chapter 8

Haley wasn't expecting a response from Alexis, that much was clear from the look on her face. She scoffed lightly, eyeing Alexis.

''I said spit it out,'' Alexis repeated. ''You've been wanting to say something to me all day, haven't you?''

Haley took the bait. ''Of course. I wasn't expecting someone like you when Haven called. You lack the grace and manner of this boutique. Completely out.''

It was Alexis' turn to scoff. She took a step closer to Haley, staring her in the eyes, despite the intimidating height of the other woman. They had a mini stare match, before Haley looked away, not bothering to waste her time with her. Alexis also looked away. She didn't care what Haley thought of her but that didn't mean she couldn't flare up if she needed to. And if she was doing this for the money, she had to put up with anything that came her way.

After trying on a couple of shoes, Alexis finally chose a black wedge heel. Just as she was staring at herself in the mirror, she heard footsteps approach them. Both Alexis and Haley turned to see Haven. Immediately his eyes fell on her, she averted her gaze, looking elsewhere but him.

''Mr. Gray,'' Haley began. ''I apologize if the outfit isn't to your liking. But she is quite difficult to please.'' Haley said that, eyeing her.

Alexis rolled her eyes. Not bothering to answer her.

''She's okay,'' Haven said. ''It's a simple outfit. I like it.''

Alexis was about to make a face at his first compliment, only to stop when she heard the second. She snapped her head to him, her brows raised. He liked it?

He walked up to her, staring at her closing. His eyes trailed down from the nape of her neck and down to her thigh before moving up to her face. Haley crossed her arms, looking completely displeased. He turned to her. ''You did a good work, Haley.''

She immediately smiled. ''Anything for you.''

Alexis rolled her eyes, repeating the same words under her breath. It was so obvious she had a thing for him.

''We're leaving now.''

''Right this way.'' Haley extended a hand, leading them out of the room. When they got to the payment section, the price of the dress and shoe almost made Alexis want to pull them off.

''What?!'' she cried, as if she wasn't expecting such an amount.

Haven leveled her with a glare. ''I am paying, you know.''

''But still…'' Alexis shut her mouth when she noticed the stares she was getting. She saw Haley smile a little, happy over Alexis' embarrassment. ''We could totally find gowns like this at a cheaper rate outside. I know of a good store.'' Alexis said, returning a smile to Haley.

''Our products are of designer quality, mind you.'' Haley said. ''We don't sell cheap products.''

''That's a shame. You'd make a lot of money, even if you were selling rags.''

''Why you-'' Haley moved forward. Even the sales person in charge of payment was taken aback. A low sigh from Haven had Haley stopping in her tracks. Without another word, he took his credit card and made his way out of the mall.

Alexis stuck her tongue out at Haley, before following Haven out.

Alexis wasn't sure if it was her imagination or that Haven kept making side glances to her as he drove. She tried not to feel too self-conscious, but it was hard not too. She wasn't used to being this scrutinized every now and then, especially from a guy she'd only know for two days.

The car finally came to a stop in front of a trump tower. Alexis was staring at the huge building with polished panels so she didn't notice when Haven had gotten down to open the door for her. She shot a leg out, moving to bring the other one when she suddenly lost her balance. Haven's arms wrapped around her arm, pulling her against his body. She suddenly had a feeling of deja vu.

Feeling embarrassed, she pulled herself away from him and stood up straight, trying to fight the blush fighting its way up her cheek.

He has strong abs. She mentally noted.

Haven stepped ahead of her. ''We'll be meeting some pressmen. Do not say anything unless I ask you to.''

Alexis nodded. ''Got it. But why are we meeting pressmen?''

Haven stared at her like she had grown a second head. ''For publicity. To make our relationship more believable.''

He offered her his hand and she took it, staring down the sidewalk. The huge fountain just before the entrance caught her eyes. Just as they got to the entrance, she felt her heartbeat faster.

Calm down, Alexis. You're a tough girl. This is for the money. She pulled herself together only for her heart beat to increase again. Not from the fact that she was about to do something she'd never imagine herself doing.

Rather, it was from Haven's proximity. His hand wrapped around her waist as he leaned down to whisper into her ears, ''Smile.''

Had she been frowning?

She felt shivers run down her spine as he pulled them forward to the glass doors of the entrance. Men and women in corporate suits and dresses lingered around, chatting amongst themselves, talking so loud like they wanted someone to hear what they were saying- even the people not listening. The smell of drinks aired in the room, glasses clinked together each time anyone made a toast.

Haven stared ahead, disinterested in everything except for the grand piano in the corner.

''Mr. Gray.''A deep voice spoke from their left. Haven turned and Alexis caught how he immediately stiffened. The man who had spoken was a man adorned in a long black suit worn over a white collared shirt. ''Wasn't expecting you here.''

''Neither was I,'' Haven replied. He let out a deep breath as he shook the man's hand. If no one was paying attention, they wouldn't have seen it, but Alexis could tell Haven didn't like this man. The rigidity of his shoulders and his tensed look was sign enough. He let go of the man's hand.