LOVE ME LIKE YOU DO
Story Blurb:
In order for Chuck to prove to his father and the rest of the Bass board members he is a changed man he is going to need the help of a girl who is the definition of class and sophistication. The plan is simple. They pretend to date. She helps him clear his image with the board members. He helps her get together with his friend, Nate. Though not everything always goes according to plan.
-XOXO-
"If you can love someone with your whole heart, even one person, then there's salvation in life. Even if you can't get together with that person."
― Haruki Murakami, 1Q84
-CHAPTER 1: Typa Girl -
Upon entering, I scanned the hall for any sight of my supposed beloved. Ugh! Never did I think I would use that term of endearment on that demon. I kind of assumed hell would freeze over first. Though I guess there is a first for everything. Seriously what is my life coming to? Focus! This is just a mini detour to your happily ever after, not eternity.
After making my way around the room my eyes finally found him. He was standing next to another man, taller with slightly lighter hair, in the corner looking completely irritated. The older gentleman was laughing, while the demon was just glaring.
Was I crazy for doing this? If I leave now would anyone notice? As if that demon in designer apparel could sense my doubt, his eyes spotted me. Dang it! There is no going back now. I pinched both cheeks, just like my mother taught me, to bring a bit of color. Then made my way over with the biggest smile I could fake.
Showtime.
"Sorry I am late sweetie. I had a mini fashion emergency." I gave Chuck a quick peck on the cheek. Lovingly wiping away the residue my Dior lip gloss left on his cheek. Then turned my pink heels to send a cordial smile to the man standing in front of Chuck.
A smug smirk soon appeared on Chuck's face. His hand wrapped around my back. The man in front was giving us a questioning look. "My apologies. I don't think you two met before." Chuck said with mock sincerity. "This is Jack, my uncle." Chuck's voice did not hide the disdain when introducing his uncle. "And this lovely lady beside me is my girlfriend, Blair Cornelia Waldorf." He made sure to say my name slowly and put an emphasis on each part of my name. Then further proved his point by giving me a sweet peck on the lips. To the world, we looked like a couple in love. If they only knew.
His uncle's eyes scanned me up and down. "Are you perhaps related to Harold Waldorf?" Jacked inquired.
"Why of course. I am his daughter." I informed. Making sure to also mention my mother, Eleanor Waldorf, and her occupation as an influential designer. That way there was no confusion, and he was aware that I was her. That Blair. I did after all create an ideal image for a young lady in New York society. Let's face the facts, I am the type of girl any man would love adorned on his arm. Not to sound conceited, but I'm the girl you take to meet your parents. Old fashion ideology, yes. But it still held true amongst many of the elite.
This revelation seemed to leave Jack speechless. It was no surprise that his uncle was now making the connections.
Chuck seemed to be satisfied enough with his uncle's silence. "Now that we are finished with introductions, I would love to give my girlfriend a tour of the garden out in the back." You could tell Chuck was over their conversation.
"It was so nice meeting you. Hope to see you again soon." I replied before allowing myself to be whisked away.
Chuck placed his hand on my back and guided me toward the garden outback. We continued walking until we were away from the rest of the guests. I looked around, making sure there was no one was near us, then proceeded to pinch his upper arm.
"Ouch!" Chuck shrieked. "What was that for?" He pulled his hand away. Choosing to rub the area I had just wounded, hoping the pain would dissolve with the friction. The warmth that his hand once brought me on my back was gone. Part of me ached for that touch, but that is also not something I would verbalize. It was likely only a result of the slight chill that was in the air. Nothing more.
Going back to the point, "Obviously, for not keeping your hands to yourself. A gentleman's hands should always be at least three inches above her behind. Any lower and your hand would grace my bum." I crossed my arms in annoyance.
"Would that be so bad?" He wondered. His eyebrows rose in a questioning expression.
I could not help but roll my eyes. Of course, he didn't see the issue. "For a pervert like you, no. For somebody with a reputation like me and a man attempting to convince the world that they have changed, yes."
He shook his head as if my logic was incorrect. "I'm sorry did I miss something? Are we not playing the part of lovebirds? I am allowed to lust after you. It's perfectly acceptable. We are still in our supposed honeymoon phase. I am presumed to be a better man, not someone who is immune to a lady's charms. Much less the girl whom everyone believes I changed for." He informed.
I took a deep breath. Hoping to calm my frustration. "Chuck, I will only say this once. If your hand goes any lower than three inches don't be surprised if I pinch you in public." I threatened. "Remember, this is all an act. We are not lovebirds." I noted.
My words seem to have struck something within him because in an instant his expression was unreadable. His eyes stared back at mine.
Though in an instant he walked behind me. His fingers lightly traced my collarbone. "Does my touch disgust you?" He whispered in my ear. I wanted to say something, but all the words stayed stuck in my throat. His finger slid up and down my arm. Bringing the heat back to my body once again. "Does my touch make you feel anything?" This time he started nibbling my earlobe. I bit my lips to prevent any sound escape my lips. "Does your body still react to me like it did that time in June?" He moved my hair to one side. Allowing him to give me tiny kisses along my shoulder.
It felt like my heartbeat was increasing with each touch. Like I took a time machine back to that summer. With sultry days and those endless nights. Those feelings that I swore I buried, seemed to return in an instant. Would it be possible to still have leftover feelings? No. Not plausible. I think.
My body felt like it was in a trance. I turned around. Once again coming face to face with him. I closed my eyes and started to lean forward.
Meow!
A cat ran from out of the rose bushes. Running to the other side of the lawn.
Startled I took a few steps back. This had to be a sign from the universe that translated to bad idea. "We should go back to the party?" I quicken. Fixing my hair.
"That is probably a wise idea." He replied, moving his attention to the blue sky above. I couldn't tell if he was disappointed or annoyed.
He didn't need to say more. We both knew the agreement. I aid him in showing his father and the board members of Bass that he is a changed man. Ergo allowing him to gain his dad's approval and become the new majority shareholder. In return, he would help me get a well-deserved happy ending. The man of my dreams, Nate Archibald. Plain and simple. Just another symbiotic relationship. This little moment we shared was just a lapse in judgment from both parties. Possibly the result of some leftover feelings. Again nothing more.
Attempting to break the tension air, "How long do think it will take for your uncle to inform the board that you brought a date? Not just some random girl, but someone as high class and elegant as myself."
"Knowing Jack, I expect by the time return there will already be whispers about us. If my prediction is correct my father will spot us and be the one to make his presence known. Be ready! We are going to get the full Bart interrogation. Think your quick-witted brain and gorgeous face are up for the challenge?" Just like that, the tension was gone and the old Chuck was back smirking and teasing.
"Not to worry Bass. I am great at multitasking. I can be a lovely accessory on your arm as well as hold my own ground." I said.
"Most men may think of you as only an accessory, but to me, you are so much more than that. You always will be." His words brought a smile. "Shall we?" He held out his hand. I wasted no time in interlocking our hands together.
We headed back inside. Turns out his prediction was right. News spread fast. Many people were staring. You could hear lit bits and pieces of what people were whispering. That girl is Blair Waldorf. Never thought I would see the Bass heir in a relationship. Nothing like young love. Such a cute couple. Do you think that they are really dating? People betting on how long it would take for us to be on the road to splitsville or engaged.
His father wasted no time in coming up to us. Introducing himself and requesting an introduction, which Chuck had no issues obliging to. "Dad, I would like you to meet the girl who changed my life, Blair."
I shook his father's hand. Just like how my father taught me to use when I was making a business deal or I wanted to show some I meant business. "Pleasure to meet you, sir. Chuck has told me all the wonderful things you and your company are doing to aid the low-income elementary schools in the city."
How did I even get myself into this situation? Oh, I know! With some good old-fashioned sweet words of persuasion, heartbreak, and thinking that making a deal with the spawn of the underworld was a good idea.
-XOXO-
-37 DAYS AGO -
I took another sip of my coffee. Turning to the next page of my book.
'The two lovers stood outside admiring the gardens. No words had to be spoken. They stood in comfortable silence. Enjoying the view and their company. They had both gone through so much heartache. How could Abby not see that Matt was always the one? He was kind and gentle. Everything with him felt easy. The two of them-'
A shadow loomed over, bringing my reading to a pause. "I need a favor." I knew that voice. Nothing ever good came from that voice.
"I thought I already explained. Never going to happen again, Bass. Been there done that. Your motto is hit and quit it. Ergo bye, bye." My eyes still focused on the literature in front of me. Refusing to look him in the eyes.
He plucked the book from my hands. Tucking the mass market novel into a pocket inside of his blazer. Making sure I had no more distractions and was now able to look at him. "Don't you want to hear me out before you jump to a conclusion?" He baited.
"Don't have to. I know you well enough. We ran in the same circle since we are in diapers. It's probably something grotesque and immoral. Thanks, but no thanks." I held my hand out. Waiting for him to return my book.
He signaled the waitress and asked for a refill for me and another cup of coffee for himself. Then he asked an anomalous question. "How would you like to go out with me?" He inquired.
"I'm sorry. I don't think I heard you correctly. You could not be possibly asking me out on a date. The Chuck Bass I know doesn't do the whole dating thing. But please correct me if I'm wrong." This had to be some sick. I would just have to wait for the punchline.
What we had would be categorized as a summer fling mixed with a healthy dose of raging teenage hormones. He was after all incapable of falling in love. Plus he was not my type. Sure, he was attractive with that whole bad boy, brooding, billionaire thing but he still lacked needed the qualifications for my dream guy. Someone who can be described as sweet, intelligent, kind-hearted, and sensitive. I was done kissing frogs. I was looking for my prince now.
"In four words, I need a favor. My father gave a long speech about how he won't be around forever. I should start getting serious. Then explained that the board feels like I am untrustworthy and would ruin their image alongside the business. Bart made it pretty clear that the board desired a family man to become the new CEO of Bass Industries. If I ever wanted to be voted in- I need to show them my womanizing and partying ways are a thing of the past. That is where you come in. Nothing screams a changed man like New York's own walking definition of sophistication and class. We would say we are in a relationship. Fake date long enough for my dad to hand me over his shares. Then I become CEO and you can return back to whatever you do. Simple." He explained.
"As much as I would love to help you lie to a bunch of traditionalist Bass employees, I can't. I have better things to do with my time." Hoping this rejection was enough to make him leave.
Chuck however decided to try again."You like acting like your life is some type of movie. Well time to press play. You will be known as the only girl to get me to bend a knee. Many will be envious. The only one I have eyes for. If society's approval and admiration are not enough, I have one more thing. You get to live out one of the romance book tropes you read so much about, the Fake-date trope I believe it's called."
"I prefer the troupe, childhood friends to lovers. It has an-" I answered.
I was going to say more till he interrupted. "You know we have known each other since we were kids." His face turned into one of realization."Still have it bad for Nathanial?" How did he know? "Hate to break it you princess, but your prince always had a flame for a certain tall-legged blonde." He reminded me.
Yes, Nate may have had a crush on Serena, but she herself was always busy falling for someone else. He just needed a chance to see I am the perfect girl for him. I come from a family with old money. I dress very fashionably. Plus, I am a great conversationalist. All exceptional qualities.
I refuse to say anything. No matter what my answer was, I had a feeling Chuck already had his next move prepared. Therefore silence was the best answer. I just stared and took another sip of my drink.
He sighed, "Let's make a deal, Waldorf. You help with my matter in question, I help you get Nate."
"I don't need your help getting Nate. I can do just fine on my own." I spewed.
"How's that working out for you?" He asked rhetorically. I remained silent. "Thought so. As his longest friend, trusted companion, and the person he comes to for advice I have some influence. Correction, I have a lot of influence. I will make sure he sees you in a new light. I can help you impress him. Put in a good word. Aid him in seeing that there is more than the Blair he thinks he knows. Then the two of you can ride into the sunset." He said.
"There is one big flaw with your plan. If we date, even if it is fake, he will never see me as a viable object for his affection. He respects bro code too much." I replied.
Chuck just rolled his eyes. "Trust me, that may actually work in your favor. See our dear Nate can sometimes be oblivious. You sometimes have to dangle the food in front of his face, before he realizes he is hungry."
"Are you calling referring to me as a piece of meat?" I asked in a disgusted tone.
His infamous smirk graced his lips. "Although I do think you are delicious enough to ravish, it's just a metaphor, Waldorf. Trust me it will work. Well, that is if you are not too afraid to try it my way."
Could this work? Was I insane for considering this? What if this was all some big joke? Questions and doubts continued to infiltrate my brain.
"So do we have a deal?" He wondered. Holding out his hand, awaiting my decision.
I suppose there was no harm in testing out his theory. As much as it pains me to say, Chuck does know him better than I do. None of my other tricks seemed to be working.
Clasping both of my hands around his, and gave a firm handshake. "Deal." I answered.
-XOXO-
That deal is what brought me here. In a room full of Bass enterprises board members, their families, supporters, colleagues, and Chuck's family. Smiling, playing the part of a loving girlfriend with Chuck's arm draped over my shoulder. Currently being asked questions about my so-called relationship with the young Bass heir.
Author's Mini-Note:
Hi! Hello! This story went through a mini revision. I wrote something similar. Deleted it. Then rewrote it. Now I think I am a bit more satisfied with this. Please let me know if I should continue this story. Thank you so much to anyone who took the time to read this and gave it a chance. I really appreciate it tremendously! Happy Holidays.
THX U