Ashes to Ashes

Something Unexpected

Ashley arrived in her office early the following day as she prepared for the meeting she and Ashton were sitting in. She read all she can about Henderson and Kervin and was pretty impressed. She also had to admit that Stefan Henderson is a total hottie!

She informed her secretary to hold all calls as she proceeded to the conference room. She waited for the elevator when Ashton stopped beside her.

"Ash, are you still pissed at me?" He asked, his hands inside his pockets.

"You know I try not to waste energy on you," she retorted but smiled at him. 

"Ow." He clutched his chest dramatically. "You look awesome by the way."

The elevator doors opened and Ashley pushed Ashton inside before follwing him. She stood beside him, smiling and relaxed.

They never seem to hold grudges anymore. It was so easy to get into a fight with Ashton and if they were still younger, Ashley would probably drag the whole thing for a week or two. But, they had been through a lot already and although Ashley would never say it to his face, Ashton is her best friend. It was difficult to stay mad at him especially when he turns on his boyish charm

"I see you're back to normal. How was #700?"

Ashton scoffed. "You put me on such a high pedestal, Ash. It's #699!" 

"Gross." 

He laughed. "I was with #8 actually. Geesh, I forgot how weird it sounds that you actually name my booty calls by number."

The elevator doors opened and they stepped out, walking towards the direction of the conference room. 

"It's easier to keep up with them rather than remember names." She replied with a shrug. "Besides, I know you have your regulars."

Ashton grimaced. "Sheesh, Grayson! You make it sound like a bad thing!"

Ashley elbowed him before gesturing to the door. He opened it for her and ushered her inside, 

"We both know I've been judging you since high school, Rivers. Don't pretend to be so shocked. Besides, we both know you like 'em dirty!" 

Ashton actually choked on air. He wanted to laugh but he felt that what she said stung a bit, was he that low on her list?

He was not able to retort since they were already in the presence of their fathers. Ashley seated himself on the chair behind her dad and Ashton sat beside her. She was amazed at how quickly his demeanor changed.

They did not sit on the conference table since they were not supposed to be involved despite their positions. They were both still learning as they went which was okay with Ashley because she knows how important it is to be prepared for future responsibilities.

The door opened and in came three people. She recognized Stefan Henderson and Ali Kervin. She assumed the third person is their lawyer.

She looked back at Stefan and their eyes met. She saw his lips move a little as if smirking. He boldly raked his eyes up and down, examining her. Ashley can instantly tell that he is indeed a conceited guy.

Ashley didn't bat an eyelash but instead gave him a cool regard. She wasn't the one closing the deal so no need to act chummy. But, Stefan was definitely something to look at! 

The photos did not do him justice. His well-chiseled face seem like it was crafted by the gods themselves. He had piercing blue eyes, rich brown locks and a well-toned body. Ashley's thoughts wandered to some of the top naked photos she saw on Google when she did her research.

"Good morning, gentlemen!" She vaguely heard her father greeting the trio. Ashley felt Ashton nudge her arm with his elbow. He gave her a questioning look and she blinked in response.

She stood up with him. She wanted to slap the smirk off his face though as Ashton's lips quivered in amusement.

"I hope you don't mind our VPs are here to listen in."

Stefan smiled politely as he sat down on the chair that was directly facing Ashley. She sat herself down, smoothing her skirt before crossing her legs. She maintained a disinterested look, avoiding Stefan's gaze.

Soon, Ashley did not have to work so hard in order to ignore Stefan Henderson. She focused on the talks and the exchanges that were happening. It seems like their position in the contract lacked some authority especially in terms of creativity and marketing. She was so in the zone that she jumped in surprise when Ashton leaned sideways to whisper something in her ear.

"Do you think it's a fair deal? I feel like not having creative control can be dangerous." Ashton murmured.

Ashley turned to look at him. "I was thinking of the exact same thing."

Ashton cleared his throat and asked to speak. Ashley looked at him with a small smile. He really could command the room. It is during these type of scenarios that Ashley cannot help but marvel about how amazing Ashton is.

"If I may offer an opinion?" He started his voice strong and confident. Everyone nodded and he continued.

 "I believe having some say in the creative control is beneficial to both companies. We have our own brand and target markets and although we have almost the same demographic, keeping things interesting can be rewarding."

Ashley watched as Stefan regarded Ashton with discerning eyes. He looked amused. She definitely started to feel like the idea of Stefan and Ashton in one room would be either brilliant or catastrophic. There was just too much testosterone there.

"We know our brand, Mr. Rivers and we know what we want." Ali Kervin replied. "We might be fairly new to this market but since we are investing, we would rather keep creative control."

Stefan leaned over and whispered something to his partner. He kept his eyes on Ashton before looking at Ashley. She didn't flinch but stared back at him.

This guy is so arrogant! She thought to herself. He was probably worst than Ashton!

"But, we are willing to come up with new terms if the price is right." Ali continued. 

The patriarchs looked at each other and nodded. "We'll have our legal team draft a new proposal. I'm sure we can come up with an agreement, gentlemen. Until then, we'll keep in touch."

Ashley breathed a sigh of relief as she stood up with the men. It was always a challenge being the only female in the room filled with egos and machismo. She was once again grateful that she grew up around this environment. 

She shook hands with everyone and found herself holding Stefan's hand. She looked down at their hands before looking up to meet his gaze. He held on to her longer than necessary.

"Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Henderson." She managed to say formally while tugging her hand from his grip.

"No, the pleasure is all mine, Miss Grayson." He murmured before letting her hand go. 

Ashley felt goosebumps and she excused herself from their company saying she has a meeting in a few minutes. But really, she just wanted to get away from Stefan Henderson. He was confusing her in a way that she was not sure if she liked him or not.

She pushed open the door and beelined to the elevator. She heard footsteps and knew it was Ashton right behind her.

"I don't think Henderson appreciated your opinion, Ash." She said as soon as the door closed in front of them.

Ashton shrugged, he looked a little bothered. "Well, if he wasn't so busy eyeing you like his next meal, he would've found a way to not have a new contract."

"It's a good thing then I was wearing my push up bra." She teased while giving him a shrug.

Ashton glared at her. "You don't need a push up bra."

"What's the matter with you? I'm trying to congratulate you for spotting that loophole and you tell me my boobies are worthless!" She poked him on the ribs.

Ashton smiled and finally relaxed. He draped an arm around her shoulder. "I meant that your boobies are perfect so no need to pump up the s*x, babe."

Ashley laughed and pushed him away. "You're such a p*****t!"

The door opened and they stepped out. Ashley turned to Ashton before he walked away. 

"Good job, Ash. You did well in there!"

Ashton gave her a sheepish smile before winking and heading to his side of the building.

Ashley settled behind her desk and started to look at the drafts that needed checking. She was surprised when her secretary buzzed in and told her Mr. Henderson wanted to see her.

Ashley frowned at the machine before acknowledging and allowing him to enter. 

Stefan entered her office and quickly dominated her space with his presence. He was such a handsome devil indeed! The bad thing about it is that he also knew it too well.

"Mr. Henderson, please have a seat," she greeted, indicating the chair in front of her desk. "Is there anything I can help you with?"

Stefan grinned at her while settling down. He sat straight and looked at her with his piercing gaze.

"I would like to have dinner with you," he announced. "Tonight, if you're available."

Ashley was surprised but she managed to stop herself from reacting. She smiled politely at him. "We're in business together, Mr. Henderson."

"Stefan, please." He offered.

Ashley maintained her smile, business like and polite. "I'm sure you understand that I try not to mix my personal life with work."

He smirked. "I don't see any reason why we shouldn't have dinner, Miss Grayson. You may think of it as a business meeting if you like."

Ashley shook her head. "It's inappropriate, Mr. Henderson."

He leaned forward, pinning her with his gaze. "Oh you have no idea how inappropriate my thoughts are right now."

Ashley sat up straight. "Please don't take this the wrong way, Mr. Henderson, but please leave."

Stefan actually chuckled while standing up. "I'm a guy who knows what he wants when he sees it. I don't beat around the bush, Miss Grayson. I'll see you again soon."

Ashley watched as he turned around and went out of her office. She couldn't even mutter a response, floored by his boldness. She sank back down to her chair still a little shocked.

She stared at her window and smiled. If Stefan had asked her out and they were not in business together, she would have considered dinner. He was so attractive and mysterious that Ashley wanted to delve a little deeper.

"Ugh," she sighed, leaning back against her chair. She thought about it, Ashton and her have always been so careful to not let people at work know that they weren't really a couple. Gossip could ruin any best laid plans. She could just imagine how disappointed, angry and hurt their parents would be.

So definitely, if she went out for dinner with Stefan Henderson, it would cause complications especially with the current set up. She had not considered the repercussions since she had not considered any of the men who asked her out. This Henderson somehow had blind-sided her and tugged at her curiosity. 

She mulled over the consequences and frowned at how unfair everything was. Ashton could have all his booty calls but she could not even go out on a date with a s*x-god!

Ashley breathed deeply and decided to just let the thought stew at the back of her mind. She had a feeling she hadn't seen the last of Stefan Henderson. Frankly, she was not sure if she welcomed the possibility or dreaded it.