The Royal Contract

Now, she had to guarantee everything would go without a hitch. “Thank you for going through the plans with me.” She shook the hand of the manager of the hotel as they finished up their meeting.

So far, everything seemed to be going according to her plans as the manager excused himself to attend to his other responsibilities. Now, all that was left was to wait for the other guests to arrive in a few minutes.

“Ms. Rosley. I hope you still remember me, Gerald Brown.” A man walked to her table and reintroduced himself. “I am a friend of Daniella Hamilton.”

Of course, she remembered him. Yes, she recalled that Dani had introduced them back then. A man like him was hard to forget. Besides, he was featured a few times in the news due to his contribution to the community.

He was not a celebrity. But he had earned a spot in the limelight a few times. Honestly, he had garnered her interest a few of those times.

“Hello, Mr. Brown. It is nice to meet you again.” She greeted in return as she looked up to see his face. She accepted the hand that he offered and shook it firmly.

.....

She had noticed him earlier when he entered the establishment. Many women did turn their heads at him, not because he was famous, but because he had this aura around him.

“You can call me Gerald. I hope you would not mind if I call you Haley.” The man said as he continued to stand before her. “I hope I am not interrupting anything.”

“No, you are not. I am just waiting for my guests.” She responded as her eyes landed on his face. “Of course, you can call me Haley.” Suddenly, finding him fascinating.

Frankly, she thought he was hot even before, but that was because he did look great in his suit, showing off his well-built physique. His face was not cute, but manly handsome with its square jaw and subtle beard darkening his chin.

He had this presence of danger around him, a sort of a bad boy image. It was probably because of the tattoo on his skin. She noticed it at the back of his neck, above the collar, and at his wrist.

She could only wonder what else was hiding underneath his clothes. But that was a thought she did not like to entertain as she focused on her task.

“I heard that you are helping out in the Annual Hamilton Charity Ball.” He continued as his eyes appeared to be studying her face.

“Yes, I am. Do you wish to participate in any way in our cause?” Haley excitedly asked, but a little awkward as his eyes never left hers.

She welcomed anyone who wished to volunteer for the event’s success, whether by joining them in the organizing, donating to one of their fundraising events, or both. Every help counted.

“Honestly, I am thinking about it,” Gerald answered as his lips curved into a wide grin. “Do you think I can still help?”

“Of course. Why don’t you join us tonight so we can talk more about it?” She offered the seat beside her, thrilled that she could encourage another soul to help with their fundraising event.

“As much as I want to, I have to decline. I already have a meeting going on over there. I just thought of dropping by for a second for a quick chat.” Gerald excused himself, pointing to a group of gentlemen sitting on the other side of the room.

“Oh, that is too bad, but I am sure we can make another arrangement so we can discuss it further.” Haley offered, feeling a little disappointed.

She was sure that a man like him, with his reputation and influence in the community, could bring a lot of help to the event.

“I am available for a late drink if you are up for it. I just had to finish with my clients. Then, I am free.” Gerald suggested as his gaze focused on her face and ended on her eyes.

Something about his eyes excited her. The way he had looked at her sent chills in her bones. But that was normal when a hot-looking man seemed to take an interest in her. At least, that was what she was telling herself.

But it did not mean he was interested in her or she was with him. It was just a normal body reaction as far as she was concerned. This interaction was just like a business deal but for a good cause.

“What about tomorrow around lunch, my treat?” She countered. “I am not sure with the time we will finish here, and it might be too late.” She told him, making an excuse, doubtful that a late night out with him was a good idea.

“You see, I will be out of town early in the morning and probably be back the next day. Tonight might be the only time I can discuss this with you.” Gerald looked at her looking disappointed too.

“I...” She was about to decline the offer, but he interrupted her.

“What about I give you my card and if you think you still have time. Just give me a call.” He took his wallet out and pulled out a small piece of cardboard, handing it to her.

“Well, let me see. But I am not making any promises.” She usually did not go out with men for a drink.

A dinner date was ok, and a late night cap afterward, meaning a drink or a coffee, not necessarily a space on her bed. She did not sleep around, preferring meaningful relationships over sex.

Not that she assumed that he was interested in her in that way. After all, he only invited her because of this fundraising event. It was not a date, like a romantic date.

“I assure you, I don’t bite.” He jokingly said, probably seeing the hesitation in her, giving her a boyish grin that probably had girls swooning around him.

She could not tell if he was seriously joking to lighten the mood or if that was some sexual innuendo, promising her something more.

But truthfully, his words had her heart beating wildly in her chest. Or maybe it was the smile. Suddenly, she wondered if she was attracted to him for real.

Her mind suddenly sounded alarming bells in her head, warning her that this gorgeous man before her had danger signs all over him.