Chapter Seven
Becca
My eyes were locked on Chance as he leaned on the table, his hand just inches from mine. I wanted to reach out and touch it, but I held back. I promised myself this was about the job, nothing else, but everything he just told me made so much sense. I felt the lust and desire taking over my body. I reached under the table and pinched myself on the leg, attempting to snap myself out of the dream I felt myself slipping into. Connected. His last word still hung in the air even as he talked about the job.
“What I need for this project, more than anything is someone who knows what they’re doing, as well as someone I can trust.” Chance cut into his pan-seared sea bass as he continued. “That’s why I want you with me Becca.”
I nodded in response. This was all too much. My head swam at the thought of sitting across from him, now knowing all of the details of who he was. I was never impressed by wealth, but Chance seemed to have it all. His expensive suit, slicked back hair, and those soft blue eyes were driving me crazy. His every movement stirred me. I played with my food as I pretended to listen to his smooth voice and make sense of what he was saying.
“There’s also a project coming up in Vegas I could really use your help with it.”
Chance paused and I immediately and unconsciously responded. “Yeah…Vegas…” I looked into his eyes as he stared at me, the words he uttered finally sinking in. “Wait…Vegas? I think we should slow down for a bit.” I knew I wasn’t ready to take on anything in Vegas or make the trip with him. There were so many memories there, both good and bad. “Why don’t we work on the current project, see how it goes?”
“Yes.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “Sorry…I’m just excited.”
“I’m excited too.” I tilted my head slightly, keeping his gaze. My hand twirled my hair as I spoke. “I don’t think I said this yet, but I’m really grateful for this opportunity.”
“I’m just grateful that you accepted.”
Together we made it through the four amazing courses of dinner and wines that were paired with each. Between the champagne and wine my head was in a fog, but not enough to forget about everything we had talked about. I felt myself getting lost with him like we had when we first met. The conversation between us flowed effortlessly. My desire for a business meeting had been thrown to the side as we talked about everything else outside of business. The dinner ended and we stood outside on the sidewalk where he had met me just a few hours earlier. The cool summer breeze drifted down the street. “I think I’m going to walk home tonight. It’s such a perfect evening, and I have so much on my mind right now.”
“No way Becca. I know how I’m feeling after dinner and our wine. Besides, walking home from here alone is not something I’m going to let you do. My driver is just over there, let me drop you off.”
I felt myself wobble just a bit as I smiled at him and agreed to his offer. I grabbed a hold of his arm as he walked me to the black car with the tinted windows. The same car where he had made me the job offer. We slid into the back seat and were on our way.
“I really had fun tonight.” Chance chuckled. He rested his arm on the top of the black leather seat. His arm was practically wrapped around me. “I hope you did as well.”
“You know what…” I smiled and leaned my head against his arm. “I really did, I don’t think I ever had such a fun business dinner.”
“Well, I’m…I mean that’s great.”
“Yeah.” I breathed in his scent. My eyes lingered over his soft lips. I wanted to kiss him. I wanted to do more than kiss him. “I’m really glad we met up again. I’m sorry I didn’t give you a chance to explain what happened with Sara. I just wasn’t sure what to believe.” I felt the fog of the alcohol thickening as I continued to ramble.
“But you…” He hesitated as his eyes darted from mine to my lips and then back to my eyes. “You believe me now, right?”
“I do.” I sighed as the car pulled over in front of my apartment. “Wow, that was quick.” I giggled and reached for the door.
Chance opened his door and quickly ran to the other side, pulling my door open and extending his hand. “I’ll walk you up.”
“No that’s ok.” I knew I would be too tempted to drag him inside if he got anywhere near my door. I tilted my head back and smiled at him.
“Alright.” Chance smiled back at me. He leaned in as he placed his hand on my hip and attempted to kiss my cheek.
I spontaneously turned my head so my lips met his. His full, familiar lips locked on mine and then he immediately pulled away. My lips tingled from his kiss and I wanted more. “I’m sorry!” He quickly apologized as I held on to his arm.
“Goodnight Chance.” I smiled up at him.
“Goodnight Becca.” He watched me as I made my way inside. I could barely contain my excitement. I opened my apartment door to find Melissa on the couch watching TV.
“Hey girlie.” Melissa said as she shifted to face me. “How’s Chris? Hot date?”
“Not exactly.” I said sheepishly as I took a seat next to Melissa. “Promise you won’t be mad? I really feel like this is good for me.”
“What did you do?” Melissa probed, as she sat up looking at me.
“Well…my mother called and she started in about moving home and jobs and…”
“Spill it Becca…”
“I decided to take the job with Chance.” I cringed as I gave her the news.
“You what!” Melissa leaned in closer to me. “Are you sure that’s what you want? Why would you do that?”
“It’s a really great opportunity.”
“So you were just with Chance?”
“Yes we had dinner together.” I smiled and felt myself blushing. Melissa shook her head and smiled back. “I really feel like we cleared the air.”
“Well…it’s your decision. I may not agree, but I’ll support you.” Melissa leaned in and gave me a huge hug. “Honestly after I saw how much he offered you I really thought it would be best to take the job.”
“Really?” I laughed as I pulled back. “I thought you were totally against it!”
“Well, I was trying to be supportive.” Melissa smirked. “But honestly for that kind of money I’d work with someone I hated. I’m glad you had a chance to clear things up, at least for now.” She giggled. “This wasn’t a date, was it?”
“Well, I don’t know.” I could feel my ears burn. “But I do like him.” The pounding on the door caught us both off guard and I immediately smiled. “Maybe he forgot something…”
We both looked at each other and together walked to the door.
I quickly pulled the door open, a huge smile on my face. “Did you f–”
“So that’s why you canceled our dates?” Chris stood in the doorway towering over both Melissa and I.
“Chris calm down!” My hands were shaking and I had never seen this side of him before. “It was a work meeting. I got a job.”
“Oh yeah? So do you kiss every guy that gives you a job?” Chris’s face filled with redness as he pumped his fists open and closed. “I can’t believe you’re sleeping with someone else.”
“Whoa, wait a minute Chris…were not–”
“I know you are…” Chris looked passed me and stared at Melissa. “You knew about this and you didn’t say anything?” He shook his head back and forth and then looked at me head on. “I really liked you Becca…and you had to go and fuck it up.” Chris turned and started down the hallway. “Just you wait…bitch.”