A Deal With The CEO: Billionaire Romance

CHAPTER 1

The guests were trooping in. The families of Mr. Fred and Vera Richardson with Mr. Anderson and Marie Smith were celebrating the success of Fred-Smith telecommunications. One of the biggest telecommunication companies in Los Angeles. This is an amalgamation of two big companies that came together to become one in joint partnership.

It was an opening party.

The servants and waiters were attending to the guests. The business partners could be sighted showing some of the guests around.

Valerie's POV

I walked straight upstairs to the last floor.

Oh God. I detest high heels. I cried out as I sat down and pulled off the footwear I have been wearing for hours now.

Valerie Smith is the only child of Mr Anderson and Marie Smith. She is fair, slim, average in height with blonde shoulder-length hair and blue eyes, 23 years old and runs an art sculpture store.

I remember telling my parents that I don't have interest in running the family business with them because I have always had a passion for art. My father was infuriated. He sees me now as the prodigal daughter.

Well, now is not the time to go down the memory lane.

I wouldn't have come if not for Mum's persuasion. My parents have taken a big step in improving their business. I'm glad for them.

I take in a deep breath and inhale the cold evening breeze. It is quite windy and the wind sets strands of my hair flying.

I have always enjoyed the view here. This is the top floor and no one else is permitted to be here except me or my parents.

I had to come up here to stay away from the camera and journalists who were always bugging me with questions.

I can stay here for as long as I want without being disturbed.

Phew!

Did I just hear footsteps? Who could that be? Let me check or it could be my mind playing pranks on me.

It was a well-built young man, maybe he lost his way. I don't see any other reason why he should come up here.

I decided to walk up to him and ask but then I heard him say something to himself. I couldn't pick the actual words. Could he be soliloquizing?

Funny.

"Hello, how do you do?" I ask but he doesn't seem to hear me.

Damian's POV

"Away from the noise and bustling finally".

With a sigh of relief I walk up to the fifth and last floor corridor.

"This is all for showing off. My Father will never cease to surprise me" I murmur to myself.

Damian Richardson is the CEO of Light Airways. He is 28 years old and the only son of Frederick Richardson. He is currently one of the most successful young men, making waves in the business world.

The young multimillionaire is light skinned and dark haired. He is seen wearing a white long sleeve shirt which exposes his biceps and a grey trouser with Italian shoes.

Now, I'll just have to stay here till it's 9:30 pm before I go to the bar where Derrick and the guys are. I have been so occupied with work recently which has made me barely have time to play snooker.

Well, tonight will be different. I smile at the imagination of hitting the bar, drinking and enjoying the admiration of the ladies.

"I wonder why someone like you would be found mumbling to himself; is everything all right?" Asked a calm voice from behind.

I didn't notice anyone's presence when I came up.

Who could that be?

Sounds feminine. Must be a woman. I thought.

Truly, I can never get some privacy provided I'm in this building. Time to leave.

"Hello, are you okay? It seems you lost your way. I would have said you look troubled but I saw your smiling at yourself." the young woman said again.

"I'm fine, Miss" I said as I turned to see who was interrupting my thoughts.

She sounds younger than her looks.

Hmmmm.

Probably in her early 20s. She's quite tall too.

What would a fair blonde be doing up here alone instead of mixing with the crowd downstairs? I thought.

"Why are you here? I asked.

"Pardon?" She replied to me.

"I asked what you were doing up here.....alone". I completed, making emphasis on the last word.

"Oh.. about that..I just needed some solitude, that's all." The blonde replied again.

She just stood there. Staring. I wonder why she wouldn't look away. She must have forgotten herself. "Admiration of the Ladies."

I smirked.

"Are you going to keep staring?" I asked her, raising an eyebrow.

"Oh, I'm sorry about that, it feels like I know you from somewhere " She replied.

"Yeah, yeah everyone says that to get my attention. I think I've heard that enough" I replied sarcastically.

"And Who do you think you are? I shouldn't have said that in the first place. It's time to leave". She said,

And with that, she headed for the exit without saying another word.

"Gone so soon? I thought you might want to wait to find out who I am. Perhaps you've had enough solitude" I blurted out.

"It's none of your business. Enjoy the peacefulness of this place." She replied angrily.

"Of course, I wouldn't let you have it all for yourself anyways." I retorted.

The blonde pressed the elevator button and that was all.

Alone at last.

I checked my time and it was 8:45 pm. I think I've had enough of the party.

I walked down and greeted a few friends before walking straight to the garage.

**************

Valerie's POV

Tch! I'm so infuriated.

Who does he even think he is?

"What are you doing up here?" What a silly question!Who on earth would be asking me such a question at a party that was thrown by my parents? If I'm not here, who will? Is he dumb or just playing stupid? I ask myself.

I was heading to the garage so I could drive home. Mother was standing with a friend next to my car. I had to stand by and watch them from a reasonable distance.

"It's improper to eavesdrop on other people's conversation" I heard behind me.

The baritone of his voice and the sharpness of his tone made me want to jump out of my skin.

"Bloody hell"! I exclaimed as I jumped and turned around at the same time.

"You startled me!" I cried out angrily.

Unfortunately, my tiny heels couldn't bear such weight at the same time, so I tripped.

I could feel myself falling until I felt a strong hand at the small of my back. The other hand wrapped me up from my waist such that I could feel his breath so close to me.

It's Him. The guy from upstairs. The soft scent of his cologne and the strong, solid build of his chest, made me want to stay longer.

He had the soft scent of Cherries and a fresh minty breath.

With strong arms, and his grip on my waist was firm.

In his arms, I feel safe.

He was staring down at me with deep grey eyes, and I could properly see his facial features.

He had well carved eyebrows, with a pointed nose and his lips looked soft. No moustache but he had a low, clean-cut hairstyle and small beards.

Everything just looked perfect.

He was still holding me and his face was so close.

His lips... He seems to bend closer now.

I could feel his face very close to mine and I could hear his shallow breathing.

I closed my eyes..

Is he going to......?

CHAPTER 2

"You should have worn something more comfortable since you enjoy jumping". He said.

And that jerked me back to reality.

What the hell was I thinking...

"Uhmm..." I stammered. "You can let go of me now" I said after gaining my composure. I cursed these heels under my breath.

"So you've been stalking me?" I ask.

"You're welcome, Miss," he said and began walking away.

"Oh, I'm sorry...Thank you" I felt guilty wash over me at once and that made my face flush.

He simply nodded and kept going.

I had to fasten up my pace to get to speak to him and at least know he was.

"You didn't answer my question. Why are you stalking me"? I demanded.

"That's not a way to show appreciation. Besides, why would I stalk you? You don't seem to be of much importance around here" he replied and that came with a chuckle.

"I can see, you enjoy making fun of people and pissing them off. I've said thank you already. You don't expect me to grovel at your feet, or do you?" I said sharply.

"Do whatever pleases you, Miss. I'm outta here". He walked on to the garage as I called behind him.

"Hey, I'm not done yet!" But he ignored me.

Arrogant brat.

I tried walking up to him but I remembered the heels.

Shit. I had to lean on the wall to readjust the straps of my heels.

And as I looked up, I saw him conversing with my Mum. They don't look like they just met each other. He even gave her a parting hug...

Who exactly is this guy?

After they hugged, he got into his SUV and zoomed off.

My mum was standing alone now when I walked up to her.

"Mum, you know that guy"? I asked with intense curiosity.

"Of course, I do." Mum replied.

"And who is he"?

" Damian Richardson" Mum replied

And with that she bade me good night and walked away.

Damian Richardson. Damian....Damian.. That name rings a bell..

Wait.

What?!!

He is the son of Mr. Richardson.! Could he be the same popular CEO of Light Airways?

So many questions bother me but I push them off my mind and drive home.

****************

Damian's POV

It was 10pm. Three days after the opening party that was held at my father's company.

"At least, the companies' event was a success. Mum must be elated. I'll try and go home to see her tomorrow after work." I thought to myself.

I was driving back home from work and the only thing on my mind was what I could possibly get for my Mum as a birthday present.

"Jewellery?"

"Nah. She has more than enough of those.

"I'm definitely not buying clothes or shoes." I murmured to myself in disapproval.

As I drove past a tall building that was known for art sculptures, it finally clicked.

"Oh! I think I know just what she'd like."

My mother loves art figurines.

I was about to halt and park by the roadside when I realised how dark the building was. It's past closing hours obviously.

"Damn."

"It's quite late. I'll probably check back tomorrow."

As I was heading back, he noticed a shop with the inscription above the door, "Home of Arts". The lights from the shop showed that they were still open.

"Well, let's check this out and see what they've got." With that, I turned off the car gear and headed for the door.

************

Valerie's POV

"I can't believe I'm still here up till now." I said aloud to myself.

I was all alone in the office that was in the inner section of my store. It was almost 10:30pm and I was very worried about my dog at home.

"Oh, poor Delias. She must be so hungry by now. Let me rush home since there are no incoming customers."

I carried my handbag, locked the office door and headed for the main door outside.

The faint noise I heard from outside made me halt.

"Is it just me or did I hear someone's footsteps now?" I asked no one in particular as my heartbeat increased.

The building was as quiet as a graveyard and the night wind made a howling sound that sent shivers down my spine.

Okay, Val. Put yourself together. There is no one else in this building except for you. These are just your imaginations

"I'll just go check it out, it might be my mind playing tricks on me"

I hurriedly walked past the small corridor that led to the store. As I walked in, I didn't notice anyone and that made me heave a sigh of relief.

"Hello" a voice said from behind me.

"Oh, good God! You startled me! Did you really have to float in like a ghost? You should have at least said something." I exclaimed.

"Well, I just said hello. If you were not expecting anyone to come in by this time, you should have simply locked up earlier" the voice said again.

"That's obviously what I'm doing" I retorted.

Oh...it's him again. The guy from my parent's party.

What was his name again?...

I think Declan or Desmond or Deshawn. I can't remember. He is not relevant anyways.

The memories of how he saved me from falling made me blush.

His grip was so firm and his cologne...Gosh! It was heavenly.

I jolted back to reality as he cleared his throat.

"Don't try to play the victim card here". he said sharply. "You could simply save yourself the stress by closing up by 6pm. You can suggest that to your boss, whoever he/she is. Anyways..."

"Do you always go to people's firms and give them rules on how to run their business? Just who do you think you are?" I had to cut in.

"You don't want to know." he replied in a very cool manner.

He is just so full of himself. I'm sure he is one of those people who think they are better than everyone else. Arrogance! Yet, he still appeared to be very calm. He must be enjoying himself. I thought to myself irritably.

"It was a mere suggestion, don't get it twisted." said Mr. Arrogant.

"Suggestion or n0 suggestion, you should be apologising. First, for sneaking up on me and secondly for being rude" I pointed out.

And with that, he let out a loud chuckle.

"Apologise?"

"To who exactly? You? Humor me. If this is how you treat your customers, you won't last long." he pointed out.

I sighed in defeat. I knew he was partially right. I'm not supposed to be harsh to my customer except that he didn't say what he wanted to buy.

"Alright, Fine. I am sorry. You didn't say what you needed" I replied as calm as I could muster.

"You didn't allow me to" he snapped back.

Must he always sound so rude?

"Well, I just did," I answered, still trying to be calm.

"I need an art sculpture, something beautiful and feminine. Let me see the available ones so I can select." he said.

"Alright, please come this way". I replied as I directed him to the counter where the figurines he described were placed.

After several attempts at choosing one, he sighed and said;

"Just give me one of the best sculptures here that matches my description. It's a gift for someone actually"

"How about this one?" I presented a sculpture that was made of pure gold.

"I think I'll go with this. Package it while I make payment." he replied.

In five minutes, the transaction was completed.

"Thank you for your patronage, Sir. I'll look forward to seeing you again". I said as I walked with him to the door.

Is he going to leave just like that? Does it mean he doesn't remember seeing me some days ago?

"Speaking of which, you were the grumpy lady I met three days ago at Fred-Smith Tele-communications, right? he asked with a smirk.

"And you are the mean-looking guy that disturbed my peace at the top floor. It's nice to see you again anyways" I said.

"I can't say the same actually, you are still the grumpy lady I met up some days back. He replied jokingly.

"Whatever you say", I was too tired for another round of arguments.

"You look and sound very tired, go and get some rest" he said as he headed for the exit.

"Thank you for your concern, I'm locking up now." I said.

"It's some minutes past 11 pm. Let me drive you home." he suggested.

"That would be inconvenient for you. I'll just fetch a cab. Don't worry about me" I replied.

"Alright then, take care". With that he turned and was about to get into his SUV when he remembered,

"Do you have a name? he asked.

"Valerie, and you? I asked in response.

"Damian" and with that he drove off.

*****************

Valerie's POV

I got home by 11:36 pm. After a hot bath, it was time to cuddle up and sleep in my warm room. The sound of my ringtone woke me up. It was my Dad calling.

I haven't spoken with my father for months now. He keeps saying I'm the rebellious daughter. He has never called me and I did not bother to call anyways.

I watched my phone ring, wondering if I should pick up or not. But then, an odd thought struck me.

My father had not called me for close to Eight months. Why would he do so now? And at such an odd hour?

These thoughts made my hands shake.

I had no answer to these questions. By the time I came back to my senses, the phone had stopped ringing.

I dialled back, but no one picked. I called several times, yet to no avail.

I was shivering, not from cold but from the thought of losing any of my parents. I just had an eerie feeling that all was not well.

Is my mom alright? Has something bad happened at home? Was mum ill or hospitalized? Were they robbed? Is there an emergency?

CHAPTER 3

Valerie's POV

It was 5:45am

My phone was ringing again and it was my father on the line. I could not have a peaceful sleep last night as I was in deep turmoil.

"Hello, Dad," I said first.

"Hello," he answered. I waited for him to speak again.

"I want to see you at the Company today. Your mother and I have a few things to discuss with you. Be there by 7pm." He ordered.

"Father, you know I made up my mind a long time ago that I'm not taking over the company from you and I have not changed my mind" I said defiantly.

"I never said that was my reason for calling you", He said.

"It has to be, because that seems to be the only reason why you would ever call me. Besides, what do we have to discuss and why must it be at the company? Perhaps, we need a panel of judges to decide how our family should run now..." I said with a snicker before he interrupted me.

"Valerie! Enough of that! Be sensible for once!" he bellowed.

"I have passed down the message to you and I won't remind you of it again."

And with that he hung up before I could say another word.

Damian's POV

The ringtone of my phone woke me up. It was my mom calling.

"Hello, Son." She began.

"Hi, Mom. You called a bit too early, hope you're fine?" I asked.

"I'm fine, Dear", Mom answered.

Oh! Did it just skip my memory? I thought to myself.

"Happy Birthday Mother, I'm sure I wished you first" I said.

"Thank you so much Dearest, but your Dad stayed up till 12:00am to wish me. So you might not be so accurate." She replied as she laughed.

"It's the same thing every year, lovebirds" I responded drily.

"You should get one for yourself too. Love can be a beautiful thing, you know." She said,

Oh...here we go again

"Mother.... you know I haven't made plans for that just yet. Even if..." I protested.

"You can begin now to make plans. I don't see why not. You are old enough to raise a family, you are wealthy enough and you can attract a woman with your looks alone. What else is missing?" my mother further emphasized.

"I know, Mom but I don't think I have the time for all these just now," I pointed out.

"Anyways, your dad and I thought we should invite you over for dinner tonight at the company. Come and share our joy with us, Son. I'll be more than happy to have you around." She informed him.

"Mom, you know I hate parties ...." I lamented.

"I never said we were hosting a party. It's just dinner. We have missed your presence, Eric." She said sadly.

"Alright, Mom. I'll be there." He replied.

"I'll be expecting you, Damian. Bye. I love you." She said thankfully.

"I love you too Mom. Take care." I said as I hung up.

"Patrick!" I called out to my personal assistant.

"Yes Sir" Patrick said as he stood at the door.

"I'll be heading to the company by 4pm. Add that to my schedule for the day." I ordered.

"Okay Sir"

With that Patrick left while I got ready for work.