Dedicated to Readeravery

Her poems are <3

He easily slipped past her and into the house, started looking around, admiring the decor and its humility.

Ugh, what is with him and getting everywhere uninvited...forcing his way in like some bulldozer...

"I haven't come across a more humble, tastefully done and lived-in home in quite some time," he complimented genuinely looking back into her eyes.

Did Moneybags actually compliment?!

For a moment it seemed like the architect in him was truly praising what he saw. He had studied as an architect and worked at construction sites first-hand to know what he was doing after he'd taken over the company he'd transformed into the conglomerate today.

Rose knew that too, part of which was the reason she felt she could too waltz into his office like he did but after all she'd come across she was on an over-cautious mode.

She kept glancing at him from under her lashes as if unable to read him while he admired the interior of the house and the various knick-knacks on display each of which told a story of being collected by a family over the years.

"This home reminds me of the old house my parents had in Europe. It was smaller than this as my father was just starting but it held more than anything one could desire...."

"Unknown to them, I still own it."

The statement was more like a whisper as if he was saying this more to himself than to her.

It was moments like this which completely confounded Rose.

Who is this guy?

On paper no doubt you'd think that he's some manipulative corporate but in hidden moments like this it was like some other mask falls off and you get a rare peek into the man that maybe he hides.

A man who appreciates the small love-filled home his parents gave.

Stop it, Rose.

Don't go there.

Not again.

She cleared her throat as if to cut the haze she was falling into. He looked straight into her eyes as if to check what she felt of his statement.

Rose's guarded expression was up and she smiled genially as if entertaining one of her usual clients at home.

Matt's expression too sobered at that.

Thomas walked in at that exact moment.

"I was wondering who's paid us a surprise visit."

Turning towards Rose he asked," Won't you introduce, Rosey ?" Rose's smile grew more tight-lipped at that and she responded, "Mr. Flinthart, this is Thomas Tyler, my father and owner of Helena Developers and dad this is Mr. Matt Flinthart, owner of Kronos Inc."

Both men smiled with the practiced smile that can very rarely be read as forced and often confused as genial towards each other and shook hands warmly.

"It's a pleasure Mr. Tyler getting to meet you." Matt said, this time the smile almost reaching his eyes.

"The pleasure's all mine, Mr. Flinthart. I was looking forward to meeting the new competition in town but Rosey tells me you are no longer a competition but a willing partner for the project??"

"Please call me Matt. And, yes, we at Kronos Inc., know who to partner and who to compete with. I wouldn't want to compete with your expertise and goodwill anyday. Partnering with you would be an honor and a learning experience and we wouldn't want to let go of such a golden opportunity."

Smooth as butter...

Thomas's eyes had an equally guarded look but only if you've known him long enough would you know that he was extremely cautious of the person in front of him. His face had the genial impressed expression which was there to put Matt at total ease that this fish too was taking the bait.

Smiling broadly Thomas said,"Why don't we take this conversation to our study? Rosey ask Sam to prepare black sugarless coffee for Mr. Matt, I believe that's how he takes his coffee."

Matt's smile lost a bit of its sheen.

Recovering instantly he replied, "That I definitely do."

Her dad's statement and Matt's response to it brought a Cheshire cat smile to Rose's face.

Now we're even you spooker (if that's a word)...

They moved to Thomas's study while Rose went towards the kitchen and informed Sam, their household staff who was more like family as he'd been around since she was two, to prepare refreshments for the unannounced guest.

"Mr. Moneybags likes his coffee black and sugarless" making a face at the end of it.

He looked over at her face and gave similar wise men knowing-all look, smiled and returned to weaving his magic.

What is with all men turning face-readers today of all days...

He was the best when it came to preparing mouth-watering food in a jiff. One of the reasons she adored food and learned cooking very early on.

He was one of her rocks growing up.

By the time Rose returned to the study, the conversation regarding terms and conditions seemed to be over.

Thomas and Matt turned to her simultaneously as she entered and she wished she were invisible.

Dad has been awfully receptive and Matt infuriating...

They both smiled when they saw her enter.

"The project would be led by Rose from our end." Thomas said beaming at her to which Matt replied "I won't have it otherwise" with a challenging smile.

Oh fudge...

No more author notes going forth... cz you know what to do if you like what you read.