"Ahh, no. However, there was an urgent project that I need to discuss with Ingrid at around..." he then looked at his Tudor watch, "...uhhmmm eight thirty, so it"s still seven forty five, there"s still ample time for you to finish your dinner. So, as not to ruin your mood for tonight I specifically ordered to bring the best and expensive wine we have..." he said it with suave.Hotel Guinevere is known not just for its superb service, but also their wine since they produce their own and it is considered one of the best and the most expensive around the world.
"Could that work just wait? It isn"t time for Ingrid"s work, Mr. Briggs." Lance protested, his patience is running out when he sensed that Clifford was there only to ruin their night together.
"Unfortunately, since she is the person a.s.signed in this project and the client wants to set a two-day meeting with them somewhere. So, I need to arrange our schedules as soon as possible."
Ingrid came back to her senses when she heard the word project.
"What project do you mean, Mr. Briggs?"
"We"ll just talk about it later, okay? I"m afraid; I"ll ruin your night. You still have thirty to forty minutes to continue to eat your dinner and after that come and see me at my office. Or better yet, I"ll leave Gary here to escort you. Will that be okay? I guess it is." Clifford did not give them the chance to respond.
He walked out from their sight and just when he was about to enter the elevator he returned and went to Ingrid and whispered in her ear.
"You look amazing tonight, Ingrid..." She gasps some air when she heard how he said those words. And before she could react he was already inside the elevator.
Clifford was celebrating because his plan succeeded. That for the first time in years, he laughed so hard as if it"s the first time he won over something.
"Their mood is now ruining." He thought grinning. Luckily no one is around to witness his childishness.
...
Lance was sour gripping after Clifford left.
"That man is a thorn in my plans, he really starting to p.i.s.s me off. I must be really cautious of him." He composed himself first before he talks to Ingrid.
"Ingrid, let"s go back and continue our night together..."
Ingrid, on the other is still confused by the sudden appearance of Clifford.
"Why does he keeps on popping out of nowhere?" she could no longer decipher if she will be thankful to him barging in and saved her from his "clutches" or irritated because he has an extreme effect in her senses even in just simple approach.
"Lance, I am deeply sorry, but I need to go to Mr. Briggs office first. For I know that he isn"t the type of boss who will waste his energy and money if it is not that urgent." That was Ingrid"s observation even if she just worked with him a few times.
"Do you want me to accompany you, I won"t mind it." Lance volunteered as if she will go somewhere dangerous.
"No. I can manage."
"Okay. But I have one thing to ask of you."
"What is it?"
"Please consider my offer... please do think about it. It may be one day you will change your mind. I will just be here patiently waiting."
"Lance," she took his hands, "...there"s only thing I have to say, I can"t promise you anything. Because it is never in my capacity to give false hope to any person. You may call me sn.o.bbish, brutally frank woman, I"d rather accept that than playing with your feelings. I"ve been there and I don"t want anyone to feel that way." She squeezed his hands and hurriedly goes her way.
Lance could only stare at her back clenching his fist.
"I will not rest courting you unless you are married, Ingrid."