C9

****

"What is he doing here ??" She thought confused.

He caught her surprised gaze and stretched out his hands for a handshake saying;

"Nice to meet you again Rosalie Tucker."

Rosalie was too shocked to move or even utter a word.

Seeing Rosalie's numb expression, Jasmine was quick to recieve the hand shake instead.

"Nice to meet you too, Mr. Tyler." She said smiling and withdrew her hand after a while.

Rosalie still didn't budge. Her gaze was still on Tyler while he smiled back not looking surprised at her reaction or the fact he's the client they were having a meeting with.

"Do you guys know each other." The other man who came with Tyler asked.

"Yes."

"No."

Both Tyler abd Rosalie said at the same time making him more confused.

"Which one should I believe?" He asked.

"Yes, Micheal. We do know each other." Tyler said still maintaining his gaze on Rosalie.

"Not that it matters. Let's talk business. The reason you both are here." Rosalie said emphasizing the 'business' part after she had regained her composure.

"Have your seat." Jasmine said gesturing to the seats opposite the table.

They all settled down and started the meeting.

Rosalie's secretary came in and started with the presentation while they listened with rapt attention.

All through the presentation, Tyler's gaze was on Rosalie. She tried to ignore it but it was too much that she started to shift on her chair uncomfortably.

"Are you alright?" Jasmine whispered.

"Yes." Rosalie answered but it was obvious that she wasn't but Jasmine didn't pressure her.

Tyler smirked seeing her nervous expression.

"It seems like I do have an effect on her afterall." He thought happily.

****

They gave Sandy a round of applause when she was done talking so she went to seat next to Rosalie.

"So, how was it? Do you like it?" Rosalie asked staring at them hopefully.

Micheal and Tyler whispered inaudibly to each other while Jasmine and Rosalie waited impatiently for their answer.

"Miss Tucker...." Michael started while Rosalie and Jasmine became nervous.

"We didn't like the presentation..." He said and their face fell.

"Wh..... why? Is there something you didn't like? Or is there something you want us to change?" Rosalie asked shakily.

Tyler smiled at her reaction. If not for the tension in the room, he would have burst out laughing.

"You didn't let me finish. We didn't like the presentation, we loved it and we're glad to say that we would invest in the production of the jewelries." Micheal said making their sad faces to morph into a big smile.

"Really?????" Rosalie asked happily.

"Yes." Tyler said.

"Thank you. Thank you so much." Jasmine said.

"You're welcome. But seriously, we should be thanking you both because looking at these accessories, I'm sure it would be a big hit. So thank you." Tyler said.

"You're welcome." Rosalie answered.

"Here's the contract. We need your signatures here.... here.... and here." Jasmine said handing them a file and they signed it.

"Okay. All has been settled. It's nice doing business with you both." Rosalie said.

"Likewise." Micheal replied and they exchange hand shakes.

"Thank you once again." Jasmine said.

"You're welcome. Since we're done, I was wondering if I could have a moment with Miss Tucker." Tyler said staring at Rosalie.

Rosalie stared at him nervously.

"What does he want this time?" She asked inwardly.

"Uhm ok." Micheal said.

"Take your time." Jasmine said smiling knowingly.

They left the room leaving only Tyler and Rosalie alone.

Tyler stared at her while she shifted uncomfortably.

"Do you have something to tell me?" She asked when she couldn't bear the silence anymore.

"Yes. I have something very important to say." He said taking slow predatory steps towards her.

"Uhm.... wh... what is it?" She asked nervously, taking small steps backwards.

"A business proposal I'm sure you wouldn't be able to refuse." He said still moving closer.

"What is it about?" She asked when her back hit the wall and she wasn't able to move again.

Tyler smirked and stepped dangerously close to her caging her in between his arms. Rosalie felt her heart threatening to burst out of her chest. She felt her body heating. She couldn't control herself when he was this close to her.

He leaned closer to her to the extent that they were sharing each other's breath. Rosalie gulped inaudibly and shivered.

He placed his lips on her ear and whispered;

"Marry me."

***