2 Chapter two.

Removing her luggage, Allison stepped out of the car and collected the key from the driver. Informing him to pick her up in another hour. He nodded as she permitted him to go on break. They spent so long on the road her back hurts. Convincing herself that a bath would be relishing she made her way to the hotel reception handing the keys to one of the hotel valets.

Moving to the desk where a pretty lady with colored hair sat and typed on a computer, she made her presence known and checked in her room reservation.

Heading to her room on the thirty-something floor room 34c. It looked simple and pretty with large windows that overlooked the Hudson River and the lighted city of the upper west side. Entranced by the view for a while, she turned her focus to the task at hand. The hotel design have her an idea for Mr. Wilson's hotel project.

Writing out her idea on the note pads she always carried around she did a little sketch of her idea.

Looking at it more at a side angle, she decided it needs more modifications.

She would just inculcate it in the 3D hotel model, she planned on showing to Mr.Wilson.

She was sure that Miss Rebecca summoned her to visit the company's upper West Branch to ask for Mr. Wilson's project.

Alison was a perfectionist making sure her t's are crossed and I's are dotted, she wasn't going to give Ms. Rebecca any chance to point out any errors.

What else would Ms. Rebecca call her for than to ask for the contract of Mr. Wilson's project and to finalize the financial details of the contract?

It was an honor to Fort Arch And Designs, to receive a client such as Mr. Wilson.

He was well known and was a ticket for bringing more affluent clients if he gives a good recommendation. That is why Alison was given the job to take care of his demands and expectations. She was the best architect the company has and this was her first global client. She has to make sure all come out well for her reputation and the company's reputation.

Sinking further into the tub, she relished the hot steam penetrating her skin, somehow she felt young and alive.

Pouring the soap into the water, the smell of the liquid soap was familiar as she inhaled it further.

She loved the smell, it smelled like her peachy flavor back at home.

After a good fifteen minutes, she had to get out of the shower even though she doesn't want to, knowing she might be late if she did not prepare on time.

Running to the room she picked up her professional wear and kept it on the bed to avoid rumpling.

Layering the cream on her skin, she hurriedly combed the long mane of her brunette hair.

Applying the eyeliner on her eyelids, she loved the way it enhanced her green-blue eyes.

Rubbing the facial moisturizer on her face, she applied the dark shade of the pink lipstick. Feeling confident, she put on her clothes wide pant trousers made of thick material and a tuck-in shirt.

She tied her hair into a bun to give her a professional look and an aura of self-confidence. Removing the creases on her shirt by smoothing her hands over it, she sat on the edge of the bed and put on her low block heel.

She was not that tall but found it hard to walk in stilettos.

She put on her micro bud pearl earrings, looking at herself one would think she spent hours trying to achieve this look.

She called the driver who told her he was down in the reception, she was grateful for his promptness.

*

Reaching the high-rise building she entered the elevator to go to the top floor where the Fort Arch and design branch office took their place. They shared the building with other companies.

Waiting for the bling sound, she listened to the boring tune playing in the elevators.

After a few seconds it opened up and she stepped out just to hit a wall which caused a fall. A wall wasn't there a while, just as she was about to hit the floor a huge arm enveloped her waist and drew her closer.

Alison's heart leaped when her eye fluttered open to see a man staring down at her concerned.

Stormy gray eyes stared at her momentarily she felt they were alone for a moment until she heard another bling of the elevator, embarrassed she straightened herself and felt her cheeks heat up feeling flustered.

"Are you okay" his deep baritone voice broke her reverie she nodded like a little child.

"Th...thank you." She muttered taking in his presence, she found herself lost of breath.

if there was another word to describe the most beautiful man in the man she needs that word.

He had these piercing gray eyes, a chiseled face, and jaw, his lips were pink and luscious. It has this dark red luster in the lower lips making it appear red and full of blood. His nose was straight but the tip was crooked, she wondered if he broke it.

He had this dirty brown bleached hair and thoroughly tanned skin his presence was exhilarating and his 6ft inch frame towered over her.

His lean muscle bulked through his tight waistcoat and a crisp long-sleeved shirt, he stared at her with his thick dark lashes resting on his cheeks anytime he blinked.

A man should not be this beautiful even her lashes were not that long. Jealousy stirred her insides, "I should be going, thank you for stopping my fall. Excuse me" She said awkwardly and he muttered a hmm at her and walked into the elevator.

*

"What? I can't drop Mr. Wilson's project, I am not even close to finishing."

"Well, you have to. I will hand it to Paige to finish it up." Rebecca said a mixed-race woman who owned and managed the company. Her beauty was well-spoken off as well as her authoritarian nature.

She was nicknamed Iron fist and had the reputation to sack you for the slightest mistakes but she had a very platonic relationship with Alison because she came to realize Alison was a gem and she wasn't going to let her go any time soon.

An important project came up and one was close to her and her family. Her father longtime friend Davis Adriano wanted to build his restaurant here in New York. His son Leonardo just visited her to finalize the details and contact forms.

Alison was the best architect in the company so, she assigned Alison to him because he requested the best. He reminded her that his father was doing this for friendship but he was not and it was strictly business to him.

Leonardo made it clear he wants no excuse for errors he was a perfectionist after all.

He believes business comes before personal relations, without such ideals he would not speak to Rebecca in such a manner given that she was his childhood friend.

Handing the file to Alison whose face was in the displeasure of the latest development happening.

"Here take, I have looked at the model for the Wilson hotel project it looked better than he even asked for. Hand it over to Paige to edit and work out any errors, I doubt there would be any. "

She continued, "For now your focus should be on this new project. Adriano project, he is building a diner at the east side of the Hudson Riverbank. You would look at the site today, and tomorrow you would meet up with Leonardo."

"Okay, Ms. Rebecca" she sighed in defeat she was really into Mr. Wilson's project.

"Here is the project briefing and the files you will need you are to collect more data from the site and create ideas of how the diner should look." She said then quickly remembered.

"Ah, do your research properly and make no mistakes. You can leave now, I advise you to head to the site."

Feeling exhausted as she came back for the site that was to be used for the Adriano Project. Her legs ached as she took a survey around the land area. Her notes were full as ideas kept pouring out of her. The site was close to the water, she wrote down her suggestions of how the restaurant should look like for Mr. Leonardo, she hoped he'd like it.

She had a short shower and changed to a flowery jumpsuit and tied her uncombed hair in a high bun with numerous strands falling at the sides of her face. Her stomach rumbling was a sign that she was hungry as well as the slight headache and pangs.

Deciding to eat dinner even though it was a little late. She went down to the hotel and met the receptionist for recommended restaurants to go to.

She settled for the one a little down the street her hands held her bag which housed her laptop and her sketchpad. She planned on working there after dinner and she wanted to FaceTime Gran Karen.

Opening the door, she was surprised how bold and loud the restaurant was on the outside contrasting from the cozy insides. It was warm with a fireplace, it warmed her from the cold outside.

Looking for a seat she settled for one close to the glass wall, she was a bit distracted by the light display going on outside the view looked beautiful.

A waiter came to her to ask her for her order, a few minutes later he came back and dropped her drink.

Waiting for her meal, she made use of her time by face timing Gran Karen.

Sam's face popped on the screen, "Mommy!"

Samantha yelled happily, Gran Karen by her side.

"Baby how are you?"

"Fine Mommy"

"Gran she is still awake?" she asked Gran Karen, Sam should be in bed now.

"Yup waiting for the sugar in her system to run down, she had a lot of cake"

"Yes Mommy it was delicious" Sam gleamed.

Talking more, she ended the call when the waiter brought her meal.

"Mommy needs to eat, I have to go" She announced.

"Samantha go to bed Okay! don't trouble your Gran"

"Yes, Mommy byee!"

Closing her laptop, she raised her eyes to see a familiar back of a person.

Turning around their eyes met and her breath hitched.

It was the wall .... no, no, the man she hit.

What is he doing here?

He came in her direction and stopped at her seat, "Can I seat here?" he asked as her jaw dropped momentarily.

She nodded confused.