River fidgeted nervously as she made her way past all the intimidating men in fancy suits. She couldn't help but notice how they were all significantly older than Hayze, but especially her.

She was a child compared to these men and she didn't feel worthy enough to even step foot in the room. But Hayze had insisted that she come and keep him company; maybe even keep him calm so he didn't blow up on the old grouch Mr. Randolph (who never agreed to anything).

Hayze had told her that Mr. Randolph was an infuriating man who was used to getting what he wanted. Hayze had to always restrain himself from shouting at him in italian. He couldn't shout at one of the biggest competitors he had. Right now they were on good terms and River was there to make sure it stayed that way.

"Gentleman, meet my wife, River-rose Sykes," he nudged her from behind him a little and she gave a small wave and a 'good afternoon.'

A few good afternoons were shared but the other replies were mumurs between each other and they had River shrinking back behind Hayze like he was a sheild.

Hayze pulled a chair out for River and she sat down after she thanked him and he sat down in the big leather chair beside her.

His strong, manly colone wafted to her nose as the AC blew her way and she felt a funny feeling in the pit of her tummy. She suddenly wanted Hayze to touch her. Anywhere.

But now was not the time

"I think we should we should invest our time into the hotel you want to design instead of trying to finish off a silly little beach hut."

River looked over and watched the man with the thin, salt and pepper mustache that wiggled everytime he talked. The tip of his nose was red like he had been facing the winter cold.

"Mr. Randolph." River ducked her head to hide her snicker when she realized the man with the red nose was Mr. Randolph. His name was so fitting and reminded her of Rudolph the red nose reigndeer. "The beach hut isn't silly. It might seem like a simple project, but i have to design it in a way where it can withstand the elements. It needs to last through the wind, rain and salt water and i only want the best for the couple that wants to pay me to build this vacation home they desire," Hayze said.

Wow, that sounds really nice. At least now i know my husband doesn't like to rip people off

"A hotel would make more profit," someone sitting near Mr. Randolph said, obviously siding with the red nosed man.

River took another small peak at Mr. Randolph who was busy trying to get the itch by his nose without lifting his hand. He was busy wiggling his mustache left and right, his nose crinkling and folding over itself.

She giggled quietly until she felt a hand rest on her thigh. The cold ring resting on her skin made goosebumps form and travel up her legs. She looked up at Hayze with wide eyes but he wasn't even sparing her a single glance; instead he was scowling at the man talking.

"Maybe we should vote so as not to take up more of anyones time. We'll choose between designing a couples beach vacation home or investing into the design of a hotel."

Six hands went up for the vacation home and six hands went up for the hotel. And then suddenly, all eyes were on River.

"What do you think, bella rosa? What should we be putting our time into? And why?"

River nervously fiddled with the ends of her hair which were tied back by a large lace ribbon that Hayze said he wanted her to wear. She was being put on the spot and up until then, she didn't think her opinion really mattered in a room full of powerful men.

"Um, well... i think."

Hayze pat her thigh. "Speak up pretty girl."

She blushed before looking down at the folders in front of Hayze. "If you really look at it, you can do either one because you have the time, money and materials." She guestered to the folders on the table showing expenses and things like that. She ignored the intense stares on her.

"So i think you should keep in m-mind how much the couple wanted the va-vacation house and how much people really need another hotel. Yes, the hotel would profit more in the long run but it would also take longer to design and to build. Maybe you could be using that time t-to spend with your families." She felt a gentle squeeze on her thigh; maybe telling her to stop, maybe telling her she was doing good.

"The couple seems estatic about the vacation house. Why send them to another architecture business when they could just get theirs done here? I mean, you're designs are really unique so they wouldn't be able to find anything like it and if they really love the vacation home, they might tell other people about it; advertising your business more." She took a deep shaky breath when she realized how long she had been rambling.

"Sorry, that was lo-" Hayze cut her off.

"That was amazing. I don't know why i didn't bring you along sooner. We could have finished meetings a lot faster with you here," he whispered. "What do you think gentleman? How many for the vacation home?"

All but two hands rose up and Hayze smiled proudly down at her for making things so much easier for them.

She had very good, valid points that Hayze would have thought about much later on in the descicion making.

"Alright, we'll have another meeting for plans next week Tuesday. You can go now. Have a good afternoon."

The men shuffled out, some giving River kind smiles while two exceptions muttered under their breath about how this descicion was a 'loss of profit.'

Once they were gone, Hayze had locked the door and rushed River, pinning her to the wall and gave her a heart stopping kiss.

She had never known a kiss could feel so gentle but rough and demanding at the same time.

When Nico had kissed her, it always seemed as if he were forcing her.

But with Hayze, she wanted to feel his lips on her skin.

Nico had never given her the funny feeling in her tummy like Hayze did. Not ever.

So maybe, she truly never liked his affection. She just craved the attention.

"You know, i like the shy personality you have but i just found it so... sexy that you knew what you were talking about in front of all those stuck up business men." He sucked gently on the delicate skin of her neck and she made an unxpected noise in the back of her throat. He groaned in response. "When you make sounds like that, those are the things that make me want to be inside of you."

She crinkled up her nose. "Sorry."

He chuckled. "Don't apologize."

He continued running his lips up the length of her neck and then back down until he reached right above her collar bone. He gently sucked on the skin and she moaned lightly into his ear.

She knew Hayze was giving her a mark but this time... she didn't mind. In fact, she wanted Hayze's love bite to be there.

She reveled in the fact that this didn't hurt. Instead it felt nice.

Hayze lifted her onto the desk and pulled her dress up before stepping in between her legs. She found her legs winding around his waist to pull him in closer.

He pressed a kiss to her forehead. "You're so flexible."

She giggled quietly and placed her hands on his chest, feeling his pecs through his dress shirt. She was amazed at how they felt. So strong.

"I can't wait to have you in my bed," he whispered. "But only when you're ready."

Maybe i'm ready now