14 A Chance

Ash finally sighed in relief when her friends stopped. That's what she thought.

"Zero, do you have any plans next Saturday?", asked Sam.

"He'll be free from lunch onwards.", Frank answered on behalf of Zero.

"Great! Why don't you accompany Ash. It's our company's 1st anniversary, Sam said. "Actually, I'm inviting all of you right now.", she added with a bright smile.

"Sweet! Congratulations!", Nich said.

"Don't pressure her.", Zero said to Sam.

"Actually, yeah… do that.", she said to Zero. He just looked at her for a moment.

"Okay.", he replied.

"It's settled then.", Sam said after hearing their replies.

They all continued to drink. Zero sent a message to Ash while the others were chatting. He remembered what his grandfather told him when he called earlier.

[Z: Did your grandfather tell you something?]

[A: Like?]

[Z: Can we just talk after this?]

[A: Okay.]

Nich was the first one to leave because of his brother. Frank is already waiting in the car.

"We'll be going.", Brad said while holding hands with Trix.

"Okay, you both take care.", Sam replied after giving Trix a kiss. Ash also kissed Trix on the cheeks before parting. "I need to go back to the shop. Mom just sent a message.", she said to Ash and kissed her on the cheeks. "Take care of Ash for me.", she added, giving a tap on Zero's back before leaving.

"Your car or mine?", Zero asked Ash.

"Let's take mine.", she answered and started walking. Zero just followed her and sent a message to Frank not to wait for him anymore and that he can retire for the day.

The ride was quiet and they arrived safely. It's only 10 minutes by car. Vince was standing in the entrance. Opened the door for her as soon as the car came to a stop.

"Good evening, Miss Ash.", he greeted.

"Hi Vince.", she said back to him with a smile. "You can retire for today.", she added after getting out of the car. Vince just nodded then he saw Zero get out of the vehicle as well. He was surprised. It's his first time seeing a man with her boss, let alone coming to her penthouse. He politely nodded to Zero when he glanced back at him.

"Don't mind him.", Ash nonchalantly said to Vince.

"So heartless.", Zero mumbled.

They entered the building and proceeded straight to the private elevator. There were a number of people staring at their direction as soon as they set foot inside. Who wouldn't? The couple are perfect together. They are both gorgeous and complement each other's attributes.

"Aren't we perfect together?", Zero whispered to her as he came nearer beside her.

"Sorry to burst your bubble but I'm perfect with anyone.", she replied confidently. Zero mouth agape, glance on her face then he chuckles.

"Indeed you are, babe.", he replied. They got in the lift and ascended to her penthouse.

"Come in.", she said after scanning her key card and punching the door code. Zero entered and looked around the penthouse. He can say that her taste is simple yet elegant. From her type of furniture, decorations, colors and also the books title currently in the shelves. Everything seems so organized making the house clean.

"Did you design the house yourself?", he curiously asked while following her to the living area.

"No. I just personally selected all the things you're seeing inside this house. That includes the color of the walls, tiles and carpets. Almost everything, except the curtains - those were given as gifts. I like it.", she answered while smiling. "You can sit here and make yourself comfortable.", she added. "Do you want anything to drink?", she asked.

"Just water. Thank you.", he replied with a smile. She walked towards her open chicken, grabbed two water bottles from the fridge.

Zero just sat there on the couch, patiently waiting for Ash to come back. He is wearing a blue slim fit pinstripe suit with white shirt inside and a brown tie paired with brown derby shoes. He loosened his tie and undone the top two buttons after removing his suit jacket. Also rolled his shirt just below his elbow. In time, Ash came back holding two bottled water. She just handed it to him and sat just across from him.

"So, what do you want to talk about?", Ash asked, crossing her legs while leaning, hands on top of her thighs.

"Don't I get a kiss from my girlfriend first?", he said, teasing her.

"I'm serious here.", she said, rolling her eyes.

"I am too.", he insisted.

"Talk or else you may need to leave.", she firmly said, getting annoyed.

"Jeez! Patience, babe.", he said, leaning back on his seat. "Let's go with the question and answer.", he suggested. "I wanted to talk about the contract agreement between our grandfathers.", he continued. "We both know now that JKL Suites is owned by them. It has 31 branches within the country alone, 19 branches each in Country J and K, not to mention the expansion going on within other countries. In short, JKL Suites is a billion-dollar company.", he narrated. "Now, what do you want to do with it?", he asked staring at her.

"As much as I don't wanna think about it, the clock is ticking. I just got back not even a week ago, I have events to attend and will be at lots of meetings once I get back to work. Ugh! Just thinking about it makes me feel so exhausted! What more about that stupid contract. Ha!", she tiredly said, brushing her hair with her hands while looking up at the ceiling. Zero just let out a soft laugh. "Why does it seem that you're not bothered at all?", she asked, straightening her body from her seat.

"Why should I?", he instantly replied. "I will be marrying with benefits and the fact that it's you - that's even better!", he casually said, jerking up his eyebrows with a smirk. "Anyway, we still have a year before the set deadline. I just need you to fall for me.", he continued.

"Why do you like me?", she asked, tilting her head while meeting his eyes. Zero leaned forward crossing his legs, his right hand on top of his knee supporting his chin with a serious face, much darker gray eyes intently looking at her.

"What's not to like about you?", he asked back.

"A lot. I snore loudly when I sleep… i think? and ate a lot too. I'm not your typical girl.", she answered.

"I think that's what makes me like you even more.", he replied with a soft chuckle. She scoffed. "Look, just give this relationship a chance. Give me a chance.", he continued, smiling. Ash was hesitating but this might be for the better. She doesn't want to let JKL Suites go just like that to someone whom they don't even know.

"Okay.", she said under her breath.

"You just made the best decision of your life.", he said with a wink.

"Don't make me regret it.", she replied.

"You won't.", he said smiling. "By the way, anything specific that I need to wear on Saturday?", he asked

"Oh about that, can you just send me your measurements? I'll prepare the suit for you.", she casually said.

"Sweet!", he said, grabbed his phone and instantly sent his measurements to her.

"Got it.", she replied after reading his message. She glanced at the time, it's already past 10PM. "Okay, time to leave.", she told him. Stood from her seat and advanced through the door. Zero just smiles while shaking his head. He followed her while holding his suit jacket and before she reached the door, she felt his sturdy arm wrapped on her waist. After a blink, she was pulled and was forced to lean on his hard chest while he buried his head on the nook of her neck. She stiffened.

"Just stay like this for a minute, please.", he said under his breath. Inhaling her soft vanilla scent that he loves the most. Ash can feel his soft breath on her neck and it's giving her a strange feeling. "Relax.", he added. Eventually she let out a chuckle and just let him be. Minutes passed, she gently tapped his head.

"Time to go.", she said softly, moving away from him. He just let her go and followed her with a sigh. "Did you call your driver?", she asked as they walked through the elevator. "Nevermind, just borrow my car.", she suggested as they got in the lift. Zero smiled, he already called his driver but he loves to drive her car too, so he immediately sent a new message to his driver.

"Okay.", he replied. They descended in the basement parking lot. She handed the keys to him. LC 500 Lexus convertible terrane khaki mica metallic, same car model and color but it's the updated version from what she had a year ago. "I like your taste.", he said, checking out the car.

"Take care of my baby. It's my favorite.", she said, narrowing her eyes. He just smirks back at her and gets in the car.

"He's safe with me.", he replied, closing the door and opening the top. "Can I get a kiss before I go?", he said, grinning. She rolled her eyes. 'Fine, let's give this relationship a chance.', she said inside before moving closer. She leaned forward to give him a kiss on the cheek but was grabbed by him instead. The moment she leaned forward, he swiftly grabbed her head while pulling her closer. He kissed her. The soft plump red lips that he's longing to ravish the moment he sees her in the restaurant. He is kissing her, it's real! From her stunned look, she slowly closed her eyes. Zero gently stroked her hair as he slightly tilted her head to deepen the kiss. He was right, her lips felt the same from the first time he kissed her and he wanted more. This time, he softly bit her lower lip for permission. She gasped, that moment his tongue plunged in her mouth. She was dazed by the sudden act, but her body betrayed her the second his tongue started to attack. Her lips begin to move bit by bit. She is kissing him back while her stiff hands found their own way to his hard chest. Zero smiled under their kiss when she responded. He was delighted by it and it made him fired up. From a gentle kiss turned into a hot and passionate kiss - intense and hungry for each other. He started to chase her soft little shy tongue. She returns his kisses with the same intensity. Tasted every corner of each other's mouth until both were breathless. Ash broke the kiss to get some air when she couldn't take it anymore while Zero rested his forehead on hers. Both breathing heavily with eyes closed. Their hearts rapidly beating. Zero slowly opened his eyes and looked at her, she's blushing. He smiled and gave her an open mouth kiss.

"Do I really need to go?", he asked while brushing her lower lip with his thumb. She instantly stepped back and avoided his eyes, making her face redder.

"Go! Bye!", she said, turning her back and starting to walk away from him. Zero just laughs at her actions. 'Ahh.. my baby is shy. Cute!', he said inside and started the car.