Seduce Me ~ The Path To Forgiveness

Path One, Step Four: Pleasant Company

I set down my pen when I hear a light knock on my door, gently closing my journal. "Come in."

The door swings open and James steps in, his gaze darting to the book in my hand as I slide it into a drawer. "Forgive the intrusion, Miss. Damien and I are heading into town, was there anything you'd like while we're out?"

"You're going shopping?"

"I have other business as well. I just spoke with Mr. Townes, it seems there's an urgent matter that requires my attention. Also have I mentioned that there isn't any food in your kitchen?" His tone is formal as always but a small smirk plays on his lips.

"Why yes, I do believe you mentioned that." I reply, too amused to feel embarrassed by my dismal culinary skills. I open the drawer of my nightstand and rifle through the envelope inside, pulling out a few hundred dollars and offering them to James.

"That's alright, Miss, I'll take care of it." I place my free hand on my hip, waving the money at him.

"I insist, if I can't cook I can at least front the bill right?" He shakes his head with a smile and a resigned sigh.

"Well if you insist." He takes the money reluctantly and I follow him down to the foyer where Damien is waiting by the door.

"Ah, are you feeling better?"

"Much better, thank you." I smile to him, touched by the worry in his voice. "Where is everyone else?" I glance around as I ask.

"Sam dragged Matthew out back somewhere and I haven't seen Erik since breakfast this morning." He shrugs, unconcerned, as James pulls a cellphone from his pocket.

"Could you give me your number, Miss?" I oblige and as he returns his phone to his pocket I feel mine vibrate. "There, if they cause any trouble don't hesitate to call."

"Alright, but I'm sure there won't be any problems." I chuckle as he rolls his eyes, opening the front door.

"With them there are always problems." He sighs though he sounds like he's joking.

I wave them off as they drive past the large iron gates and out of sight before walking back inside and looking around. I quickly enter James into my phone, debating whether I should go searching for one of the men or find something else to do, when my phone vibrates again. I open the new email simply titled 'New Request' sent from Claire, the head designer at my father's company, and am met with a picture of an adorable plush angel, unclothed but that's what I'm here for.

'We just finished the rough design for our new toy line in memory of your late father. We're hoping to announce them the day after his funeral so if you could have some sketches sent back to us by tomorrow that would be wonderful and if you find any changes that you think should be made your feedback is always appreciated.'

'P.S. I'm sorry I haven't had a chance to call things have been so hectic, how are you holding up? It must be lonely in the house by yourself let me know if you want some company I'm sure I can make up some excuse to play hookey for a day ;)'

Claire is one of the few people I'm close to. I met her when my father brought me to work with him five months after I first arrived here. He had some business to take care of with the board of directors so she offered to show me around in his absence and I was drawn to her immediately, her personality was so carefree and magnetic. The last stop on our tour was her department filled with colorful sketches and adorable new toys awaiting approval. She left me for a moment promising to be right back and while I waited I found myself examining a small porcelain doll, not quite complete without clothing, imagining what she would look like when she was finished. Before long I had found myself a notepad and pencil, quickly sketching a regal looking dress that matched her elegant face and complimented her curly scarlet hair. I was no stranger to drawing, having done so quite a bit in my childhood, but I was definitely rusty as I erased and edited my piece. I was so absorbed in it I didn't realize Claire had returned until she snatched the paper away from me, carefully examining my work for a few moments before looking up at me. 'This is beautiful.'