e l e v e n

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Two weeks had passed and everything was going smoothly.

Almost too smoothly.

The idea process of the hotel renovation was coming along nicely with meetings once a week with Knight Industries, specifically Xavier, to gather his wants and needs as a client. They were now ready to present first drafts of the plans.

Designing hotels were a lot more complicated than designing a home. A lot of drawings were needed to make sure each floor was covered and that no mistakes could be made. But since this was just a renovation, most of the foundation would stay making their jobs a lot easier.

Aurora's main priority was to make sure the client was satisfied—in this case Xavier. Her interior designing would come later as she needed the finalized building to be finished with the architectural process before starting.

And throughout these past few weeks, Xavier would often pop in to take Aurora out to lunch. Of course, this would be followed by getting bubble tea.

She wasn't sure if they would be considered dates, but she found herself getting more comfortable with Xavier. There was something about him that made her trust him and open up to him. She could tell he was the quiet type, not big on speaking many words, yet the few words he would say, made her heart flutter.

It was finally Friday, and like usual Aurora sat at her desk reviewing floor plans, jotting down red marks where corrections needed to be made.

Without knocking, her door opened and in came Liam waltzing through the door with a big grin on his face.

A grin that spelled mischief.

"How's it going?" Asked Liam, taking a seat across from her desk.

"Good," said Aurora, not even giving him a small glance. She was too focused on the panels on the screen in front of her.

Liam let out a dramatic sigh. When Aurora did not respond again, he let out another one. Aurora let out her own sigh as she turned to look at her childish boss.

"Yes Liam? What can I do for your majesty today?"

"Well-"

Liam was cut off with a knock on the door. Grace walked in with a cup of coffee, placing it in front of Liam. He gave her a nod in acknowledgment before taking a sip.

"Just how I like it," Liam let out a sigh of satisfaction. "You should be my assistant instead."

Aurora scoffed and rolled her eyes. "Your assistant wouldn't be too happy to hear that."

"Well, I say you give Grace a raise then."

"You're the CEO, aren't you the one who decides who gets raises?"

Grace shook her head with amusement and quickly made her way towards the door. "I think I'm just gonna go."

She mouthed the words 'good luck' to Aurora as she closed the door behind her.

Liam turned his attention back to Aurora. "So, as I was saying before our little interruption."

Aurora raised her eyebrow, wondering what it was Liam needed this time.

"I have a favor to ask."

And there it was.

Just like Aurora had predicted.

"I'm not pretending to be pregnant with your child to get you out of a date again," stated Aurora flatly with an unamused expression plastered on her face.

"That was one time!"

"The water balloon popped in the middle of it and I had to pretend my water broke!" Exclaimed Aurora throwing her hands up in the air.

A couple months ago, Liam's mother had set him up on a blind date, complaining that she was getting old and that she wanted grandchildren. Liam couldn't get out of the date so he conspired the world's greatest plan—note the sarcasm—which involved Aurora and a balloon filled with water. Let's just say, Aurora didn't have the guts to set foot into that restaurant ever again.

"It's not to get out of a date this time," promised Liam. "Well, not really?"

His voice went up at the end and he seemed unsure.

This was definitely a red flag.

"You seem pretty desperate," mused Aurora, sitting back in her chair. "What is it?"

Aurora was genuinely curious.

"IneedyoutoaccompanymetothecharitygalaonSaturday."

"Okay Liam, you know I have selective hearing," Aurora did not understand a word he said. "You're going to have to speak slower."

Liam took a deep breath. "I need you to accompany me to the charity gala on Saturday."

Aurora blinked. "You want me to accompany you to the charity gala?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because."

"Because?"

"Because my dearest mother is trying to get me to go with her friend's sister's daughter or cousin or friend. I don't know, but I really need your help," begged Liam.

"No."

"Why not?"

"I've met your mom, Liam. She knows we're like siblings," sighed Aurora.

"I know," groaned Liam. "I just don't want to go alone."

Aurora rolled her eyes. "Stop being a big baby."

"Please," Liam pouted.

Aurora grimaced. "Don't make that face Liam."

Liam leaned forward and placed his head on his hands. He widened his eyes and blinked twice. "Pretty please."

Aurora looked at him with disgust. "Stop doing that!"

Liam continued to look at her with puppy dog eyes, causing Aurora to curse under her breath.

"Alright, alright!" Exclaimed Aurora, giving up. "I'll go with you- just- stop that."

"Yes!" Cheered Liam. He smirked, knowing that she would give in quickly. "But, stop what?"

Aurora rolled her eyes, knowing he knew exactly what she was talking about. She gestured to his face. "Doing whatever it is your doing with your face."

"You mean this?" Asked Liam, feigning innocence as he gave Aurora the puppy dog eyes.

She scrunched her face with horror. "Please. I beg you."

"Alright, calm down," Liam let out a big laugh, raising his hands to surrender. "I'll text you the details for Saturday."

Liam got up to leave, but not before taking his coffee with him. As soon as he reached the door, he turned back to look at Aurora.

"You better show up or else."

"Or else what?"

"Or else this." Liam gave her another pout, making Aurora want to throw her heeled boots at him.

"Get out of my office!" Shrieked Aurora. Liam turned and walked away, a boisterous laugh echoing after him.

Aurora shook her head.

Liam Smith, her boss, was literally a man child.

❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎

Aurora quickened her pace as the rain began to slowly pick up. It was almost 7PM and she was leaving the office a little later than usual.

Holding a clear umbrella, she walked down the drenched streets of Downtown LA. Aurora was glad she actually checked the forecast before she left her apartment in the morning. She had to remind herself to check everyday instead of just looking out the window in the morning. Because LA weather was so unpredictable, it could be sunny in the morning, yet quickly turn rainy later on in the afternoon.

Aurora tugged her coat closer to her body, shielding herself from the wind. Her jeans were tucked into a pair of thigh high heeled boots, making little splashes against the pavement as she made her way back home.

Instead of calling an Uber, she wanted to walk. It rarely rained in Los Angeles and when it did, it poured. But Aurora loved the rain. She loved feeling the small droplets of water on her hands that occasionally slipped under the protection of her umbrella.

It was cool.

It was refreshing.

She snapped out of her thoughts just as a sleek black car pulled up next to her. The tinted glass did not give her any indication as to who it was inside. A part of her was curious as to who the driver of the expensive car was, while the other part of her began to become paranoid. And of course the paranoid side of her won as she felt a sliver of fear run down her spine.

Was she being followed?

Was she about to get murdered and chopped up to be eaten by coyotes in the mountains?

Dramatic, yes, but she couldn't help to think of the worse case scenario. She had always been easily scared.

The window of the passenger seat suddenly rolled down, revealing a familiar face.

"Hey!"

He gave her a smile, despite the tired look in his eyes.

"God, Xavier, you scared me," Aurora let out a sigh of relief, glad that it wasn't some weirdo trying to pick her up. "What are you doing here?"

"I was just leaving work and I saw you walking." Xavier quickly unlocked the door, nodding to the passenger seat. "Get in, it's raining. I'll drop you off."

"It's okay Xavier. It's just a 10 minute walk." Refused Aurora, causing Xavier's smile to slightly falter. "I'm sure you're tired from work."

"Get inside, Aurora," His voice held no room for discussion. Shaking her head, Aurora opened the passenger door and slipped inside the car. She shook her umbrella before closing it and placing it besides her feet.

"Sorry, I'm getting your car all wet," She gave him an apologetic look as he smoothly maneuvered back into traffic.

"It's just water," he said, giving her a reassuring smile. "Why were you walking home? It's literally pouring."

Just like he said, the rain began to pound against the car harder.

"I love it when it rains," was Aurora's response, giving Xavier a cheeky smile. He shook his head amusingly. "Where's Jackson?"

"He had to handle a security issue back at the company," Xavier's tone switched to one of aggravation and anger. It seemed like whatever it was made Xavier furious.

Aurora reached over and gave Xavier's arm a small squeeze. He took a deep breath, calming himself.

"Are you cold?" He asked, noticing the movement as she placed her hands under her thighs in an attempt to warm them.

She gave him a sheepish smile. "Just a little."

He turned on the heater, cranking it up so that it warmed up the whole car.

"Thank you."

A calm silence filled the car as Xavier drove. The only sounds came from the pitter patter of the rain and the occasional sweeping sound of the windshield wiper.

A couple minutes later, Xavier pulled into the parking lot of her apartment. Aurora unbuckled her seatbelt and turned towards him.

Just as she was about to open her mouth to thank him, he spoke up first.

"Are you free on Saturday?"

There was a hint of hopefulness laced in his voice.

Despite wanting to say yes, she knew she already had obligations, thanks to a certain someone.

"I'm sorry, I actually have plans on Saturday." Aurora could see the slight disappointment form on Xavier's face. "But we can do something some other time."

There was a pause before Aurora added quickly, "That is- if you want to."

And just like that, his smile was back.

"Of course, I'd like that."

Aurora returned his smile and leaned down to grab her umbrella. "Thank you for the ride home."

"No worries," He gave her a reassuring smile. "The next time you need a ride, don't hesitate to let me know."

Aurora nodded, opening the door. She grabbed her purse and opened up her umbrella. Standing up, she turned to give Xavier a smile. "Thank you again, and good night Xavier."

"Good night, Aurora."

She closed the door and turned. But before she could forget, she quickly turned back around, opening the passenger door once again.

Xavier's forehead scrunched in confusion, wondering if she had left something behind.

"Drive safe, Xavier." Before he could reply, Aurora closed the door again and began to make her way towards the stairs. Xavier chuckled softly as his eyes followed Aurora's figure trail up the steps to her apartment.

He remained in his position as he continued to look after her. He could see the smile she had on her face as she turned to look at his car, waving at him to leave, despite being unable to see him through the tinted window.

Xavier loved her smile and he would do anything to keep the smile on her face.

❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎

Thank you so much for reading! I made a new cover- well, I made like 5 new ones last night at 3AM because I couldn't sleep, but I hope you guys like it^^ I really hope you guys are enjoying this story so far and please don't hesitate to comment feedback! I really want to know what you guys think. I also hope everyone is doing well during this time and stay safe!



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