Affair With The Arrogant CEO

When they arrive at the gala, she steps out of the limousine with Ethan and were immediately taken aback by the flash of cameras from the paparazzi. “What! The press are even crazier than at your engagement party.” She muttered close to his ear, her pulse racing. “Just smile and nod. That’s what I always do.” He offers her his arm. Isabella smile and slip her arm through his, pressing herself into his side and scoring his warmth.

“Ethan! Ethan Grayson! Who’s your date? Where’s Madelyn Jason?” The paparazzi bombarded them with questions. “She’s got such style! Look at that dress...” Isabelle smiled. It was her time to flaunt. She smiled and strike a pose for the camera. “Give us a quote, darling! Who are you? Where’s Madelyn?”

“No comments. Now, if you’d please excuse us...” Ethan moves to shield her from the invasive throng, mouthing a silent ‘sorry’ as they step away from the mob together. “I can see why Madelyn prepared so much tonight. I didn’t realise this party was such a big deal.” He gave a half smile and turned his head away. He stops along the path, and she almost bump into him. He turns and takes her hand in his.

“Isabella, I’ve thought about taking you out on a night like this for a long time. Now that we’re finally here, I’d like to focus on us, not Madelyn... because you...” He pauses as his eyes travel down her body, then back up to her eyes. “Are all I can think about. Deal?” This story is hosted at novelceо.com.

“Deal! No more Madelyn talk. Let’s head inside and enjoy the evening.” She spoke, excited.

They enter the ballroom and look around in awe at the elegant decor. Ethan’s leads her across the room to their table, where his mother and step father were already seated. “Isabella? What a... delight to see you here.” Ethan’s mother stared at Isabella’s dress for several moments. She never expected Isabella to show up, let alone to wear that stunning dress. “You look wonderful in that dress.” She complemented. Isabella smiled sheepishly as she thanked her.

“Where’s Madelyn?” Liam’s step father queried. “She wasn’t feeling well, so she stayed home. Luckily, Isabella was free to help us fill the table.” He nods in agreement. “Lucky, indeed. You know how it looks to have an empty seat.”

Her eyes fall on the vacant chair across from her. “Are we expecting someone else?” Isabella asked and Ethan’s mother nodded. “Unfortunately, Liam couldn’t make it at the last minute either. But never fear, someone would fill in the place.” Isabella nods before turning to Ethan and lowering her voice. “You weren’t kidding about this empty seat thing.” He chuckles lowly and nodded. “Yeah, if you buy a table at an event like this, you’re expected to fill every seat or you might get frozen out next time.” Ethan’s eyes go distant as he tracks a stranger from across the room. “That’s Kevin Bruno. I recognise him from Madelyn’s flashcards... why are we staring at him though?” Isabella spoke in a low tone.

“I’ve been trying to convince him to collaborate with us on a project, but he’s notoriously un-schmoozable. Care to help me change that?” Isabella smiled as she nodded. “It’d be my honour.”

Ethan and Isabella made their way across the room, and she could almost see the moment Ethan slips into work mode. “Ethan, you’re looking well.” Kevins commented, the moment Kevin was on his site.

“You too, Kevin. Isabella, I’d like you to meet Kevin bruno, a fellow technophile and unrepentant geek. I’m hoping he might brainstorm with me someday.” Kevin gives her a once-over, and Isabella was grateful that she took the time to look the part. “Pleasant to make your acquaintance. Do you work at the Grayson Enterprise?” Kevin was impressed with her appearance.

“Yes, I am the supervisor at the Grayson Enterprise.” Kevin gave her a pointed look from her head to toe and nodded his head to her. After more conversation, the music changes, and the dance floors starts to fill with couples. Ethan turns to her, eyes sparking as he extends a hand.

“Dance with me, Isabella? You’ve more than earned a break from all the shoptalk.” Isabella smiled and nodded to him. “I’d love to.”

He draws her out onto the dance floor, and her heart flutters as the two of them sway together in front of everyone. “I don’t really know how to waltz... or whatever you guys call it.” He grips on her waist with one hand and moved her closer. “Just follow my, lead. Or I could follow yours, if you’d prefer.” She chuckles softly. “Meaning what? If I twerk, you will too?”