Chapter 10
Arianna joyful mood tanked as soon as she hung up with Pierce. Jesse waltzed info work and completely ignored her. Usually, he would spend the on their date nights, but this time, he left before they could even begin the fourth episode. This is what Arianna was afraid of She feared losing her birt friend over a romantic relationship. Her friendship was in trouble, and they weren’t even dating. Arianna told herself Jesse was just in his festings about her rejection and would eventually come around. Even though she knew he’d return to his playful, charming self in a day or two, it still hurt,
After being snubbed by Jesse, Mr. Bruce made his presence known and used some Jedi mind tricks to get her to agree to call Bingo on Friday night. Arianna tried to explain to him that she had a previous engagement, but when he reminded her that she would be able to keep all the tips given to the caller, she quickly gave up on her plans of watching Netflix and stuffing her face with Chinese food.
“While I have you, Mr. Bruce, may I speak with you for a moment?”
“Make it quick, Miss Carter, I have a meeting to attend.”
“I need a raise.”
Mr. Bruce lifted his eyebrows in surprise. He couldn’t believe that Arianna had only been employed for a little over three months and was already asking for a raise.
“Do you not find that you’re fairly compensated?”
“I am fairly compensated when I’m just a receptionist; however, you have me coming in on my days off to give tours and fill in wherever else is needed, and none of that is in my job description. As far as I’m concerned, y’all lied, and if you continue to want me to fill in here, there, and everywhere, then! should be compensated as such.”
Mr. Bruce stared into Arianna’s determined eyes and had to give it to her; the girl had balls. She knew her worth, and he couldn’t fault her for that. If anyone else had approached him demanding a raise, he would have flat–out turned them down, but Arianna was one of his best employees. She was always on time, courteous, and helpful, and the members sang her praises. He couldn’t ask for a better employee, and he knew that he was slightly taking advantage of her by asking her to do extra. If anyone were deserving of a raise, then it would be her.
“$5.00, that’s non–negotiable,” Mr. Bruce stated.
Arianna’s mouth formed a small “o.” She was expecting him to either laugh in her face or demand her resignation. To some, $5.00 might not be something to write home about, but Arianna saw it as a blessing, and she would use the extra cash flow to treat herself, Parks and Recreation style.
“Is that acceptable, Miss Carter?”
“Absolutely.”
“Good, because it was going to have to be. Keep up the good work,” Mr. Bruce replied stiffly and walked away, leaving her in a daze. Not only did she get a raise, but she received a coveted compliment from Mr. Bruce. Her frown that she had worn only a couple of minutes ago, was now upside down.
Arianna had just replaced the phone in the cradle when an envelope was dropped on her desk.
“My divorce decree, as promised.”
She smirked up at Pierce and was impressed that he actually followed through just to get her phone number. She wondered what other hoops she could make him jump through.
Pierce held a cocky smirk on his lips the entire time Arianna examined the documents.
“You might as well wipe that smirk off your face,” Arianna said, reaching for the phone.
“What’s the problem?”
Chapter 10
There’s no problem. I just require two–step authentication, the expressed, handing Fierte the phone.
“You’re serious?” he asked in disbelief. He wondered why she was so mistrusting, but then again, from what Pierce had heard, Arians was i propositioned by manied men. For all slie knows, the documents could be fake. He didn’t blame her for wanting to be careful and avoid a poten entanglement situation. People have gotten killed for less.
“You have reached the Law Office of Charlotte Scott. My name is Grace. How may I help you?”
“Good moming, this is Pierce White. Is Charlotte or Tony available? I’m a former client and need thirty seconds of their time.”
“Oh! You’re in luck. Charlotte is passing by right now. Here she is.”
“Hello?”
“Hey, Charlotte. This is Pierce White.”
“Good morning, Mr. White. How are things? Hopefully, Stella free?”
“Things are perfect. That’s actually why I’m calling. I’m courting a cautious young woman, and she wanted to verify that I am indeed divorced. May i pass you to her?”
“As long as you give me permission to speak on your behalf.”
“I do.”
“Smart woman. Pass the phone.”
Arianna and Charlotte’s conversation only lasted five seconds, giving Pierce enough time to appreciate her beauty and lust over her in her red bodycon dress that stopped right at the knees. She was wearing her signature red lipstick again, which popped against her skin tone, and he was excited to see what shoes she wore. Pierce pictured her wearing red stilettos, but with Arianna, you could never be too sure.
“Well, Pierce, you surely know how to deliver,” Arianna purred.
“That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you, and now it’s time for you to pony up.”
Arianna smirked as she dramatically wrote her phone number on one of her business cards and slid it across the desk to Pierce.
“I hope you’re ready for the ride, Pierce.”
Pierce didn’t understand why her flirting still caught him off guard. She sure did have an experienced mouth for a virgin, and he couldn’t wait to explore
- it.
He was just about to open his mouth to invite her to lunch when Patrick showed up, ruining the moment.
“Afternoon, Arianna.”
“Good Afternoon, Mr. Jameson. I’m assuming you’re here to pick up Pierce for lunch?”
“You’d be correct. Pierce loves Italian food, and he’d be upset if he missed out on the tortelli.”
“Good to know. Make sure you pair your meal with a glass of white wine,” Arianna suggested. “Also, you two should join us on Friday night for Bingo. I’l be calling, and the prizes being offered are fantastic.”
“Is one of those prizes that super exclusive package that isn’t offered to me yet?” Pierce asked. He knew it was too soon, but he enjoyed their pla interaction and didn’t want it to end.
“You know what they say, Pierce. You gotta play to win,” she replied with a wink. “You should leave now. You don’t want to be late for your appointment,” Arianna urged, stepping away from her desk.
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Chapter 10
Pierce bit his bottom lip and eyed Arianna hungrily as she waltzed away from her desk. She wasn’t wearing red stilettos, but she was wearing the next best thing. She wore strappy red patent leather Chanel wedges, and he loved how they elongated her legs and showed off her shapely calves:
“Alright, let’s go, Romeo. Did you get her number?”
“I did, but only after we called Charlotte to confirm.”
Patrick loudly laughed as they made their way to the dining hall. He was excited to see something bloom between Pierce and Arianna. She would keep Pierce on his toes, and he was all for watching Pierce squirm.
