A Word of Praise
Chapter 22

Kiara felt better after their talk in the morning. The night ended on a bad note and she just hoped he hadn't read much into her while she pretended to sleep. Her shower did little to soothe the rise of emotions she didn't want to feel, but at least sleep did what the water couldn't. She was actually excited about the day.

Chris indeed bought her clothes for the Thanksgiving celebrations. Or rather, had someone else buy it because the sense of fashion of the chosen outfits was simply too accurate to be his own. The man knew only business formal and full black-tie, for fucks sake. Since the day was divided into two fairly different events, he got her two sets of clothes appropriate for each occasion. She had to admit, the pieces were fantastic.

The cocktail dress was a light blue shade that matched her eyes and the mix of knee-length and plunging V-back made it appropriate to both her age and the composed occasion. She wasn't sure he meant for the dress to be hers after the event, but she wondered if she could keep it. It was a precious little thing, and she could easily put it in her bag when she took it off, nobody would even notice.

To match the set chosen for the Thanksgiving lunch, she put on light make-up and added heels to her look. She braided one side of her hair in a way that hid her sidecut, but still added spirit to it.

Chris was fixing up his tie when she left the bathroom, and she took a second to really look at him. The man was gorgeous, and that perfectly cut beard was sexy as hell, but she was getting a bit tired of the businessman look he always had on. If it were up to her, he'd remain on those sweatpants he slept in. Now, that was hot.

"Hey, handsome, ready for some family time?"

He looked up and smiled, drinking her in inadvertently. It was only fair; she was smoking hot in that tight dress and he better praise her for it.

"Maybe we can revisit the pet name prohibition if you go with handsome, kitten"

"Oh, hell no. No kitten. Nor baby or sugar for that matter" He laughed, but she saw a glint of mischief in his eyes that told her she let out a soft spot. He would most certainly explore it and she could already see him calling her cringe-worthy names in front of other people.

"Let's go, I'm not paying you to be pretty inside my room" He shot back, but she smiled at the compliment he smuggled into his fake complaint.

"You are not paying me at all"

"Aren't I?" He raised a brow, reminding her there was indeed a financial arrangement behind their holiday.

The lunch was being hosted in the yard, where a big table was set for twelve. The chilly November air was subdued by beautiful fire heaters spread evenly around the big table, and the large pool was decorated with flower arrangements that matched the centerpieces.

People Kiara had never seen before were standing in conversation circles, sipping their drinks like they owned the place. She didn't fail to notice the absence of the hosts and elbowed Chris to call his attention. "Where are your parents?"

"They only come down when lunch is about to be served, to be sure they make a worthy entrance" He whispered into her ear, in what would have looked like an intimate gesture to everyone around. Chills ran down her body at the close contact, and she blamed it on his cheek-scratching sexy beard.

Chris led her to one of the guests' circle and made the expected introductions, receiving compliments that made Kiara feel awkward. It felt like they were congratulating him on buying a new apartment. She noticed the guests were mostly middle-aged men, accompanied by their lovely wordless wives.

The theme was strictly business and it didn't take long for Kiara to realize Batman's company would be much more enjoyable. She would gladly switch places with the maid that was put in charge of the dog for the day since he was not allowed at the festivities, but unfortunately, she had a role to play.

"How about your lovely girlfriend, Christopher. Is she involved with the construction industry somehow?" Her focus went back to the conversation and she regretted zoning out.

"No, I wouldn't be able to handle more business talk when I'm off the clock."

"Nonsense, you are always on the clock." The bald man with the oddly large nose retorted.

"Business won't run itself, will it? Money still doesn't grow on trees." Chris let out with a political tone she had never heard before. She decided to pay more attention, simply because it was interesting to see how he didn't shy away from men twice his age when it came to business.

"Speaking of trees, don't you think your reforestation wood strategy was a major setback? The new suppliers take twice the time to deliver and the construction is delayed even more."

"Quite the opposite, actually. The government benefits associated with the green initiative reduced our damage fines and increased the regulatory approval speed. Our total building time will decrease by ten percent."

Interesting indeed, the pretty boy had brains. And she did enjoy the grimace on the old man's face when he noticed there was no retort possible. She would have loved to see the development of that particular conversation, but before it could go on the hosts made their expected entrance.

Patricia and Edgar stood together like a picture, to which the doorstep was the frame. A perfect portrait of elegance and power, patiently expecting all conversation to end and the guests to look at them.

"Please, carry on talking! Don't mind us, enjoy the cocktails!" Patricia's voice was dismissive, and Kiara wondered what would happen if she called her on the bullshit and resumed chatting without complimenting her for the lovely lunch. The couple sat on the table in a clear display of power, and everyone else took their assigned seats. Kiara tuned out again after they served the entries, enjoying the delicious food placed before her. If she got nothing else out of that crazy experience, at least the food was good as hell.

"Christopher, we will have to withdraw from that save the trees initiative of yours."

That got her interest back on, and she was dying to hear him go at it again, with his father this time. Edgar was tougher than the bald man before, but Chris's arguments were spot on. "Why is that, Edgar?"

"Because our old supplier offered a five percent discount."

There it was, a perfect ball for him to swing right back at his pretentious father. Kiara was on the edge of her seat. She was an artist after all, and she loved a show.

"Ok, I'll make the call next week."

Wait, what?