Nicole Vargas

I was still in shock. The handsome stranger was Ethan Gray. Ethan Gray was a handsome stranger. Puberty really did hit him hard. I remembered Ethan as the malnourished little boy with the prettiest hairstyle. The only reason I was infatuated by him at that time was because of his hair.

But now, everything changed. He looked like a whole course meal in his expensive Armani suit and Rolex watch he had on. I wondered how rich he actually was. From sources, I could gather that he was the youngest billionaire in England and that he was the CEO of one of the most fast-growing companies.

His hazel brown eyes that were shielded with the thickest and lustrous eyelashes I have ever seen on a man stared at me with a mischievous glint. His lips twitched in an arrogant smirk as he saw what for effect he had on me.

"So, I was thinking," I looked at my dad as he spoke. "Since Ethan is going to live in New York for a year, I'll put you under his supervision, which means you can go abroad to fulfill your dreams. That's what you want right?"

My dad looked at me with a victorious smile as if he just proposed the world's best idea. In fact, it was not. It was the dumbest idea I have ever heard.

I shook my head wildly. "No Papai. That is far from what I want. What I want is to go to New York without being under someone's watch. And I don't think Mr. Gray will appreciate my presence. Right Mr. Gray?"

Ethan chuckled lightly. "It's Ethan for you Nicole. And for your information, I already approved this idea. Your dad brought it up the moment I told him I will stay in New York for a year."

"What?!" I yelled out unbelievably. I can't believe people are making decisions for me behind my back. I am twenty-three for god sake. "I am perfectly capable to make my own decisions! And I'm not going to New York with you."

"Then forget ever going to New York!" My dad barked angrily. He calmed down when he saw that people were throwing weird glances at us. "You either go with him or not go at all. It's your choice, Nicole."

"I have so many choices, It's you and mom that are limiting it!" I was so angry right now. My mom gave me a stern look but didn't say anything. Instead, she muttered 'spoiled' and 'ungrateful' underneath her breath.

"I think your dad's idea is wonderful, Nicole." Ethan butted in which earned him a deadly glare from me.

"Stay out of this Ethan! So far I know, I haven't asked for your opinion did I?!" I flipped my hair to the back and turned around. "I'm not going to New York with Ethan, dad! Not because I don't want to, but because you can't keep making decisions for me!"

I stormed out of the party without even waiting for his reply. I knew it was not a good idea to come to the ball, but I didn't know it would be this bad.

Ethan Gray

I had heard so many stories about Nicole and I didn't wanted to believe them. The Nicole I knew was nice, kind, and little. I should have realized that was years ago. When Santiago Vargas asked me if I would like to watch over his daughter I didn't hesitate to say yes. Santiago is a really great man and an amazing businessman. Everyone wanted to do business with him. When he asked me if I would take Nicole to New York and let her live with me for a year until she was able to afford her own place, I agreed instantly. In my head, Nicole was still the innocent little girl I knew before I left brazil.

When I saw the drop-dead gorgeous lady approaching Santiago, I couldn't help but think of various ways of getting her into my bed. But when she opened her mouth and greeted Santiago, my heart stopped and I was left shocked. She said Papai.

She was the daughter of Santiago. Which means she was Nicole, who once was a cute little girl, but now is a sophisticated woman. She was very beautiful and I'm pretty sure many men would love to have her by their sides. That's why I'm wondering. Is she still single?

"I'm sorry about my daughter." Santiago apologized when Nicole stormed out of the party. She was indeed a spoiled brat. Exactly like how the gossip papers described her. Spoiled, sassy, and hard-headed. In short, a drama queen.

"She's a handful." Santiago's wife said. She looks exactly like Nicole. Only with a little bit of grey in her hair and wrinkles in her forehead. "But that's why you have two hands, darling."

Santiago gave her a stern look and then he shifted his attention back to me. "Nicole really wanted to start her career in New York. Since forever. But you know, I still see her as my little girl and I'll not sleep well knowing she's all alone in a big city. That's why I never send her to New York. So after you've seen her behavior, do you still want to take her with you?"

Of course, I didn't like her behavior. She's old enough and she needs to get her act together. But that doesn't mean I will let my old man Santiago down. At his question, I nodded. "Yes, I will. If she still wants to come, because of what I saw... I don't think she wants to go anymore."

"Oh don't worry." Santiago's wife said smiling. "We will find a way for her to go. She needs to work and learn the value of money."

Santiago nodded in agreement. "She likes to spend money. And a lot too. It's not that I can't afford it. I just don't want her to be a spoiled brat. She's very capable of working and making her own money. And that's what I want for her. I will not be around her entire life to take care of her."

"Don't worry. I will bring her to New York and introduce her to people who can help her achieve her dreams. I will leave tomorrow evening, so make sure she has everything packed by tomorrow afternoon."

"You're leaving so soon?" Santiago's wife asked disappointedly. "We were thinking of having you over for dinner."

"My apologies. But there's a lot of work waiting for me in New York."

"I understand," Santiago said. "I'll make sure Nicole has everything packed by tomorrow. Do we need to bring her to Gray Private airport?"

I shook my head. "I'll pick her up."

"Thank you very much Ethan. I know my daughter will be in good hands with you."

Will she though? I asked myself. She's a very gorgeous woman. I shook my head to get all the wild thoughts out.

She's a drama queen. A sassy, spoiled, with a hell lot of attitude girl.

Not my type. Never my type. Except for her beautiful body everything about her screams drama queen and trouble.

I took a deep breath. I can do this.

It's only for one year.

Nicole Vargas

"I don't want to stay with Ethan for a year. Can I at least have my own apartment?" I looked with pleading eyes at my parents.

This is such a great opportunity, but I don't want to stay under the same roof with Ethan. It's not that I don't trust him, it's just that I don't trust myself. Seeing him after so many years made me realize how much he actually grew as a person. And not only in knowledge but also in body parts.

"No, you are going to stay with Ethan. He has a big mansion in New York, you will not have to see him every day. The least you can do is cook for him." My mom stood at the doorway in her pink fluffy bathrobe. Her hair was tied in a messy bun and she had a green facemask on and a Starbucks in her hand.

"Cook?" I stared at them as if they grew two horns. My dad stood next to my mom, dressed in his suit, ready to go to work. He was constantly looking at his watch while arguing with me.

"Yes, cook." He said. "He is already kind enough to let you stay in his mansion for a year. Be nice and make something to eat for him once in a while. I didn't raise a spoiled little brat."

"But I can't cook. He's so rich, it's no luxury to hire a cook." I can't believe Ethan didn't have a cook. What did he eat then? Takeout?

"He likes to prepare his food himself, so help him. Do some chores and whatnot. This is a chance for you Nicole. Don't waste it. It's only for a year, after that you can live wherever you want." My mom sipped on her Starbucks and it made the annoying sound, I couldn't stand.

"Ughh!!" I growled and plopped down on my bed. "Do I need to remind you that I'm already an adult and that I can make my own decisions?"

"Nicole!" My dad was getting impatient. "I know you're an adult, but you're also my only child. And god forbid if something happens to you. I'll never forgive myself. You don't know New York City, you never went there. So please, take my advice and live with Ethan so you're not alone. You will learn from him and it will benefit you somewhere in the future."

I let out a deep sigh. My dad was not completely wrong. And it will be just for a year. I can do it. I can live under the same roof with Ethan Gray without crushing on him. Maybe he even has a girlfriend, that would be much easier for me to keep my distance from him.

"What time will he pick me up?"

A smile crept on my mom's face. "He'll be here in three hours, so you better hurry up."

Three hours? How the hell am I going to pack in three hours?

I jumped out of bed and grabbed my suitcases from underneath my bed. I called my assistant to come and help me. It was urgent I said, since it was her day off.

When my assistant came she started packing so I could take a long bath. I poured some champagne in a glass and stepped into the bathtub that was filled with roses. I grabbed a bath bomb and put it in the water. So restful and refreshing.

I stayed in there for a while and after that I put on my bathrobe so I could do my makeup and hair. I straightened my hair and applied a minimum of makeup. I don't like to get all dolled up especially when I'm traveling. I sprayed some setting spray on my face and walked out of the bathroom.

"I already packed everything that you asked me too, do you need anything else?" My assistant asked. I shook my head and dismissed her. I can do the rest myself.

I changed into some comfy traveling clothes and walked downstairs to make myself a smoothie. My mom probably went to the art gallery, because I didn't see her car in the garage. When I entered the kitchen, Carolina, our housemaid was cleaning the kitchen counter.

"Nicole, I've heard you're leaving today," she said, turning around and hitting me with the duster in the process.

"Ugh! Linaa!" I groaned annoyed. "Watch out and yes, I'm moving to New York today."

"Ahh, so it's true. You're going with Mr Gray?" She winked at me and I rolled my eyes. She did her 'stalking' I see because otherwise she wouldn't know that Ethan turned into a greek god.

"Yes, I actually have to live with him for an entire year. Thanks to my parents." I said, sarcasm dripping from my voice.

"It will not be that bad, anyway I made your favorite smoothie. It's in the fridge."

I opened the fridge and saw a glass with my favorite strawberry-yogurt smoothie. "Thanks Lina."

She smiled at me and continued cleaning the kitchen. I walked back upstairs with my smoothie. Ethan should arrive soon. I did some last-minute packing, clean my room up, and put all my bedding and dirty clothes in the laundry room.

After I was done I heard a horn outside. "Nicole! Mr. Gray is here to pick you up!" Lina yelled from downstairs.

"Can you help me with my luggage?!" I yelled back. "Tell Vincent and Martinez too!"

Moments later Carolina, Vincent, and Martinez all helped me to bring my stuff downstairs. When I entered the living room Ethan stood there with his hands in his pockets. He wore a navy blue shirt with brown khaki pants. His hair was damp and messy, which gave him the 'I just woke up, but I still look hot' look.

His eyes.

His eyes turned big when I entered the room.

And not because of me.

He stared at my luggage, opened his mouth and closed it again. I don't know why he is so surprised. It was only eight suitcases and four carry-ons. I will be staying for a year, what did he expect?

"Those are not going to New York." He said after a while, and pointed at my stuff.

"What do you mean?" I asked. "What do I have to wear?"

"Two suitcases are more than enough, not a bajillion of them."

"You're exaggerating Mr. Gray. It's only eight!" I replied annoyed.

His lips turned into a scowl. "I think that since you're going to live with me it's safe to call me Ethan. And no, we're not taking eight suitcases to New York. It's too much."

"What am I supposed to wear then, Ethan!"

"He's right, Nicole. That's way too much." My dad's voice came from behind me. "I'll give you a credit card. You don't need so much stuff."

I rolled my eyes. "Why didn't you say that earlier?"

"But..." My mom appeared from behind my dad. "There's only a limited amount of money in it."

"What!" I yelled out. "What do you mean?"

"It means, you can only use it in emergency situations." My dad clarified.

"But...but every day is an emergency situation. What am I supposed to wear?"

"Maybe you should learn how to wash your clothes and wear it again." My mom rolled her eyes and blow her fingernails. I didn't get my attitude from a stranger.

I scrunched up my nose. What the hell? "That's so old-fashioned!"

"That's not old fashioned, it's normal! And I don't want to argue with you anymore. Take it or leave it!"

I groaned out frustrated, I know I'm not going to win this argument. "UGH! FINE!"

"Are you ready to go?" Ethan asked. "Choose the suitcase you want to bring."

I pointed angrily at two suitcases and one carry on and Vincent brought it to the car for me. I turned around to my parents. "Uhm, okay goodbye. Thank you for this torture I guess."

My dad sighed. "It's not torture, it's a---"

"I know, I know."

I hugged him and then my mom. After the goodbyes I walked to the car and Ethan was already waiting for me.

I stepped in and sat down next to Ethan and let out a deep sigh as the driver turned on the engine.

This is going to be one hell of a year.

Let's just hope I'll not fall in love with the person sitting next to me.

Nicole Vargas

We arrived late at night in New York. The flight was very pleasant. Ethan didn't even bother to have a conversation with me, instead, he was busy on his laptop most likely doing his work.

A sleek black car stopped in front of the private jet. Ethan opened the door for me while he was on the phone and ushered me inside. I stepped in and he closed the door behind me.

The car then started to drive away and I looked confused at the driver. "Why isn't Ethan coming with us?" I asked, tapping him on his shoulders. "Mr. Gray needs to attend a meeting tomorrow morning in Arizona. I thought he had informed you." The driver said, looking at me through the rearview mirror.

I shook my head. "He didn't, where am I going now?" "He gave me instructions to bring you to his mansion where his maid will show you around." I nodded my head and leaned back in the soft leather seat. I looked outside and let out a contented sigh. New York is so beautiful at night. So many people, lights, cars, no wonder it's called the city that never sleeps.

Moments later we arrived at the mansion. The guard opened the huge black gate with the Gray name engraved on it in gold and the first thing I saw was the beautiful garden and fountain. My eyes almost fell out of my socket when I saw how big the mansion was. It was not even a mansion, it was a castle. I can't believe Ethan lives here alone.

The car stopped in front of a huge glass door and I could see an old lady approaching the car. The driver opened the door for me and I stepped out.

"Good evening, Miss Vargas." The old lady greeted and extended her hand at me. I smiled kindly at her and shook her hand. "I'm Lila and I take care of Mr. Gray's mansion. If you follow me, I'll show you your room."

She walked back inside the house and I followed her. When I entered the inside of the mansion the first thing I saw is the tallest ceiling ever, lovely crown molding, a table in the center, and two flights of spiral staircases going up to the second floor. There was a huge silver chandelier in the middle of the ceiling and there were colorful paintings on the wall.

"Does Mr. Gray live here alone?" I asked Lila. We walked up the stairs and from up here I could see part of the kitchen and living room. In the middle of the living room I saw a black piano.

"Yes, his family often come here in summer and during the holidays. They have a ranch in the backyard."

"A ranch?"

Lila nodded her head. "Yes, there is a ranch in the backyard with three horses. I will show you around tomorrow or any day you're free." We came into a space with huge doors on either side of the hallway. I guess that behind these doors is the bedrooms. The doors to the rooms are carved with an eight-panel design. She stopped in front of a huge door and opened it. "This is your room, Miss."

I stepped into the room a small gasp left my mouth. The room contained a queen-sized bed, a vanity table, a white feathery carpet that felt like it was made in heaven, a flat-screen tv, a fireplace, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom. It was a thousand times better than my room in Brazil. Now I wonder, how did Ethan become so rich? Yes, he took the business over of his uncle, but from what I heard the business wasn't really that stable.

I rubbed my fingers along the silken mattress. The comforter was thick and irresistibly soft, like a billowing cloud.

"Miss, do you want me to bring your food to your room or are you going to come downstairs?" I heard Lila ask behind me. I turned around and saw that my stuff was already placed in my room.

"I'll come downstairs," I said.

She nodded her head. "Great, dinner will be ready in a half-hour." With that she quietly closed the door, leaving me alone behind in my new room. I sat down on the bed and took a deep breath. I was so overwhelmed by everything. I couldn't believe Ethan had a ranch. My heart made a happy dance when Lila said that.

Since I was a teenager, I rode and took care of horses. It was my hobby until my dad decided to sell Arrow, my chestnut Arabian horse. I was so heartbroken. I was only seventeen and I had that horse since I was twelve. I won competitions with her and it was so hard for me to sell her. My dad sold her to a Costa Rican man, who took interest in her when she won the last race in Rio. After that, I've never ride another horse anymore. It took me forever to get over Arrow.

I stood up from my bed and went into the bathroom. I took a quick shower, wore a white dress with flowers embroidery on it, and put my hair up in a messy bun. I applied my face mask and studied my face in the mirror. My whole face was covered in white cream and it smelled like honey and cucumbers.

I waited until it dried a little bit and then made my way downstairs to get some food. I like to have my facemask as long as possible on my face because my face is very sensitive if it comes to traveling and stress. If I travel, I often get dry skin or sometimes I even get pimples or wrinkles.

I passed the living room and saw the piano from close up. It was so pretty and I wondered if Ethan could play the piano. It would be nice though to wake up to some Beethoven every morning.

I entered the kitchen and Lila was standing with her back towards me, doing the dishes. "Hey Lila." I greeted and took a seat on the barstool.

She turned around and let out a shriek. "Goodness!" She yelled out, placing her hand over her chest. "What is that on your face?"

"Oh." I forgot that I had a facemask on. "It's a face mask."

"Goodness, you scared the crap out of me." She chuckled nervously. "You can choose whatever you want to eat, everything is still warm."

I looked at the table and there was indeed a variety of food choices. There was Ravioli, Salmon, shrimp pasta, lasagna, teriyaki, lime chicken, mushroom risotto, and mini meatloaves. For dessert, there were cupcakes and red velvet cake.

"That's a lot of food," I remarked as I took a plate and fill it with lasagna and ravioli. "Are there other people coming?"

Lila shook her head. "No, Mr. Gray likes to have... choices."

Choices? This doesn't sound like the Ethan Gray I knew from a couple of years ago. This was a whole different Ethan Gray. And although I'm not here to become close with him, there's a part of me that's dying to get to know him better.

"Does Mr. Gray has a girlfriend?" I asked as I took a seat on the dinner table.

"That, I don't know. He never brought one home, but if you listen to gossips it is rumored that he's dating Veronika Morozov."

"The Russian model?" I raised my eyebrows. He did have a good choice, Veronika Morozov is one hell of a pretty girl.

"Yes, she. But she's a golddigger. His family doesn't approve of her." Lila said. "She came here to New York for a Charity, so I only met her one time. She's very... vain. She thinks she's better than everyone else."

"Oh." was all I could say. "Well, if he loves her then uhm... I don't think his family can do anything about that right. Love is love. You're basically blind until you break up."

Lila chuckled. "I just think they use each other to get attention. Don't worry, you still got a chance with him."

"What?!" I choked out. "No, I'm not into him... at all."

"Umhu." Lila said giving me a smug smirk, but turned around and walked out of the kitchen leaving me all baffled behind.

I don't actually like him, do I?