E R I C

I felt a little movement on the bed, and I knew she's already getting ready to wake up.
In my sleep, I searched for her, and hugged her close to me, "We can take a day off Erica...sleep!"

She wiggled in my arm, and I heard a giggle. I pulled her tightly into me, using my strength, "Why did you use men's perfume Erica?"

"Oh I thought that would arouse the girl in you Eric baby...!!!!!!", Someone sang in a girly voice, and that was all took me to push them away.
Sleep was gone.

"What the hell are you doing on my bed David???", I yelled.

He placed a hand on his heart, "Don't act like we never slept together Eric? I am your first love!"

I heard the girls burst out laughing, and I looked in the direction to find them standing on the door.

I rubbed my eyes, "What the hell is happening?"

"Well your girlfriend and mine were quite keen to share their fuck stories when we returned last night. Erica slept with Venus, so I had no option than coming here and rekindling my relationship with you!"

I released a breath, when he spoke again, "Hey Eric don't worry..... nothing happened!"

I threw a punch on his face, "Good morning first love!"

He groaned and I got down the bed, "Venus I don't know how are you going to live with this drama queen!"

"The way Erica is going to live with a fucker like you...!", I dodged a pillow leaving the room.

*

"From tomorrow you will be tied to the bed!", I said to Erica, "And how come I didn't realize they came?"

"You were sleeping like a hedgehog!", David commented munching on his breakfast.

I rolled my eyes and sipped my coffee.

"I heard Erica moved in your room?", David asked.

Yes she did. Yesterday morning when we returned, we moved her things in my room.

"So?"

"Nothing! I am just expecting kids running around."

I groaned, "Someone shut his mouth please!"

"David are you high on something?", Venus asked sarcastically.

"No baby...I am like this always you see...happy and fine! Not acting like a bitch on her periods..", his eyes were on me.

I ignored him, "Venus! I have called the wedding planners in my office today....get ready and we will discuss all the stuff with them. But remember you can back out anytime you want..."

E R I C A

The meeting with the wedding planners got over in two hours. I made Eric some coffee and went towards his cabin.

"You sure of what you're doing Eric?", I heard David say.
"Yes David...I thought about it alot....I can't see it in her eyes now....I will....!"

"What are you both talking about?", I went in the cabin and kept the mug before Eric.
He looked baffled for some unknown reason but David spoke up, "No nothing significant..."

"Where's Venus?", I asked.

"Restroom.."

"Okay Eric...you have to approve some appointments.."

He composed himself, "Who all?"

"Stephenson's wanted to discuss this month's statistics. We've made profits. And some Mr. Hayden Thatcher wants to meet you..."

The two looked at each other in question, "Hayden Thatcher as in Julia Thatcher's dad?", Eric said to David.

"Yeah! I don't know of any other Hayden Thatcher. But why will he want to meet you...his is the cosmetics  company...what would he want from a construction company?", David asked.

Eric shrugged, "We'll see....Set an appointment Erica."

"My uncle can be very manipulative Eric, I will accompany you!", David said and I couldn't help but adore how protective he was of Eric.

*

The meeting was set in our headquarters conference hall.
I was informed that Mr. Thatcher has arrived a minute before but what displeased me was Julia his daughter was accompanying him.

I was over with what happened between us, but there was a past connection between her and Eric. I still remember how he clearly stated they were fuck buddies! But do I expect Eric to be a virgin?? Ofcourse not!
I swear he has had his fair share of experience back in college especially when girls pounce on him every chance they get.
Sometimes I am glad he's so crude. Because when he rejects someone that way, it gives me a devilish pleasure!

"Is he here Erica?", Eric asked and I nodded.

Eric and David got ready to meet him, and entered the hall, when Eric was tackled in a hug!
"Oh my Eric! I have seen you after so long!", She squealed and kissed on his cheek, smearing his fair skin with that red lipstick of hers.

I felt my heart dropping and my blood boiling!
How dare she touch him!! No not just that, she's holding him like she owns him and kissing as if he's not taken.

"Move Julia....your perfume is irritating my nose!", He said and David chuckled.
That was like water on the fire burning in me. But it vanished as soon as she held his hand and took him with her to the seats.

May be she's used to the insults by Eric. They have been friends after all.

"You should stake your claim Eri!", David whispered in my ears before proceeding and taking a seat.

"How come you're here David?", Mr. Thatcher asked.

"Oh uncle! This company has twenty five percent shares of mine. I had to be here!", He said with a serious expression. That's very rare of him. I think his uncle is not a pleasing personality.

I went and took a seat opposite Julia, who was drooling over Eric with her hand still placed on his.
"For what do I owe your visit Mr. Thatcher?", Eric said taking his hand back.

"We'll come to that Eric....I first want to know who's this lady here?", He pointed at me.

Eric looked at him with hard eyes. And I almost smiled for he made it easy now. When Eric would say I am his girlfriend, Julia would back on her own.

"She is Erica Miller!", He looked at me briefly, "My personal assistant!"

My head snapped in his direction and I heard David mutter something under his breath. I didn't expect that! I definitely didn't expect that!

I looked away from him picking up the laptop, so I could make notes about the meeting.

What did I really expect from Eric? He would publicly announce that we are in relationship? Ofcourse not!
He is Eric Ashton. Wouldn't it tarnish his image to accept he has developed a liking towards a woman who matches no worth of his.

I felt his eyes on me, but didn't look up, trying to hear what Mr. Thatcher has to say.

"So son! I have a proposal for you."

"Proceed!", I heard him.

The old man cleared his throat, "You see son, I am retiring soon, and I want to hand over my empire to a potential man, who could you know take it forward..."

"What do you imply uncle?", David asked.

"David I want to hand over my business to Eric!", Everyone looked shocked except Julia who was grinning wide.

His business was worth billions, one of the most well known companies of Europe. Almost at levels with Ashton's.

"I don't think that is all Mr. Thatcher. What do you expect from me?", Eric questioned him with a guarded expression. I am sure he didn't expect this, but still he remained as calm as ever.
On the outside ofcourse.

"Son! Julia is quite well managing the company, but I want a potent man to take charge. How much a woman can do alone?"
I scoffed at his reasoning.

"So you want me to be your daughter's business partner? Am I right Mr. Thatcher?", He asked obviously disinterested.

"No! I want you to own all of it Eric! You're an Italian and my base company is here in America. Very much compatible with your style of work. You have an established image and people respect you for your unique business approach! That would be beneficial for both of us!!", He explained.

Eric leaned on the table placing his elbows on it, "I want a straight offer Mr. Thatcher! I am not interested in solving your riddles!"

Mr. Thatcher was obviously not pleased with his behaviour but he was the man in need.

"Uh...Eric I know this could be a little overwhelming....", He shifted in his chair, "But I want you to......you know....to marry Julia!"

"What the fuck!", I heard David scoff, "Uncle! Suck it up! How in the world you get those ridiculous ideas and feel we would entertain them for you??"

"I am not asking you to marry David! You have already decided to marry that orphan, who would bring nothing but disgrace to the family!", He looked at Eric, "Eric is a more practical man and a knowledgeable businessman! He knows what is right for his business! I am sure he wouldn't entertain some hormone driven emotions and let go such a good deal!"

"Eric!", That bitch spoke up, "...we know each other since so long! It wouldn't be difficult for us to complete each other in every way possible!"

My eyes were already going to give up. I was gripping my pen tightly, intending to break it out of frustration.

Eric wouldn't entertain such idea?!?
But am I sure? This is about business! His business!

I finally looked up at him, searching for what is going on in his head. But he was looking ahead. Avoiding everyone's eyes. As if contemplating the decision in his mind.

And that was all it took for me to know what is about to come.

I stood up, "Excuse me everyone! I think this is a personal meeting and so I shall leave!"

I felt his head snapping in my direction.

"I am impressed by your manners Ms. Miller!", And smiling at him, I came out of the cabin, while my heart looked like it's being slashed hundred times a minute.

I could feel the physical pain!