Daisy’s Secret Crush

***Daisy’s POV.***

I look at the NDA again and Clara asks me, “Is everything alright?”

“Yes. I was just confused for a bit, but now it is okay. So Mr. Theo Anderson is going to start new ventures?” I ask.

“Yes. But it won’t start until next month. He needs someone from our firm to accompany him and make him understand everything that the team in the London firm is going to do. You would also be helping the team to make some changes according to Mr. Anderson’s needs.” Clara says and clears every doubt I have.

So this is what Theo was talking about. He wants to open the first-ever Valentine hotel out of the US. He wants to do what his mother and maternal grandfather didn’t do. This would not only make Heather more proud of him but also make her believe that Theo is very serious about his inheritance.

It is not easy to grow what is already at its peak. Everybody knows that Valentine Hotels is one of the best chains of hotels in all over America. Henry was the founder of it and his hospitality services are still talked about. Then came Heather, a young, beautiful woman who opened fifteen chains of hotels when she was CEO of it.

As Ryan was older, no doubt he was expected to take over his father’s business. But I never saw Richard or Heather ever expecting something like that from their children. They choose everything on their own. Joining Valentine was Theo’s own decision, which made Heather very happy on her birthday. It was when he was just sixteen.

Theo didn’t get where he is just like that. He studied hard for it and did everything he could to maintain the prestige of Valentine’s name, which is difficult. The only mistake he made was to take it easy for some time. The only thing he needed was a little push and the thought of losing everything he made and he is up again with this new idea.

I am quite proud of him right now. But how would he feel when he comes to know that I am his new consultant and designer? Would he take it professionally or would he fire me because he gets distracted by me?

I hold the pen above the dotted lines before I sign and take a deep breath while Clara talks with someone on the phone. I said to Noah that I would leave it to fate. Isn’t it fate that the first project I get is with him? What are the chances of that happening? Didn’t I say that the next time I will meet him, I will do anything to make him mine?

I am here for myself too. I want a project which would give a boost to my dream which I want to achieve. By helping him achieve his dream, I would get mine too. Without thinking anymore, I sign the NDA and feel a rush of excitement go through me.

If fate is by my side, then I am not going to worry about anything anymore.

After initial signing and some talk, she showed me to my cabin, which is on the third floor. She gives me the plan for the hotel and also the contact of the secretary of Theo, Peter. She asked me to be ready as I might be leaving for London by the end of this month.

As I have signed an NDA, I can’t talk about this to Noah. And I am sure if I say anything about it, Noah would definitely inform Heather, which is not good. Theo must be counting the days when he shows his mother his new venture. I would like to be there when Heather sees her son’s achievement because I bet it would be a proud moment for her.

I look at the plans for the hotel, whose construction is almost over. It is actually in Bristol. The architecture looks good. The palace is old in which they are only adding modern equipment and keeping some of its rustic look. But they are also making sure of safety measures.

I contacted Peter, and he sent me details about their London team. I made contact with them and started working with Peter and my team.

First day was nice, so I treated myself with a good hearty meal of mac n’ cheese which has extra cheese. I also opened a bottle of wine which I bought.

“Here’s to yourself, Daisy. From now on, you only have two goals. First, to help Theo achieve his dream. And second, to achieve him. And I will get both of them. Theo won’t know what is coming for him because this time I am coming prepared and also I will not give him room to deny this heated attraction. He will burn with it like I am burning.” I say and drink the whole glass in one go.

“I am coming, Theo.” I say to myself and smile.

The next month goes way too slowly for me, as I am dying to see Theo. But that happens only when I am not at work. Because when I am at work, I am dedicating my whole experience to this project. The team he chose is good, but a little stubborn. But I try to work with whatever I have.

I hear Theo’s voice sometimes in the background when I am talking with Peter. But that too faintly. I am confused about one thing that Theo hasn’t come to know about me till now. How? If he had known I was going to work with me he would have done something. Then why didn’t he? This only leaves two options: either he is being strictly professional and focused or he doesn’t know about me at all.

The second possibility is almost unbelievable as he should know who has been hired for such an important project. It is not like I am going to work hands-on in it. My work is to give suggestions according to my client’s needs and keep a watch on it too.

Finally, the day arrived when Peter called me to inform me we would leave for London on 30th May on Monday. We would first go to London and would stay there for a week, then we would leave for Bristol.

He tells me I should pack up for at least for a month, which is not a problem at all. Later in the day, Peter sends me flight details and I book a cab for it. I talk with Clara and she looks at my ideas.

I went home and packed an overnight bag as Dad was coming to pick me up to spend the weekend with them. I go in the evening and we have a blast on Saturday. It felt good spending time with them, as I would not see them for a month. They were happy to see me happy with my work.

When Richard asks me more about my work, I tell him I have signed an NDA. He backs right away after that. On Sunday, I come back to my apartment in the late afternoon and start packing up.

I even packed some things I bought, especially for Theo. I hope I get to use it. I take one last look at everything and take a deep breath. I am going to meet you tomorrow, Theo, so I have to look my best. That your jaw literally drops to the ground.

And I choose something preppy. I wear a white mock neck full-sleeved top and over it, I wear a sleeveless black and white tweed dress which has a button pattern on the front and a deep v-neck. The skirt length reaches just above my knee. I wear black heeled boots and small silver hoop earrings. I tie my hair in a tight, high ponytail.

I take my bags down when the cab arrives and double-check everything again. I almost forgot my phone. Seven hours in flight with Theo would have to make him talk. I reach the airport and see Peter waiting for me near one of the private ramps. When I come out, one guard takes my bags.

“Where is Mr. Anderson?” I ask.

“He is inside. Let’s go. We will take off in five minutes.” Peter says, and I smile at him.

I follow him inside the jet, which I heard Theo had recently bought for himself. I look around for him but don’t find him anywhere.

“He must be in the back. Why don’t you take a seat here? I have to do some last-minute checks, if you don’t mind.” Peter says.

“Sure. Don’t let me hold you.” I say as I take a single seat near the window.

“Thanks, Daisy.” He says.

Peter is a nice guy, and we got on first name bases as we were working together and it felt awkward hearing my last name. The air hostess gives me a glass of water and I finish it in one go as even though I am excited, I am nervous, too.

“You must be my new consultant and designer. Peter talks about you non-stop. Nice to finally meet you, Ms. Carton.” I hear Theo saying, as my back is to him.

But when he comes in front of me to shake my hand, he looks so shocked that I really want to click a picture of him. His eyes are wide and he is blinking his eyes to check if it is really me.

I take his hand in a firm professional handshake and say with a broad smile, “Nice to meet you too, Mr. Anderson. But a slight correction. It is not a Carton. It is Carter. Daisy Poppy Carter, your new interior designer consultant at your service.”