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"Your assistant is very pretty,'' Mila comments as she sips on her cranberry juice.
"She is,'' I agree, trying not to show my interest for Olivia.
"You were giving her the eyes,'' she giggles.
"What eyes?'' I ask.
"You like her,'' she says simply.
"She's a nice girl,'' I try saying.
"Yes she is, but that's not what I mean. You like her, like her.''
"What! No I don't.''
"Theodore, you like her. You should've seen your face, it lit up like a Christmas tree.''
"I don't know what you mean,'' I lie, buttering up a piece of bread and taking a bite.
"I think you do-"
"Mila,'' I warn.
Before she can reply to my warning, the waiter comes with our food and places the plates in front of us.
"Thank you,'' we both say and before I can enjoy my food, Mila replies.
"If it makes you feel better, she likes you too.''
….
….
….
"Ready!'' Mila sings as she walks down the staircase. "How do I look?'' She asks, twirling around.
"You look cute,'' I tell her awkwardly.
"Cute? I look cute?'' She asks annoyed, looking down at her borrowed dress and pumps.
"Mila, you're my cousin,'' I laugh. "What do you want me to say?''
"God, I need Ava or Phoebe,'' she huffs.
"You look good,'' I offer, leading her out of the apartment.
"Thanks,'' she smiles, giving me a kiss on my cheek.
"About this morning and what you said…'' I start.
She nods for me to continue.
"Do you think she really likes me?'' I ask.
"I thought you didn't care,'' she teases as we walk towards my waiting car.
"Mila,'' I huff like a spoiled child.
"She does,'' she replies simply, getting into the car and shutting the door herself.
….
….
….
"Call me if you need anything. I'll be out with a friend, but my cell will be on,'' I tell her once we make it to the Metropolitan area.
"K-kay,'' she agrees. "Thanks again for dropping me off.''
"Anything for my wittle cousin,'' I coo at her.
"I'm eighteen, Theodore,'' she growls.
"You say that like it would change anything,'' I chuckle.
"You're lucky I love you. Laters,'' she says, blowing me a kiss and bouncing over to her friends.
I drive off as soon as I see them walking into one of the boutiques and command the car to call Nick.
"Yello,'' he greets.
"Really? Aren't you supposed to be an adult,'' I joke.
"It's only you calling, so I figured I can be my childish and annoying self,'' he laughs.
"And this man wants to marry my little sister,'' I tease.
"How is Phoebe? Did you say hi for me?'' He asks all in one breath.
"I did,'' I reply.
"And!'' He shouts.
"She said: who?''
Silence follows for a bit but in true Nickolas Holden fashion, he is back on his feet.
"Like I said, all the good love stories start off like that.''
I chuckle and give him a break, "She also said something after I said who you were.''
"What?'' He asks like a hyper child.
He really would be perfect for Phebes.
"The cute dark-haired lawyer from GEH?'' I quote her.
"She said I was cute?'' He asks and I can already see his huge smile.
"Indeed she did,'' I reply.
"YES!'' His voice booms through the car.
"I just want to you to know, Phoebe calls everything cute.''
"Don't rain on my parade Theo,'' he replies.
"Just saying.''
"I can't believe she called me cute,'' he sighs.
"And you're supposed to be a winning lawyer, you sound like a lovesick puppy,'' I roll my eyes.
"Joke all you want, but I know what I want and I don't care what you or anybody has to say.''
"Alright, Romeo. I'm pulling into the field. See you in a sec.''
Ending the call before he can reply, I cut the engine and make my way over to the hangars. Nick is standing with one of the instructors, looking the part of a young thirty year old off of work.
"Theo!'' He waves at me like a child and not the man he was supposed to be.
"Nick,'' I pat him on the shoulder before turning to the instructor, Michael.
"Mike, how are you?''
"Good and yourself? You ready for some gliding?'' He asks, looking towards the gliders.
"Do you even have to ask?'' Nick laughs, eying the gliders with want.
Mike laughs and leads us towards our individual gliders and we get in like children in a candy store.
The flight routine is thrown our way and then the world disappears as we soar through the sky. I had always loved gliding, actually any type of sport and it was all thanks to my dad. He had taking me gliding when I turned ten and the rest was history. I had fallen in love with the adrenaline and how small the world became as I swirled and spun in the sky.
Nick to my delight shared my common love for gliding and it made for a friendship out of work, he really was the only friend I had besides Amanda. I never really got close to people, but Nick had gotten his job at the office and practically told me we were going to be friends.
"God! I needed that,'' Nick says once we exit the gliders. "Work has been hell.''
"Am I that bad,'' I joke.
"Seeing as I need your approval when I date your sister, I'll say no to that.''
I roll my eyes at his comment but only halfheartedly. If he did end up with my sister, he had my approval. Phoebe needed someone like him in her life, someone that could keep her in a straight line.
"But besides you my dear brother-in-law, my boss is getting on my last nerve and I'm looking for a new place to live,'' he tells me as we say our goodbyes to Mike and leave the field.
"What's wrong with your condo?'' I ask.
"My ex decided to move in and is now my new neighbor,'' he huffs annoyed.
"At least your midnight call-girl will only be a door away,'' I tease.
"Look Theodore, I know you might not believe me but I really do like your sister. If I want a relationship with her having my ex living besides me…it aint going to be pretty. And Nadia is a whack, we broke up for a reason. That woman was a total nutcase that almost got me fired from work, more than once!''
"She wasn't too bad,'' I say, trying to remember the blonde bimbo he used to date. She would have him running all over the place, she even told him she was pregnant just to keep him.
"She should be emitted into a ward,'' he laughs.
"Phoebe could be worse, you know? She can be a total nutcase. You didn't grow up with Princess Phoebe.''
He lets out a chuckle as he leans on his Mercedes. "Phoebe can do whatever she wants with me, as long as I get to stare into those beautiful gray eyes.''
I pretend to gag at his words, but he doesn't care and continues his monologue.
"I love Princess Phoebe and she can't be as awful as all the girls I've dated. She is the girl of my dreams and she thinks I'm cute. I hear wedding bells in the air."
"Slow your roll, Romeo,'' I cut him off. "She's my baby sister and I really shouldn't be listening to you fantasizing about her.''
"Please, you haven't heard about fantasizing,'' he sighs, getting a glazed look in his eyes.
"Hey!'' I punch his arm. "She's my sister, dumbass!''
He lets out a laugh and not once is he offended at me having called him dumbass, he knew I didn't mean it too harshly.
"We should head to dinner,'' I tell him after he's done laughing, as I look at my watch.
"Are you gonna buy me a drink?'' He asks, fluttering his eyelashes in mock.
"You aren't my type, Holden. I'll meet you at the restaurant,'' I chuckle and walk off to my car.
"See you soon my lover! I'll miss you these minutes where we shall be parted,'' he says, trying to embarrass me.
"Are you sure you are in love with Phebes and not me?'' I laugh.
*********FSoTG*********
"How was the family dinner?'' Nick asks after the waiter takes our order.
"Just what I needed. I shocked the hell out of them,'' I chuckle, remembering my comment about celibacy.
"How so?'' He asks, taking a drink from his wine.
"I told them I was going to practice celibacy,'' I reply and just like my family, he chokes on his drink.
"You're practicing celibacy! Why the hell did you tell your family?''
"I took your and my parents advice into consideration,'' I shrug. "You were right, I need to stop playing with women and find the one that can make me happy.''
"Well I'll be damned. You can listen to people. Good for you!'' He praises, saluting me with his glass.
"And to answer your second question, my grandfather made us play that game where you give him the biggest news and he gives you a scoop of ice cream''
"Ah, I remember that game. My mom used to play it with me and my sis.''
"Yeah, well, I didn't have anything to say and I just threw that up,'' I laugh.
He laughs in agreement and sets down his wine, "I wish you the best of luck with the celibacy. Let me tell you it isn't easy.''
And now it's my turn to choke on my wine, "You haven't had sex?!''
"I am well acquainted with the celibate lifestyle,'' he shrugs as if what he was saying was normal.
"Why?'' I finally ask when he offers up no more.
"I love your sister,'' he says as if stating the obvious.
"So?'' I ask.
"I would feel like I'm cheating on her,'' he huffs.
"You do realize you aren't actually dating her, right?''
"No shit!'' He growls.
"Wait, you met my sister three years ago,'' I say and he gives me a 'where are you going with this' look.
"So?'' He waves his hand for me to continue.
"When was the last time you had sex?''
And there at that very moment I wished I had brought a camera, because Nickolas Alexander Holden actually blushed. He blushed!
He mumbles something incoherent and I let out a howling laugh as his face becomes even a brighter shade of red.
"Oh my God! Did you stop having sex after you met Phoebe?'' I whisper to him.
"No,'' he tries saying, avoiding any eye contact.
"You did,'' I tease.
"A few weeks after I met her. I broke it off with Veronica because I couldn't stop thinking about Phoebe,'' he says honestly.
"I can't believe you,'' I shake my head in wonder, he really did love my sister.
"Come to the office on Tuesday,'' I tell him.
"Why?''
"Phoebe is coming to the office for lunch,'' I shrug. "I'm going to be your wingman.''
"Are you being serious right now?'' He asks.
"Say yes before I call security and tell them not to let you in.''
"I'll be there,'' he says quickly.
"Try to be natural. You don't want to scare her off,'' I joke.
"I know how to get girls, Theo,'' He rolls his eyes.
"She's not a girl. She's a Grey,'' I tell him in my CEO voice. "My dad isn't happy about you showing her affections.''
"Your dad knows?''
I nod my head and give him a smirk, "I hope you're a fast runner.''
And with that he gulps, because anyone with half a brain knows you don't work for Christian Trevelyan Grey and hit on his daughter.
*********FSoTG*********
"I swear I'm about to quit the firm. My boss is a domineering asshole,'' Nick growls as his call comes to an end.
"Is he cracking the whip?'' I laugh.
"I'm the best lawyer at the firm and I win every fucking case, yet he thinks I'm some errand boy.''
"Well aren't you vain,'' I joke.
"Like you aren't,'' he says, leading us both into the club.
Nick bobs his head up and down looking absolutely ridiculous but completely hilarious.
"Ready to bust out our dance moves?'' He shouts above the noisy club.
"I'm ready for a drink!'' I shout back.
"How you doing?'' He asks a passing redhead but I know he's only trying to be funny, he only had eyes for my sister.
I laugh at him and push him towards the bar, but before we can order our drinks we hear a loud commotion.
"Let go of me!'' A beautiful and familiar voice says.
Turning my head quickly and almost breaking it off, I spot a horrific scene unfolding and I see red. The bane of my existence, Olivia, was being harassed by a drunken asshole.
He's dead, my inner voice says.
Olivia's POV.
"Do I have to wear this?'' I whine, trying but failing to make my short black dress longer.
"Stop pulling at it!'' Sydney huffs as she adds a bit more of lip gloss.
"I don't feel comfortable,'' I tell her as I look in the mirror.
Sydney had declared it a clubbing night and it meant I would have to let her play Olivia Barbie with me. She had curled my hair, added a little too much makeup to my face, put me in a horrifyingly short dress that left little to the imagination, and a pair of pumps that would send me to my death.
"You look hot!'' She replies, looking over her own backless number in a shocking candy apple red.
"Maybe I should put on something longer and more covered,'' I say back.
"Nonsense! You look smoking.''
"But-"
"No buts! Come on, let's show Seattle what the Hart girls are made of,'' she smiles, grabbing my hand and strutting down our building's stairs.
….
….
….
"How are we even going to get in this club? It looks high end,'' I say to Sydney as I look up to the dark building with the letter "W" sitting above the door frame.
"Please,'' she simply says and struts up to the bouncer with me trailing after her.
"Hi handsome,'' she purrs and moments later, we were in.
"Don't ever doubt the twins, Livy,'' she giggles as we walk up to the bar. "Two tequila shots!"
Three rounds of shots later, Sydney and I threw around some shapes. Our bodies dancing to the rhythm of the music and I feel young again. I feel like I did when I had parents.
"I'm going to get some water!'' I shout to Syd as I feel a bit of perspiration covering my body.
"Okay!'' She says back and keeps her dancing going.
As I make my way towards the bar, I feel a pair of large and grimy hands on my body.
"Hey!'' I push the hands away from me.
"Come on baby! How about you dance with a man instead of that other blonde?'' A disgusting looking man says to me, taking my waist into his hold.
"Get off!'' I yell.
"Don't play hard to get! A girl like you, please. I'm sure you're into some dirty shit, how about we let blondie 2 join us?''
I gasp and quickly pull my hand back and release it across his face. His cheek is now covered by my hand print and before I can get out of his way, he grabs me harder.
"You cunt!'' He shouts at me and grips my arms in a skin bruising hold.
I whimper in pain and try pulling away. Why wasn't anyone helping me?
"I'm going to show you some manners,'' he says and tries forcing his tongue down my throat.
"LET GO OF ME!'' I scream in despair.
Before he can do more damage, he's pulled away from me and then he's on the floor.
"She said to let her go!'' A familiar voice says.
Looking away from the man on the floor, I look up to meet angry blue eyes and then I'm taken into his strong and warm embrace.
"Are you okay?'' He asks, but before I can respond I'm being pulled away from him.
"What the fuck was that for?'' The angry man asks. "What is she your girlfriend? Let me tell you dude, she's a slut!''
"I'm going to give you five seconds to get out of my face and apologize to the lady,'' Theodore growls.
"Why would I apologize to a whore?''
Theodore bites his lip and just like I did, he pulls his arm back but instead of a slap a punch cuts through the music. The people stop dancing and I feel a man pushing passed me and trying to grab onto Theodore.
"Theo! You're making a scene! Stop!'' The dark-haired man shouts, pulling him off of the bloodied man.
"Olivia!'' I hear my cousin's scared voice and then I feel her pulling me into her hold, as we stare at the scene in front of us.
"Theodore!'' The dark-haired man shouts once more and this time is successful in pulling Theodore off of the bloody mess.
Theodore breathes hard as he is pulled away from the fight and his gaze is ablaze, but it softens when he looks at my frightened expression. To my surprise he quickly pulls me into his arms and I cling onto his warmth, not caring when I feel him leading me away. I don't care that I hear Sydney shouting after us or about the bloodied man on the floor, I only care about the man that is holding me at this very moment.
"Hey, are you okay?'' He asks once we're outside of the club, his voice much softer than before.
I nod shyly as I continue to cling onto him. He smells like expensive cologne and a warm summer day, he's absolutely intoxicating.
"Damn it Olivia! What the hell are you wearing? Don't you know what could have happened if I hadn't stopped that bastard?''
I feel myself get teary eyed, but I hold back the tears. I was not going to cry in front of my boss, I was a strong independent woman. I would not cry.
"You're bleeding,'' I gasp as I spot a cut on his lip.
"It's nothing,'' he says. "The bastard is far worse than I am.''
"I don't care about him,'' I say and gently run my fingers over his jaw, shocking us both.
I feel him leaning in but the moment is ruined when I hear a masculine voice coming towards us.
"Well he isn't going to place any charges on you and I talked to the owner, he knows who you are and he said he would remain silent,'' the dark-haired man that had pulled Theodore off of the other one told us.
"Thanks Nick,'' Theodore sighs, pulling away from me and looking towards his friend.
With his name and a better view of him, I recognize him as Nickolas Holden. He had visited the office only a few days ago.
"That was one hell of a scene, Grey.''
"Not now Nick,'' he huffs, running his hand through his already messy hair.
Before Mr. Holden can reply his cell phone sounds and I hear Sydney calling out my name, as she rushes outside.
"Damn it!'' Holden growls as he checks his cell. "Excuse me.''
"Liv! What the hell happened?'' Sydney asks, pulling me away from Theo and into her arms.
"I'm fine, Syd. Some asshole thought it would be funny to harass me,'' I reply.
"God, Livy, I can't let you out of my sight for a second. Are you sure you're alright?'' She asks again.
"Yes, I'm okay. Mr. Grey- I mean Theo, he…uh…saved me,'' I tell her and then look back at my boss.
"Thank you,'' I whisper shyly.
He nods his head, but I can still see he is fired up. His eyes show something more and I wish I could say I knew what, but I don't recognize it. He seems so angry…
"Theo,'' Holden calls as he walks back to our group. "I'm going to take off, the boss needs me.''
"Is everything alright?'' Theo asks.
"He's just a lazy bastard,'' Holden responds and then looks at me, before turning back to Theo. "You have everything handled here?''
"Yeah,'' Theo mutters. "I'll see you on Tuesday. Have fun working on a Saturday.''
Holden makes a face and then turns to me and Sydney. "Ladies,'' he says as he walks passed us.
"I'll drive you two home,'' Theo tells us as he watches his retreating friend. "I'll feel better knowing you girls are safe.''
I look at Syd and she shrugs her shoulders. "That would be nice, thank you. I think we've had enough excitement for one day.''
"Are you sure you're alright? You don't need a doctor or anything?'' He asks.
"No,'' I breathe, "I'm fine, thanks to you.''
"If you say so. Let's go,'' he says and to my surprise takes my hand, leading me and Syd back to his car.
I can't help but enjoy the feeling of our hands locked in a hold. Our hands fit together almost perfectly, small in strong and large- perfection. I honestly don't even notice Sydney rushing to catch up to us as Theo sets an athlete's pace.
We stop in front of a stunning dark Audi that looks more expensive than my and Sydney's apartment. Sydney whistles at the beautiful sports car, eyeing it with greed.
"Nice car,'' she drools.
"Thanks. I like it too,'' he smiles, opening the door for us. "Luckily, I brought the car that has four seats.''
"You have more than one car?'' Sydney asks, her jaw practically on the ground. "What am I saying? Of course you do!''
He laughs at her enthusiasm and allows her into the back seat, before pulling the seat back up and allowing me into the passenger side.
"Thank you,'' I whisper as he helps me into the leather seat.
"Buckle up,'' he orders with a smile, before closing the door and moving towards the driver's side.
"You'll have to give me the directions,'' he says as he starts driving.
I nod silently and feel my skin become clammy all of a sudden.
"Breathe, Olivia,'' he orders softly.
"Livy, you okay?'' Sydney asks worriedly.
Damn it! I had hoped they hadn't noticed. I wasn't nervous because of what had happened, but because I was in Theodore Grey's car. I had been with him in a car before, yes, but not like this. Not when I was wearing the shortest dress known to man and my chest was practically spilling out! One sneeze and I would have a nip-slip.
"Yeah, I just think it's just the tequila,'' I mumble.
"Do you need to throw up?'' Theodore asks, eyeing me with worry.
"No,'' I shake my head, but then I feel it: the vomit. "On second thought, I-" and then I vomit all over the car's perfect interior.
Kill me now God!
*********FSoTG*********
"I'm really sorry,'' I cry as we step out of the car and stand in front of my apartment building.
"Olivia! Stop apologizing,'' he orders.
"I threw up all over your car.''
He sighs and runs his hand through his hair. "Yes, I was there, I noticed. Olivia, it's just a car and it can be cleaned.''
Sydney wraps me in her arms as I shake under the summer breeze, but I wish it could be Theodore holding me.
"Olivia, I'm just worried about you. Are you sure I can't have you checked by a doctor?''
My heart flutters at his words. He cares about me?
"No. I just need to get some sleep and some ginger ale,'' I say.
He sighs once more. "Okay, but if you need anything please feel free to call me.''
I nod my head in agreement as Sydney speaks up.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of her.''
He gives a nod and then lets out a small laugh. "I must say, Ms. Hart, you have made life more exciting. First you stomp on me, then slap me, then you break my face, and now you ruined my car.''
"I'm-"
He holds up his hand, forcing me to quiet down. "Have dinner with me on Monday.''
What!
"I'm sorry?''
"Have dinner with me on Monday,'' he repeats.
Sydney stands beside me just as shocked. Did he really just ask me to go out with him?''
"On a Monday?'' I finally ask.
He shrugs and gives me his winning smile. "You don't like Mondays?''
"No. Its fine, but Monday?''
"You're changing me, Ms. Hart. I don't want to have to wait until Friday. Monday, after work.''
"Okay,'' I whisper and then I almost faint at what happens next.
"Good night, Olivia,'' he says and bends to kiss me alongside my jaw.
The kiss is soft and leaves me wanting so much more. His lips are warm and oh so soft, so perfect.
"Good night, Sydney,'' he says, turning to my awed cousin.
She nods at him in shock, not even trying to hide her emotions.
"Do you need help going up?'' He asks me.
"No, but thank you,'' I reply.
"Okay,'' he says and with that, he jumps back into his now dirty car.
Sydney and I watch as he drives off, both of us completely in shock. What the fuck just happened? Did I just agree to go out with him?
A squeal takes me out of my shock. Looking to Sydney, I see her smiling like she had just won the lottery.
"He likes you!'' She shouts.
"No he doesn't,'' I blush.
"He asked you out and he kissed you!''
"He wants dinner on a Monday night, it isn't a date and he kissed my jaw!''
"He likes you, Olivia.''
"You think?'' I ask shyly.
"No, I know.''
I smile at the thought. Did Theodore Raymond Grey really like me?
….
….
….
"Feeling better?'' Sydney asks as I come out of my relaxing shower.
"A little bit, but my stomach is still bothering me,'' I reply.
"I'm going to go out and get you some ginger ale and crackers- that will help.''
Before I can thank her, our doorbell rings.
"What the hell?'' Sydney says as she looks at the clock. "It's almost twelve.''
Looking through the eyehole, I see no one at the door.
"Who is it?'' Sydney asks.
"No one,'' I reply and unlock the door.
I instantly smile at what I see. On the floor is a market bag and in it: ginger ale, crackers, and Tylenol.
"There's a note,'' Sydney says as she takes the bag from me.
I take it from her and read it out loud.
"Ms. Hart, I had the local market deliver you a few things, I hope you don't mind. Feel better and please take what I got you.
Laters, Your very worried boss.
P.S. Don't forget about Monday.''
"He likes you!'' Sydney shouts and all I can do is hug the letter close.
A little voice in my head says: I hope so…
Did you guys like? Tell me what you thought please. Next chapter will have Amanda and Theodore talking love and some Phoebe fun with her new truck lol.