Chapter Text
I am running a bit late this morning, but need to get my cardio in, so I make it to the gym at Warner Bros. for a quick workout. I don't work here, but having a father that does, has it's benefits. I say a quick hi to the guy at the counter and jump on the nearest treadmill for a 3 mile run. I like to watch the news while I run and don't pay too much attention to people around me. I am sort of use to seeing famous faces here, using the gym as they are under contract for a movie or TV show. I grew up in this industry, so I don't get star struck. They are just people like the rest of us.
Sweating like a mad person, I start to slow it back down. I wipe my brow with the towel and notice a guy running in the row in front of me. He looks dark, tall and handsome from the backside and I can't help but notice his lower leg muscles as his feet hits the running surface. Shaking my head, I try to snap out of it and get mentally ready to go to work.
Quickly showering in the changing room, I blow dry my hair, throw on mascara and lip gloss before putting on a black pencil skirt, heels and a crisp white shirt. Grabbing my gym bag, I head out the door and as I round the corner, I run smack into someone. He grabs my arm to steady me and prevents me from falling and I hear a deep British accent "Pardon me Miss, are you ok?".
I look at him and into the bluest eyes I have ever seen "Yes and I am sorry, I should watch where I am going. Running late today, so.....".
He smiles "Understandable....hope the rest of your day goes better".
"Thanks" and I leave out the main entrance. I think that was the the guy that was running on the treadmill earlier, but not sure and I am certainly not going back to ask. I get in my car and make the drive work, pulling into the parking garage and head to my office.
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Looking thru the loop in my hand, I hold the glistering stone in the tweezers, slowly moving it and studying it from every angle and my phone starts to ring. I am wondering who it is, not too many have my direct line. I put down the loop and tweezers with a sigh and pick up the phone "Thank you for calling Tiffany's, this is Ashlee Taylor, how may I help you?".
"Yes, this is Ben Taylor and..."
"Hi dad, very funny. How are you?".
"Good and you?".
"I'm great, to what do I owe this honor? We just had dinner yesterday".
"I know, honey and mom and I were thrilled to see you and hear about your trip to Antwerp".
I snort "well, I take that trip at least 4 times a year to buy diamonds, nothing new to tell there. I think it was an excuse to go have a tasty dinner".
He laughs "It probably was".
"So what do you need, dad?".
"Look, I try to to mix my job and yours, but I have a huge favor....".
"Okay, what is it?".
"You know they are getting ready to shoot a new movie here and it is an action thriller about some agents trying to hunt down these diamond thieves?".
"I can't keep track of how many movies you guys are shooting and putting out, but ok"
"Well, it is Warner Bros. you know". "
"I know, dad".
"Anyway, the lead actors came in a few days ago and the director is going over the script and prep with them. Well, I met with them and none of them know anything about diamonds and the industry, so......."
"Yes, dad?".
"I might have sort of volunteered you to give them a crash course in diamonds".
"Oh you did, did you?"
"Yeah, pretty please".
I smile "Sure, how many people and when do you want me to do it?".
"Just three people, one girl and two guys. One girl from Britain, unknown here and two guys from the Hobbit, Graham McTavish and Richard Armitage"
"Yeah, I know them, I enjoyed their work in the Hobbit".
"Richard is quite good looking if you ask me".
"Dad, stop! I don't need you to try and be a matchmaker all the time".
"Alright, it was just an observation and I don't know anything about him or if he is single".
"Dad!".
"I am done, I promise. Well, what day works for you, want me to sent them over or do you want to come to Warner Bros.?".
"Have them come here, then I can pull diamonds from the vault and they can look in the store. I have some time this afternoon".
"Sounds good, I will set it up and thanks, I owe you one".
"Bye dad and yes you do" and I hang up the phone.
...............................................................................
I glance at the clock and my stomach makes a rumble. I reach for my wallet and head out the door, stopping at the reception desk "Hey Tracey, I am headed out for a quick lunch, just take a message if anyone calls".
"Sure, Ashlee. enjoy".
"I will".
Love this area of town and all the great places for a bite to eat. One of my favorites is this little cafe, kind of hidden between two big name brand stores. I enter and are greeted by Travis, the owner "Hey Ash...how are you?".
"Great. How are you?".
"Fine. The usual?".
I nod "I guess it is bad when you come in and the owner knows what you want".
He laughs "No, not at all. Half a BLT and a wedge salad coming right up".
"Thanks" and I go over to fill my water bottle with ice and water. I notice a guy sitting in the corner by himself and I recognize him from the gym this morning. He looks up and gives me a shy smile and I smile back "Hi again, I promise I wont try to run you over".
He gets up to refill his tea "It was fine and I do hope your day went better after that".
I find myself utterly mesmerized by his blue eyes, his smile and that voice, deep and vibrating with a British accent. There is something familiar, but I can't quite place him anywhere.
"It has been better, thanks. I was just running a bit late and kind of turn into an idiot when I am stressed".
"I highly doubt you are an idiot".
"You might be surprised".
He chuckles and Travis brings two plates to us "Your lunches".
I grab mine and is about to turn, when the stranger looks at me and gestures towards his table "Care to join me?".
"Sure, I guess" and I sit down opposite him and extend my hand "I'm Ashlee".
He takes my hand and I feel his firm handshake and can't help but notice his long fingers as they grip around mine "I'm Richard".
I look at him intensely and blurt out "Richard Armitage?".
That makes him blush ever so slightly and a shy smile appears "Yeah".
"It is nice to meet you....didn't recognize you with the shorter hair and day old scruff. I love the Hobbit and can't wait for the last movie to come out".
"Thank you and Peter Jackson is editing it right now".
"It will be exciting and now you are here to shoot an action movie".
He raises an eyebrow at me and gives me a small smile " Hence the shorter hair and no beard and how do you know that?" and he looks at our plates "I guess we ordered the same thing. This Warner Bros. executive recommended this place to me today and told me what to get".
I kind of smile and look at him "Let me guess, Ben Taylor?".
Richard looks surprised "Yes, do you know him?".
" I sure do, my last name is Taylor, I'm his youngest daughter and that is why I know why you are here and what you are shooting".
He gets a funny look on his face "Ohhh......".
"Ohh what?" and I lift my hand holding the salad fork and sort of point it at him "Let me guess, you are freaking out because you just realized you are talking to a Warner Bros. executive's daughter and you don't normally dip your pen in company ink?".
He looks uncomfortable "Yeah, something like that, I guess. I'm sorry!".
"Sorry for what? You have nothing to be sorry about and we are just having lunch, which each of us paid for. It is not like we are on a hot date, sleeping together or getting married".
He turns red and looks at his hands "You are not shy, are you?".
"No, not when it comes to who my father is, people get all bend over backwards and it makes dating challenging".
"I'm sorry....I didn't mean it to come off as that at all".
Waving the salad fork again "It's fine, Richard, really and I'm sorry I sort of freaked out and put it that harshly. I do understand peoples hesitation, but I have my own life and..".
He lightly touches my other hand, that is resting on the table "Hey, you don't owe me any explanation, Ashlee, it is fine. Let's just enjoy lunch, ok?".
I look at him and find myself getting lost in those blue eyes again and I smile "Ok..and it is actually a really good. I love to come here".
He takes a bite of his sandwich and gets a goofy look on his face "Mmmmm, that is a good sandwich".
Giving him a hopeful look "A fellow foodie?".
Richard gives me a sly grin "Yeah.....I love food!".
"Have you been to Whole Foods here, it is like heaven for crazy food lovers?".
"No, not yet, but I was planning on it".
"My advise it to go after you have eaten, if not, you will buy half the store".
"Oh yeah?" and we spent the next 20 min. talking about food and what we love. He is so easy to talk to and I love the couple of times when he laughs, like deep and rumbly. It makes me tingle inside. Our lunches are gone and I glance at my watch, I really don't want to go back to work.
He looks at his watch too and sighs "I guess duty calls......we are going over the script and then meeting with some diamond expert later today since none of us know a bloody thing about diamonds".
" I know, I need to head back to work and prep......I am meeting with a group of actors later today to give them a crash course in diamonds. I sure hope they even care" and I give him a cheeky smile.
He looks confused for a minute and then breaks into a grin "Wait, you are the diamond expert we are meeting with?".
"Yep, that would be me".
"Well, I look forward to it then and I didn't mean for it to sound rude, I guess I just don't get it....the fascination with those tiny, shiny gems".
"They are actually quite fascinating and a diamond is not just a diamond. There is a lot of science that goes into the perfect stone".
We both get up and pay our bills as we leave. He holds the door for me and we step outside. He looks a little nervous and glances at his feet, but then work up the courage and looks at me "Thanks for a lovely lunch chat, Ashlee".
I smile at him "Thank you for inviting me to join you, I had a lovely time" and it is kind of awkward for a second, I want to hug him, but we just met and shaking his hand is too formal. Richard solves the problem by leaning in and planting a soft kiss on my cheek. I feel his stubble against my cheek and I think I blush.
He looks at me "See you later today" and he pulls away and gives me a shy wave before walking off to the parking lot.
I sigh and walk back to work. I grab Tracey at the front as soon as I get there "Come with me for a second".
We are best friends, so she follows me into my office "What is going on, Ashlee?".
I look at her "What do you know about Richard Armitage?".
"Uhm, he plays Thorin in the Hobbit, was in North and South and Lucas North in a British show and he is hotter than hell! Why?".
"Because I just ran into him and we had lunch and yes, he is very attractive. Do you know anything, is he single now and how old is he?".
"No idea, I think he was dating some lady a while back, but don't know and he is probably 40 or so. We can Google that, I'm sure".
I look at her deflated "Oh.....well, there goes my chances, he would not be interested in dating someone like me, I am way too young for him. He is probably into women around his age".
"Wow, slow down here........you don't know that and you guys just met. 10 years these days doesn't mean anything, besides, you are very mature for your age.".
I laugh "Thanks, I think and you grow up faster when you are the youngest. And he is coming over here in a couple of hours for a crash course in diamonds".
"What? Why?".
"My dear dad sort of volunteered me and then told me how handsome he thought Richard was".
"Your dad will never stop trying to set you up.....he wants some more grandchildren ASAP".
I snort "Well, good luck with that and I wonder if he knows how old Richard is?".
"I am sure he does, he has access to all that stuff doesn't he?".
"Probably".
....................................................................................
Richard is standing in his trailer on set, staring at the shirts on the bed and trying to decide which one to wear and having a conversation with himself in his head "Bloody hell Richard, just pick one. Where is my stylist? You are being ridiculous and she wont notice anyway. She is a daughter of an executive for heavens sake. Way out of your league and she is probably not interested. You are too old for her. She is too young for you". He sighs and finally decides on the blue polo an heads out the door.
He sees Graham McTavish coming out from his trailer and heads Richard's way "Hey Rich, how was lunch?"
"It was great, you have to go try it sometime".
Graham looks closer at him "Rich, did you change your shirt?".
Richard looks down and feels his ears turn red "Uhm... maybe".
"Why?".
"Just because....uhm....I spilled dressing on the other one at lunch".
"Are you ok? Usually you don't care about stuff like that".
Shuffling his feet, he looks at Graham "I'm fine and I just don't want to come off as a slop, we are going to Tiffany's remember".
Graham nods "Ok, I guess.......".
They walk towards the front of Warner's Bros. to get in the car and Graham keeps chatting, he is the king of gossip and takes pride in knowing everything about everybody "So I hear we are going to meet with Ben Taylor's daughter over there".
Richard tries to keep his voice normal "Oh really?".
"Yeah, people say she is a feisty one and really pretty".
"Oh yeah".
"She is his youngest daughter and dad is very protective of her".
"Hmm"
They get to the car and jump in the van along with their co actress and the driver pulls out. Richard is looking out the window, trying to control the knot in his stomach and he wipes his sweaty hands on his thighs, praying he can hold it together and be a professional.
........................................................................................................................................
I am in the big conference room, testing the projector and making sure it will work with my iPad. I have pulled a few diamonds and rings out, they are currently sitting in the black velvet trays on the table and Tracey comes in, all smiley and jittery "Oh my gosh, they are here, Ash! Richard Armitage is in the store!".
"Calm down, remember they are just humans like the rest of us".
"I know, but he is so handsome and that voice, swoon".
"You are a married woman last time I checked".
She giggles "I know, I know.......but I can still recognize a hot man when I see one".
"Whatever".
"Knock them dead with your crash course and get Richard's number".
I roll my eyes at her as I head towards the show room "Ha, ha, very funny".
I walk down the hall and around the corner, thru the inlaid glass doors onto the show room floor and our store manager, Michelle Parker turns around and heads my way "Oh there you are. Ok, Richard, Amber and Graham, please say hi to Ashlee Taylor, our in house diamond grader and graduated gemologist".
Graham shakes my hand "So nice to meet you".
"Same to you, I really enjoyed Dwarlin in the Hobbit".
"Thanks".
The beautiful blond girl is next "Hi I'm Amber Hansen, so nice to meet you".
"Nice to meet you too".
Richard smiles and extends his hand "Nice to meet you Ashlee, I'm Richard".
I roll my eyes at him and take his hand "It's a pleasure, Richard". He holds on to my hand a second too long and we exchange a look.
Reminding myself where we are and that I need to act professional, I pull myself together as he lets go and I look at all of them "Welcome to Tiffany's. Take a few minutes to browse around and have the sales people pull anything that catches your eye and we can talk about it in the conference room".
They all walk around the show room and pick a few things out. Tracey is standing by my side and whispers "Oh my heck he is is so cute".
I hiss back at her "Freaking stop it, Tracey".
When they are done we all head to the conference room and I turn "Please have a seat and make sure you can see the screen behind me. They all take a seat and I spent the next hour giving them a crash course in diamonds, how they are graded and the industry as a whole. They are all paying careful attention and take notes along the way. I can't help but look at Richard once in a while and I have his full attention. He does catch my eye a couple of times and smiles, which makes me blush slightly and I have to force myself to concentrate hard on what I am saying. I wrap up "I think that is it, i know it is probably a lot of information to take it, but any questions?".
"Yes, Richard?".
"So you are saying that a one carat stone can vary in price, up to $10,000 depending on the cut, color, and inclusions".
"Yes, maybe a little more. Look at these two stones" and I walk over with a tray to show them. "They are both set in a simple white gold mounting, but this one is worth maybe $2,000 and this one", I slide it on my finger "is worth over $12,000 because it is ideally cut, so the all the light is reflected back out of the stone, it is colorless and internally flawless".
They all look at them closer and Richard comments "I never knew there was such a difference, I thought a diamond is just a diamond and they all sparkle, but that one in the tray looks like a piece of dirty ice".
Graham pipes up "It is quite interesting, so now you will know when you need to buy an engagement ring, Richard" and he pats him on the back.
Richard looks down and maybe he blushes a little "Nah, we do plain bands in England, none of this fancy diamond stuff" and he looks at me "No offense".
I give him a smile "None taken and it sure save you English men some serious cash" and I turn my attention to the tray they brought from the show room "Let's see what you found on the floor you liked".
We talk about the Aquamarine ring Amber liked and Graham picked a rare tanzanite pendant with incredible color. I get to the piece Richard picked out "And finally, this is what Mr. Armitage chose and it also happens to be the most expensive......any guesses to why?".
Richard clears his throat "I assume it is a diamond and my guess it, the color is pretty rare and the stone is big".
"Very good. It is what is classified as a vivid yellow diamond, it is a 2 carat cushion cut surrounded by tiny white diamonds and it is worth about $100,000".
Graham whistles, Amber says "Wow" and Richard looks ill "that is crazy".
We continue to talk and visit for a bit longer and then it is time for them to head back to Warner Bros. They all thank me, Richard shakes my hand and I can tell he wants to say something else, but ends up just giving me a bashful smile and they head out.
Tracey closes the door and comes up to me, I am gathering all the stuff to return to the floor and the vault, "Well, if I am not mistaken, Richard is quite smitten by you".
I roll my eyes "Sure, Tracey".
"No, I am serious, Ash. He kept looking at you and it was more than the casual *I am paying attention* look. It was more like he was eating you with his eyes".
"Sure, whatever you say".
"Don't you think he is hot?".
I stop and look at her "Yes, if you really must know, I think he is gorgeous, but I am also being realistic here, he is at least 10 years older than me, he is just here to do a job and then he is going back to where ever he lives. And you know me, I am not into a casual fuck, no matter how hot the guy is".
She laughs "I love you just always speak your mind".
"Well, you kind of have to when you are the youngest or you wont be heard".
We finish cleaning up and I get back to my office to finish out the day.
...................................................................................................................................
Amber, Graham and Richard are dropped off back at the studio and Amber quickly takes off, going home to her family who has traveled out here with her. Graham and Richard are standing by their cars and talking for a minute.
Richard looks at Graham "That was quite interesting, huh? I never knew it was such a science"
"Me neither, but it was cool, that Ashlee sure knows her stuff".
"Yes, she was good" and Richard gets a goofy look on his face.
Graham pounces "Rich, do you have a thing for her?".
"No, why would you say that?".
"Because I know you pretty well, we spent almost 2 1/2 years in New Zealand together and I saw you staring at her today".
"I was paying attention".
"Rich, come on, man......it was more than that, you were spellbound by her".
Richard looks down and feels the heat in his cheeks "Okay, fine......I think she is very attractive, but also off limits".
"Because?".
"I don't date people related to my job and I think she is very young".
Graham laughs "She doesn't work with you".
"Her dad is a bloody executive".
"So? Who cares! Go for it, Rich, if you really like her. And the age thing, it means nothing and she is not that young".
"How do you know?"
"I asked around, she is 29 and single".
"I don't know....that is young and she is probably not even interested, I am ancient compared to her".
"Rich, you gotta give it a chance, you will never find someone if you don't try".
"I do try, but then they are either too clingy, crazy or just plain weird".
"Yeah, like the last one you dated in Wellington".
Richard groans "Don't remind me".
Graham looks at his watch "I better get going, meeting some old friends for dinner, wanna join us?".
"No thanks, I still feel jet lagged, so going home to grab some food and then bed".
"Ok. How are is the apartment they put you up in?".
"They are very nice, quiet. I think Warner Bros. owns the entire thing, a few regular people live there, but most are used for people like us, that just come to stay for a little bit. Are you liking staying with friends?".
"Yeah, it is always a good time hanging out with them. Anyway, have a good night and see you tomorrow, Rich".
"See you, Graham" and they part ways.
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I am finally off work and just want to go home, put on my PJ's and curl up on the couch with Arwen and Aragorn, my Bengal cats and watch some mindless TV. I swing into the Whole Food's parking lot and find a spot. I practically live here, I love to cook, but it is not too much fun cooking for one person, so I often drop by their deli to get something. I am debating if I should eat here or just get it to go, but decide to just eat here. I walk over to the counter and order a burrito. They know how I like it and I go find a place to sit down. I pull out my phone and scroll thru Twitter and as I eat, my ears catch a very distinct British voice and I look up just as Richard looks at me. He gets a sheepish smile on his face, takes his sandwich when they hand it to him and comes over to my table, his hands are kind up in defense "Okay, I know it might look like I am stalking you, but I am not, I promise".
I smile at him and put my phone away "I don't think you are stalking me and I might actually not be opposed to that idea. Please join me, you invited me to join you for lunch".
He blushes a bit "Are you sure, I don't want to bother you".
"You are not bothering me at all, please have a seat".
He sighs and sits down opposite me "If you insist".
I smirk "Well, I do."
We take a couple of bites and Richard is trying to finish chewing before he speaks and I notice he likes to talk with his hands, which I find very endearing. He gestures and swallows "This is really good".
"I told you. Have you looked around yet?".
"No, I was going to eat and then get a few things before going home. By the way, I found your crash course very interesting today, thank you!".
"You are welcome and you can thank my dad, he is the one that volunteered me in the first place".
He laughs "I will do that. So do men really spent that much on an engagement ring over here?".
"It really depends, some spent a lot and others don't, but you have to remember where we are and some people like to flash their cash".
"You don't sound like you approve?".
I shrug "I honestly don't care, people can spent their money how they choose, but it bothers me if people act stuck up about it. I grew up here and with a father who obviously has done very well, but my parents made sure we understood the value of hard work and they made us get jobs. My mom stayed home when we were little, but then went back to nursing".
"Sounds like they were good parents".
"They are amazing. So how are you liking it out here so far?".
"It is ok, I am excited about the film and it is nice to have Graham around, it can get a bit lonely in a new city" and a brief sadness passes over his face.
"I'm sure it can be, so I gather you don't like going out, hitting the social scene?".
Richard looks mortified by the thought "oh god no, I guess I am kind of a dork. I like to read, go see interesting places and eat some good food with a select few, not a crowd. And I do like to just be home, whatever that means at any given time and I guess what I meant by lonely is, that it would be nice to share that with someone.....".
"I get it Richard.....I am totally a homebody and avoid the glitzy Hollywood scene like the plague, but do show up when my dad really insists on it".
"You better come to the Hobbit premiere in December".
"Oh, I will be there, would not miss that one for the world, but I will be hiding somewhere in the background. I might pose for the required *Warner Bros. executive family picture* you know".
He laughs and it makes me feel fuzzy inside, it is so heartwarming and deep "Well, at least you don't have to pose and smile for 5 hours, my face hurts by the time I am done".
"I bet. By the way, I thought you were dating someone.......something about some local lady from Wellington?".
He coughs "No! Well, I did.....kind of, but then she decided to share with the entire world, so that is over".
I smile "Yeah, I remember that. My friend in England loves the Hobbit too and she read the rag mags to me, it was quite entertaining".
Richard's cheeks turns pink and he rubs his face with one of his beautiful hands "It was horrible...they paid her a lot of money and she spilled the beans. Imagine having to face your mum after someone has told the world about your romps in the sheets".
I try really hard not to giggle "I would be mortified too, but at least she was full of praise for your abilities in that department. It could have been worse, she could have said you were lousy in bed".
He turns even redder and looks down at what is left of his sandwich "I guess you are right. I really thought she was different since she wasn't in the industry, you know......".
"Well, sometimes it can be a benefit to date someone in the industry since they understand the ins and out, lack of privacy etc.".
Giving me a thoughtful look "I never looked at it that way".
"Maybe it is worth a thought?".
Those blue eyes looks straight at me"Probably".
We finish eating and Richard leans back in his chair "That was really great, maybe you can just sent me lunch and dinner suggestions every day while I am here?".
I smile "Sure, if that is what you would want me to do. Believe me, I know most of the great places around here.......that is why I am slaving away at the gym every morning".
He laughs "Do you always try to run people over at the gym too or was I special?".
"You were special.....I am usually not stressed, but I slept in and was running late".
We sit and talk for a while longer, conversation just flows so easy with him, he is very interesting to talk to and we never have an awkward moment, even if we pause for a minute, it just feels natural.
Richard glances up at the display board behind me "Italian Gelato, is it any good?".
I give him a happy grin "Yes, it is awesome".
He gets up and pulls his wallet out "What do you want, my treat".
"You don't have to".
"I insist, you have made this day a hell of a lot better than I thought it would be".
I get up too "Okay, fine, but only if you will keep me company while I grab a few items in the store".
"That's a deal. So what flavor?".
I gather our trash "Strawberry for me and just a small" and I walk over to throw our stuff away.
Richard comes over and hands me my cup "Here you are".
"Thank you. What did you get?".
"Double chocolate fudge".
A little bit of ice cream gets on my hand and without thinking, I just bring my hand up to my mouth and I lick it off. I look back at Richard and he is just staring at me "Are you ok?".
He swallows hard "Yeah, I'm fine. Should I get a cart?".
We wander around the store for the next 30 min, eating the ice cream and putting various items in the shopping cart and we finally check out and he walks me to my car. I open my trunk and load my 2 bags in and leave his two, so he can take them to his vehicle. I glance over at the next row and my heart sinks, Richard picks up my change in mood right away "What's the matter, Ashlee?".
I look mad, sad and irritated all at once "That guy over there is my ex fiance, Bryan. He dumped me 2 months before the wedding for some actress and then when that didn't work out, he claimed he regretted it and has been trying to get me back ever since. This happened over 2 years ago".
Richard looks offended "He dumped you? What the hell is the matter with him?".
"Oh god, he better not see me or he will want to try to ask me out".
Glancing at Bryan, Richard all of a sudden grabs my hand and moves in closer, I look at him "What are you doing?".
"Giving him a reason not to try to ask you out" and he reaches his other hand up and gently touches my chin before leaning in and planting a soft kiss on my lips.