Chapter 27

With the PR campaign being fast-tracked, G race and Archer took over the conference room for the rest of the week. It was vital they worked together to meet their impossible new deadlines and needed the extra workspace. Scarlett and Lucas were permanently set up on the other end of the table. They didn't have a moment to spare if they needed them for anything, and couldn't risk losing them again. (Even after Scarlett and Lucas gave their solid reassurance that an "office sex romp"–Scarlett's words–would never happen again.)

Thursday was a day for regrouping and hard work. There was no time for quick chats or anything non-work related. Even Scarlett picked up the pace and saved the gossip for a later time. (Which she guaranteed was extra juicy.) They ordered in lunch and dinner and worked until 9 p.m.

Grace and Archer were too busy, and by the end of the day, too tired to have any awkward relationship moments. Everyone said goodnight and went to their respective homes, except for Lucas, who followed Scarlett home, with what Grace noticed to be a very large overnight bag.

When Grace got home, she wanted to pick out a few outfits for her date before she crashed for the night. She would have to get dressed at work the next day. It would be another late night working and she wouldn't have time to go home.

Grace

Sorry to bother you, but quick question. Do I wear my green, black or grey dress tomorrow?

Scarlett

Easy, green!

He will be wearing a purple shirt…

The grey. Your tits look great in it!

Thanks Scarlett! Goodnight!

That was too easy , she thought as she put the grey dress in a protective garment bag, along with a pair of comfortable heels. She would never sacrifice looks for comfort again. Not after her night with the warlock.

And Archer.

"No, don't think about him. Not like that. You aren't doing anything wrong," she reminded herself, trying to dismiss the guilt she was feeling.

She finished putting out what she needed to take with her to work in the morning and completed her bedtime routine. She started getting nervous flutters in her stomach as she thought about finally meeting her mystery man.

"But where exactly are we meeting," she said aloud. She grabbed her phone and sent him a text.

Grace

Hey! I hope your day was good. Mine was really busy. I just got home a half hour ago, so I'm sorry I didn't message

Where exactly are we meeting tomorrow at the festival?

If you still want to meet, that is

Mystery_ Man

Try and keep me away

The entrance can get really crowded. How about we meet at the German wine stall? I was looking at the layout today. It looks like it could be a little quieter around that area

Sounds good. I'll see you tomorrow in Germany

I can't wait. Goodnight Grace

Friday was the same as the day before. Everyone put their heads down and got their work done. Almost everyone. Grace noticed every time she looked up, Scarlett was giving her excitable looks.

"Why is Scarlett so distracted today?" Archer asked in a hushed whisper. He didn't take his eyes off his work, but had leaned in slightly so Grace could hear him.

"I asked her fashion advice last night and she is still reeling about it," Grace replied, hoping the half-truth would be enough of an explanation for him.

"Oh right. You have a date tonight."

"Uh, yes. I do," she replied awkwardly.

"Well, I hope you have a nice time."

"Thank you."

"If he hurts you or acts inappropriately in any way, I'll hunt him down and kick his ass," he warned.

"Archer," she whispered in amusement.

"Seriously though, if anything happens, call me, and I'll be right there. I have a pretty good track record for saving women from terrible dates," he added, before leaning back into his space.

Grace chose not to reply, but couldn't help the smile that pulled at her lips.

The group ordered in an early dinner and worked past their normal quitting time. Grace nibbled on a few things, but her nerves had destroyed her appetite.

Grace was meeting her mystery man at 7 p.m. She apologetically snuck away at six to get ready, while everyone else wrapped up what they were doing.

Scarlett followed her to the washroom.

"Are you going braless?" Scarlett asked as soon as she opened the door.

"Keep your voice down. No, I'll wear a bra."

"Classy. Bra, but no panties, I like it."

"I'll be wearing those too. What kind of date do you think this is? It's not a hookup."

"But you have had sexy chats, right? Have you videoed each other, like you tried to do with Jake?"

"No, I don't even know what his voice sounds like," Grace sighed.

"That's unfortunate. He could be a total babe, but have a super high voice, like his balls haven't dropped yet. No wonder he maintains this mystery persona."

"We don't know that," Grace said, laughing nervously.

"Think about it. There has to be something wrong. He plays ‘the mystery guy,''' Scarlett said using air quotes. "He makes you fall for him, so when you meet him, and see that he has tiny child hands, or greatly exaggerated his height, you have already put so much time into this, that you feel obligated to be with him for a while. It's entrapment."

"You know personality plays a big part in my attraction to others," Grace reminded her.

"Yes, but you also have to be attracted to someone physically to want to bang them," Scarlett countered.

"Let's stop with the what-ifs. It's starting to freak me out, and the last thing I need is sweaty nervous pits. "

"You definitely get those. Let me do your makeup?"

"No offence, but last time you did my makeup when we went to that bar, I had several people trying to buy me for an hour," Grace recalled.

"That was hilarious. Who knew too much blush translated to prostitute," Scarlett shrugged.

"I just want to look like me tonight. A bit of eyeliner, a little bit of blush and lip gloss," Grace explained.

"I can do natural. Please, let me do this," Scarlett pleaded.

"Fine, yes, sure," Grace sighed in defeat.

Scarlett took her time, which made Grace nervous. Not only was she worried Scarlett was putting on too much makeup, but that it was also eating into her walking time. The festival was about a fifteen-minute walk from work. Possibly more in heels.

"Finished," Scarlett announced. "Seriously, open your eyes," she commanded when Grace hesitated to do so.

Grace opened one eye slowly and then the other.

"Holy shit Scarlett, I look..."

"Beautiful, I know."

The makeup was subtle and accentuated Grace's natural looks.

"I don't have time to do my hair, but I was going to leave it down anyway," Grace worried.

"It looks fine, straight and flowy will give your dress a more casual feel."

"Thanks, Scarlett."

"Anytime. I expect all the nasty details as payment," Scarlett said seriously.

"I'm not going to sleep with him."

"That's fine, but if things get grabbed, and fingers end up places, I want to know. Now, go, get out of here. Have fun," Scarlett encouraged.

"Of course you do, Grace murmured, as she gave Scarlett a nervous smile and left the wash room.

She dropped off the clothes she had changed out of and her makeup at her office, then grabbed her bag. As she was leaving, she spotted Archer with an arm full of files walking towards her.

"Please tell me you're going home soon," Grace said.

"I'm just putting these away," he said gesturing to his arms.

"You have Lucas for that."

"I told him and Scarlett to get out of here, hoping they can salvage the rest of their Friday night," Archer explained, as his eyes greedily roamed up and down her body. "You…wow. Just wow."

"I should probably go," she replied, feeling her cheeks flush.

"Goodnight, Grace," he said, then turned to walk away.