Disclaimer: I don't own Gossip Girl, Ed Westwick's pants, or Park 79 on the Upper West Side.

Quick AN: If you haven't noticed already I don't know too much about real estate. And I don't really want to spend too much time researching it in depth so I don't want any complaints! I'm not forcing you to read this story! ;P

2. Ipso Facto

.

Carter wasn't an imbecile.

As much as everyone thought he was, and as much as Blair tried to convince herself he was, he wasn't.

It wasn't necessarily that he wasn't capable of doing work. Because he was. It's just that he preferred not to. Why should he when he had a staff of over a hundred people practically sitting around anyway? It was pointless. He was more lenient however when it came to things like meetings and merging. He understood people and was usually able to see past their facades and get what he wanted.

So it hadn't escaped his attention when he caught Chuck Bass eyeing Blair's retreating figure the previous week, when he had initially come by to schedule their meeting.

"Hands off the merchandise Bass," he'd said blocking Chuck's view.

"Or what?" he'd simply retorted.

Was this guy serious? "Or what? Or what you can kiss this job's ass goodbye."

It was aggravating. It was aggravating having to face this arrogant idiot who kept smiling at everything he said.

"Baizen, we both know that you need me. So don't pretend like you're the one who's calling the shots here. Alright?" Chuck teased poking Carter in the chest.

Carter was fuming by now, but he kept his calm because he wasn't stupid. If he messed this up, and the company fell, his father would without a doubt disown him. Blair wasn't only one with a last chance, he thought inwardly.

"Whatever, I meant what I said before," he continued.

Chuck smirked, (again. What's up with this guy? Was he all smiles?) "Why is she yours?"

It was something about the way we he said 'yours' that made him flinch.

"Yes," he'd replied abruptly. Technically she was his. She'd grown up with him, his family had taken her in, and she worked for him. So yes, Blair Waldorf was his.

"Keeping her on a short-leash Baizen? What happened, did you mark her? Have you claimed your territory? Don't tell me you peed on her!" He accused mockingly.

"That's none of your business."

"Well technically we're going to be working together so whatever your business is, is mine as well." He joked, however his eyes glazed over with desire.

"Yeah…yeah…sure thing Bass. Your interview is next Tuesday, five p.m. sharp." Carter snapped, leading him towards the exit. "Don't be late."

"You better impress me," Chuck teased, pressing the close button on the elevator before Carter could retaliate.

God, he hated Chuck. He swore to God that Bass would eventually see who was boss around here.

But when Tuesday had arrived, and he still hadn't come up with anything that would sway him…he'd turned to Blair.

Because if she wouldn't interest him, then he was sure as hell nothing else could.

It was a brilliant plan, honestly. He watched admiringly as Blair belittled the poor egocentric fool.

However, he'd forgotten how persuasive Blair could be. How she always tantalized men with her deceptive glares, and made them breathless with a stroke of her hand. Only, to leave them dumbfounded when she walked away shortly afterwards like nothing had happened.

Carter knew…oh he knew.

So when nothing had transpired between them, he was surprised to see that Chuck had caved so quickly.

Whatever—Carter shifted his attention back to Blair who was now typing away furiously at her computer.

She was definitely a looker. He could see why Chuck and other men (who was he kidding…himself included) found her attractive.

She had an alluring figure, nice ass, and a dazzling smile that would be perfect if it wasn't so full of pretenses.

He watched as she pursed her malevolent lips in concentration, tucked a curl behind her ear, and continued to work on a 'what-seemed-to-be' important paper.

He chuckled with disbelief and shook his head. Carter couldn't believe that this was the same Blair Waldorf he'd met fifteen years ago.

"Well, this is your room."

She scrunched her nose up in disapproval, "Why is it pink?"

"Isn't that Audrey Hepburn or something or other's favorite color?" he offered.

Her eyes lit up in recognition and she took a seat on the edge of the bed, "I suppose so."

. - . - . - . - . - . - . -

"Carter!" she yelled in irritation, "Give me back my headband! It's a limited edition!"

She was chasing him down the hallway, and failing miserably considering he ran faster than her.

"Only uptight bitches wear headbands, Blair," he'd retorted and picked up his pace.

Blair faltered, almost tripping over her own feet, "Carter you said a bad word!"

He turned around, and walked up so that he was facing her.

"Bitch."

. - . - . - . - . - . - . -

"Waldorf?" He called out into the dark room. It was midnight and Blair hadn't come home yet. She'd insisted that since it was her fourteenth birthday she was allowed to stay out as long as she pleased with her new friend Serena. However, he knew the kind of crowds Serena Van Der Woodsen hung out with and wasn't too sure he'd made the best decision when he let her.

Just as Carter was about to go back to his room, the elevator dinged and out came a stumbling Blair.

"Waldorf? Are you alright?" He asked, half worried and half amused.

"Yes! Gosh Carter! Who are you my mother?"

He was surprised she didn't flinch at her own words.

"Well what why are you home so late?"

"All Serena and I did was watch some movies and drink this funny tasting soda. Don't tell her, but I think it was spoiled."

She winked.

Carter recognized the scent then and smirked, "Waldorf are you drunk?"

"Yes! I mean no…I mean I don't know. My head really hurts so I'm going to go to sleep."

Carter smiled again and leaned in to help support her with his right arm. In return, she shifted all her weight onto him.

"Just so you know Waldorf. That wasn't soda, it was champagne."

. - . - . - . - . - . - . -

"Why so gloomy Baizen? Normally I wouldn't ask but we're stuck on this 'family' vacation together and I can't go out of the house unless you do." Blair asked, plopping herself down next to Carter on the couch.

They were spending the summer at their vacation home in the Hamptons. Suffice to say, it was exactly the opposite of what Blair had been looking forward to all year.

"Come on," she begged, "there's a new bar opening tonight. The Gimlet I think? Seems like something you'd be interested in!"

Blair hadn't said anything, but he knew that she had overheard the heated discussion he'd had with his father earlier.

"Didn't take you for much of a drinker Waldorf."

"I'm not!" she defended, "It's just that I've been stuck in this house all week and I could really use some fresh air."

"Just go outside."

"You're no fun," she pouted. Carter took a minute to admire her childish face and delectable little pink dress.

"Trust me Waldorf I'm plenty fun," he teased, leaning in.

"Ew, you're gross," she said pushing him away.

He laughed, "Fine let's go."

"Aren't you going to tell me why you were upset?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I don't have to."

2 days later…

Blair bit her tongue and tried her best not to laugh. It was a Friday night and they were going to check out a hotel on the Upper West Side. She'd told Chuck and Carter to try to coordinate (in order to look professional), and she'd expected them to decide on similar color ties or handkerchiefs…but definitely not this.

Carter walked towards her wearing a classic black suit and a pale lavender bowtie, while Chuck next to him was in a pastel lavender suit paired with a black bowtie.

Well…maybe this could work.

"Is something wrong Miss Waldorf?" Chuck slurred noticing the flush rise to her cheeks.

"Not at all Mr. Bass, I was just admiring your choice in apparel. Normally you wouldn't see a man dare to pull off such an appalling outfit."

"Well Miss Waldorf, if you haven't noticed already, I'm full of surprises."

"Note taken," she replied and made her way into the limo that pulled up in front of their building. Carter made a quick dash to get in after her, and Chuck stepped in last.

"Fredrick, we need to get to 117 West 79th street. Please make it quick," Carter ordered and Blair huffed next to him in annoyance at the formal tone he was using.

"So, have you considered the numbers yet? How much are you going to offer?" Chuck inquired, trying to relieve some of the tension in the atmosphere.

"Well you see Bass, the hotel isn't actually up on the market yet…"

"What?" Chuck practically barked.

"Hey calm down. I have this situation under control. You see…this friend of mine knows Mr. Jefferson—the owner. And he was talking with him the other day, and Jefferson practically hinted that he was interested in selling the place. But he's hesitant about making a deal because he doesn't know if he can trust anyone with it. Apparently, it's been in the family for a while and it has some sort of sentimental value." Carter explained, whilst pouring himself some scotch.

"Fine, but how do you know this friend of yours is reliable?" Chuck asked leaning forward to grab the bottle of scotch from Carter's hands.

"Do you honestly think I would hire unreliable employees?" Carter asked smugly.

"Well you hired me, and Miss Waldorf over here as well."

"What is that supposed to mean?" but before Carter could say anything else, Blair interrupted them, "We're here!"

She grabbed her clutch and practically fled out of the limo.

Run Blair, run.

She definitely didn't want to dwell any further into her past and career around Chuck anymore.

Carter was about to follow suit, but was stopped by Chuck's hand on his shoulder.

"I meant to ask you Baizen, but I never got around to it. Why is Miss Waldorf your secretary? And by that I mean why doesn't she have a higher position?"

"Well Chuck, Blair isn't fully credentialed. She doesn't deserve a higher-"

"I think you and I both know that Miss Waldorf is perfectly capable of a more prominent position. In fact she's more than capable," he paused and took a swig of his scotch, "But you know what I think? I think that you're afraid. You're afraid that once you promote her and once she's in a higher place and out of your reach she'll crush you like the insect that you are."

"Sure...like I said Chuck, it's none of your business. Hire your own secretary; I'm sure you have more than enough to pay her…for her 'services.' Now come on we have a meeting to attend," Carter said calmly, trying not to lose his cool.

When they finally entered the hotel, they both noticed Blair pacing frantically back and forth. Black silk clinging tightly to her figure.

"Blair…is something wrong?" Carter asked first.

"Oh! You're here! I honestly have no idea. I'm just worried." She giggled nervously.

Chuck gave her a suspicious look, "Are you sure?"

She only frowned in response.

"Fine, I'll go get you some water then," Carter offered, bewildered by her sudden agitated state.

Chuck waited until Baizen walked away,

"Surely it takes more than my presence to get you shaken up Miss Waldorf," he smirked.

"What were you and Carter talking about in the limo?" she asked abruptly, taking him by surprise.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" He challenged.

"Fine, don't tell me. I didn't even want to know."

"He was telling me how glad he was that we're getting along so wonderfully at work." Chuck lied flawlessly, hoping she would finally crack.

"As if. I don't find you the least bit interesting."

"You will."

She scoffed, and was grateful when Carter came back with a bottle of water. Looks like he's not so useless after all.

"So, is Mr. Jefferson here? Did you ask?"

"Yes," she said taking a sip, "He went to run some errands about half an hour ago, and according to a 'Mrs. Martha Bergwart' he should be back soon."

"When's soon?" Chuck yawned.

"Soon enough," she snapped.

Sure enough, five minutes later a burly man walked in through the double-doors. Carter recognized him as Mr. Jefferson instantly by his light facial hair, and motioned for Blair and Chuck to follow him.

"Good evening Mr. Jefferson, my name is Carter Baizen, this is my associate Chuck Bass, and Blair Waldorf my…my.."

Chuck was glaring at him now.

"My girlfriend," Carter smirked, clearly pleased with himself. He wrapped his arm possessively around Blair's waist.

Chuck's eyes set aflame, and before either of them could even protest Carter leaned in and whispered, "Just play along."

"Nice to meet you Mr. Jefferson," she beamed and stuck out her arm to shake the man's hand.

Mr. Jefferson eyed them suspiciously, "And what are you all doing here exactly?"

"We're from B.E. and well you see…one of my good colleagues, Thomas, informed me that you were interested in selling this beautiful hotel. I would hate to see it land in the wrong hands, so I was hoping we could all have lunch together and discuss any future prospects you might have in mind?"

"Not today," the man responded roughly.

"Why not?" Chuck inquired.

"Who are you again?"

"Chuck Bass," he stated matter-of-factly, and Blair rolled her eyes at his overwhelming arrogance.

"Bass. As in Bass Inc?" The man paused, and did a complete one-eighty.

Carter was shooting daggers at Chuck through his eyes now. The message was clear - Don't mess this up.

"Well yes sir, but I'm currently employed with Baizen Enterprises. In all honesty, I believe this company holds a certain potential…" he lured, eyeing Blair.

She bit her bottom lip and looked away nervously.

Mr. Jefferson took another glance at the odd three-some before finally coming to a conclusion (he'd be a fool if he let a Bass get away), "Fine, lunch next Wednesday. I expect to see all of you, and it better not be a waste of my time."

"You won't regret it," Carter assured, maneuvering himself in front of Chuck in order to shake the older man's hand.

"I hope so," he mumbled, and bustled right back out onto the crowded the street.

"Where's he going?" Blair asked amused.

"Obviously a man like him as places to go and people to see," Carter chuckled.

"But wasn't he like seventy?"

They all laughed, and Chuck turned around to poke Carter in the chest, "You're welcome Baizen."

"You've got to stop touching me! And sure...thanks Bass," he shrugged. Honestly he could've gotten through to the man; Chuck just saved him some time.

"Although, I have to say...I honestly don't know what you see in this place Baizen. It's practically flooded with tourists and it's a tad on the small side."

Blair hated to, but she nodded her head in agreement. Baizen Enterprises needed to invest in a place better than Park 79.

"Look, what I say goes. We're all meeting Mr. Jefferson here next week for lunch. I don't need anymore of your pathetic comments. Now come on let's get home."

"Don't get your panties in a twist Baizen." Chuck teased.

"Only if you promise to stay out of my business Bass," he warned, and Blair looked at them dubiously.

"Well, I'm sorry folks but I'm retiring for the night. Have a great weekend. My new secretary and I will see you both on Monday." Chuck announced.

"New secretary?" Carter and Blair sneered in unison.

"Yes, Carter I believe you mentioned something about me having enough money to—"

"Right!" Carter interrupted, hoping he wouldn't bring up the rest of the conversation, "Fine…that's fine. Just as long as she doesn't disturb any of my other employees."

"What?" Blair seethed.

"I make no promises! Au revoir!" Chuck called out, and stepped into his own limo that pulled up at the curb.

AN: Hi! Sorry for the late update! It's just that I really didn't have any inspiration to write these past few days & I've been REALLY busy! & My schedule is still packed so I don't think I can promise frequent updates until the middle of May-beginning of June (YAY SUMMER!) LOL, anyway what did you think of this chapter? PLEASE REVIEW! I tried! I'm sorry no more sexy!CB for a little bit now, I have to get all the background info in first. Although I do have some of the new chapters outlined and I CAN spoil you if you want & tell you around what time they might happen. Soo...what was your favorite part!? AND who do you think is going to be Chuck's secretary! Because I know! Also...do you want Gossip Girl tied in with this story...because I think I might have a funny way of incorporating her but then again it might ruin the story too..Ugh! :P Anyway thank you for reading and putting up with my random author's notes!

Thank you for your kind words: dwelling in my dreams, evelyn bass, xoxo S, BlackPeonyxX, Angelwilliamsfan, Carters1Fan, chairilove, Shayyyy LOVE, nlizzette7, sallysally, Guest #1, Sparkleyangel, olimgossip