One Passionate Night with the Billionaire

5- "Sleep with me..."

Busy at work while I was at my office desk, my phone rang, and finally, Jannah was requesting a video call. I immediately answered.

“Jannah, finally, you called. I have been contacting you since 1 p.m. today.” I glanced at my wristwatch and saw it was already past 3 p.m.

Right after what happened, I walked out of that supposed lunch meeting, not only because the man arrived so late, but I just found out that he was the same person I wouldn’t want to talk to.

I thought Jannah would ask why I had miscalled her for an hour. But it was entirely different from what I had expected.

“Seriously, Dahlia, what happened?”

And from the tone of her voice, I knew she wasn’t up for anything extraordinary.

She continued, “Mr. Monroe called and told me the meeting didn’t go through because you had mistreated him and you were so rude.”

“What! He said that?”

“Yes. And he ended up being so disappointed, not only with you, not only with me but with the rest of the company. Remember, you went there as a representative of Peach Essentials and Cosmetics, so whatever attitude you showed in front of him reflected the company’s name.”

I massaged my temple. Yeah, I realized she was right. I have always represented our company’s name whenever I do business transactions for Peach Essentials and Cosmetics, but I have my reasons why I have to do that!

“Look, I know I was wrong, and I’m sorry, Jannah. But I have my side of the story, too, and for sure, whatever that man had told you, it was only one-sided, favoring him and making himself the only angel to what truly happened.”

Jannah was so confused. “What do you mean? And why do you dare to call him “that man”? Didn’t I mention to you that this person is a VIP, and he’s a giant name in the business world, Dahlia? He f*****g owns a group of companies!”

“Well, except for the fact that he was very unprofessional as he arrived so late in our meeting place, I found out, too, that he was the same shameless man who I had a bad encounter with at the parking space.”

She finally figured it out. “Oh!”

“Yeah. You heard it right, Jaja. It was him. That man.”

“What a small world!” she commented.

I agree. “Yes. It indeed is.”

“But before I forget, he had a valid reason for arriving late. He contacted me personally since he didn’t have the number of my representative, which is you, to inform me that he would be late as his friend had a vehicular accident, and he needed to hurry there. It was a good friend and brother to him, so he couldn’t shrug it off. He even asked me if we could reschedule the meeting or allow him to be an hour late. I told him that we could understand the situation and could wait. It was all my bad and solely my fault that I had been so busy right after that call that I forgot to inform you about his situation, and I’m truly sorry for that, Dahlia.”

Oh my goodness! So, he had a reason why! Damn it!

I couldn’t help but feel guilty that I talked s**t to him and walked out of the restaurant. However, at the same time, my pride told me it was still his fault because he could talk to her about what happened, but he didn’t! He remained quiet about it. That’s why I assumed he was lazy and irresponsible in his time.

“Now, for the fact that he was the man you just had a terrible encounter with for a parking space, uhm, Dahlia, I understand where you’re coming from, but, dear, you must remember this is business and work. Personal issues must be set aside.”

I sighed. I got her point, but…

“Please, Dahlia, I’m begging you. If you could forget what happened or if you could forgive him and move on from your first not-so-nice encounter, which, I think, would be a better choice here, then we all could continue our business with him and push through your discussions with him and convince him to get his investment.”

I shook my head apologetically but with conviction. I have already made up my mind. That was the last time I would ever talk to that man!

“No, you know I can’t simply do that, Jannah. Remember, you told me to get even and make him see that I’m the type nobody can bully. That’s why I avenged by flattening his tire that day.”

“Of course, I didn’t forget that. But that was because I didn’t know he was the man we would do a massive business with.”

I stared at her like I couldn’t believe her.

“So, you mean when you knew from the start that he was the man who shamelessly took my parking space, your advice to me would’ve been different?”

“Yes. I mean, don’t get me wrong, Dahlia. He probably had reasons why he needed to do that. Didn’t you tell me that he told you he was in a hurry? Maybe he was rushing at that time. That’s why he had no choice but to take over your car and parking space.”

I brushed my fingers through my hair in frustration. Ugh! Seriously, Jannah!

“Girl, please. Let’s separate personal issues and professional deeds, just please.”

“Jannah, I don’t think I can do it after what happened today.”

“But you promised me, remember? You promised me that it would be an easy-peasy task for you because you’re used to it, and you have been dealing with convincing prospects to do business with us. You promised to get his investment to our company, and I am holding on to your words, Dahlia.”

I almost wanted to cry with stress.

“No buts, Dahlia. Just try approaching him again. And remember, be nicer to him this time. He’s not just some random folks you meet in parking lots. This is a business tycoon, Dahlia. And we couldn’t let his partnership slip away.”

After that video call Jannah and I had, I almost didn’t sleep well the following set of nights because I was thinking about having to meet again and talk to that arrogant man!

And it wouldn’t be a simple talk. I would be discussing business with him and persuading him to become one of our investors like I always do, but this one feels different because it’s obviously with the man I the least want to talk to.

I couldn’t do anything else but face it and find a way to see and talk to that man and convince him to partner with Peach Essentials and Cosmetics because if not, my boss, Jannah, would be the one to get disappointed in me.

Even though I would instead not do it, I had no choice but to find my feet standing in front of the giant building of his businesses.

It was a good thing when, while I was talking to the guard at the entrance, he arrived just in time and had just entered the building, too.

“There he is, Miss.”

“Good morning, Sir Winston.”

“Good morning,” he responded.

“Sir, someone is looking for you,” the guard informed him.

“Who?”

He pointed at me. “It’s her, Sir. She’s Miss Dahlia Levine from Peach Essentials and Cosmetics. They sent her to talk to you today, and that’s what she said to me.”

Hesitating, I approached and gave my best and friendliest smile. I hated to do this, but then I had to because I had no choice!

His facial expression seemed a bit surprised as he saw me and recognized me. The edge of his lip curved in a grin.

He talked to the guard while not breaking his eyes on mine. “Yes, I remember her. How could I forget her?” And then he stepped closer to me. “What are you doing here this time?”

“Look, I know our first meetings weren’t good, but can we forget about them? If I said something bad, I’m sorry.” And then I looked away and lowered my voice as I said, “Although you deserved those brutal words.”

“Really? How sincere!” He was so sarcastic.

Even though I was very annoyed, I contained my anger to maintain my composure and smile.

“If only I had a choice, I would not want to come here! But my boss wants me to get your investment in Peach Essentials and Cosmetics. Now, can we talk about business without bringing up the bad things that have happened between us?”

“So, you want a proper and professional discussion with me? Well, weren’t you the one who said you would rather not talk to someone as unprofessional as me?”

I bit my lower lip. Somehow, I felt guilty throwing him those words after Jannah told me he had valid reasons for being late for our lunch meeting.

“I’m sorry. I only said that because I’m angry, and it’s the first time I’ve had to wait so long for my meeting. But actually, my boss told me that you had a valid reason why you came late. She just forgot to call me about it because she was also so busy. My bad, I’m sorry.”

“Speaking of your boss, I have talked to her, and I could say that she’s a nice person.”

I smiled genuinely and agreed, “Yeah, she is.”

“But you are not,” he immediately burst my bubble. “So, if I were you, I would go home now because my answer is no, and my decision is final. There will be no business discussion between us.”

That’s all, and he left me. He proceeded to the elevator, and I was left stunned.

When I exited the building, I stomped on my feet as I was so annoyed!

Damn him to the core!

When Jannah and I talked over the phone, I thought she would understand that it was impossible for that man and I to get along, but I didn’t expect her to be angry.

“Personal disagreements are different from business matters, Dahlia. Get his investment regardless of what, or else I’ll be disappointed with you. After all, this is your job. Don’t disappoint me, and don’t give me any reasons or excuses.”

“Jan—”

And she hung up!

I just cupped my forehead and closed my eyes from the pressure I felt.

Okay! Even if I don’t want to, even if it’s against my will, but in the name of business and of my work, fine, I’ll do it! I will do everything possible to get Mr. Monroe’s business partnership.

The next day, I went to his building early in the morning to try my luck to talk to him.

But when I was in front of his office, his secretary did not allow me inside.

“You don’t have a scheduled appointment with Mr. Monroe, so I can’t let you in, Ma’am.”

“Miss, please. I truly need to talk to him.”

“But we are strictly instructed that we will not be able to entertain a visitor without an appointment to see him.”

“What’s going on here, Michelle?”

That baritone made us turn around.

It was Winston Monroe!

“Sir, she was insisting on coming inside and talking to you, but she hadn’t set an appointment—”

He looked at me, and he grinned, seeing how determined I was.

I didn’t look away.

He nodded at his secretary. “I understand. It’s alright. I’ll handle it myself.” And then he turned to me. “Come in.”

I nodded and sighed in relief.

When we were in, it was like stepping into a sanctuary of productivity and elegance. High ceilings with recessed lighting create a bright, inviting atmosphere. The floor is covered in plush carpeting and perhaps polished glass, creating a warm and welcoming ambiance.

The centerpiece is a large executive desk made of rich, sleek glass. It’s organized neatly with the latest high-tech gadgets, a stylish lamp for those late-night work sessions, and perhaps a few personal mementos to add a touch of his personality. Behind the desk, there’s a wall-to-wall bookshelf filled with books, awards, and other significant items. A comfortable, high-back leather chair is there, too, perfect for long hours of work.

There’s also a seating area with luxurious leather sofas for casual meetings or to take a break. A coffee table in the middle displays some industry magazines and a stylish vase with fresh flowers. Large windows offer stunning views of the city skyline and perhaps a serene landscape, depending on the location. The windows also let in plenty of natural light, essential for maintaining a positive mood and productivity.

Art pieces strategically placed around the office add a touch of sophistication. Lastly, the office has a state-of-the-art climate control system to maintain the perfect temperature and air quality. It’s not just an office. It’s a personal haven designed for productivity, comfort, and style.)

No wonder Jannah badly wants to get his investment. He screams freaking billions!

“You despise me, and yet here you are, Miss Dahlia, being so insistent on talking to me.”

“Yes. And I would never stop until I have convinced you to push through your investment in Peach Essentials and Cosmetics because I’m telling you, it’ll be worth it.”

He smiled in amusement. “Hmmn… Confident.”

I didn’t say a thing. I didn’t take my eyes off him, either.

He sat in his swivel chair, crossing his legs in his most comfortable way.

He nodded as he said, “It’s not that impossible. But in one condition…”

My heart raced in an abnormal rhythm. “What condition?”

He gazed at me from head to toe with intensity in his eyes.

I suddenly became conscious and wanted to cover myself because I felt like he was undressing me with that kind of stare!

“Sleep with me.”