Nikki was slightly taken aback when she noticed that they were heading towards a limousine.

This can't be what I'm going to ride in? For heaven's sakes it's a LIMOUSINE!!!! Only the rich and famous ride in limousines not personal assistants like me.  But then....the job description did state that I would be a personal assistant and I'm sure my boss doesn't even care that he/she rides a limousine on a daily basis.  

A chauffeur was waiting by the car and immediately took hold of the luggage trolley that Nikki was pushing before her.  Just as she was about to ride shotgun, Mr. Grumpy suddenly cleared his throat, "Miss, can you please sit here at the back? No one is allowed to sit in front except for the chauffeur and the occasional bodyguard."

Not wanting to further delay their departure, Nikki just followed the instructions quietly.

I can't believe I'm riding in a freaking limousine!!!! Wait until I tell my parents that I got to ride in a limousine. I may not like the person I'll be riding with but I sure do love the car.

Since the car was spacious, to say the least, Nikki decided to move further into the limo so she can enjoy the ride while minimizing contact with "Mr. Grumpy".  She's just too tired to bicker with somebody she doesn't even know.  On the other hand, tired as she was, she just couldn't help herself in admiring the luxurious interior of the limousine.  She knew limousines were luxurious but she didn't know that it was THIS luxurious, until she got to ride in one. She was too involved in admiring the "ride" that she almost jumped when ....

"Would you like a drink or would you rather ogle the inside of this limousine?"

Nikki was surprised, to say the least, that "Mr. Grumpy" decided to talk to her.  How the hell did I not notice that he sat next to me in such close proximity? There is so much seating space and he DEFINITELY doesn't need to sit beside me.  Nevertheless she answered back. "If there is a bottle of water or juice in that mini-fridge across you then I would definitely like one but if not then I'd rather not have any."  No need to let him know that I get tipsy from just a sip or two of the mildest form of alcoholic beverage.

He handed her a bottle of water then proceeded to stare outside the window.

"Thanks," said Nikki.

"You're welcome," he replied without so much as glancing her way.

Hmm, don't mind him because if you do, you'll just get disappointed since he might not even want to hold a conversation longer than 3 sentences.

Nikki decided that she had done her good deed for the day and decided to sit back, relax, and enjoy the view.  She must've dozed off somewhere along the way because the next thing she knew was being gently awakened by somebody that sounds familiar to her...

"Miss? Miss? We're here you need to wake up now. Please wake up."

Slowly, Nikki managed to open her eyes and was surprised to find herself looking straight into a pair of lovely eyes but her mind, still clouded with sleep, couldn't actually describe their exact color. On the other hand, she wasn’t that sleepy to not acknowledge how close he leaned over her as if he was planning to kiss her awake.

“Thank you. I guess I was more tired that I actually thought.”  

As soon as she replied, "Mr. Grumpy" suddenly scooted away from her and got out of the car but stood waiting just outside the door to assist her.

This is getting ridiculous, I really need to know his name or at least the name he wants me to call him with, otherwise I just might slip up and call him Mr. Grumpy out loud.

She got out of the car and turned to him to say, “I hope you won’t mind my persistence but I would like to know your name or at least tell me how you wish to be addressed…Sir.”

Again, the man simply looked at her and shrugged, he started to walk away from Nikki but suddenly turned around and replied, “You may drop the “Sir” and call me Mikhail.” He resumed walking but at a faster pace. Was that a smile or a smirk that I saw?

Nikki was glad that he took the time to answer although she was surprised that he took the time to even answer back.

“Are you going to follow me or just stand there gawking? We haven’t got the entire evening you know”

And…he’s back. Hmm, doesn’t he get tired of being grumpy all the time? I sure hope this is not some bad omen because I definitely would hate it if I had to go back just because of some jackass.

“Okay, Mikhail, no need to get your hackles up. I just hope there is food prepared because I am really hungry that I could just about eat anything.” Even you!

Mikhail suddenly stopped, turned around and smilingly asked, “Anything?”

“Anything that is edible of course!”

“Of course. So you won’t mind if we head off to the kitchen first? Mr. Thoms will bring your luggage to your room,” says Mikhail while nodding his head to the direction where Mr. Thoms was standing.

Nikki just nodded her head in affirmation, smiled at Mr. Thoms, and followed Mikhail’s lead. They soon reached the kitchen where a cook was busy preparing food that smelled heavenly.

“Hmmmm, that smells heavenly and I am sure it tastes delicious too!” says Nikki.

The cook laughed at her comment and turned around to greet her. “Hello, you must be Nikki. I am Pierre Lafleur, the cook, but you may simply call me Pierre. Thank you for the lovely compliment. Please have a seat and I will bring you your food.”

Nikki was surprised that Pierre knew her name but obediently sat on one of the chairs at the small table that was situated to one side of the kitchen.

“Mikhail would like to join us for dinner?” says Pierre.

“No, thank you. I have some important things to attend to and I will be dining out,” says Mikhail. “Please have Mr. Thoms show Ms. Bickmore to her room after dinner.”

“No problem,” says Pierre.

Mikhail nods his head once and leaves the kitchen without saying anything else.

“Well Nikki, it seems that you are stuck with me as a dinner partner. No worries, I am sure you will enjoy the meal that I have prepared.”