12 The Dress

Andrew and Michael has just left Gordon's office and walked toward Charlotte's.

"We need to help these two." Andrew said.

"Perhaps we can put in a good word for Gordon with Charlotte." Michael suggested.

They arrived at Charlotte's office. Her door was open and she was typing at her computer. The two matchmakers walked in and sat down in the chairs across from her desk.

"Hello sister-in-law!" Michael greeted.

"I thought Andrew wanted my sister's contact information. Why do you call me sister-in-law?" Charlotte asked.

"Because we are Gordon's dear brothers of course!" Andrew said.

"Gordon and I barely know one another." Charlotte countered.

"But the two of you have a lifetime to know one another. You should just get the marriage part out of the way first." Michael suggested.

"What makes you think a man like Gordon wants to marry me? He has status, power, and wealth. He can have any woman he wants. Why would he want me? I have nothing to offer him." Charlotte said seriously.

"You agreed to be his woman." Michael countered.

"True. That's not the same as a wife though. Right now we are free to walk away. Marriage makes parting more difficult." Charlotte said.

"Do you really think you would be allowed to walk away from Gordon now that you've agreed to be his woman? He would never allow it. You are the only woman who has ever awoken his desire in a lifetime. He won't easily let you go." Andrew spoke up.

"Being a lover is not being a wife. I won't let anyone challenge my bottom line. I am poor but I have self respect." Charlotte's words were spoken firmly.

"Would you marry if he asked?" Andrew asked.

"I've known him for three days. It's too soon. I want to know him better. He's an enigma to me. But I readily admit I've fallen for him. If, one day he is willing to have me as his wife I would be honored and thrilled." Charlotte admitted.

"You say he's an enigma, but under his hard and cold exterior is a lonely man who has waited a long time for you." Michael said.

"I would like to be with him. But there are some walls around his heart. If I can scale those then I'll be assured that we can marry. But that's only if he doesn't despise my low upbringing." Charlotte said.

"He won't look down on you." Andrew assured her.

"Here's Cora's contact information. I'll give her a call tonight and prepare her that you may be in touch." Charlotte passed him the information in attempt at changing the subject.

She couldn't admit that she'd marry him right then if he asked. She didn't want to appear as desperate.

She was saved by Rachel, who suddenly appeared with papers for her to pass on to Gordon.

"Would you like to help me shop for a dress? I need one for the charity ball." Charlotte asked Rachel.

"Absolutely! See you after work!" Rachel nodded to the men and took her leave.

Michael stared after her in a daze.

"Is she married?" He asked Charlotte.

"No."

"Seeing anyone?" Michael asked further.

"No. Hmmm, Michael don't you need someone to accompany you to the ball? You should stop by the accounting department on your way out and ask her. Her name is Rachel, by the way." Charlotte teased.

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Charlotte dialed Gordon's internal office phone.

"Yes?" His familiar cold voice was heard.

"Gordon? It's Charlotte." She said.

"What's up?" He asked, his voice immediately softening.

"I'm going shopping with Rachel for a dress for Saturday. We're meeting when we get off work. So could you wait and come for dinner around seven?" Charlotte asked.

"I'd like to go with you to get your dress. I'm paying for it." He announced.

"You don't need to buy it." Charlotte said gently.

"You're my woman. I intend to take care of you." He used a tone that Charlotte immediately knew not to argue with.

"Then, thank you." She said softly.

"Thank me without words." Gordon was being domineering. Charlotte blushed red.

"I'll be right there." She whispered.

She ended the call and grabbed the paper work from the accounting department and headed to his office.

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Gordon looked up as she entered.

"Come here!" He demanded in a hoarse voice.

Charlotte came to stand at his side. He pulled her into his lap and hungrily kissed her. It sent shivers through her body.

He captured her mouth again with his lips and kissed her possessively. He moved his lips to her neck and she moaned.

She pulled away and looked at him as though studying him.

"What is it?" He asked.

"I want to understand you better. I wish I could look inside your mind. You kiss me with such passion but everyone says you have never desired a woman before. You've only known me three days. Why me?" Charlotte asked.

"It's you. Your personality, your aura. Your gentleness and beauty. I can't really describe it myself. I just know there's something between us. And I want to see it develop. Tell me you feel it too." Gordon said.

"I do." She whispered.

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Gordon, Charlotte, and Rachel walked out of the company together that day. Gordon held Charlotte's hand as they passed by other employees.

They entered his car and his driver headed toward a shopping mall where only the most exclusive brands were sold.

"Rachel, you'll need a dress too, right?" Charlotte asked.

"How did you know?" Rachel was surprised.

"Because I sent him to your department." Charlotte was smug.

"What is this about you playing matchmaker?" Gordon asked.

"I sent Michael to ask her to the charity ball because after Rachel left my office he couldn't pick his jaw up off of the floor." Charlotte teased.

Soon they were at the mall and headed to formal gown store. Charlotte and Rachel pulled a few gowns to try on. Gordon picked a few for Charlotte to try as well.

Gordon vetoed a few of Charlotte's dresses. He didn't want other men to see some parts of her body.

Finally she tried on one that she adored. The top of the dress was made like a qipao, while the skirt fell in an A line. It was all overlaid with lace and the bodice was covered in beautiful crystals. It was a deep red color.

When she stepped out of the dressing room Rachel squealed. "This one Charlotte! You look radiant."

Charlotte looked to Gordon who was starting at her with a fire in his eyes. She stepped in his direction.

"Is it okay?" She asked tentatively.

"You are breathtakingly beautiful. Gordon replied in a hoarse voice.