C4 A prospective gigolo

CHEF'S CHOICE RESTAURANT, NEW YORK.

The love Ariel has for Nina can't be compared to any other, which is why Ariel was compelled to agree to her friend's insistence on a double date. Taking time out of her busy schedule to meet up for lunch. Most importantly because she was curious about meeting the new guy Nina had been rambling on and on about. To her disappointment, Leo was just as she had imagined: good-looking, jumping between jobs, and obviously a prospective gigolo.

His friend was worse. Ariel tried to keep his name in her thoughts, but for the first time in a long while, she couldn't seem to remember anything about him. All he did since they sat down was bluff about things that Ariel could bet her savings on he didn't own. The way he kept winking at her and trying to make body contact made her want to scream.

"So, I was thinking we could excuse you both. I hope you don't mind, Nathan," Nina cooed sweetly, batting her long artificial lashes.

Ariel glared at her, "Where are you going? I thought we would be leaving together?"

Nina looked away, trying to avoid eye contact. "Actually, myself and Leo have somewhere important to be, and Nathan already said he would keep you company. See you at home, girlfriend," she said, hurrying off with her man.

Nathan smiled, "You don't have to worry about a thing, Ariel. You are in safe hands."

Ariel kissed her teeth, gulping down the rest of her water. She regretted trusting Nina and her taste in men. It's no wonder she keeps getting dumped. "Actually, I think I would love to take my leave now," she muttered, standing up.

Before she could take a step forward, Nathan pulled her back, causing her to bump into him. Ariel cursed loudly; this was one of the reasons she hates booths. Not giving her a chance to think, Nathan grabbed her cheek tightly, forcing a kiss. Using every strength she could muster, Ariel pushed him so hard he ended up falling over the table.

"You bastard!" She yelled, hitting him hard with her bag, caring less about the number of eyes watching them. "How dare you try to kiss me with that smelly mouth of yours? You fool!" She kicked at his butt until one of the restaurant's security asked her to leave politely.

Ariel stormed out of the place, trying hard to keep her rage at bay. She definitely won't be forgiving Nina so soon. Just when she thought her awful day was over, she bumped head-on into a hard chest, stepping on him. It felt like a concrete wall.

"Can't you watch where you are going?" The man yelled in her face.

Ariel had been meaning to say sorry at first, but the rudeness in his tone made her curl back. "How about you wear glasses instead? Who walks a busy street like he owns it? It's your fault that I bumped into you." Giving him a once-over, she scoffed, storming off.

"Is she crazy? How much does she think I bought these shoes?" Dante barked, feeling irritated. Aiden pulled him back when he made an attempt to go after the raging lady.

"Have you lost your mind? What do you think you are about to do?"

"Teach her a lesson for disrespecting me. She needs to pay for stepping on me," he argued.

"She doesn't even know you. Let's just get our bellies filled and find some rest," his friend advised, urging him to enter the restaurant.

Ariel fumed when she returned to the office. Not only was she still hungry because there was no way she wanted to eat with those two men around, they ruined her appetite. Also, the entire two hours she spared was a total waste of time. The table phone rang. Ethan must have been waiting eagerly to hear about the lunch. Standing up reluctantly, she headed to his office.

Ethan grinned widely at her, "I want to hear about everything."

"Don't even go there. It's the most disastrous lunch I have ever had in my life," Ariel mumbled.

"Why are you so bitter? Give the timeout a little credit. I'm sure Nina would have made it worth your while."

"You would be shocked to know that she flopped totally this time around. My supposed date is a bluff, and he even tried to make out with me forcefully."

Ethan gasped, "Please tell me you gave him a deserving bash."

She grinned proudly, "You should trust me, Ethan. I won't miss it for anything."

The two of them laughed loudly, holding onto their bellies. Ariel has a history of punishing any man who misbehaves towards her. She never spares them.

"This is why you should go out more. You would get to experience a different kind of fun. It's been so long since I saw you laugh that hard. I guess I am not really good at making you happy," he made a sad face.

"Stop with your pity party, Ethan. It won't get to me, you know that."

He snickered at her, "Why do I even bother?"

"Let's stop talking about me and get started on work. The founder's day ceremony is happening in a few weeks. Don't you think it's time you announce your retirement?"

Ethan's eyes twitched as he smiled, "Guess who is in town?"

"Who?"

"Dante," he laughed.

Ariel hummed, "that's nice. When did that happen?"

"I got his call last night, and he told me he would be arriving today. I really can't wait to see him, Ariel. It's been a long time since I last set my eyes on him. The times when I travel down to check on him, he hardly gives me any attention."

A smile spread out on her lips; the old man's sad eyes lightened up at the mention of his grandson. It made her miss her grandfather. "I have never seen you this happy in a long while. I guess his return will do you a lot of good."

Ethan nodded. He was worried Dante would ignore him and refuse to return home. Since the founder's day was nearing, he had asked directors willing to become the CEO's representative to apply for the seat. Now that Dante is returning, there is no need for all of that.

The door to the office opened widely, letting in Dante, who spread out his arms dramatically. "Hey, grandpops. Did you miss me?"

Ariel looked back at the person talking, and when their eyes collided, they both glared at each other. "You!"