I'd probably combust on the spot.
"You have a strange look on your face, Elle. Is everything all right?" Ivan asked, frowning slightly.
"Yeah, I'm good thanks. Food's delicious." Oh god, does this man not miss a thing? Cool down girl. He stared at me as if he was trying to read my mind. "Do you have a girlfriend Ivan?" I asked. If we were going to be spending time together, even as friends or colleagues, I needed to know.
"Not really. I date occasionally, but nobody special. Nobody I'd care to spend a Sunday with, put it that way."
"I see, so I was honoured?"
"You were indeed. I enjoyed our day together. Did you?"
I paused, "yes, I did. It was fun." It had also made me forget my humiliation at Oscar's hands, but I didn't say that.
"I feel relaxed with you. There's not many women I can say that about," he said, surprising me.
"Why aren't you usually relaxed with women?" I asked, frowning.
"Most of the time they're with me purely for what they can get, either that, or it's because of what I stand for, money and power. It makes me suspicious of people."
"You don't say," I teased, "says Mr I'll-buy-you-a-dress-and-get-your-legs-waxed. Have you ever considered that women fall at your feet because of your pretty face?"
He roared with laughter, "you're priceless sometimes. I know full well that if you already had a suitable dress, you wouldn't even allow me to shop with you. As it is, I know the prices will have to be hidden from you, or you'll be offering to pay me back. I'm glad you think I'm pretty though. It's high praise coming from you." I looked at him quizzically. "Elle, has it not occurred to you that you have the two wealthiest men in the Canary Wharf tower following you around like puppy dogs? There's only one more billionaire in that tower, and I don't think you've met him yet, which is a good thing. Three ensnared hearts is too much for any girl." Ensnared hearts? Quite an admission Ivan.#p#分页标题#e#
"I shall have to engineer a meeting. I always was a greedy girl," I quipped, Ivan just looked amused.
"Now THAT statement surprises me. You come across as very self contained. I can't imagine you being needy or clingy."
"No, you're right, I'm not. I'm very ordinary though, and I can't see what you and Oscar find so fascinating." Ivan just shook his head, looking amused. Our next course arrived, and we chatted about the food, which was exceptional, and the company Ivan was looking to take over. Dinner seemed to pass in a flash, and all too soon we were back in the car heading back to Canada Square.
Chapter 2
We pulled up outside my flat, and I invited Ivan in for coffee. Thankfully, his security detail stayed outside in the car, and we made our way up. Ivan sat at the kitchen island as I made our drinks, looking around the apartment. "This is a lovely flat Elle. Very secure too. You have a flatmate, is that right?"
"Yes. It belongs to James. He's away working in the States at the moment. I just rent a room from him. I love it here, it's very peaceful."
"This James, what's he like?"
"Oh, he's lovely. Looks like a bear, all hairy and scruffy, but he's very intelligent and sweet. He's a great cook too, keeps me well fed when I'm working. We're great friends."
"You're not involved with him?" I shot Ivan a 'don't be daft look', before placing his latte in front of him.