A Millionaire, His Suit, And Poor Me

I didn't really know what to expect from Henris for Sunday's game: maybe a nice suit with a little Green Bay pin or a white shirt with a green and yellow tie. I just thought he would dress well for the game.

Also, when he walked into my apartment at 10 a.m., wearing a white T-shirt with rolled-up sleeves with the Packers logo, damn tight dark jeans and his ruined Chelsea boots, I almost fainted.

He looked like a real person going to a normal game. And the fact that he had a pair of Ray Bans on his head, hidden by I brown curls, made the outfit even more intriguing. As soon as he joined me in the kitchen, I was ready to forget about the game and drag him to my room.

“Noras."She greeted, my name sounding like honey on her tongue. “Are Jace and Louis ready? The journey to the stadium quite long”

I stared at him, still completely shocked. And the fact that her formal tone was at odds with her look upset me even more started fiddling with the hem of my green T-shirt before returning my gaze to the floor.

His arms surrounded me in a second, bringing me to his chest and tightening slightly around my hips. I melted into his embrace and realized that he was a real person and not just a handsome stranger walking through my door.

“Noras?"He repeated. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, I'm fine”'I whispered against his chest, trying not to lose my mind because of his heavenly scent. “Jace and Louis are almost ready.”

“Do they take longer to prepare than you do?”

I wrinkled my nose in amusement when we parted. “Are you really so surprised?”

“No.”

He let out a deep laugh and leaned against the kitchen counter, taking me with him without the slightest hesitation. My hands rested on his chest, on the Green Bay logo, before letting myself relax against him, with a quiet heart.

“Are you excited?"He asked with a smirk.

“Yes, a lot. We've been freaking out all morning. You?”

“Good. And yes, Noras. I'm very excited." He whispered. His green eyes were bright and happy; I could practically feel the anxiety of entering the stadium coming out of him. The whole morning, at least up to this moment, had a younger-than- usual charm that melted my heart.

We talked about who was going to win, the location of our seats and our favorite players while we waited. When Jace and Louis joined us a few minutes later, dressed in green and yellow, we were discussing who was the best receiver.

“Jace!"I huffed, turning to my roommate. “Could you tell Henris that Nelson is the best receiver?”

He raised a perfect eyebrow and shrugged his shoulders. “In the last three games, Jones has played very well. I don't kno if I can support you this time, Noras.”

Henris smiled triumphantly as he got up from the counter. *I told you so. Are we all ready?”

He was greeted by a chorus of “yest"and we followed him through the door and up the stairs. We were an awkward, ill- matched group that couldn't have looked conventional even if we had tried.

There was Henris, who guided us to the car with his fixed gaze and his assured steps, and me, the girl who tried not to tri on her own feet, who held her hand firmly. Jace, next to me, chuckled in my ear with his striped bow tie and his perfectly styled hair. Finally, there was Louis, with his arm around Jace’s waist and his tattoos protruding from the neckline of his shirt.

I couldn't hold back the smile that drew on my face when we got into the backseat of Henris’ Range Rover, waving to Jame who was going to drive us as always. I was surrounded by people I loved and we were about to go to a place where I had always wanted to go to enjoy a whole day.

“You know,” Jace said, amused, from the seat behind ours. “Metlife Stadium is shared by the Jets and the Giants. Everyone has 50%. Isn't that weird?”

Henris's eyes lit up. “I know. I was undecided on what I should do with them, so I invested in both.”

“So am "Jace replied with annoyance. “In fact, I even invested in the Henris Steve Stadium.”

Even Henris had to laugh at this joke, because apparently it was a day when he could never be angry. The rest of the trip took place to the rhythm of Louis's jokes, Jace’s affectionate punches, Henris's deep laughter and my own verses about how they weren't funny, but that apparently I didn't have that “male humor” as they call it.

When we arrived at the stadium, an hour later, we were all in a good mood and Henris hadn't gotten angry once yet. Even though I appreciated him, a small part of me feared that at any moment he would burst out, regaining his seriousness an business acumen, with suit and tie.

“Woah, there is no free parking here”Jjace exclaimed from the back seat.

“I have a parking pass, Jace. They give it with the tickets.”

“Why do I feel like I should have expected this?”

We parked the car in a parking space just outside the stadium and got out to stretch our legs, tired from the long journey After a few minutes during which we made sure that we had everything we needed, our irregular group headed to the stadium.

Most of the people around us were already drunk and singing incoherent chants in favor of their team. Jace turned up his nose and we headed for the doors.

“Mr. Steve!" The woman at the entrance exclaimed when we approached. “We haven't seen her for a while. Your box shoul be ready. Would you like me to get you a drink?”

He handed her the tickets with a smirk. “Yes, that would be great. Make sure all the beers are cold this time.”

“Thank you said warmly, as she was checking our tickets, trying to fight Henris's coldness. From her grateful smile, he appreciated it.

“Have fun!”

“Oh, we will"Jace exclaimed when we entered.

The stadium looks different when you don't sit in the normal seats. Lodge tickets are always ridiculously expensive and hard to get. Those who manage to get there are pampered with free food and drinks, clean toilets and a private room to watch the match, with glass window and balcony.

We were guided to the elevator and went upstairs. We went out and found ourselves on the red carpet in the hallway and were guided to our box. Among the doors lined up on the wall, there was one with “Steve” written on it.

“The drinks better be fresh." whispered Henris, opening the door.

I rolled my eyes and followed him. “Calm down and get used to the hot beer. It's part of American life.’

“Holy shit"

The expletive came from Jace, to whom I immediately turned, worried. I was greeted with a shocked expression when he pointed behind me. That's when I stopped focusing on the boring British and shifted my attention to the view of the stadium.

It was perfect. We were exactly at the 50-yard line, not too high, and away from the mass of people shouting. The teams o each side of the field are warming up.

“Shit”"l whispered. “That's cool.”

“Is it true?"Louis laughed.

“Henris Steve, I am officially withdrawing my investment in the F**k You Henris Steve Stadium. Jace sighed. “I wouldn't enjoy it enough.”

Henris burst out laughing and pointed to the refrigerator behind us. “Beer, anyone? Probably lukewarm?”

Then, each with a beer in hand, we started discussing the seats on the balcony as the hands of the clock got closer and closer to kick-off time. Henris enthusiastically emphasized all the positive points of the stadium, like a child happy with I new toy.

jace and Louis took every word at face value, completely trapped, like most people who have ever approached Henris Steve. This man could go on rambling for days about the importance of vegetables in your diet and you would think that this is the most interesting topic on the planet.

“Noras?"He called me from across the room, taking me out of my thoughts and interrupting the fixed gaze I had on him. * you want a drink?”

I nodded towards the beer in my hand. “I already have some, thank you."

“No, a real drink. Or is beer okay with you?"

“I like beer during games."l shrugged my shoulders. He nodded and approached me with a determined look that I didn't understand, a look that made me feel useless, so I decided to stay where I was until he stopped a step away from me. “You,” he accused. “You shouldn't have won that bet”

Then he grabbed me, pulling me back against his chest. I squeezed the bottle in my hand and stretched my arm to the si trying not to spill the drink. Then I put my other arm around her shoulders and smiled at her.

“But I'm so happy to have won."

“Are you?’ he whispered, passing his tongue over his lower lip in a deadly way for my health. “Because I think you want Fk me.”

My gaze slipped over his shoulder, to Jace and Louis, who were happily focused on taking pictures of themselves with the camp as a backdrop, then I brought it back to Henris, who was staring intently at me with that damn Lip between his teetl and sparkling eyes.

“I don't want to" lied. He ran his finger along my arm until he reached my hand that held the beer, gently pulled it out ar put it on the counter without even looking. That's when I realized that he was slowly pulling me back until I hit the wall with my back.

“Liar"She said softly, brought her head into the curve of my neck, where she left a light kiss. “You want it exactly as much as I do. You're shaking right now, Noras.”

“Henris, we are one game away.'l said I was embarrassed. “Like, with Jace and Louis in the room at a game. With Jace and Lou in the room.”

He bit my neck, making me squeal slightly before raising his head, meeting my gaze, his amused. A curl fell on his forehe: as he shook his head, feigning displeasure.

“Noras, you have not denied it

Then he kissed me and I completely stopped worrying about Jace and Louis being in the room, because they were probat still busy taking pictures of each other and Henris’ lips were pressed against mine, making them meet as if nothing else i the world mattered to him.

As usual, my fingers found refuge at the base of her neck and worked their way into the curls that I love so much. He moved away slightly, not without leaving a kiss on the corner of my mouth.

“Ready for some football?"Henris teased him. I had to hold back my laughter when he playfully squeezed my hips. “Or would you rather be against this wall?”

A smirk appeared on my lips and I kissed him one last time before passing under his arm and running to the balcony doo hoping that he doesn't grab my arm while running. I turned around with the same smile and raised an eyebrow.

“We didn’t come all this way to do something we can do at home, right?”

He widened his eyes, as if he couldn't believe what I was saying, and I chose that moment to open the door and go out onto the balcony, taking a seat. A smirk began to form on my lips as I had the last word when it came to teasing, perhaps for the first time.

I was deprived of my proud moment when he took the seat next to mine, put one arm around my shoulders and the othe under my knees, lifted me up and carried me on his lap as if nothing else in the world mattered to him.

“You are right"He mumbled, adjusting his legs. “The offer still stands, however.”

I couldn't do anything but pout because in fact, I didn't have the last word, but before I could answer him, Jace was screaming like a little girl on Christmas morning and Louis was shouting “Pay attention to the game, you idiots!

I showed him my middle finger, receiving air kisses in return, then I turned to the green field where the teams were lining up. The frenzy in the crowd was almost palpable, everyone started screaming and me with them, every cell of my body fo the Packers.

As soon as the ball was pulled to the opposite side of the stadium, Henris grabbed me by the waist, his fingers pressed o my hips, pulling me towards him. I gasped for breath when he wrapped his arms around me, hugging me to him and bringing his lips closer to my ear.

“Noras, if you don't stop jumping in the air right now, then I swear to God that we will leave this stadium, go home and I will accept your offer to take you up against the wall He said, annoyed.

I put my hand in front of my mouth and turned around. “shit, did I hurt you?"

Henris looked pained, he clenched his teeth and closed his eyes. I carefully ran my fingers over her cheek, which made h open her eyes.

“Noras, you are doing the opposite of hurting me.”

My lips parted and my cheeks flushed because of this insinuation. The fact that I had an effect on this handsome man wz almost incomprehensible. “Oh.”

“Could you sit down so that I can follow the game without being distracted?"He asked in a low voice. I made a movement get out of his legs, but I was stopped instantly. “I said to sit down, not to move from above me.”

“But I don't want to hurt you."l frowned.

“Then don’t move.”

“I will certainly move, though.’

He sighs, annoyed. “Noras, I want to watch the game and I want you to sit on my lap because you are mine”. Now, stop moving.”

This time I obeyed. The cheerful Henris from earlier was obviously not in the party, sending the whimsical Henris shoutin at everyone and giving orders. Then, as if Jace could read my mind, he handed me another beer.

We watched the game while sipping beers, the time passed faster than it should have with Henris’ arms comfortably around my hips. By the end of the first trimester, I had only three beers left and Jace was already starting to laugh uncontrollably.

“Fantastic!"He exclaimed. “Henris Steve, I think I love you!”

“Be careful, little friend!"Louis scolded him playfully.

Before Henris could answer, there was a vibration that I could feel from where I was sitting on his lap. A grunt crossed his lips and he motioned for me to return to my chair. He pulled out his phone with a completely annoyed look on his face. “Stevel"He answered sharply. I looked up and his hand found mine and began to stroke it without thinking. “Yes, the agreement should be presented on Tuesday... That's what it says in the email... No... When?".

Then he got up and took me with him to the bedroom, my hand still in his. He seemed almost unaware that he had drage me with him, as if it was a natural gesture.

He had a murderous look on his face and kept yelling into the phone. “It is not possible... Its impossible, it was schedule for Tuesday... Don't interrupt me... That's when it needs to be presented... Claire, I swear to God".

Alttle cry escaped my mouth, partly because he was grabbing my hand so hard that I was afraid he would break it, partl because I had never seen him so angry, and partly because he was talking to Claire.

Henris's eyes widened and he turned around abruptly, as if he had just realized at that moment that our hands were still tied. He kept his gaze fixed on mine while he spoke in a low, passive tone, his chest heaving and lowering heavily.

“I'll be there soon... Ves... I'm leaving now.’

As soon as he ended the call, I forcibly removed my hand from his and crossed my arms over my chest. Henris gave me a furious look, as if to warn me not to say anything before he could speak, then he pinched the bridge of his nose and grunted in frustration.

I wanted to take him in my arms and stroke his hair, tell him not to worry. He was already visibly stressed by the situatior whatever it was. He frowned and pressed his lips together.

He shakes his head slowly before speaking in a surprised tone. “I must go.’

“I know.'I answered in a low voice.

“This is a professional emergency. "He answered sharply. “Don’t try to make it something it isn't”

I threw up my hands to defend myself. “I didn’t even think about it, Henris! Don’t overreact.”

“You are the one who constantly overreacts, Noras.”

“Don’t be mean to me just because something at work upset you."

Henris sighed slowly and started walking, gathering his things while I watched with emotions mixed between pity and annoyance of the stressed company CEO. He touched his pockets, making sure he had his wallet, took his keys and turne to me with a softer look.

“James will come back for you."

“OK.”

He sighed again and I held back from hugging him because he looked so frustrated; his hair was tousled and one sleeve his shirt was starting to fray.

“Will I still see you tomorrow?”

“Yes, of course. Whether the problem at work will be solved.’I whispered.

“Noras..."

“No, I know. I'm catching on.” said in a low voice. “Work is the most important thing. Now go save your company or something.”

He kept a passive expression by placing a last kiss on my forehead, holding it for a few more seconds so that I could remember his curls touching my eyelashes, the grip he had on my hips and the smell of his coconut shampoo that I lover Before I could think about it, I rolled up the sleeve with my fingers. When he was in place, I ran a hand through his hair to fix the strands in place.

All the time I was paying attention to him, he was staring at me with an unsteady expression and those frowning eyebrow that I could not erase in any way. I ran my fingers over her cheek and lightly traced her lips, which opened at my touch. “There. Now you're ready.’I communicated. “Go ahead, Mr. Steve, we don't want to keep your employees waiting. I will kee you informed of the results by message.”

Henris Steve gave me an incredible, breathtaking smile, which I didn't expect, and gave me one last kiss which, if possible was even more breathtaking than the dimpled smile, then he ran out.