“Burn those who burned me!” Chapter 14

Chapter 13: My date with the Chairman.

***\-Rabena’s POV:***

*“Well, you can’t go looking like any old thing! You have to wear something that says, ‘yes I’m sexy as hell, but I’m also a boss bitch!’ Make a bold statement!”*

I rolled my eyes as Pera continued, she was blowing this way out of proportion.

*“Pera I don’t think it’s going to be all of that. It really is just a meeting.”*

*“If you say so but still look the part. You’re the President of Priceland Tech. He should know he’s speaking with another boss!”*

I had to agree with Pera on that, I’d heard he could be very intimidating. I didn’t want Aaron thinking I could be intimidated. I decided to leave work a little early, I’d have to do some shopping. As I finished buying my dress and accessories for tonight’s dinner, my assistance Della called me with the location details. After hearing where we would have dinner, I was completely shocked.

*“He booked us at the Sundial!”*

The Sundial was one of the most exquisite restaurants in all of Covington. This seemed to be an awful lot for a business dinner!

*“Yes ma’am, shall I accompany you to the meeting?”*

*“Yes, just in case if there are any documents that will need to be signed or discussed.”*

The truth was I didn’t want to be by myself when I met with him. For some reason I felt like I was walking into a lion’s den.

*“Very well, I’ll inform his assistant to also add me to the reservation list.”*

*“Thank you Della.”*

After confirming all the details, I headed home to prepare for tonight, I wasn’t sure why, but I instantly had butterflies in my stomach. Once home, I informed every one of my dinner meetings. For some reason, neither Sean nor my uncle seemed surprised.

*“So, he finally reached out to you huh?”*

Finally? What did Sean mean by that? Before I could ask, Uncle Peter chimed in.

*“Well, I think this is good idea, after all, our families have been close for years, Give Aaron our regards.”*

I nodded to Uncle Pete with a puzzled look on my face, had they known something I didn’t? Caroline helped me get dressed and do my hair and makeup, even I had to admit I looked damned good! As I made my way outside to my car, a limo suddenly pulled slowly to the front of the door. The chauffeur stepped out holding a bouquet of tulips, my favorite flower. The chauffeur walked up to me with a bright smile.

*“President Price?”*

*“Yes, that’s me.”*

“Then these are for you ma’am. My name is Keith, please, allow me to escort you to the limo.”

Puzzled, I nervously took the driver’s arm and made my way to the limo. Anxious, I turned back to see my family all smiling as I made my way inside the car. What were they so happy about? The car ride was silent but nice as we made our way to the restaurant. Upon arrival, Keith opened my door and escorted me to the front of the restaurant, there, I greeted by a hostess.

*“Good evening, President Price I presume?”*

*“Yes, ma’am.”*

*“Excellent! My name is Jana, I’ll be your hostess for this evening. Please, allow me to take you to your section.”*

I followed Jana through the restaurant, as I approached the private section it dawned on me that no one else was here. Where were all the customers? Puzzled, I called to Jana.

*“Um, Ms. Jana, is the Sundial usually closed on Thursdays?”*

Jana turned to me with a bright smile on her face.

*“Oh no, in fact it’s one of our busier nights, Mr. Michaels brought out the restaurant for the evening.”*

WHHHAAATTT!!!!!!!!!

As we made our way to the table I began to look around for Della, I’d told her to arrive first so that way if I were a little late I would have to wait for her. As I scanned the section my eyes finally met with Aaron’s. I could feel my breath instantly catch; he was gorgeous. As he stood, I could tell he was every bit of 6’4 in height. The suit he wore was clearly tailor made. A navy-blue pinstripe double breasted, with a cream-colored silk button shirt and navy tie. Embodying every bit of the term “talk dark and handsome," he simply perfect. He walked directly up to me and I could feel the heat rising to my ears. Taking my hand into his, he planted a gentle kiss on the back of my palm.

*“It’s a pleasure to see you again Ms. Price.”*

Blushing, I tried hard not to stutter over my words.

*“You as well Mr. Michaels.”*

As he pulled out my chair so that I could sit down, a smile formed on my face. Tilting his head with a mischievous smile, Aaron began to speak.

*“If you don’t mind my asking, why the smile?”*

*“I’m just a little surprised you remembered me.”*

Aaron gave me a sweet yet empathetic look.

*“Let’s just say you made a bit of an impression the first time. I’m sorry I didn’t get to see you again after your parents passed. Paul and Grace met a lot to me.”*

I could feel my eyes betraying me as they began to water up. I hadn’t expected him to mention my parents, though I understood why. I was just about to excuse myself when he placed a handkerchief into my hand. After dabbing my eyes, I looked up to see a soft and empathetic pair of green eyes staring at me. I wasn’t sure why, but it felt as if he was staring directly into my soul. Wanting to break the connection, I looked around again for Della. Aaron must’ve noticed.

*“Are you looking for someone?”*

Something about his tone seemed devious.

*“Yes, my assistant Della. She’s never late, I hope nothing has happened to her. I should call-”*

Before I could finish my sentence, Aaron interjected.

*“That won’t be necessary. I told Vincent to inform her she could stay home for the evening.”*

Why would he do that? Sensing my questioning look, he continued.

*“I wanted to be able to have dinner, just the two of us. If that was alright with you.”*

So, we were alone!!!

*“Y-Yes, of course.”*

After the waiters took our orders, we started having light conversation, catching up on everything that has been going on the past five years.

*“I met to tell you, congratulations on becoming President of Priceland.”*

*Smiling. “Thank you. Though I don’t know if I deserve it.”*

Aaron’s face scrunched but then quickly relaxed. As he cut into his steak, he began to speak.

*“Why do you feel that way?”*

*“Well, I’ve been gone for over five years, and even though I made sure to go to school for engineering and science, I haven’t had a chance to put it to good use.”*

Aaron looked at me thoughtfully and then smiled.

*“Very true, that being said, over these past several years you’ve stayed in touched with everything regarding Priceland including stocks and sales.”*

His tone was so matter of fact like he knew for sure what I had been doing.

*“How did you know that?”*

His eyes had a mischievous spark to them as a smile crept onto his lips.

*“I figured as much when you made that business proposal regarding a merging between MGT and Lockwood. It's very detailed and very impressive.”*

I could feel myself blushing, ugh! Why was he having this effect on me!

*“Thank you. It is true, I made sure to stay current on progression of Priceland and my uncle was nice enough to keep me informed on everything.”*

*“Well, I’d say that sounds like someone who has earned her position.”*

His words were so resolute, like he’d known I needed to hear that.

*“Though I must admit, I’m a little surprised you’re back in Convington and no longer Mrs. Lockwood.”*

There it was. The real reason I wanted this meeting.

*“That’s actually what I wanted to speak with you about. I’m sure by now you’re aware I’m no longer with Thomas Lockwood. My reasons are personal, I hope you can understand that. However, regarding my proposal, I put that together on the strength I was helping my husband, now that we’re no longer married I’d like for you to withdraw.”*

Aaron sat in silence for a few moments, his expression was hard to read. Finally, he smiled and began to speak.

*“It’s a very good proposal Ms. Price. I didn’t take you as a person that would make a business decision based on emotions.”*

Rabena’s brows squinched, this wasn’t just about some petty divorce, he had no idea what those people did to her.

*“Mr. Michaels, I can understand your resolve and again, thank you for the compliment regarding that proposal. That being said, Thomas Lockwood doesn’t deserve to expand his business off my name.”*

A smile curled on Aaron’s lips; he could see the firs in her eyes as she spoke. This was getting interesting.

*“Let’s say I take you up on this offer. Exactly what would be in this for me?”*

That question caught Rabena off guard. She hadn’t taken into consideration he would want something in return. Was her proposal that good?

*“U-Uh, I’m sorry Mr. Michaels, I hadn’t taken that into consideration. I didn’t think my proposal was that lucrative to you.”*

Aaron pulled his seat so that he could be closer to Rabena’s face.

*“You sell yourself too short Ms. Price, that proposal could have skyrocketed our revenue. It would have given me a clear opening to setup hotels and resorts in the Northern Continent. I’d say that’s definitely worth a value.”*

Rabena sat in shock, had she really created something that lucrative. Taking a sip of wine, she let out a light sigh.

*“Wow, I’m really flattered Mr. Michaels. So, what would you like in exchange for canceling with Lockwood?”*

Aaron took a sip of his wine, that mischievous grin still on his face.

*“How about your hand in marriage?”*