48

AUDREY
Gabriel was outside the entire afternoon, and after the meeting with the designers, my desk was full of paperwork. It was pretty exhausting, in a good sense. It meant I was officially the CEO’s assistant, the employees trusted me, and I was in charge whenever he was not in the office.
Jacey stopped by my desk five minutes before I shut my computer down. I was only waiting for Gabriel now to return to fetch me for dinner. I hadn’t told him about Coulson’s invitation yet.
“I’m really sorry, Audrey, but your signature is just as important as Mr. Stark’s, and I might need you to sign this really fast.” She placed the documents in front of me. It was the HR’s file for the upcoming sports fest on Saturday, as they were primarily in charge of arranging it, and they needed my approval.
Honestly, my eyeballs felt like they were falling off their socket from staring at too many numbers, designs, and documents the entire day.
“Is this urgent?”
“Collins needs it tomorrow at nine.”
I nodded. “I’ll have it ready at nine then.”
She sighed in relief. “Thank you. You’re my savior Audrey.”
Coulson suddenly appeared in my cubicle. “Audrey? Why are you still here? Aren’t you supposed to get ready?”
I looked up at him and showed him my desk, which had no more space. “I couldn’t.”
Jacey looked back and forth from me to Coulson in a clear wonder. I cleared my throat. “But Mr. Stark’s supposed to be back at eight. I’m waiting for him.”
“I’ll call him on the way, Audrey. He can go straight to the Hamptons. Get up there and be ready.”
My jaw dropped. “Wait. Hamptons? Is that where we’re going?” But that’s on the other side of New York. I didn’t know we’d be driving that far.
“Yep.”
“This is too sudden, Coulson. I have nothing to wear,” I said.
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll take care of it,” he assured. “I’ll be in the car.” Coulson winked at me, then marched out.
A meaningful smile appeared on Jacey’s face. “I know there’s something new about you. You ditched us this afternoon.”
I gazed up at her and shrugged. “I stayed here.”
“Yes!” she hissed, and she bent over and whispered. “Are you going out with Mr. Stark?”
My eyes widened. Did Chelsea tell her? I swallowed dryly. “It’s not what you think.”
“Then why is he inviting you to his house with his brother just now?”
I frowned. “What?”
“Oh, come on. Spill it. Are you dating Coulson Stark?”
“What?” I yelped, but it instantly caught my mouth. “What are you talking about? I’m not dating Coulson.”
“Aha! You called him ‘Coulson’ just now.” She grinned, pointing her finger at me. “We all know we don’t call the bosses by their first names.”
My shoulders fell. “Your imagination is really wild. I was invited to his parent’s anniversary dinner, Jacey.”
“And you’re meeting the parents already? Now that’s serious.” She crossed her arms.
I finally stood up before the conversation went somewhere and picked up my purse. “You’re freaking speaking too loud. Somebody might hear you!” I hissed.
She laughed. “And you’re not even denying. Do you know that?”
During our employment at Stark Apparel, Jacey and I had become close. Still, I couldn’t tell her anything too private just yet because I knew very well that she could be very curious about things going on around her, and she’s very fond of talking about everyone’s love life. She also worked for HR. No one in that department should know I was dating the boss.
“I told you, I’m not dating Coulson Stark!”
“Aw. Fine. Okay!” She giggled. “But isn’t he so gorgeous? Please don’t tell me you didn’t notice it too?”
I rolled my eyes. “Maybe you’re the one interested in him.”
“Nah. I won’t date anyone my friend likes.”
I heaved a sharp exhale. “But really not, Jacey!”
“Whatever you say.” She grinned. “Good night, Audrey. I’m out too. These past days have been exhausting.”
“For once, at least you said something I can agree on. Yes, it’s pretty tiring. I could only breathe whenever I was peeing.” I sighed. “Good night, Jacey.”
She waved her hand at me, and she disappeared to the elevator while I retouched my makeup in the restroom first.
Coulson was already dressed in an impeccable gray Brioni tuxedo, standing next to his sleek, white Ferrari 458. I was right, after all. I was not dressed for the occasion. Why did he want to invite me, anyway?
“Coulson!” I called, catching my breath.
“Are you running?” An amused smile flashed across his face.
“You… you were waiting, and you said we were late,” I paused. “How about Gabriel?”
“I already spoke to him and agreed. He’s said he’s calling you, but you’re not answering.”
“Oh really?” I dug out my phone from my purse and found five missed calls from Gabriel. I didn’t notice as I forgot to turn off the silent mode.
“And we’re stopping at our store near the area so you can change. I already had the staff arrange an outfit for you.” He studied me. “You don’t mind blue, right? I think it would suit you.”
“Whatever is fine, but not this,” I said, referring to my pencil skirt and floral blouse.
As promised, Coulson brought me to one of the Stark Apparel stores in Manhattan, and the dress was already provided when we came. It was a royal blue halter, backless, long dress with a slit at my right leg up to half of my thigh. They even gave me a pair of sapphire earring studs with white, small gemstones around them.
“It’s beautiful, Coulson,” I remarked.
“Gabriel had it prepared for you. He said it’d match your eyes. I guess he’s right.” He commented, looking right back at me in the mirror. Are you ready?”
I chuckled at my evening look tonight. It was beautiful. “I’m nervous, but yes, I’m ready.”