Deal (1)

"A dance?" Scarlet repeated, confused as to why that was what he wanted out of all things. 

Scarlet had no plans of dancing at the ball considering she had no one going with her. She would only dance if a close relative asked her to like her father or someone from the royal family. 

"A dance. One song and then your deal with me ends. A dance in exchange for getting your name out of the papers is a fair trade in my eyes," said Ian.

"Dancing with you at the ball would just end up in the papers," Scarlet said, knowing the papers wouldn't miss the chance to share her alleged new lover.

"Being in the papers with me sounds much better than being tied to your husband and that woman."

"You think highly of yourself," said Scarlet. "I don't want to be in the papers for anything other than my business."

"You know, a good scandal could bring attention back to how well your businesses are doing. Dance with me, I visit the hotel the day after, and the papers will write about it. Free advertisement for you. Have something that would capture their attention to bring in more guests the day I visit," Ian suggested.

With all the attention on Scarlet, it was wrong not to use it to her advantage.

Scarlet found it a good idea, but she was so annoyed by the papers that she was slightly against it. "It should be made known that there is nothing between us. I don't want them prying too deep into my love life."

"You have one?" Ian mused, enjoying the glare that disappeared as quickly as it appeared. "You'll make me jealous if there is another man where I wish to be."

Scarlet frowned. "Shouldn't you be making me a second pot of tea?"

"It takes a while for the water to boil. You get my undivided attention until it is ready. Now, back to our offer," Ian said, not wanting the dance forgotten. 

"I would need to see first that you get them to stop printing news about me and that woman. I don't want to be attached to every bit of news about her child. Do that and then I will share one dance with you at the ball," Scarlet answered, twisting it to her liking. 

Ian smiled as Scarlet was a true businesswoman. Smart to have him prove his worth first before dancing with him. "I make a good advisor, don't I? Should you need my advice, you can call upon me to your estate-"

"I don't like having too many guests in my estate," Scarlet quickly denied the offer. "I have enough advisors when it comes to my businesses. I don't want to take your time away from your business."

"Then what as a friend?" Ian asked, quick with a solution. 

"Weren't you planning to court me? Now you wish to be my friend?" Scarlet questioned, folding her arms. "It turns out that you don't know what you want."

"Starting as friends is better than just being the man you come to for tea. I need to learn more about you from watching and questioning you. You could use a friend at this time," said Ian.

"I have friends. Despite the dark cloud that looms over me which is my divorce, I have people that I am close to," Scarlet replied. She didn't need them to suddenly drop what they were doing and come to her when there was something in the papers.

They would have to come to her daily as there was something new about her every day. 

"One can never have too many friends," Ian persisted, refusing to give up. 

"I prefer that my circle is small as I don't have to worry about too many mouths sharing my secrets. I've only known you for two days now. Should a friendship form it will happen naturally. For now, please stay as the man I come to for tea," Scarlet said, preferring their relationship now. 

It might not sound good to Ian, but seeing as she was not bothered speaking to him during her time for tea, he was in a good position. Better than Jack was as she had never sat down with her husband for tea.

"Very well. Like I said, I am a patient man. At least you are aware of what I want in the future," Ian said, satisfied with staying as they were for now. 

"You certainly are one to state what you want. I'm sure there are a few other things you want that you are keeping from me, but everyone is like that. You are better than most for someone I have just met," Scarlet said, no longer feeling so guarded around him.

Scarlet would not trust him with her life or not be cautious around him, but so far he wasn't much of a threat to her. Just a man who thought something could happen between them. 

In the coming days after the ball, Scarlet would learn more about him as the town would start talking and Lord Kingsley's wife would certainly address his return. Then she would know if she needed to be more cautious around him and look elsewhere for tea. 

Scarlet stared right back at Ian as his gaze was glued to her. "Must you stare?"

"I consider it to be admiring what is before me. It might be another few days before you come for tea again or I might not see you before the ball. You can stare at me all you want," Ian said, spreading his arms across the chair.

Scarlet continued to stare at him, unaffected by how his shirt pushed against his body thanks to the placement of his arms. A man like Ian was going to catch a lot of attention when spotted. Attention he might grow tired of or perhaps he might enjoy it.

Scarlet looked away from Ian shortly after to not have to hear about her gawking at his body again. "You've admired me long enough. Any more and I will find you to be a creep."

"We are speaking. How am I to speak to you if I can not look at you?" Ian asked, continuing to look at Scarlet.

It was proper to look at her while they spoke, but Scarlet had noticed a difference in his gaze. It wasn't uncomfortable nor did it cross her mind that he was having dirty thoughts about her, it just showed his interest in her. 

"You are something, Scarlet," Ian chuckled as he stood up. "The water should be done boiling by now. I shall make you more tea and bring it for you to enjoy in peace. Tomorrow morning nothing will be printed about you in the papers. There will be enough time for you to pick shoes you can dance in."

"I hope you're confidence now won't be for nothing. I'd hate to come again for tea and see you embarrassed. It's not a sight I wish to see as it will be awkward for me," said Scarlet. 

As fun as it was to see a cocky man be humbled, Scarlet preferred the person pouring her tea to not be so embarrassed to face her and affect the taste of the tea she liked.

"Trust me, princess. You'll find yourself impressed tomorrow," Ian said, knowing he wouldn't fail her.

"Do not call me princess," Scarlet muttered. He was on the path to getting his tongue cut out.