by Cidney West
After changing and eating something while browsing online for ideas, Ella thought she might know what to look for. So, taking only what she thought she needed and making sure the rest of Cedric’s money was tucked safely out of sight in her apartment for safekeeping, Ella headed toward some clothing boutiques not far from her home. She’d never been inside, but she knew she’d seen dresses in the windows that might work.
But as she analyzed herself in one of those dresses in a full-length mirror in the dressing room, uncertainty washed over her. Did she even need to dress like this? She was going in a professional capacity, so maybe she should look more businesslike than partylike. Ella sighed, running her hands down her sides. This was not the kind of assignment she was used to. Checking emails, that she could handle. It might not be exciting, but it was straightforward. But cocktail parties with wealthy men? She had no frame of reference for this. What if she got it all wrong?
“Miss?” The sales associate called. “Would you like to try another size?”
Great. She probably thought she was trying to steal something. “No, thank you. I’m almost finished.” Ella wriggled out of the dress. More businesslike it was.
She found a more straightforward neutral shift dress that would work for evening, she thought, and still looked professional. But when she showed Scarlett as soon as she got home, her friend didn’t quite agree with her. “It’s boring.” Scarlett’s lips curved down as she swiped over her again. “You’ll never catch him looking like that.”
Ella’s nose wrinkled up. That idea was so far from her mind…right? “You’re wearing something similar and you’re telling me I look boring?”
“I wore this to work at a lawyer’s office, not to a swanky cocktail party.” She looked Ella over again. “We need to go back. That’s not going to work.”
Scarlett dragged her back to the stores, forcing her to return the shift dress. Then, she made her try on almost every single evening dress available until Ella finally put on a light pink off-the-shoulder number that actually made her pause as she looked in the mirror.
“It doesn’t look ridiculous?” Ella said as she fingered the fabric around her shoulders. She’d never worn anything like it before.
“Not at all. In fact, I think it’s a nice compromise between party and business.” Scarlett adjusted the fabric around Ella’s shoulders and took a step back. Her long, auburn locks fell to the side as she tilted her head. “It works for you.”
After checking all angles, Ella agreed. And it wasn’t exorbitant either. After spending a while in some other shops, she was fully equipped for the cocktail party with heels and a clutch tucked inside paper shopping bags. She felt lighter on her feet as she walked home, and they chatted about the day. Maybe this wouldn’t be so difficult after all.
That feeling disappeared as the next day wore on and she came closer and closer to the end of the workday. She got home with her stomach in knots, but fortunately, Scarlett was prepared to help her get ready. Cedric informed her she’d be picked up and delivered to the location, so she didn’t have much time.
“Why am I so nervous?” Ella said aloud as Scarlett worked on putting her hair into a chignon.
Scarlett kept focused on her task, her own hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail. “Um…because you’re going out with a handsome billionaire?”
“We’re not ‘going out.’ He’s paying me to be his assistant.” Ella’s forehead wrinkled up, the same uncertainty from earlier resurfacing. This was not her area of expertise. Cedric had hired her to be his personal assistant for the night, so that canceled any chance it was a date, didn’t it? “Right?” she asked anyway, afraid to answer her own question.
A smile played on Scarlett’s lips. “You tell me. I wasn’t there when he asked.”
Ella focused on her reflection as she replayed talking to Cedric in his office. He was a bit bumbling at times, and from the relief on his face when she agreed, he genuinely wanted her help. She inhaled sharply. She was ridiculous for even questioning it. “It’s definitely work.”
Scarlett glanced up, her eyes dancing.
Ella tried to focus on the task at hand but Scarlett wouldn’t look away. “Stop looking at me like that.”
Scarlett lifted a shoulder, her eyes dropping back to her handiwork, though her lips still held a smile. “Whatever you say…”
Ella rubbed her lips together, her certainty melting away again. This shouldn’t be so confusing. But it was.
With Scarlett’s steady hands, Ella finished getting ready just in time. The driver helped her into the backseat of a black sedan and whisked her off to Manhattan. When he stopped and opened her door again, Cedric was waiting on the sidewalk. As his sharp eyes appraised her, Ella was suddenly conscious of how the dress hugged her body shoulder to knee, and the strappy heels Scarlett had insisted she buy. She kept the coordinating clutch near her body as protection, frozen until he met her eyes. She thought he looked surprised. Good or bad surprised, she wasn’t sure.
But she did know he looked more handsome than she’d seen yet in a tailored black suit and striped silk tie. His sandy hair was combed back, and he stood tall and confident as he held out his arm for her. “You look…perfect,” he said, hesitating like he’d had another word in mind and changed it last second.
Ella let go of a small smile, trying to relax as she hooked her arm through his. Though their proximity and the feel of his muscular arm did nothing to help her forget her conversation with Scarlett earlier. Nor did the echoes of dozens of voices as they entered the low-lit modern art gallery that opened before them. At least it was darker in case she looked out of place.
She gripped Cedric’s arm as they slowly made their way inside. She leaned closer, whispering, “What do you want me to do?” She’d hoped to talk to him beforehand, but he’d only been in the office briefly and she never got a chance.
“Uh…” He glanced around as if searching for the answer. “Just observe. You know, take note of names and stuff in case I forget.” He smiled down. Ella wasn’t sure that helped. If she was supposed to work, surely there was more to do than that.
Cedric grabbed two champagne flutes as a server passed, then stared at a statue nearby. “What do you think?” He aimed his glass at it.
Ella had been trying to discern what it represented. Even after reading the plaque, she still was unsure. “It’s interesting.”
Cedric sashayed closer, lowering his voice. “I know someone who paid a small fortune for something like this. And I know perfectly well he has no idea what it’s supposed to be either. Every time I’ve been there for parties, he shows it off and says it’s something different.”
Ella giggled.
“Mira might have an idea,” Cedric said, tilting his head.
“Who?” Ella’s heart froze, reminding her that this was a professional thing (not what Scarlett intimated) and that Cedric might be in a relationship…or several.
“She’s my best friend’s wife. And I know she’d contradict me on this, but she’s an art expert.”
Every part of Ella relaxed. Mira was a friend’s wife, as Cedric described her. That was more positive.
“They’re on their honeymoon right now.” Cedric grinned. “Otherwise, I’d send her a photo and ask for her professional opinion.”
Ella examined the statue again. “I’m not sure that would help.”
Cedric laughed until a man clapped him on the shoulder, coming up from behind. He swiveled around, his smile fading. “Dad.” Cedric squared his shoulders, lowering his champagne glass. “I wasn’t sure you’d be here.”
“I wasn’t sure you would be either,” his father said. “Apparently you can read emails.”
Cedric bristled. His father settled his gaze on Ella, arching his eyebrows. “This is Ella Brodie,” Cedric said, his tone flatter than a second ago. “She’s my…assistant.”
To Ella’s surprise, his father held out a hand. “Edward Pearce,” he said.
“Of course.�
�� Ella shook his hand, hoping she didn’t shake. “I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Likewise.” He pointed a finger at Cedric, the light glinting off a wedding band. “You have your work cut out for you with this one.”
Cedric pressed his lips shut, his jaw clenching. Someone called out to his father, and after excusing himself, he disappeared into the darkness again. Once he was gone, Cedric immediately steered them to another part of the room. But the teasing, lighthearted Cedric vanished as they silently meandered around the gallery. He only talked when forced to as they passed different acquaintances.
Ella wanted to say something to lighten his mood, but she didn’t dare try. She didn’t know him, and it was none of her business. Though it was clear his relationship with his father was difficult at best.
As they came around a corner, Ella’s eyes went wide as her own issues cut into her musing over Cedric’s. She stopped short and started backing up involuntarily. Her stepfamily, and very clearly her stepmother, were chatting with someone in the next room. Why hadn’t Ella considered they might be there? Probably because she never had to worry about bumping into them. They lived very different lives.
Cedric realized she stopped and turned back. “What’s the matter?”
“I…” Ella swallowed, grateful for the lack of light as she tried to recede deeper into the shadows. “I need to go to the ladies’ room. I’ll be right back.” Before he could ask anything else, Ella spun around and walked as far from her stepmother and sisters as possible. She had no idea where she was going and if she found the restroom, fine. But if not, she’d claim she got lost later.
Eventually, she’d circled closer to the front doors again, recognizing the abstract sculpture from earlier. Not catching any sign of her family, she stayed where she was, hoping she could dodge them until the night was over.
“Hey–” Ella jumped as Cedric came up behind her. “What’s going on? I’ve been looking all over for you.”
“Oh…I’m sorry. I got lost trying to get back to that room.” It sounded lame but she had nothing else to offer.
Cedric blinked back at her. “Please don’t ever join the CIA. That was terrible.”
Ella swallowed, trying to calm her heart down again.
“Now, what’s really going on?” Cedric said. “You look pale.”
Her stepfamily had that effect on her. But how was she supposed to explain this without explaining it? “I saw someone I knew is all. It’s not a big deal.”
Cedric arched an eyebrow. “An ex-someone?”
If only it were that simple. “No. It’s…it’s complicated.” She dropped her eyes to the black tile. This wasn’t something you told your boss in a dark art gallery.
Cedric took a breath, glancing behind him. “Want to uncomplicate things and get out of here, then?”
Ella had never wanted anything more in her life and nodded emphatically. “That would be great.”
Cedric gave her a lopsided smile, holding out his hand this time and not just his arm. “Let’s go.”
CHAPTER 10
Ella took his hand hesitantly. But once she did, Cedric held it firmly as he led her out to his car. Once they were snugly in the backseat, he told his driver to go to a favorite Thai restaurant. He thought they could both use some food to recover. Though, from what he’d seen, Ella’s response was more acute than his. Whomever she’d seen, she wasn’t happy about it.
Once they arrived at the restaurant, a man opened their door and Ella followed Cedric inside. He smiled at the hostess who knew him well and without needing an explanation, sat them at a table in the back.
“I guess you come here a lot.” Ella settled in, absorbing the Asian flavor of the décor.
“Recently, yeah. I was happy it was still here.”
She paused her observations and met his gaze. Truly, he’d had a hard time keeping his eyes off her since she stepped out of the car in that dress. But in the gallery, the light had been too nonexistent to really appreciate what was in front of him. Now, in the softer light of the restaurant, Ella glowed in a way he’d never seen. Of course, they’d only just met, but still.
“Have you been gone?” she asked, unaware of all the thoughts swirling through his mind.
That question was more complicated than it sounded at first. “I haven’t been around much the last couple of years.” He glanced away. “Actually, I haven’t been here at all the last couple of years.”
“Oh…well, that sounds nice.”
Cedric set his menu on the edge of the table and leaned forward, not wanting to get into his issues. Why ruin things when he was out to dinner with someone as lovely as Ella? “Where have you been?”
“You mean traveled?”
Cedric nodded and Ella’s eyes fell to the table. “Nowhere exciting,” she said. “I’ve gone on weekend trips here and there but that’s it.”
Now he felt bad. He hadn’t meant to embarrass her. He was just trying to find something else to talk about. “Well, where would you like to go?”
A small smile touched her glossy lips. “Everywhere.”
Cedric smiled. “You can’t get even a little more specific?”
Ella folded her arms on the table. “I guess Europe would be my first pick. Then somewhere like Thailand or Japan.”
“So, you wouldn’t be opposed to going to, let’s say, Paris?”
“Definitely not.” She cocked her head to the side. “Is that where you were?”
“One of the places. I kind of hopped around though.” He glanced at the ceiling. Maybe he should just get it over with and spill his issues. Then she’d know he was a mess and save them both a lot of trouble. “I spent some time here and there.”
Ella’s eyes looked dreamy as she studied him. “Did you travel for work…?”
Cedric laughed softly. She wasn’t letting him off the hook. “Uh…not really. It was entirely for fun.” He sat back, hoping to steer the conversation a different way. “Is that why you work for a travel guide company? Because you want to travel?”
Ella smirked. “It didn’t hurt.”
“And what about opportunities within the company? You’ve been there a while and Maggie likes you. Couldn’t you get some training and go out and write about the places you want to visit?”
Ella hesitated. “Well, you obviously know we primarily use writers who live on location, so…that’s not really an option.”
Cedric pretended to look over the menu. Actually, he didn’t know that. “Right. Well, nothing says you have to be bound to a company these days. You could write a travel blog.”
She smiled. Almost like she was forgiving him for his ignorance. “I hadn’t thought about that, but you never know.”
Maybe that wasn’t the brilliant idea he thought it was at first. But…didn’t she have some options? They placed their orders and Cedric returned to gazing at Ella while she was distracted.
“Did you finish the reports?” Ella said.
“Yes.” He snapped back to reality at the sound of her voice. “Everything looks good and seems to be running efficiently.”
Ella watched him intently. “I assume there’s a ‘but’ in that sentence somewhere.”
Cedric intertwined his fingers. Nothing was wrong with how they were going. But Knightley didn’t buy them to just leave everything alone either. “I can’t really divulge everything right now. Technically, Knightley already knows what’s coming down the line but based on my assessment, I’ll have to make recommendations.”
Ella inhaled, letting it out slowly. “You mean you’ll have to lay people off.”
His eyebrows shot up and he reached across and put his hand on her arm. He hadn’t meant to imply she might lose her job. Ella froze, her eyes widening, and Cedric realized what he’d done. He also realized how warm and soft her skin was and how he wouldn’t mind leaving his hand there. But he retracted it and Ella put her hands in her lap. “That’s not what I meant at all.”
A soft pink flush covered Ella�
��s cheeks and they stared at each other in silence while the server brought appetizers and drinks. He didn’t usually feel embarrassed with women, but he could feel his own neck redden. After the server left, Cedric cleared his throat. “It’s not about personnel. It’s about bringing some things up-to-date.”
Ella bobbed her head up and down more fervently than necessary. “Right. I think I know what you’re talking about.”
“You do?”
She lifted a shoulder. “Sure. We don’t have the same online features that other companies do.” Well, she wasn’t oblivious. “I guess that will mean bigger changes down the line.” Worry crossed her face again.
Cedric didn’t want to go down some serious topic that spoiled their dinner. He didn’t picture Knightley razing all the employees and starting over. “Possibly. But don’t worry about it. What’s in place already works.”
Ella’s shoulders relaxed and she brightened as their entrees were brought out. And boy could that woman eat. It was a refreshing sight from some of the women he’d known before. As he sat there admiring her appetite, it occurred to him that it had been a while since he’d enjoyed anyone’s company this much. If Ella kept this up, Cedric might actually want to take his role seriously. And that was a scary thought.
CHAPTER 11
Ella’s high after her dinner with Cedric wore off the next morning as it settled in that today was the night of her dinner with her stepfamily. She stuck her tongue out at her reflection in the bathroom mirror that morning, just to get the blah feeling out of her system. It didn’t stop the dread that built up in her gut though.
She reminded herself it was just one evening and she was never expected–and never wanted–to stay very late. They’d have dinner, maybe dessert if Sylvia felt especially generous, and then she’d be dismissed until next year. Ella had survived before; she’d survive again.