Prologue: Loving Blake Coster

Jean Verodine:

Rain, Netflix, bed, snuggling in the softest blanket, and junk food.

These are the things that make life perfect and happy. It’s simple, right? I wish I could do that right now, but I have to go to work.

Looking out to the window of my van, I watched the rain drop all over my window. Adele’s song was playing in the background, making me miss home and my comfy bed. I love my work, but sometimes I need my ‘me’ time, right?

“Jean, we’re here.” My manager Claire called me, and I turned my head to her. I pouted at her and she gave me a come-on-let’s-get-your-butt-to-work look.

“I don’t want to work.” I whined, but still opened the door lazily. I took my clutch, put my sunglasses on, and got out of the van. I dragged myself inside the studio.

When I walked into the studio, our usual photographer, James Clodarian, was talking to one of the staff before he turned his head to me. He smiled and I hugged him briefly.

“Hello Jean, long time no see!” James put his arm around me and I chuckled.

“Yes James, long time no see. It’s been awhile right? Three months? How are you doing these days?” I asked him as we walked inside the shooting set.

“Yes around two months I think; I’m good. Thank you for asking beautiful, but I think you need to get your little butt to the changing room. We’ll talk later, okay?” He said.

“No promises James, I’m a busy woman.” I teased him and he chuckled.

“You’ll make time for me for sure, now go.” He pushed me towards my changing room. I walked inside the room, and sat on the chair with my name on it.

The hairstylist started to do my hair, and the makeup artist started my make-up. Today’s concept must be natural, because they gave me really light make-up and loose curls for my hair. Man, I love natural, but I love the bad and sexy concept more.

Suddenly the door burst open, and I looked through the mirror to see who did it. I smiled widely to see my best friend, Alexis Sierra, standing there smirking. I got up and walked to her, attacking her with a tight hug.

“Hey bestie!” She said patting my back.

“My birthday girl!” I hugged her tightly, until she pretended like I was choking her. I released the hug and laughed along with her.

“You will come tonight, right?” She invited me to her birthday party a few days ago; I haven’t give her my answer yet, because Claire likes to make a sudden schedule for me.

“Yes, I’ll go.” I said, and she squealed in excitement. I chuckled looking at her expression, but suddenly the staff called our names. We both looked at each other and turned to our stylist to change our clothes into our sports attire.

“Jean, please go to the set now,” one of the staff said, so I got up from my seat and walked out of the room. I walked to the set along with the other Angels.

Today’s job was a sporty commercial, which meant that we do our work outs and get filmed at the same time. It’s a fun commercial to shoot because it’s what we always do, and it’s fun to do with friends.

“That’s a wrap girls!” James announced, and he gave each of us a high five.

“Hey babe,” Nicole slung her arm around my shoulder. Nicole is an Angel too, and she’s really easy-going.

“Hello, my favorite blonde.” I smiled to her and she chuckled.

“So, you will go to Lexy’s party tonight, right?” She asked as she crossed her arms in front her chest and raised her eyebrows, waiting for my answer.

“Of course, I won’t miss it.” I winked at her.

“You often ditch us Jean.” She pouted, and I chuckled at her.

“Don’t worry, I’m one-hundred-percent sure that I will go tonight,” I promised her, and she gave me a thumbs up. She pulled out her hair band, and let her blonde hair fall out perfectly. We both walked inside to the changing rooms. It’s so refreshing when the cold air from the air conditioner hits our bodies, because we were sweating a lot, and it was hot on the sport set.

Claire threw a small towel to me to wipe my sweat off. I walked into the changing room, and changed back into my black shorts and white muscle tee. I removed my make-up from earlier and redid it, since I sweat most of it off.

“I have no schedule, right?” I asked Claire.

“Yes, you’re free after this.” Lexy suddenly burst into my changing room and she gave me a cheeky look.

“Up for Starbucks?” Lexy asked, and I looked at Claire. She nodded approving me to go. I got up from my seat and walked to the door. Lexy linked her arm with mine and pulled me out.

“Just two of us?” I asked, and she shook her head.

“Nicole and Charlotte will come with us.” She answered as she took her phone out and texted someone. Nicole joined us after changing into her comfortable clothes too.

“Charlotte, as usual the snail.” Nicole said, and I can’t help but chuckle.

“Charlie!” Nicole called her name loudly in an attempt to get her out of her changing room, which resulted in Charlie rushing out of her room.

“Let’s go.” She said, and I can’t help but shake my head, laughing secretly. We left the studio; luckily Starbucks is just one block away. Suddenly my phone starts to ring, and I notice it’s my mom. I gestured to the girls to go in first.

“Hey mom.” I picked up her call in the laziest tone.

“Jean,” She said.

“Yes mom?” I really wanted to end the call.

“In two weeks it’s your grandmother’s birthday, and I want you to come home that day. Make sure your schedule is empty.” She said, and I let out a big sigh. I don’t want to deal with my family these days, so I’m not interested in going back home.

“I’m busy.” I said simply.

“Jean.” She gave me a warning tone.

“I’m busy mom, I have a lot of things booked on my schedule ahead.”

“Make time for her, she really wants you to come.” She begged me.

“I have no time to go home mom, I have a packed schedule.” I said in a firm tone so she won’t beg again.

“How can you do this to her? It’s her 80th birthday, you must go!” I bet they will throw her a big party, and I already know that I don’t want to be surrounded by a lot of people. I hate the fact that my grandmother loves to have a big party for every birthday. She brags about me being a model to her friends, and that’s quite annoying for me.

“What’s the point? It will be the same as the 78th and 79th birthday.” I looked down to the ground to think of another lie to tell my mom.

“I don’t care, Jean. I want you to be there!” She hung up the call, making me pissed. I kicked a rock in front of me. Suddenly, a car alarm went off and my eyes widen. I froze in place, looking at the car blankly. The lights flashed, and the car alarm kept ringing. I gasp when I realize the rock that I kicked earlier hit the car’s window. Since the rock was quite big, it scratched the car.

“What the—" a brown-haired man came out from the Armani store, right in front of the car. He cursed before clicking his car key to make the car’s alarm stop. He turned to me, since I’m the only person standing there.

“I’m sorry.” I said to him.

He shot me a look with his cold green eyes; his eyes went down to my body completely checking me out. I looked at him, glaring, but I was greeted with his good-looking face. He has a sexy jawline, a perfectly built body that fit perfectly with his grey Armani suit, and a thin beard that makes him look sexier and demanding.

“Done checking me out?” He asked with his eyebrows raised and a smirk.

“Sorry.” I said looking to his car’s door.

“So, what are you going to do with that beautiful?” He asked, and I turned to him. He pointed to the scratch, but in seconds his eyes landed on my legs.

“Eyes up here!” I hissed at him; what a rude man!

“Feisty, huh?” He smirked looking straight to my eyes; my heart skipped a beat for a second, but I quickly got back into my senses. I pulled out my purse from my bag and took $500 from it. I looked at the man and pulled his hand out. I put the $500 in his hand, but he looked at me with confused eyes.

“Did I ask for your money?” He asked, looking at me with an unreadable expression.

“I made a scratch, this money is to repair it.” I said, with a really uninterested tone. I’m in a bad mood now; I don’t want to deal with this kind of guy right now.

“Jean!” Lexy called me as she walked towards me. She looked at me with what-happened-with-you look. She turned to the man in front of me, and her eyes widen.

“So, Jean, what are you going to do about this?” The man asked, and pointed at the scratch.

“Ms. Verodine to you, Mr. Unknown” I said coldly looking at the scratch that I made.

“What happened?” Lexy stood beside me and whispered.

“I kicked a rock quite hard, and that happened,” I said sighing.

“Jean Verodine, I’ve heard that name somewhere.” The man said, and I turned to him.

“I already gave you the money, right? So goodbye.” I said to the man, and I took Lexy’s hand, pulling her to the Starbucks. Lexy was calling my name, but I ignored her. I need a cold drink fast to calm down my burning emotions.

“What took you so long?” Nicole asked, but my eyes were focused on the menu.

“She kicked a rock, and made a scratch on a hot guy’s car.” Lexy answered Nicole.

“Java chip frap sounds nice.” I said to myself.

“What’s his name? Did you get his number?” Charlie asked, and I turned to her in disbelief. I shook my head at her. I’ve always been cold to strangers, especially guys. I don’t like being civil to someone I just met. I don’t care.

“I think I’ve seen him before; his face was so familiar.” Lexy said, and I shrugged, completely uninterested.

“I don’t care about him, I gave him money to repair the damage.” I said, and looked at the menu again.

“Jean!” Nicole called but I ignored her.

“Jean!” Charlie called me this time.

“What? I’m trying to choose what I want to drink!” I said as I scanned the menu again.

“Jean!” Lexy called, and that made me turn to her. I raised my eyebrows. She looked from me to behind me, and I turned my head to see the man from earlier looking at me, with amusement in his eyes, while holding my $500.

“What are you doing here? You need more?” I asked coldly.

“Jean! Don’t be so rude!” Lexy warned with a small tone, and I looked at him raising my eyebrows waiting for him to say something.

“What are you going to do with my car?” He asked, and I pointed at the cash.

“I already gave you the mon—“ He put the money on the table.

“I don’t need money.” He stated and put his hands in his pockets. He looked over to me, and I realized there a lot of people looking at him.

“What do you want then?” I asked as I crossed my arms in front my chest, and turned to the menu again. I’m completely uninterested in dealing with this man. Can he take the hint already?

“Do you have a boyfriend?” He asked, and I looked at him so fast. I raised my eyebrows, looking at him suspiciously.

“She doesn’t.” Lexy answered, and I glared at her for telling him that.

“Good, give me your phone number.” He said and sat down on the seat beside me.

“No, I don’t have a phone.” I said, though I knew it was stupid. He pointed at my phone, and I looked away.

“You wound my heart babe.” I was disgusted with that word. I looked at him annoyed.

“I already gave you the money, do you need more?” I asked, and he shook his head.

“Your number Jean.” He said my name, and I felt so annoyed when my name came from his mouth. I ignored him instead of answering.

“Do you have it?” He asked Nicole, and I eyed her immediately. She looked at the man and shook her head. I stood up, planning to leave the guy to order my drink.

Suddenly he stood up and pulled my wrist making me face him. He towered over me, not breaking eye contact.

“So Jean, give me your phone number, or I’ll look for it myself.” He said in a serious tone, I pulled my wrist from his grip.

“Try me.” I said with a challenging tone, and walked towards the cashier to order.

“Jean,” Lexy came up to me and I turned to her.

“What?” I asked.

“You just messed with the wrong guy.” She stated with a worried expression, making me confused.

“What? What did I do?” I asked because I didn’t feel that I did something wrong.

“People were whispering and talking about that guy; he seems familiar to me and I was right. Do you know who he is?” She asked and I shook my head.

“Who is he?” I asked

“Blake Coster.”

Great.

Blake Coster:

“I want it to be shipped next week.” I said to my secretary and she wrote it down in her notes.

“Yes sir.”

“Oh, and send Mr. Samuel’s file to me again so I can re-check the deal and sign the contract.” I walked out from my office and waited for the lift.

“Anything else, sir?” Maddie, my secretary, asked.

“No.” My phone rang and I picked it up as I saw the caller ID.

“Mr. Coster, I found all the details about Jean Verodine.” Shawn announced. I can’t help but smile widely at the news. Shawn is my private investigator, and he has worked for me for almost six years.

“Talk!” I ordered and walked out of the lift. I got inside my Ferrari and put in my earpiece that connects to my phone.

“Jean Verodine is a Victoria’s Secret Angel. She’s 23 years old. The only daughter of Jacob and Laura Verodine. Her dad is a lawyer and her mom has a bakery shop. Sh—“

“Send me her address and phone number.” I cut him off.

“I’ll send it to you right away sir.” My phone beeped, indicating that he sent the contact to me.

“Is there anything else you want to know sir?”

“Boyfriends? Flings?”

“She once dated Josh Curt, sir, for a year, and now she has no flings, or a boyfriend, at the moment.”

“Okay Shawn, thank you.” I ended the call and dialed Jean’s phone number immediately. I got nothing; she’s not answering. I kept trying for about four times, but still no answer, until...

“Hello.” Her sweet voice greeted me making me smile like a stupid little boy.

“Hello, Jean.” I said.

“Who’s this?”

“Blake Coster.” I said with my arrogant tone.

“Goodbye.” She hung up, and I can’t help but chuckle hearing her reaction. That was interesting. She gave me a really cold shoulder from the start, and I never got that.

When I first laid my eyes on her, I felt her cold aura on her. I couldn’t help but check her out. Her light brown hair falling to her chest, and her green eyes radiating cold feelings towards people who see it. She was wearing a white muscle tee that revealed her milky white skin, and shorts that were showing her long legs. Damn!

Instead of begging for forgiveness and flirting with me, which girls usually do, she gave me a cold shoulder and handed me $500 to repay the damage that she made. She left me, and pulled her friend away, without a second glance.

I couldn’t help but chuckle, seeing her attitude, she sure is a challenge.

I tried to call her again, but she rejected again and again. What’s wrong with this girl? I looked at her address, and stepped on the gas, making my way to her house.

When I got there, I gave my car key to the valet chauffer. I walked to the lift and went up to her floor. I can’t wait to see her face when I step in front of her door.

I walked out on the 17th floor and went straight to her flat number. I can’t help but smile stupidly thinking about her reaction. I stood in front of her door and knocked a few times.

She opened the door and her eyes widen. She immediately closed the door in my face, but I reacted quickly by holding the door with my foot.

“Go away!” She hissed holding the door, but I kept holding it until she surrendered.

“Argh!” She groaned and opened the door. I smirked and she glared at me hard. She crossed her arms in front of her chest and I can’t help but check her out. She’s already giving me a look that she’s ready to kill me in seconds.

“Hello Jean.” I smiled.

“Where did you get my address?” She asked with a cold tone.

“I have my sources, sweetheart.”

“Go away, leave me alone.” She said in an annoyed tone.

“I’m sorry beautiful, as much as you want me to go away, you can’t shove me that easy.” I said and she looked at me in disgust. Unbelievable, I never got that look from a girl before.

“Do you want me to call security?” She asked.

“Try me.” I challenged her.

“What exactly do you want?”

“That’s my girl.” I walked passed her inside her apartment, it was so neat. The classic interior that makes people who go inside feel comfortable in seconds. It smells good too.

“I never asked you to come in.” She said coldly as she walked beside me.

“Sweetheart, don’t be so cold to me.” I plopped down on her sofa, and looked at her as she sat in front of me. Her cold eyes never left me, and she crossed her arms in front of her chest making her look sexier.

“What do you want, Blake?” She asked.

“What’s with the rush sweetheart? We have a lot of time.” I smirked and she eyed me.

“Don’t call me that!”

“What do you want me to call you then? Babe? Darling? Princess?”

“I hate all of it. Call me Ms. Verodine.” She said, and at the same time her phone beeped and she looked at it. Her facial expression changed in seconds; she smiled widely, and this was the first time that I saw her smiling—it was breathtaking.

“Jean,” I called and she looked up to me.

“Oh yeah.” She realized that she was ignoring me. She put her phone down and gave me her cold stare. She changed her expression in seconds.

She could be a cold person in one second, then be sweet the next. It was so amusing to watch.

“I have a nice deal for you.” I said and she raised her eyebrows.

“What deal?” She asked.

“Marry me.” I said and her eyes widen.

“Are you crazy?”

“No.”

“Are you high?”

“No.”

“Are you drunk?”

“No.”

“You must be crazy then.” She said and I looked at her disbelief.

“What the hell Jean!” I glared at her and she looked at me smirking.

“I’m serious about this.” I said and she shook her head.

“Well the answer is no Mr. Coster, you may go.” She said, gesturing me to get out from her apartment.

“I’ll pay you sweetheart.”

“I don’t need your money.” Well that’s surprising.

“I’ll give you a house.”

“I have a house.” She pointed at the place.

“I’ll give you a car.”

“I have a car.”

“I’ll give you a jet.”

“I don’t need that!”

“Why are you so difficult?” I exploded, completely frustrated.

“Excuse me?” She put her hands on her waist.

“Marry me for three months, and then we can divorce. I need a wife to get my heritage and seal five big deals.” I said and she looked at me annoyed.

“Well, go and find another girl who is a gold digger. She will love to get your money.” That wounded me a little, but it was interesting.

“I’m sorry sweetheart, I chose you.”

“You can take Nicole or Charlotte from yesterday.” She said and I shrugged.

“I don’t like blondes.” I said.

“What a liar, guys love blondes!” She stated.

“Not me, Jean.”

“Ms. Verodine to you, Mr. Coster.” She hissed and I smirked.

“Sweetheart, will you help me? I’ll give you anything you want.” I said sweetly, and she shook her head. She stood up and walked to the kitchen. I couldn’t help but follow her.

“Why don’t you find a bride that loves you, and then you can live happily ever after with your heritage and that deal?” She said as she opened her fridge.

“I don’t do love, honey.” I said, as she opened a yoghurt and began to eat it.

“Oh yeah, you sleep around.” She said sarcastically.

“That’s correct. Do you want me to show you how talented I am?” I asked and she looked at me in disgust.

“Gross!”

“Marry me for three months, Jean. I’ll give you anything you want.”

“I want you to get out of my life.” She said simply, and glared at me.

“I chose you for a reason honey, so I won’t give up until you say yes.” I walked over to her, and planted a kiss on her cheek. She blushed and that made me chuckle inside. She looked away and walked away to hide it.

Damn cute!

“You will always get no for that question, Mr. Coster.” She said coldly.

“I will get it honey, what Blake wants, Blake always gets.” I said, and she turned to me.

“Good luck with that.” She said and I walked to her closely. I stole a peck from her lips and left her frozen there. I walked out of her apartment with a big smile on my face.