Chapter 9

 

Progress has finally resumed on the Cosmopolitan Hotel. With the groundwater problem resolved, it was full speed ahead. The foundations of the hotel have been completed and now steel frames are being put into place. It never gets old watching the birth of a building.

Alex had been in his office all day, either on the phone or on conference calls. I wanted to thank him for the scarf. I knock on his office door, hoping he has a moment to spare.

“Come in.”

I open the door wide enough to poke my head through. “I need to talk to you, if you have a minute.”

He looks away from his computer, pauses when he sees me.

“Of course.” He closes his laptop.

I walk into his office, closing the door behind me. “I want to thank you for the scarf. It’s beautiful. And very thoughtful of you.”

He looks at me with those deep blue eyes. I think I could lose myself in those eyes. Eyes that penetrate into me, down into my innermost self. “I hope you’ll be happy to wear it.”

I look away from his gaze, trying to gather my thoughts. “Okay. That’s all I wanted to tell you. I know you’re really busy, so I’ll be in my office if you need me.” I turn to leave, my hand on the doorknob, when his voice stops me.

“Join me for dinner tonight. Please.”

There was something about the way he said it that made me stop dead in my tracks. His voice oozed need, not sexual need, but something else. Something more. My hand drops from the doorknob, and I turn around, facing him. His lips, usually smiling a sexy, cocky smile, are slightly parted, a look of anticipation on his face.

Without thinking, I reply instantly. “Yes.”

Alex blinks, a surprised look on his face. “Splendid. I’ll collect you at seven o’clock tonight.”

“Okay. I’ll see you then,” I reply, still surprised at myself for agreeing to have dinner with him. I know this isn’t right, but I can’t help myself.

“I look forward to it.”

 

 

Alex stands in his massive walk-in closet, his eyes skipping over his collection of designer shirts, tailored trousers, and silk ties. He was thinking about what he would wear tonight for his date with Katherine. He selects a pair of black Armani trousers, a white button down shirt, unbuttoned at the collar, and a black suit jacket with a navy blue paisley pocket square. Polished, but not too much.

He wonders how the date will go. It’s been awhile since he has been on a proper date. Sure, he meets women, sleeps with them. But, date them? No. Dating was not really his scene. Not until Katherine came along. He didn’t know why she was so unlike all the others, why he felt differently about her, but he did.

Alex had not felt this way since Michelle. Michelle. Sweet, lovely Michelle. He hadn’t thought of her in awhile. Every so often, something would remind him of her, but he would quickly push her out of his mind, the memories too painful.

Alex finished and stepped onto his private elevator, the doors closing swiftly, and pushed the button to the underground parking area. He stepped off the elevator, his eyes automatically making a quick sweep of his surroundings. Antonio was there, waiting. He climbs into the Mercedes limo, the soft leather molding to him.

As Antonio drives towards Katherine’s place, Alex has a feeling that his date with Katherine will be a turning point in their relationship. Alex smiles at the thought. Relationship. This is definitely going to be something different.

 

 

I stand outside the front lobby of my flat. I’m fidgeting, pulling at my skirt, playing with my necklace. I don’t know why. I’ve been out with him before, at the pub, and we’ve kissed twice. This just feels more like a date. I guess it’s because it is a date.

The night is chilly and I’m wearing a cream colored coat, along with the scarf. I smile, hoping he likes it.

A sleek, black Mercedes limousine arrives, and Antonio walks around to open the door for me.

“Miss Harris,” he says, opening the door.

“Thank you, Antonio,” I reply, while carefully sliding into the vehicle.

Alex is sitting in the seat next to me, his body turned towards mine, legs crossed, one arm on the back of the leather seat. As soon as I see him I want to fall into him, lay my head on his chest, feel his arms around me. I feel a rush of desire, the sensation ripping up and down my body, making me hot and wet.

He looks at me, eyes heavy-lidded. “Good evening, Katherine.”

“Hello.” We hold each other’s gaze for a moment, both feeling the sexual tension mounting between us.

“You look beautiful tonight. I like your scarf,” he says, reaching out, holding the scarf between his fingers.

“Why, thank you, Mr. McCall,” I respond, teasingly. He laughs, enjoying the flirtation.

“You’re welcome, Miss Harris.” He takes my hand, gives it a gentle squeeze. “We’ll be dining at Annabelle’s. Is that alright with you?” he asks.

“I’m in your hands,” I say, giving him a flirty smile. All thoughts of Alex being my boss have vanished from my mind.

“Well, in that case, I’d better handle with care.” He takes my hand and brings it to his lips, sending a wave of heat rolling over me.

We arrive to the restaurant, a non-descript two-story white building. Antonio walks around and opens the door, Alex sliding out of the Mercedes behind me. A doorman opens the door to the restaurant, nodding to Alex. “Good evening, Mr. McCall.”

The interior of Annabelle’s is like walking into a fantasy world – sumptuous, decadent, and very sexy. Crisp, white linens cover the tables, candles flicker everywhere casting a warm glow. Original paintings are displayed on the walls throughout, each one more colorful and vibrant than the last.

The maître d’ leads us to a small, softly lit, private room.

“I hope this meets your expectations. I wanted something……intimate,” Alex says, pulling a chair out for me.

“Alex, this is lovely,” I murmur softly, seduced by the decor of the restaurant.

“I’m pleased you like it. I’ve taken the liberty of ordering already.”

A bottle of Dom Perignon arrives. Alex pops the top, and pours two glasses.

“A toast,” Alex says, raising his glass. “To new adventures.”

“To new adventures,” I echo, our champagne flutes lightly clinking together. I take a long sip of the champagne, savoring the sweet taste, the bubbles dancing over my tongue.

Our food arrives, a slow procession of the most delectable appetizers and entrees. Each one even more delicious than the previous. And then the best part – dessert. We share a chocolate éclair with creamy vanilla custard topped with chocolate glaze.

“This has been wonderful, Alex,” savoring the last bite of chocolate éclair. “The restaurant, the champagne, the food……....you.” Our eyes lock upon each other, and in that instant the world slowly falls away.

“Come home with me tonight.” He voice is gruff, full of need and desire.

“I want to. I do. It’s just…,” I trail off, my voice soft.

“It’s just what, Katherine. Tell me,” he whispers. There is an urgency to his voice. He strokes my cheek, moving his hand to the back on my neck, pulling me closer to him, our foreheads touching.

“It’s wrong for us to be together. You are my boss. I’m your employee, your assistant. It’s a boundary we shouldn’t cross. I shouldn’t cross.” I close my eyes, inhale the intoxicating scent of his masculinity, fighting to maintain control.

He pulls back from me, his hand still lightly caressing the back of my neck. His eyes search mine, searching for a way in, for a way past my guard.

“The only boundaries that exist are the ones we impose upon ourselves. I won’t live my life with boundaries. That’s not a way to live.”

“I’m scared, Alex. I don’t want to get hurt.”

“This is new for me, too. Let me open up a new world for you. Let’s see where it takes us.”

He kisses me tenderly, and I can feel his passion simmering just under the surface, waiting to erupt in full force. The fight between the rational, logical part of my brain is quickly losing to my overwhelming desire for him. An internal battle of which I know what the outcome will be. I’ve known it the moment I laid eyes on Alex.

“Yes,” I respond, my voice shaking. He draws me to him, arms wrapped around each other.

We leave the restaurant, hand in hand, excitement coursing through my veins in anticipation of what the night will bring.