I looked up from my computer. My desk was right outside his office. I could see he was on a call and didn’t look happy about the conversation. Since I started working here, I had been so busy we hadn’t had a chance to talk. We had 4 events this week alone and I was handling the International Coffee Convention. I was looking forward to it, I enjoyed coffee, but I didn’t know there were actual conventions for it. I hit send on the email to our venue manager when his door flew open. His eyes fell on me immediately and my stomach flip-flopped. “Miss Reid! Thank god you’re still here, I need you. Get in here…” he turned and stalked back into his office.
I turned to Jessie, she gave me a shrug. Mouthing “good luck” as I made my way around my desk. We knew what he was like when he was in a mood and I could only guess it had something to do with my event. I walked into his office and closed the door. “Mr Hart? Has something happened?” He looked up at me then and his piercing blue eyes sparkled in the ray of sunlight coming through his window.
“Miss Reid, sit.” His voice hard, commanding. I slid into one of the plush black leather chairs opposite his desk. His eyes took in my appearance and I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. I took a deep breath to steady my nerves.
“What can I help you with?” Trying to not show any reaction to his intense gaze that roamed my body.
He unnerved me, exactly the same way I felt 2 months ago when I sat in this chair for my interview. Dressed in a black suit and white dress shirt, he looked ever the businessman. He had taken off his silver tie and had a few buttons undone. I got a small glimpse of a tattoo beneath the shirt, but as he moved it was hidden from my view. He was good-looking to a point that it hurt. His strong jaw line, the long lashes and those intense blue eyes that looked right through you. I shook my head, I needed to concentrate. He was my boss for god sake, I needed to get a grip.
“We need to set-up for this coffee thing tomorrow. They’ve changed the dates and I am furious. I had meetings planned tomorrow which now need moving since you will not be in the office. I needed you in those meetings, but it seems you will have to go and supervise these idiots. I will email you the details, but please get back here as soon as you have done the set-up!” His strained voice a sexy rasp. I have been out of the office before. I didn’t understand why he was so adamant on keeping me away from this convention. “Yes, sure, I will certainly get back as soon as I can. What time do you want me there tomorrow?”
“You need to arrive at 6 am, they will have the venue opened and ready for the stalls to be set up. I am sorry it’s so early. Would you like me to get the car to pick you up?” His gaze was intense, I shook my head, unable to speak, and I felt a flutter in my stomach.
“No, thanks…” was all I managed to mumble.
I got up, thinking I was dismissed when he caught me off guard. “Miss Reid, do you have plans this evening?” Startled by his question, I stared at him.
“No, I uh… I figured I will have an early night since I have an early morning tomorrow.” I smiled.
He nodded, “I will take you for dinner tomorrow then. After work.” He picked up his phone and called Jessie, “Make reservations for 2 at Candle 79, tomorrow at 7.” He smiled dismissing me.
I wasn’t sure what to say. He was taking me to a restaurant, for dinner. I smiled and made my way to the door. I reached for the doorknob, my hand was shaking. Making my way to my desk, I slid into my chair, shocked. Jessie’s eyes met mine and she winked. “What? I mean…” I whispered to her. She put a finger to her lips to silence me.
“Later…” she whispered.
Needless to say, I sat there confused. I decided to work on my calendar for tomorrow. Blocking out my morning so I was not scheduled for any meetings.
The rest of the day was busy. Scheduling meetings with future clients and liaising with agencies for our events. Most will be assisting with our off-site work. When the office door opened at 5:30, I looked up to see those beautiful blue eyes. His gaze fell on me. “See you ladies tomorrow…” he didn’t give Jessie a second glance as he walked through the office.
He was always so controlled and calm. He was amazing with the staff, getting to know each of us. I suppose with the new staff like me, that warranted a dinner. That’s what made him different. Most bosses weren't as caring. I was definitely never invited out to dinner with any of my previous bosses.
I looked over at Jessie as soon as he left, “Tell me!”
She giggled, “Okay, okay! I think he likes you! He has never taken any other girls to dinner before. He has never dated another girl since his ex-fiancée left.” I stared at her open-mouthed.
I was in shock, “But, he’s… he’s my boss?”
She shrugged, she didn’t see a problem with this. “Hey, if he likes you, he is going to get you, he is… persistent.”
“He clearly doesn’t know me well then; I don’t just fall for anyone.” I shut down my computer and grabbed my bag. “See you tomorrow? I am out till late afternoon, it’s in my diary.”
She smiled. “Sure, good luck with set up, call me if you need anything.” I nodded and made my way out of the office.
—∆—
Unlocking my apartment door, I stepped inside and felt myself relax. I leaned against the door for a few seconds. My mind has been playing out the reasons for the dinner with Triston. I knew tomorrow was going to be a long day. I needed an early night, but my mind didn’t wander far from those searing blue eyes. Why would he want to take me to dinner? I am sure it’s just a welcome dinner, which was what I was telling myself anyway. I have always had the standard welcome. A bunch of flowers or box of chocolates, not an expensive dinner.
I opened the refrigerator, leftovers would have to do, I was in no mood for cooking tonight. I put the container in the microwave and walked over to my bag. I pulled out my phone to check the social media notifications for the company. I needed to update the statuses and dates for the convention. As I unlocked my phone I saw a text message from Triston.
*See you tomorrow, I look forward to it. Mr Hart*
I smiled, he was handsome and charming, but the more I thought about it, I don’t know if dating the boss is such a good idea. That’s if what Jessie said is true. The microwave alerted me that my leftover lasagne was ready. Grabbing a fork, I put my phone back in my bag and grabbed that as well. I needed to sit down. I hated wearing heels, at least tomorrow I could wear my flats.
I opened my laptop and logged in. I ate as I watched the notifications pop up on-screen. All the events were happening on the same dates which meant we were busy. We had a few people taking shifts online. I grabbed my phone and hit reply to the message from Triston.
*So do I, Mr Hart. Till tomorrow.*
I put my phone down and carried on updating the statuses on our social media sites. I scooped up the last of the lasagne when my phone beeped again. I picked it up and unlocked the screen.
*Miss Reid, stop working and get some rest, I am online. Mr Hart*
I smiled at his message, he was so demanding yet sweet. I decided tomorrow would be a nice dinner, but I couldn’t date my boss. I would tell him tomorrow. I logged out of the work accounts and into my personal ones. Nothing of interest. I haven’t heard from anyone back home since I left. I still couldn’t believe it’s been almost 3 months since I left. I hit reply on the text message.
*Thank you, Mr Hart, have a good evening.*
I giggled like a schoolgirl at the exchange between us. You would never believe that he was 43yrs old, he acted like he was 23. I put my phone on the sofa and got up. In the kitchen I put the container in the sink and filled it with hot soapy water, it would have to wait till morning.
I went back to the living room and shut down my laptop. Grabbing my phone off the sofa I went to the bathroom to get ready for bed. My phone beeped again as I was getting into bed. Another message, did he ever sleep? He seemed to be awake till all hours of the night.
*Not sure good is what my evening is, I am working. Sleep now.*
How could I disagree with the boss man’s orders? I made sure my alarm was on, turning off my bedside lamp and got under the covers. I laid on the bed looking at the ceiling, my head spinning from this strange day.
—∆—
I groaned at the sound of my alarm. Four thirty, and way too early for any sane person to be awake. I rolled out of bed and turned on the bedside lamp, it felt like I had gotten no sleep at all. I needed two things, coffee, and a shower, in that particular order. I stumbled to the kitchen and turned on the kettle. Making my way back to the bedroom, I picked up my phone, opening my iMessage I scrolled down to Jessie’s number.
*What am I meant to wear to dinner?*
I heard the kettle boil and walked back into the kitchen. I added the filter to the little AeroPress, scooped the coffee in and poured the water, filling it up. I loved the smell of this Colombian blend. It was rich, chocolatey, and strong which is exactly what I needed today. Walking into the bathroom, I turned on the light. Everything seemed too bright today. I set the mug of coffee on the counter and turned on the shower. I stripped down and stepped in. The hot spray hit me, it was relaxing and calming, but I couldn’t enjoy it for too long, I needed to get to work. I can’t believe I am awake before sunrise; this is a first.
I was ready by 5:30, I knew it would take me 15 mins to the venue in a cab so I wasn’t in a rush. I stepped out onto the landing and locked my apartment when my phone beeped.
*Miss Reid, the car is downstairs, I prefer if you let the driver take you to the venue. Mr Hart*
I walked down to the entrance foyer of my apartment block, I opened the door and looked out, the car was waiting for me. Charlie, our company driver, waved at me and I smiled. I walked up to the car as he got out to open the door for me, “Charlie, you do not have to open the door for me!” I laughed and he gave me a nod. “Mr Hart instructed me to look after you, Miss Reid.” I slid into the back seat of the Lexus SUV and he closed the door. I guessed that Mr Hart wanted me supervised. This was my first big event; I suppose he didn’t trust me yet. I was going to have to prove to him that I am made for this job.
We pulled up to the venue at 5:50. I had ten minutes to spare, I hope the coffee roasters were ready, I needed another coffee. I got out of the car before Charlie could get out to open the door for me. I waved a goodbye to him and made my way to the entrance where I saw Charlene.
“Miss Reid, good morning,” Charlene smiled. We had met a few days ago in the introduction meeting.
“Hi Charlene, please call me Em,” she shook my outstretched hand and smiled.
“Em, we need to get the guys inside up and ready by midday. They’re going to bring in all the equipment. Also, the tables need setting up. I need you to supervise, or nothing will actually get done.”
I nodded, “Coffee first?” She smiled and we walked to the large cafeteria. The venue was large enough to hold 500 people, there would be at least 50 coffee companies exhibiting. There were already a few people milling around. I supposed they were some of the roasters that were joining the convention. We grabbed a couple of coffees when I heard a deep voice behind me. I turned to see where it was coming from, or who it was coming from.
I laid eyes on the source of my distraction. He was talking to some friends and turned to catch my gaze. I looked into beautiful hazel eyes that had a naughty sparkle in them. A rugged, tanned god, with dark hair. Dressed in tight black jeans and a black t-shirt which seemed to hug his muscled arms perfectly. He was handsome, not much taller than me and I found myself blushing from his intense stare.
“Em, let me show you where the office is, you can set up if you need to work.” Charlene startled me, I turned to face her and nodded. I hoped she didn’t notice the flush on my cheeks. I tried keeping my eyes down, but I kept glancing at him from the corner of my eye. I followed her out of the cafeteria, but I felt the intense hazel-eyed gaze follow me.
The office was small, but there was space enough for the both of us to get on with what we needed to. I set up my laptop, connected to the Wi-Fi network and started downloading my emails. “What time do you reckon we will finish off here today?” I asked Charlene.
She looked up and shrugged. “About 5 I think, it shouldn’t be a late night, why? Got a date or something?”
I smiled and looked at my laptop, “Or something…”
—∆—
I handed my layout plans to the set-up crew coordinator and gave him the instructions. He was confident they would be done in 2 hours for set-up. That would take us to midday, which was perfect timing. Most of the companies that was participating had already arrived. The flooring for their particular stalls laid out. I walked around looking for those hazel eyes, but couldn’t find him. I wondered if he had already left. I suppose I could grab a cup of coffee from the cafeteria.
I walked around trying to decide on a coffee to get when I noticed they had set up some new blends. There were a few brews from local roasters that were featuring at the event. There was one I didn’t recognize, Tribal Fuel, sounded interesting. I poured some of filter coffee they had set up and the aroma hit me at once, it smelled amazing! I took a small sip and immediately got the mocha flavor it was strong but subtle. This was definitely going to be my new favorite.
“I hope you like the coffee.” A familiar deep voice startled me. I turned and was met with those intense hazel eyes. I nodded, “Yes, I think this just may be my new favorite coffee.” A genuine smile creased the corner of his eyes and made him look younger than I think he was.
“Well, that’s good, I guess I did my job right. Sebastian, but you can call me Bash…” He held out his hand. I shook it and his big strong hand engulfed mine.
“Nice to meet you, Bash, I am Emily, you can call me Em, though, nobody uses my full name anymore. Your coffee is amazing; I haven’t heard about it before. Is it new?” I stopped myself, realizing I was rambling. He let go of my hand and I felt nervous, his gaze was so intense I felt myself flush. He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. “Yes, our company opened a couple of months ago. So I guess we’re still new, but I have a lot of experience… with coffee. I hope I see more of you later; I have to finish setting up. Enjoy the coffee.” He winked and turned to walk away. I watched his retreating form and found my appreciative gaze locked on his tight black jeans. He definitely filled them out perfectly.
—∆—
I was running late, there were minor details I needed to finalize. I sat in Charlene’s office, checking my emails when my phone beeped.
*I trust your day has been productive Miss Reid? Your boss.*
*It has been; I apologize for the delay in getting back. Your employee.*
I hit send and a smile crept up on my lips, “Boyfriend?” Charlene asked as she stared at me mischievously. I smiled, “No, it’s uh… it’s just a friend.” How was I meant to tell someone I was smiling like a teenager at a text from my boss! I opened my other messages. Jessie had replied that she had Charlie picking me up at 5 pm, and there would be a dress in the car for me to wear. I sent a quick reply to thank her.
“I am about to go and check on the setup, can I bring you anything?” I asked as I opened the office door.
“Yea, sure, get me a coffee, something strong, I will be here a while.” I nodded and walked out, closing the door behind me.
“Miss Reid, can we get your signature on these?” The contractor caught me as I made my way through the exhibition area. I signed the forms giving them final clearance to finish the last structures. The venue looked amazing, and it smelled even better! I walked down to the cafeteria.
“Are you following me?” I turned to see the rugged Bash walking towards me, “I think you’re the one following me Bash.” I laughed, he smiled and his hazel eyes twinkled, I couldn’t help but stare at him. As I turned he grabbed me pulling me towards him. I had almost bumped into a contractor carrying a couple of long poles. “Shit! Thank you! I am not used to being awake as early as I was this morning…” I looked up and his face was so close to mine, I forgot to breathe. His strong arms felt warm around me and I felt myself relax into them.
“It’s part of my job you know, saving damsels in distress.” His face was a picture of amusement and it made me giggle, “Oh I am sure it’s a job you quite enjoy.” It was only when he stood me up did I realize I was leaning into him.
“Thank you, again…” I stepped back. I turned to walk to the cafeteria with him following alongside. “Can I get you a coffee?” Bash asked, “There are some amazing blends here, how do you take it?” I smiled, he had gone from flirting to professional in a matter of seconds. “I love strong coffee, no milk, no sugar.”
He nodded in agreement. “My kind of girl,” making his way over to the table with the Tribal Fuel coffee. He grabbed an unmarked bag and started grinding some beans.
“Is that your special stash?” I joked. He finished up by setting the machine to boil and turned to me. “Absolutely! A special coffee for a special lady, that’s my company motto. And it also might keep you from injuring yourself, since I won’t be around once you go back to your fancy office.” He winked and turned back to the coffee machine. I frowned at his strange remark, I wondered how he knew I worked in a fancy office.
He handed me a cup and I inhaled the strong scent of rich chocolate and caramel. “This smells amazing.” I looked up at him and he looked pleased with himself, nodding and smiling at me. The warmth of the cup felt good and I imagined that’s how he would feel.
“Well, it tastes even better…” I took a sip and he was right, it was definitely mouth-watering.
“Do you try to impress all the girls with your coffee making skills?” I narrowed my eyes at him.
He shook his head, “Only the pretty ones…” he smirked at the incredulous look I gave him, “I better get back to work. See you around.” And with that he was gone.