The Deal

Still hurt she barely spoke to him when she got home that night. He acted like he had done nothing wrong which made her even madder. Getting into bed that night she turned her back to him and felt his hand on her back.

"You haven't told me your big news," he said, trying to snuggle up to her.

Her back still to him she moved away from him. "Not that you care but Mr. Ritter had me sign the final papers today. This time next week I'll own the company. I was so excited and wanted to tell you in person but you kept giving me the runaround."

Grabbing her shoulder he pushed her down onto her back. "That's great, you did it, got what you wanted. I'm sorry about today, I should have been there for you. I really am happy for you."

"Are you?" she asked, not knowing whether to believe him or not.

"Yes, again I'm sorry but things happen that are out of my control." He did feel some remorse for lying to her. He stroked her cheek with the back of his hand before leaning down kissed her softly on the lips.

"There's going to be a party next week, announcing me as the new owner. Everyone is going to be there, even the press and it's really important that you be there. It's a week away so will you be able to clear your schedule for that night?"

"Yes, I'll make sure it's clear."

When he went to kiss her she took his face in her hands and stared into his eyes. "Promise me Austin. It's really important that I have my husband by my side, if not the press will have a field day. It won't look good for me if you're not there."

"Blair, I give you my word I'll be there. Now lay back and let me show you how sorry I am about today."

He wasted no time removing her nightgown and going between her legs. His tongue slid over her wetness and inside her, her hips arched up, welcoming his touch. She started squirming as his tongue played inside her, lapping up her juices as he used one hand to fondle her breasts, his other hand held on to her hip. Her fingers gripped the sheets, her breathing becoming heavy and her moans loud when her body convulsed with the orgasm she experienced. The anger she felt towards him earlier was long gone when he moved his tongue up her body till he reached her mouth and entered her with one quick thrust.

Holding her in his arms later he smiled down at her. "So am I forgiven?"

Still feeling good after their lovemaking she just couldn't stay mad at him. "Yes, you're forgiven this time, but don't disappoint me again. Next time you won't get off so easy."

The next day at work Blair received a dozen red long stem roses from Austin, again apologizing for yesterday. She couldn't help smiling, thinking how sweet he was and the way he made love to her in the shower. The next few days were perfect, he came home early every night, paying lots of attention to her. At night when she laid next to him, watching as he slept she knew she was falling more in love with him. Over those few days, she told him how sorry she was for the way she treated him years ago. He assured her he was over it but she had a nagging feeling there was still a part of him that hadn't forgiven her.

Before the party she went shopping for a new dress, laughing when he complained that she already owned tons of dresses, ones she hadn't even worn yet. "I have to look good," she said, putting her arms around his neck, reaching up kissed him.

The night of the party:

Waking up she climbs on top of him, kissing him awake. "Don't forget about the party tonight, it's important to me."

"Don't worry, I'll be there," he said, kissing her as he rolled her over onto her back and got on top. "I think we have time for a little bit of fun before work."

She was on cloud nine all day at work and couldn't wait until tonight at the party when it was announced she was now the new owner of New Women's Cosmetics. With Austin beside her, it was going to be a night she'd never forget. Arriving home later she didn't see him around so picking up her phone called him.

"Austin, where are you? We need to get ready for the party."

Sorry, I'm running late. Something came up so you go ahead and I'll meet you there.

Her heart dropped, disappointment hitting her hard. "You promised me, you said you cleared your schedule. I was counting on you to be with me from the beginning, not to show up late. Do you know how that's going look with my own husband not being there?"

It couldn't be helped, I'll get there as soon as I can. I have to go but I'll see you there, bye.

She hung up her phone, letting out a sigh she went to shower. Her hair and makeup done she put on the necklace Austin gave her and the earrings her parents gave her for her birthday. She then slipped into the dress and checked herself in the mirror. She really wanted Austin to see her in it, hoping he'd like it.

It was time to leave so she called for a cab, figuring she'd drive home with him at the end of the night. As soon as she walked into the hall she was greeted by well-wishers and someone handed her a glass of wine. She was shocked to see her old boyfriend was there, and he was headed towards her.

"Blair, my God, you look amazing."

"Patrick, I'm surprised to see you here. I haven't seen you in almost two years. Why are you here?" she asked, looking at him. She had to admit he looked good with his blond hair, broad shoulders and he had the face of a model. But it was his dimples that had attracted her to him in the first place.

"When I heard the good news I had to come and tell you how proud I am of you. I always knew you'd make a name for yourself. Also, I've missed you, I never should have broken up with you," he said, touching her cheek.

Removing his hand she took a step back from him. "You didn't just break up with me, you cheated on me."

"I know, and I regret what I did and for hurting you. But it wasn't all my fault, you were always busy with work, you never had time for me."

"Don't you dare blame me," she snapped at him. "You knew how important my career was. If you had your way I'd be at home barefoot and pregnant while you followed your own career and screwed everything in sight. All that doesn't matter now, I've moved on and I'm married."

He takes her hand in his and looked at her rings. "Yes, I heard you got married. So where is this husband of yours?"

She cleared her throat and pulled her hand away. "He's a lawyer and some important work came up so he's going to be late, but he'll be here. Austin is also the jealous type so I suggest you keep your distance from me."

"A good husband would make every effort to be here with you on your special night. I wonder if maybe things aren't good between you two."

"My relationship with my husband is none of your business. Shouldn't you be with the bitch you cheated on me with?"

"We broke up a few weeks ago. I came tonight to ask you to forgive me and if you ever need someone to talk to I'm here for you."

She laughed. "Oh God, you really are a piece of work. I have my husband to talk to and you would be the last person I'd talk to." She looked past his shoulder and saw Rachel. "Excuse me, I need to go and talk to someone. I really think you should leave," she said, walking away from him.

Going over to Rachel and the people she was standing with they all congratulated her on her recent success. After talking for a bit Rachel pulled her away from the crowd so she could talk to her in private.

"Was that your ex Patrick I saw you talking to?"

"Yes, that was him."

"What the hell is he doing here and where is Austin?"

"OK first of all something came up and Austin is going to be a little late, he'll be here. As for Patrick well, he said he wanted to congratulate me on getting my own company. He also said he missed me and was sorry for cheating on me."

"Oh, I just bet he is, what a jerk. I'd stay away from him Blair, he's probably here just to cause trouble."

"I'm going to call Austin again and find out what's taking him so long," she said, dialing his number she got no response, even his voicemail was shut off. "I'm sure he'll be here soon, maybe he's on his way now and that's why he's not answering."

As time went by there was no sign of Austin and the speeches were about to begin, the press was getting ready to set up their camera's. When it was time Mr. Ritter came over to her, giving her a warm smile.

"Blair, I haven't seen Austin, isn't he coming?"

"I don't think he's going to be able to make it, something has come up that he just can't get out of," she said, checking the entrance once again. She felt a sharp pain in her heart, it really hurt that he wasn't there to share her big day, especially since he had given her his word.

"That's a shame, well I'm sure he's thinking of you. Are you ready to go in front of the TV and have the world know you are the new owner of New Women's Cosmetics?"

Pushing her sadness away put a smile on her face. Taking his hand when he held it out to her she nods as she followed him onto the stage. After the announcement was made the press started asking her questions.

"How does it feel to be one of the youngest women ever to become the owner of a huge and successful company?"

"It feels amazing and I know I will make Mr. Ritter proud. I have big plans for the company, we'll be developing more products to our line, just as perfumes and other things that make us women feel good and beautiful."

"We hear you recently got married."

"Yes, a little over two months now. I married a wonderful man, Austin Cooke," she said, forcing a smile on her face.

"We don't see your husband here tonight. Shouldn't he be here to celebrate your biggest achievement?"

She looks over at Rachel before answering. "He wanted to be here but in his line of work and with the cases he has coming up he couldn't get away. But he is very supportive and it is killing him that he couldn't be here with me tonight. He will still come, though it will be late when he gets here. Thank you all so much for being here but let's enjoy the rest of the night."

The reporters did manage to get a few more questions in before they stopped.

Blair snuck away, going outside she stood on the balcony, moments later Rachel came out, standing beside her.

She looks at Rachel, her eyes tearing up. "He's not coming, is he?"

"Oh Blair, it doesn't look like it. I'm so sorry," she said, putting her arm around Blair's shoulder when she saw the tear trickling down her face. "Austin is a real jerk, don't let him spoil this night for you. Let's go inside and have some fun, we'll drink, dance and forget about that heartless bastard."

Though her heart was breaking she wasn't going to let him bother her, not tonight, this was her night and by God, she was going to have fun. "You're right, screw him, let's drink some of that champagne and toast to my success."

"Now you're talking," Rachel said, taking Blair's arm they walked back inside.