8

Kelsie.

I had stood hidden off to the side for quite some time as she moved every so flawless behind the tables. It is clear why her company is so good with only just the four of them they move in sync together.

Once her eyes caught mine, I couldn't help but venture over. Not once did she take the bait I had left about dessert or she didn't respond to it if she did. There where some changes in posture that told me it may have been affecting her. All I got, however, once she spoke again was pure sass.

I liked that. Since many don't ever speak so freely it seems.

It stirs something deeper inside me when Valan called her name to ask something having before turned to see me standing there. Which she played off smoothly in front of Kelsie, guess Laken will not get to have his fun tonight.

I moved around the table and Kelsie seemed to glide over. It doesn't with go my notice the dress she is wearing, since it is one of the first ones Laken and I put together once I took over the business.

Just to get kicks and to hear Kelsie's voice more I asked in detail about the appetizers before getting a small plate. After thanking her, I walked into the crowd and ate on the food.

Must admit the food is among the best I have ever had. Says a lot considering all the places and food I've ate in my life.

I am quick to slide over to dispose of the plate and napkin, before joining the crowd once more.

Taking a look over, I can tell the models are slowly moving among everyone. Some are standing on the few stool like pieces set up.

"Seems as though things are going smoothly." Laken steps up to my side.

With a slow nod. My eyes catch sight of a couple walking towards us.

Taking a deep breath, to go unnoticed to hide the distaste for the man walking up to me. I put on the fake facade.

"Good evening. I hope everything has been wonderful for you both and the journey not to harsh." I shake hands with the man, before giving a small nod to his wife.

"Yes this year's summer wear is quite catching to the eye." The man looks around.

"That is splendid to hear." I force a polite smile.

"It would be for you, Mr. Scenix. With this line plus what I have seen the last two events it has had me reconsider greatly. If you have time while I am in the States, maybe we should talk about a business deal to get your line of clothing within my stores again?"

"Of course. It would be a pleasure to talk more and work out a contract. There is still much left of the evening, as we will soon have models showing the more sensual night gowns and under garments soon." I keep a level voice.

The man nods. "If I like what it is to be seen, I will have the papers drawn up immediately and as long as you agree to terms."

I nod as the man and his wife while they move along, back into the crowd.

"What is it with sleezeballs like him?" Laken mumbles.

"Hmm. It is disrespectful for his wife." I whisper.

That old tyrant, used to hold the Scenix Clothing line within his stores over seas when my mother was over things still. Once I got handed the business he cut the contract.

It is really only the politeness as to why the man still gets an invitation to events.

That man enjoys to look at women, while having his wife dangling off his arm. The main thing he has been most interested in is the items that show a woman's skin, which is why I informed him about the events evening still to come. More like a warning for his wife actually.

"Are you going to really sign a contract with him?" Laken looks over at me.

"Depends on how many deals may come of tonight. I like to have this line over seas to help women feel more confident and comfortable also. If there is not many offers to sale our line over there then I will but with added security behind it. I will not allow that man to sell the pieces he likes, he will have to sell the entire line of clothes modeled here tonight."

Laken nods. "Can't say I blame you there. It would look poorly on the Scenix line too by the man only selling the barely there pieces."

"Exactly. Plus, he will not be able to just cut the contract easily neither if it comes to it this time. Not to say, there won't be an adding price for what he will pay towards us for selling our line there."

Laken and I work the crowd, mingling with many of the other potential partnerships. There seems to be some promising contracts in the future but they would prefer to see the rest of the event before deciding.

All things totally understandable as it is the smartest thing to do when perhaps taking a giant step to partnering.

With Laken and I back off to the side, I can't help but look towards Kelsie.

"Hey Laken?"

"Yeah." He looks over to where I am.

"How do you think Valan would take it if you tell her, she is more than welcome to tell Kelsie who I am?" I smirk.

"If I tell Valan it's safe to, you know she will in a heartbeat right?" Laken looks to me.

I nod. "Call me curious, but I wonder how Kelsie may react to knowing. When I spoke with her earlier, something sparked in me about her. So it doesn't feel right doing games anymore."

Laken seems to do a double take. "That's not like you man. It's been awhile since a woman has taken your interest, but never one that made you want to stop games. Valan talks a lot about Kelsie though."

Oh how well I know. Kelsie is a best friend of Valan's, along with Naida. She just never stated their names much at all, just good friends of her or boss bestie. Valan is telling us all the time about their cooking and jobs. That is all I know though and a good part of me is intrigued, wanting to know more.

"I can do that. If your sure?" Laken smirks.

"If you want too. I would like to get know Kelsie more."

"Would break the barrier."

"I am going to walk over to the side out of sight though to step in if need be." I smirk.

I move over and Laken moves to Valan. I'm in perfect range to hear how Kelsie may react, but I want to know of she will clam up or keep her spunk once she knows who I am.

For me this is the best way to know if she may turn into what most women seem to when knowing who I am.

The only thing I can hope for is she doesn't. There just seems to be something about Kelsie. Not to also say, I got nervous to just tell her myself and what better way than to let her friend tell her first.