Chapter 43: You And I

Adani's POV

"Get dress, sweetie. I'm taking you out," Ricardo said when he walked back into my bedroom.

I wasn't expecting this and I couldn't contain the smile as my heart felt warm.

"Where are we going?" I questioned.

"You'll see. I'll leave you to get ready. Meet me on the back lawn once you're done." He excused himself and I flushed even more as I dashed to my closet and put together an outfit. Then I fluffed my hair and styled it into a high puff and applied some light makeup to my face.

YouTube tutorials had been a lifesaver.

Later, I met Ricardo on the back lawn as he told me. A helicopter and a pilot awaited and greeted us as we approached.

Ricardo assisted me up and into a seat before sitting across from me. He closed the door in, trapped ourselves in and soon, we were in the sky.

"I've never been in one of these before," I informed and looked out at the coastline, "LA looks amazing up here."

"Figured you might like it."

"I do." I sat back and enjoyed the ride until the chopper's descent onto a helipad at the top of a building. The whirling blades ceased, Ricardo opened the door and we stepped out.

~

"Mr. Parriston and Miss. Prime, welcome to The Sunset. Right this way to the Penthouse suite," a hostess greeted and directed us.

The Penthouse suite was the grandest and most luxurious room I've ever stepped into with a swimming pool located on the balcony.

The hostess took her leave and I looked around in amazement.

"The hotel belongs to Rockett. She renovated and developed it several years ago. The rooms are usually occupied by celebrities when they're visiting Los Angeles," Ricardo said.

"Is she here?" I asked.

"No. She's not even in the country. She's at a fashion event in Paris."

"Okay. Her hotel is beautiful."

"She has a thing for beauty and being diverse, something I always admire about her. She never boxes herself in. Which makes me want to ask you, what do you want to be, Adani?"

"I'm not sure."

"Sure you don't want to be a maid. And as my girlfriend, you're not going to be my maid anymore."

"Ricardo Parriston, are you firing me?" I asked and stepped towards him. I brushed a stray of hair from his forehead as his arms circled me.

"I'm sorry, but, you're fired. Now, tell me what you want to do for your independence so I can make it happen," he said with a smile.

"Please don't laugh. It's kinda silly."

"Don't downplay your aspirations and your goals. Believe that it's good."

"I want to be a fitness dance instructor at my own studio."

"You'll teach me how to salsa?" he joked as he attempted to move his hip.

"That and more," I answered with a laugh.

~
After we had a very satisfying lunch on the balcony, we got into the pool.

"Adani, I need you to know that it would be you and I against the world. I can't promise you that there won't be difficulties, misunderstandings and people adding their two cents into our business when we didn't ask for it. What I can promise you is that I'm going to always be there for you. I'll be available when you need me and I'll do my all to do right by you."

He retrieved an object from his pocket, took my hand and slides a ring onto my middle finger.

"It's a promise-ring," he said before kissing me.

"And I promise to always be patient and kind. I'll always be eager to listen to what you have to say and quit running away from you or difficult situations. I promise to be your better half and be your peace," I said back, "I don't have a ring though."

We laughed together.

"It's fine. Your words are enough for me," he said back. We locked lips until we were out of breath.

Afterwards, we climbed out of the pool, took a shower, wrapped in comfy robes and laid on the couch in front of the flat-screen television.

"Ricardo, can I ask you something?" I asked.

"Anything," he answered.

"Would you be more comfortable having sex with me if I get tested?"

"We'll both get tested. And I am comfortable, I just wanted to make sure that you are as well."

"Thank you. I wish we can stay here for a few more days. I like it here."

"We can."

"Don't you have to work?"

"I do but perks of being CEO is I can have take a day off or twelve," he responded and tickled me. I squirmed as a child and returned it to him. Soon, it broke into a tickle fight and he was winning.

"Kiss me and I'll show mercy," he said when he had me pinned. His fingers moved towards me. I circled my arms around his neck and pulled him in for a kiss. Seductively, I ran my tongue to his ear and he slightly shivered and softly moan.

"How you knew I liked that?" he asked.

"I don't. I'm just trying to learn my man," I answered.

"That sounds so good to hear."

"Sounds good to say too."

His phone started vibrating on the table. He reached for it and exhaled sharply.

"Yeah," he answered, "WHAT! WHEN! HOW IS THAT EVEN FUCKING POSSIBLE?" he grew angry and shot up from the couch.

In concern, I sat up too as he walked towards the balcony area. Out of respect for his phone call, I stayed out of earshot and waited until he returned.

"What's the matter?" I asked as he walked back to the living room raking his fingers through his hair.

"That's a financial problem at work. Some monies are missing and unaccounted for," he said.

"Then you should get to the bottom of this."

"My CFO can..."

"Ricardo, it's your company. You hold the highest position and if someone is stealing, you need to deal with it personally."

"You wouldn't be mad if I leave?"

"No. I completely understand. I can stay here by myself. I'm not a toddler."

"Okay. I'll be back as soon as I can." He quickly kissed me and went into the bedroom to get ready before leaving.

~
Left to myself, I wondered what I can do to occupy my time and started doing my research into fitness and dances. I thought about what I can do to be different and standout amongst the other fitness and dance instructors in the state.

My mind went blank when my phone started ringing.

"Hi mom," I answered.

"Darling, how are you doing?" she asked.

"I'm great. How are you doing?"

"Likewise."

"I'll be by soon to visit and I'm going to be bringing someone," I said and looked at my promise ring with a smile.

"You've met someone?" she asked.

"I did."

"Oh my. I'm so happy for you. I hope he's nothing like that ex of yours! Do I know him?"

"He's ugh.."

"Adani?"

"He's my.. His name is Ricardo."

"Oh, he has the same name with your boss.. Wait, is it the same person?"

"Yes."

"Adani!"

"Yes."

"I don't think I like this. He's your employer."

"I understand your concerns, mama, but I like him and he likes me too."

"Baby, are you sure on that?"

"I'm certain."

"I want to meet him."

"You will."

We spoke some more than we ended the call. Then Ricardo's name flashed on the screen.

"Hi," I answered.

"Hi. I'm at the office now."

"What's going on?"

"Everyone involves with the company's fiances is lined up against the wall."

"Like a mass execution?"

"Exactly."

"Oh my goodness."

"Hold on, I'm getting some information here."

"Okay."

"I'll call you back."

"Okay then."

~
The afternoon went by and soon enough, I was watching the sun fade from the sky by myself. I checked my phone. Zero calls and messages.

I poured myself a glass of red wine. On my second sip, Ricardo came back.

"Hi."

"Hi," he answered. He looked defeated and slug as he approached.

"Is everything going to be okay?"

"Yes and no."

"You want to talk to you about it?"

"Over two million dollars of the company's money disappeared in a matter of weeks. The trace hit a dead-end because the account it was transferred to is an off-shore account. The Cayman Islands."

"Has anything like this happen before?"

"No. Never."

"Then perhaps you should look at the changes you made several weeks ago. Anyone new, new tasks, new access, anything like that?"

"No. Everyone had their same... wait a minute."

I watched as he appeared to be searching inside his head.
"Penelope," he said to me.

She just wouldn't stop!