Chapter 35 _____ Visiting The Stalls

Chapter 35

Visiting the Stalls

[Xavier’s POV]

Leaning against the wall in the lobby, I couldn’t help but think there was something desperately wrong with my brain. Even though Miss Young had agreed to change into something more… conservative, she was still fuming when Daniel and I had left her room. I couldn’t blame her. My outburst even took me by surprise. But, all I could think about was how alluring she looked and how every male within ten feet of her would be leering at her figure.

“Shit! This is stupid,” I cursed under my breath.

Regardless of how silly I felt, I was still thanking heaven that she listened to me and decided to wear something else. Hearing the approaching footsteps, I looked up. She was coming towards me wearing a peeved expression. Chuckling softly at the way her nose was scrunched up, I scanned her up and down. I smiled at my small victory while nodding at her white baggy sweater and dark skinny jeans in approval. This was much better.

“Is this outfit more to your liking, Mr. President? Or should I wear coat as well?”

I coughed to hide a small laugh. It was so much fun to see her so riled up. “Absolutely perfect, Miss Young!”

She huffed in exasperation and rolled her eyes as we walked out of the rear entrance towards the private beach.

After reaching the spot where the others had set up umbrella’s and chairs, I took a moment to gaze out towards the ocean. The sun felt amazingly warm on my face and the breeze was light and not too cold. I inhaled a deep relaxing breath and sat on the nearest lounge chair. I glanced up at Iris, who was still looking annoyed and was still standing. I shifted uncomfortably in my chair. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw her cross her arms and look out at the group of employees swimming in the ocean. Her expression resembled that of a toddler whose candy had just been stolen—slightly angry and disappointed. Not being able to relax with her looming over me, I cleared my throat to break the silence. She didn’t even spare me a glance.

“W-why don't you go join them in the water, Miss Young? I can work here on my own for awhile.”

She tightened her grip on her arms and glared down at me. “In these clothes, sir?”

I blinked in confusion. “Is there a problem? I mean, you’ll have to shower and wash your clothes at some point today anyway.”

Her jaw ticked and through clenched teeth she said, “I'm no longer in the mood to go swimming, sir.”

What was her problem? Sitting up, I dropped the niceties and ordered in a hardened tone, “Fine, you don't have to join them. Sit down and work on the documents that I’ll need for this afternoon’s meeting.”

Giving me a hard look, she obediently flopped down into the chair next to me with a huff. Originally, I wasn’t even going to have her work today. But, if she was so damned determined to give me such a supercilious attitude… well, far be it from me to waste an opportunity to show her who was the boss. I shoved my laptop towards her and said with a hint of condescension, “Here you are. The file is already open. I’m taking a nap.”

Her mouth fell open and, for a brief moment, I thought she would slam the laptop over my head. However, she gathered herself quickly and began working. I leaned back and closed my eyes, wincing as I heard her type with speed and… aggression? She was probably envisioning breaking every bone in my body with each key stroke. I chuckled. This was the best vacation I’ve ever experienced.

After some time, I heard Daniel coming towards us. I groaned in frustration. I just wanted some peace and quiet. Two things Daniel was never good at.

“Oh my god! Am I seeing things? Xavier Gray has graced us with his presence on the beach?! The last time I was able to get you down here was what? Ten years ago?”

I rolled my eyes and continued to ignore him. Walking over to Iris, he stopped. He looked down at her with surprise and a small hint of amusement. Crouching down to eye level, he asked, “Iris, aren't you planning to join us? Why did you change your clothes and why are you pounding on that poor laptop? Wait, don’t tell me. Are you guys working?!”

Iris turned towards me and with a stony expression said, “We have had some unexpected tasks that came up and needed to be worked on, Daniel. You go on and enjoy yourself.”

He glanced over at me. “Come on, Xavier. Leave her alone for a day. Not everyone is a workaholic like you. Iris could use a break anyway.”

I was about to defend myself when I heard her say, a little too brightly, “It's alright, Daniel. Being a secretary, I am not allowed to enjoy the freedoms that are given to regular employees. Don’t worry about me. I am already accustomed to it.”

Daniel was startled at her direct hit and I clenched my fists tightly together. Was I so overbearing? Getting up, Daniel looked from me to her and instantly understood the situation. He shot me a hard glare and then turned quickly on his heel to join the others.

About an hour passed and she was still working while everyone else was having the time of their life. Some even called out to Iris for her to join them, but she just shook her head and continued working. I ran my fingers through my hair and let out an exasperating sigh. In the end, one of us would have to give in and, surprisingly, that person was going to be me. Without uttering a word, I took the laptop from her and grabbed her hand. Hauling both of us up out of our chairs, we began walking back towards the hotel.

Going through the lobby and out of the front entrance, she slightly tugged on my hand. I stopped and turned towards her. She was out of breath but managed to get out, “What... what are you doing?”

“I’m taking you to town. I was told this morning that stalls have been set up and that the local tradesmen are selling some of their goods.”

She pursed her lips, before saying, “But, I.. I really don't…” she trailed off as she looked up and saw me glowering at her.

What the hell was wrong with her? I was offering to take her shopping to try and cheer her up. Didn’t all girls enjoy shopping? Jesus, this was exhausting. Not giving her anymore time to refuse, I pulled on her hand and led her out the door.

“B-but what about the reporters? You can’t just go walking around a town market, sir!”

I stopped, lifted one eyebrow at her and pulled two masks from my pocket. For once, I was grateful for always having to carry these things around. I handed one to her and she put it on without protest as we walked toward the car.

[Iris’s POV]

Just what the crap was this man playing at? An hour ago he was treating me like a kid by telling me how to dress and now he was taking me… shopping? I was completely baffled and still somewhat upset by his earlier behavior. However, after strolling through the market, I started to feel a little better. I was fascinated with all of the diverse goods that were on display at each stall. There were flowered hats, crafts made from oyster shells and handmade necklaces and rings which were made with various types of sea glass. There were even a few pearl pieces in the mix. It was truly enjoyable. I never had been able to find the time to go on a vacation these last few years. Something was either happening with the organization or I was just too damn busy.

Lost in thought, I didn’t realize how closely I was trailing behind the president until my nose crashed against his back. Stumbling backwards, I tried to regain my footing. The president quickly grabbed my waist, saving me from a nasty fall.

Holding me in his arms to steady me, he bent down to my ear and said in a husky tone, “Be careful, Miss Young. How is it that you are so capable and yet so clumsy?”

I shivered as his warm breath tickled my ear. Glancing around, I was thankful that no one in the crowd seemed bothered by are intimate position. I planted both feet firmly on the ground and pushed him away while mumbling my thanks. He stared at me for a moment and then turned to the nearest stall.

“Do you see anything you like?” he asked while examining a selection of watches.

“Huh?” It was an indelicate question, but I honestly couldn’t think of anything else to say.

He glanced over at me and gestured for me to follow him to another stall. I was a couple of feet behind him when out of nowhere a little boy crashed into me.

“Miss! Could you please help me? I-I can’t find my mom. We were shopping together and now… I…”

Large tears spilled down his cheeks and I felt my heart melt. He looked to be about seven years old and wore a red shirt with a pair of decent looking jeans. His clothes were far too nice for him to be from the streets and, considering the crowd, it would be easy for a child to get separated from his mother. Bending down, I tousled his hair and offered him a comforting smile.

“Don’t worry sweetheart. I’ll help you find her. Do you remember where you last saw her?”

He pointed towards the opposite end of the market and I couldn’t help but notice the small amount of suspicion that rising in my gut. I shook my head and pushed the feeling to the side. Looking to where the boy was pointing, I saw a young woman wearing a hat standing around as if she was waiting for someone. Standing back up, I turned to call to the president but he was too far ahead. I groaned as I tried to think of what to do. The boy tugged lightly on the hem of my shirt and I looked down at his tear streaked face. Damn. I sighed and reached for his small hand. Tugging him towards the direction of his mother, I prayed with every step that my boss wouldn’t kill me for leaving his side without notice.

Finally, we reached the boy’s mother and I couldn’t help but notice how far away we were from the market. As we approached her, I saw that she was talking on her phone. That was odd. Her child was missing and she wasn’t even looking for him? Whatever, I just wanted to handover the little boy as soon as possible so I could get back before the president decided to fire me.

“Miss, here's your little boy. He said you two were separated because of the crowd and I—”

A car screeched to a halt behind me and, before I could react, I felt a burst of pain spread across the back of my head. Instantly, my knees buckled and I fell hard onto the ground.

“Hurry up and take her,” said the lady’s voice.

My vision swam and then… I felt nothing.