Grabbing at the loud obtrusive sound next to me, I found my phone under a pillow and turned my alarm off. The thought of going into the office today was something I was not looking forward to. I wasn’t sure how to handle seeing Triston. After last night I did not want to face him. I rolled over, looking up at the ceiling as the events of last night ran through my mind. I bit my lower lip, closing my eyes, feeling his tongue slowly, deliberately, grazing my lip. I trembled at the memory.
I needed to get out of bed, this was driving me insane. Rolling out of bed, I slipped on my dressing gown and went into the kitchen. I turned on the coffee machine and took the beans out of the refrigerator. My phone beeped in the bedroom, I set up the coffee to brew and walked back to retrieve my phone. Who could be messaging me this time of the morning?
*Miss Reid, you’re needed at the venue today. Charles will collect you at 7:30, I want you back in the office at midday. Understood?*
Well, that answered my question, we were back to formalities. At least this gave me a few hours to ready myself to see him this afternoon. Hopefully he would be at a meeting and I wouldn’t have to deal with him till tomorrow. I hit reply.
*Certainly, Mr Hart.*
I didn’t see the need in mentioning last night if he didn’t. The scent of coffee filled the kitchen, I grabbed my mug and filled it. Walking back into the bedroom, I grabbed a pair of jeans and a t-shirt from my closet and laid them on the bed. I wasn’t dressing up if I was going to be working at the venue. It suddenly dawned on me that I might see Sebastian. I smiled at the thought of seeing those beautiful hazel eyes and that rugged exterior. My phone beeped again.
*Thank you for a lovely evening last night Miss Reid. We should do it again soon…*
I read the message twice. He was giving me whiplash. Come here, let me tease you with my tongue! No wait, let me run off into the night! Ugh men!
I didn’t want to reply to him right now, let him suffer. I needed to get ready for work. In the bathroom I turned on the shower and I heard my phone beep again. I ignored it, I am sure it can wait till I am done. The hot water was relaxing. I closed my eyes and the steel-blue gaze flashed through my mind, haunting me. I wanted to kiss him so much. I did want him, but he clearly didn’t feel the same. So I should just forget him and move on.
As soon as I stepped out of the shower my doorbell buzzed. I wrapped the towel around myself and made my way to the door. The buzzing turned to loud knocking. Who the fuck was banging down my door this time of the morning? Not thinking I flung the door open.
“What?!” I gasped as I was met with the most intense blue gaze I had ever seen. His eyes travelled gradually from my face, down my towel to my dripping wet legs. Obviously, I had picked the smallest fucking towel I owned this morning.
I shivered as the cold breeze blew through the open door. “Triston, Mr Hart, uhm… Hi, come in,” I stepped back, my heart was hammering in my throat. “Miss Reid, nice to…” he looked me up and down with a predatory grin, “see you again.” He walked into my apartment, his eyes darting around the room taking in his surroundings.
“Why are you? I mean… What are you doing here?” I stumbled over my words.
He turned to face me and I felt like the prey caught by the hunter. I wrapped the towel tighter, but it didn’t budge. “I came to pick you up for work, if you answered your phone you might have known that.” He said as a matter of fact.
“I was… uhm… in the shower.” I pointed to the door absentmindedly.
He nodded, “Yes… I can definitely see that Miss Reid. I sincerely hope you were planning on wearing more clothes than that to work? You never know what kind of vultures would swoop down and grab you.” His eyes darkened. “Dressed in the smallest towel I have ever seen.” His voice trailed off and his eyes stopped on my wet legs. The towel just about covering the top half of my thighs and I blushed.
“Yes… yes, of course, I better go get ready, make yourself comfortable.” I walked back to the bedroom and drawers to find underwear. My hands were trembling, I needed to get it together. Shit! I took a deep steadying breath and got dressed.
—∆—
Walking back into the living room 10 minutes later I found Triston sitting on my sofa typing on his phone. He looked up and smiled. “That’s much better for work. I approve.” He carried on typing, I ignored his comment and walked into the kitchen, “Would you like a coffee?” I turned to look at him and he nodded. “Please…”
I turned on the kettle. It would be easier than using the coffee machine, since we were in a hurry. Preparing the two mugs on the counter, I took a calming breath. I knew I needed to eat breakfast but I was too nervous to eat. I grabbed the bag of coffee and the scoop. I couldn’t believe Triston was sitting in my apartment, on my sofa.
“Miss Reid,” I jumped at his voice, dropping the bag of coffee in my hand. He swooped down and caught it before it hit the floor. His reflexes were perfect, as was everything about him. “Mr Hart, I didn’t hear you.” I took the bag from him and my fingers brushed along his. The electric current that I was getting so used to coursed through my body.
“You were miles away, care to tell me where you went to?” He studied me.
His piercing blue eyes amused at my discomfort. “I was just thinking, about the event, I am looking forward to trying some more coffee. Are you joining me? I found an amazing new roaster who has a lovely blend, they’re called Tribal Fuel.” His eyes darkened and annoyance crossed his face.
“No, I will be dropping you off and going to a meeting.” He turned and walked back into the living room. Sitting down, picking up his phone from the table he busied himself. He really was peculiar sometimes.
—∆—
We sat quietly in the car as Triston made his way through the traffic. I watched the people on the sidewalk. Hurrying to get to work. I thought about seeing Sebastian again, I wanted to see those hazel eyes again. I licked my lips and realized I had forgotten my lip gloss on the kitchen counter. “Miss Reid, why do you persist on doing that?” His voice filled with irritation.
I turned to look at him, his profile was beautiful against the darkened window. “Doing what, Mr Hart?” A smirk crossed his lips, “Mmm… never mind, leave it at that. Here we are, I wish you a good day, I will see you back at the office at midday, no later. Charles will collect you.” His eyes met mine.
“I am sure I can--”
He cut me off, “I said Charles will collect you. Have a good day Miss Reid?” I got out of the car.
“Thank you, Mr Hart.” I closed the door and walked towards the venue. I could feel his eyes on my back, but I didn’t turn around. I heard the purr of the engine pull away.
—∆—
I walked into the office and found Charlene at her desk. “Charlene, how are you?”
She looked up and smiled at me, “Great, things are going really well, everyone is happy, so that makes me happy. I am so glad to see you. I need your help with some photos. Triston mentioned you are pretty good at that, so I figured you could take shots of the event?”
“Oh, Triston did? He never mentioned that he told you.” She shrugged as she opened the cupboard door, “Well, you know how he can be sometimes…” I nodded, did I ever!
I walked up to the desk as she pulled out the camera. It was the brand new Canon EOS 5D SR. One I had my eye on for ages, but it was way out of my price range. “Let me have a look we would need specific settings for the indoor venue.” Charlene handed me the camera and memory card and I went through the various settings. “I am going to grab a coffee first and then get to it if you don't mind? Triston wants me back at the office at midday.”
“Yea, sure, he can be such a slave driver honestly.” She giggled, I could tell she had a crush on him, but I didn’t say anything more. I smiled and made my way back down to the cafeteria.
I went straight to the Tribal Fuel section and grabbed a mug, “Wow, back so soon?” I spun around and saw Sebastian. Dressed in tight blue jeans and a black t-shirt with the company logo across the front. He looked hot and I couldn't help but admire him.
“Well, you got me hooked to the amazing coffee. What can I say?” I smiled and he laughed.
Giving me a cheeky wink, “And here I thought it was my good looks and boyish charm that brought you back.”
I blushed and took a sip of the coffee. “Sorry to disappoint you, Bash, I don’t stalk just anyone you know.” His laugh was deep and his eyes sparkled at the challenge. He stepped towards me and my heart leaped into my throat, he reached behind me and grabbed a mug. I stepped aside, his spicy scent enveloped my senses and I watched him pour his coffee. His hands big, strong and rugged, completely opposite to Triston. One thing I did notice they have in common were those beautiful pulsing veins.
“So, what brings you back today?” He turned to look at me and caught me looking at his hands. “I uh…” holding up the camera, as my voice so obviously abandoned me. “Photos…” I wanted the ground to open and swallow me, I sounded like a bumbling idiot. I was sure he would think I was crazy. I smiled, hoping he didn’t notice my fumble. I knew he could see the blush that heated my face.
“Beautiful and talented… Is there anything you can’t do?” He looked at me and smiled. I thought about it for a second, “Well, I definitely can’t ride a horse, fell off once and never tried again.”
He laughed, a deep sexy growl and my heart raced. “Emily, can I ask you something?” I nodded, not sure of what was coming, “I want to take you out, to dinner, or something, say yes?”
He looked so adorable.
“Mmmm, do you normally pick up random girls at coffee conventions?” I asked and giggled at his pained expression. Watching him was like looking at a little boy begging for his favorite sweets. “Okay, okay, I will go to dinner with you as long as you supply me with coffee for the rest of my life?” His smile was contagious, I found myself smiling.
“Done deal! So that means you would trust me enough to give me your number?” He said excitedly.
I nodded, “I guess so since you will be picking me up… ready?” He nodded and pulled out his phone. “555 490 6277” I watched him add the number to his contacts. He sent a text message and my phone beeped.
“I had to make sure you weren't giving me a random number!” He winked, turned on his heel and walked off. I stood there dumbfounded. Two dates in one week, that must be a record.
I pulled my phone out of my pocket and unlocked the screen, opening my messages.
*Checking to see if you are real. Bash x*
I smiled. I liked him, he was sweet and clearly interested. Unlike someone else that can't make up his mind what he actually wants.
I spent the next two hours taking photos of the event. Every time I passed the Tribal Fuel stall I felt his gaze on me, watching me move through the crowds. Our eyes met a few times and every time my heart raced.
—∆—
I sat in the car as Charlie drove me back to the office, the nerves had set in and I didn’t know what to expect from Triston. I wondered why Triston insisted on calling him Charles. He was so sweet I think Charlie fitted him better. I took my phone out of my bag and saw a message from Triston.
*Miss Reid, when you get in please meet me in my office.*
I had felt guilty agreeing to a date with Bash, but Triston made it clear he wasn’t interested. Since reading his message, I knew we were back to business. He obviously wanted a professional relationship, I could handle that. I just couldn’t handle his tongue on my lips, a shiver ran down my spine at the memory. If he wanted to keep it professional, then we needed to stop the game that was so obvious between us.
“Here we are Miss Reid, have a lovely afternoon,” Charlie pulled up outside the offices. “Thank you, Charlie, please call me Em?” He nodded, but I knew he wouldn’t. I got out of the car and made my way to the elevator. I pressed the call button and waited.
When the elevator doors opened I waited for it to empty before stepping inside. I pressed 20 and just before the doors closed a briefcase wedged between them. As they slid open Triston stepped in and my breath hitched. “Miss Reid, nice to see you clothed in more than a towel.” His smirk was naughty and I blushed bright red.
“Mr Hart, nice to see you, not banging down my door.” He smirked and the elevator lurched up. We stood in comfortable silence. My body reacting to the closeness of his body, my skin prickled with anticipation. I felt the heat radiating from him. Dressed in a black Armani suit and silver dress shirt with a black tie, he looked breath-taking. I felt the need to pull his tie towards me and kiss him. My mouth suddenly went dry, without thinking I licked my lips.
“For god sake.” Dropping his briefcase, he grabbed me by the shoulders. He pinned my back firmly against the wall and his body pressed against mine. “You need. To stop. Doing. THAT!” His face was inches from mine, I felt his hot breath on my face, an ache tugged at my lower abdomen. The electricity between us was inescapable and difficult to ignore. We were clearly fighting something that was unavoidable.
I looked into his hot blue gaze. “Doing what Triston?” I breathed his name. I deliberately licked my lower lip. His eyes darkened. “Fuck it!” he growled and his mouth crashed onto mine, his lips devouring me hungrily. Our tongues tangled and danced. I sucked on his tongue, feeling him lick into my mouth. He growled and I pressed my body against him. I needed him, I ached to feel his touch.
The elevator came to a stop and dinged to alert us that we had reached our destination. Triston stepped back and released his grip on my shoulders. Picking up his briefcase, he stepped out of the elevator like nothing had happened.
I followed him out of the elevator still reeling from the kiss. He held the office door open for me and I walked past him. Jessie turned and saw us walking in together, she raised her eyebrows and I shrugged. He walked into his office, “Miss Reid, meeting, please. Bring your iPad.”
—∆—
I walked into his office, “Close the door would you?” I turned to shut the door. Walking across the office towards his desk felt like walking the plank. His eyes were on me and my knees still felt wobbly from the elevator incident. Sinking into the black leather chair opposite his desk, I opened my Notes app and looked up at him. Lifting the lid of his laptop, he started typing. Without looking at me,he explained. “We need to plan an important event. Working as a team we will be in control of everything, from beginning to end. It’s in 2 months time. We have complete control over the look and feel and I want it to be the talk of the city.”
That sounded easy enough. I nodded,“Okay, what is the event?”He motioned for me to come to his desk.“Come around here, let me show you. The company that was handling it fucked it up last year. I won the account and now we have the chance to make mega bucks and it all goes to the charity of my choosing. We need this Miss Reid and you are the only one I trust to make it happen for me.” I leaned over his shoulder reading the information on the screen. Trying my best to ignore his scent that was intoxicating all my senses. He turned to look at me, his face once again inches from mine. My gaze dropped to his soft lips that were on mine not that long ago.“Sure, I can…”I stood up quickly and smiled, walking around the desk and sitting in the chair again. I typed a few notes and hoped that he couldn’t see my hand shaking.
He stared at me for a while. Getting up he walked around his desk, sitting on the edge his hands gripped the dark wood.“Miss Reid, can I take you out this weekend?”I looked up and stared at him, his face filled with an unreadable expression. He sounded as indecisive as I felt at his question. I was definitely going to need a neck brace with his back and forth. I remembered I had a date tonight, with Sebastian. I couldn’t date two men; this was going to get ridiculous. I decided to get to the bottom of it.
“Is this a date? Or will it be a professional meeting?” I cocked my head to the side, curious to hear his answer.
He looked thoughtful. He stared at me and smiled, his eyes were beautiful sparkling blue pools. “A bit of both Miss Reid, I hope that suits you?”
I nodded. “Fine, a professional date. Do you take all your new staff on professional dates?” I enquired, I was acting braver than I felt. His eyes narrowed and darkened at my challenge. My heart raced, I shouldn’t have pushed him. Finally, he smirked, it was dark and dangerous, “Do you like to challenge me, Miss Reid?”
I shrugged innocently, praying that he couldn’t see my heart hammering in my chest. “I was just wondering. No need to answer me if you don’t want to.” I answered cheekily. He gave a slight nod, acknowledging my statement.
“Stand up,” I obeyed his instruction, expecting him to dismiss me. He straightened and took a step towards me. My breath caught in my throat. My pulse quickened with the sexual tension radiating from him. He leaned down and I could see the beautiful hypnotic cerulean irises gazing at me. He brought his fingertips to my jaw line, slowly tracing the line from my ear to my chin. His eyes followed the path of his fingers. Lifting my head making sure our eyes met. His eyes flickered and he dropped his hand. My mouth went dry again, I licked my lips and his eyes darkened. He leaned down and licked my top lip, followed by my bottom lip. A moan escaped my mouth as I felt his tongue hot and wet on me. He flicked his tongue on the underside of my top lip. Sending a sensation all the way down my body which ignited the heat between my legs.
He stepped back. “You may go now, prepare a draft of the marketing plan for the event we spoke of. I want it emailed to me by 5 pm today,” he looked at his wristwatch. “That gives you 3 hours, that should be plenty of time, don’t you think?” His eyes met mine challenging me to respond.
I nodded, “Definitely Mr Hart, you will have it by 5 pm.” I turned and walked to the door, opening it without another word. I walked to my desk and glanced at Jessie, she mouthed “what the fuck” to me, I smiled and winked. I sat at my desk and looked up, his office had a large window which overlooked my desk. He was on a call now. His eyes met mine and we stared at each other for a few seconds before he broke eye contact and looked at his laptop. I put my earphones in and started up my iTunes. My messenger pinged and I opened it.
JessieW: “You need to tell me what’s happening?”
EmilyR: “We had dinner, nothing happened. He is not interested, it’s just professional.”
JessieW: “I don’t believe that, I am sure there is something going on, he is acting really strange.”
EmilyR: “Believe it! It is just professional.”
JessieW: “Weird… So, no kissing?”
I turned my head and looked at her with a knowing glance. I felt my face heat up at her question. She laughed out loud.
JessieW: “I KNEW IT!!”
I giggled and closed my messenger, I needed to work. I opened up my Pages app and created a new document. I loved setting up marketing plans and this was an amazing project. My messenger pinged again and I opened it.
TristonH: “You do realize I can see you?”
I frowned. What was he talking about? I looked up and saw him looking directly at me.
EmilyR: “I do realize that, yes. Why?”
TristonH: “Jessie and yourself giggling, I can only imagine what that was about…”
My face heated up again, shit!
EmilyR: “An overactive imagination is not good for you Mr Hart. It might drive you insane”
I looked up and saw his devilish smirk at my response.
TristonH: “Mmmhmm, yes, that is indeed what you do to me, Miss Reid.”
EmilyR: “I have work to do Mr Hart; my boss is expecting a marketing plan in a few hours”
TristonH: “He is? What a slave driver!”
EmilyR: “Yes he is… extremely demanding!”
TristonH: “You would do good to remember that, and remember that he ALWAYS gets what he wants.”
My stomach flip-flopped at his words. I looked up at him through the window, his eyes met mine and he gave me a brief nod. I smiled and looked back to my screen, trying to concentrate on my work.
—∆—
I hit send on my email and turned to Jessie as she was packing up. “I will see you tomorrow darling, let’s go for coffee after work?”
I nodded, “Yea, sure that sounds good!” The office suddenly felt abandoned, Triston and I were the only ones left. I shut down my laptop, picking up my phone I saw a message from Sebastian, sent 30 minutes ago.
*Dress casual, no fancy restaurants tonight, we’re going to have some fun. Bash*
I smiled, sounded good, I was definitely a tomboy at heart and was much more comfortable in jeans. I hit reply.
*Sounds like my kind of night, see you later*
I locked the screen and got up, grabbing my bag I slid my laptop in and grabbed the charger. I had my back to his office door. It was so quiet, but I didn’t hear him approach me. “Date tonight?” I jumped at Triston’s voice at my neck. I turned to look at him, his body inches from mine and I felt the heat radiating from him. I felt a familiar tug in my lower abdomen with him being so close to me.
“It’s just a dinner, why?” He shook his head and stepped back. I felt myself release the breath I was holding. His soft sweet cologne washed over me and had my senses in overdrive. It reminded me of a warm fresh spring morning. One that I wanted to so much be a part of, but he made it clear that wasn’t what he wanted.
“Be careful. Let me know when you get home?” He didn’t wait for an answer, he turned on his heel and walked back to his office and closed the door.
—∆—
I wore my blue Levis, black boots, and a blue tank top. I tied my shoulder length hair in a low ponytail and kept my makeup natural, adding some lip gloss. I was ready when Bash buzzed the apartment. I walked downstairs and opened the entrance door. He looked so handsome I almost forgot to breathe. His short brown hair spikey and his hazel eyes sparkled. He was dressed in tight ripped blue jeans, a black t-shirt with the company logo and a leather jacket. He had black biker boots on, and I noticed him holding a helmet.
“You look amazing! Ready babe?” his voice was deep and sexy, I felt a shiver down my spine. I nodded.
He handed me a white helmet. He grabbed his black one and put it on. I noticed an S on the side of his helmet. It looked like a lightning strike. He climbed on the black and red Ducati 550 and held out his hand to me. I climbed on and instinctively put my arms around his toned torso, “Ready to ride?” He looked back towards me.
“Definitely!” I haven’t been on a motorcycle in years, but I remembered the feeling of the wind rushing past you. He started the engine and revved it a couple of times. I felt the vibration between my thighs, and the goosebumps rose on every inch of my skin.
When he pulled onto the sidewalk 10 minutes later I looked up and saw we were outside a bar called Southpaw. I felt the adrenaline pumping through me from the ride. He helped me off the bike and kicked out the stand. Putting the keys in his pocket he held out his hand to me and I grabbed it. His fingers laced between mine and we made our way into the diner. We were in Brooklyn, that was as much as I knew. There was a queue to get into the bar, Bash walked up to the doorman who greeted him and opened the barrier. He obviously came here often if the doorman knew him.
“Would you like a drink? We can order dinner as well.” He pulled me against him and wrapped his arm around my neck. It felt so natural to be with him. He was so different to Triston.
“I don’t mind; do you think we can get a table?” He smiled and nodded.
We walked up to the bar, “Hey dude, how are you doing? Table please?” The barman shook Bash’s hand and motioned for us to follow him. We got a booth near the back of the large bar area, it was dimly lit with deep gold lighting making the red furniture glow. “Beer?” Bash looked at me, I nodded, “Yes, please.”
He showed the barman two fingers and then he turned to me. “Well, here we are. I apologize, I am not into fancy places that I am sure you are used to. Those places I don’t really step foot inside, unless my mother forces me to, and I never enjoy it anyway.” He laughed. I looked at his perfect smile. There was a rugged handsomeness to him.
“Don’t worry, neither do I! So where is your mom?” I giggled.
“She lives in LA, she hates New York, and she only visits a few times a year, when she comes to check up on me.” His eyes filled with mischief.
The barman walked over carrying our beers. “Here you go man, let me know if you want food, chef is finishing in an hour, so I need to get the food orders in.”
Bash nodded, “Give us a couple of minutes, I definitely want the burger and fries.” The barman nodded and walked off to serve another couple that had just walked in.
“So darling, you ready to eat some junk food with me? They make the best burgers and fries here.” His face animated, the excitement evident in his smile.
I laughed at his enthusiasm, he reminded me of a child excited to open his Christmas presents. Remembering how different dinner with Triston had been, fancy vegan food and red wine. “Then naturally I better try it. You seem to have good taste in coffee, so you better impress me with your taste in food.” I picked up my beer taking a sip. It wasn’t bad, I normally drink wine, but I wanted Bash to feel comfortable.
He sat back and stared at me, “Challenge accepted darling… Just you wait and see.” He got up and walked to the bar, my eyes followed his retreating back, he did fill out a pair of jeans really well. My phone beeped, I pulled it out of my jeans and unlocked the screen. My heart started racing. How can a message from him do this to me?
*Look after yourself please. I will pick you up for work tomorrow morning, make sure you’re dressed this time. T*
I stared at the screen, unsure of what to say. How do I even reply to him? Bash slid into the booth, “Everything okay?” He gestured to my phone.
I looked up and locked the screen quickly. “Yes, just my boss.”
He frowned, “Your boss always text you at night?” I shrugged, I didn’t really think about it, but I guess he was right. Although, Bash didn’t know I had gone to dinner with my boss.
“Yea, um, it’s just with all the event’s this week we have been really busy.” I smiled, “So, tell me about you?” I asked hopeful to change the subject.
His face visibly calmed down, “What do you want to know?”
“Well, tell me about your love for coffee? How did you come to work for Tribal Fuel?”
He gave me a small smile. “Okay, well, I traveled a lot when I was younger. I um… I had a lot of stupid interests and when I pulled my life together I found a love for coffee. The flavors, the aromas, it just intrigued me. I decided to see how it all started. I visited different farms, chatted to the roasters and then I decided to open Tribal Fuel.” His eyes met mine, waiting for my response to what he just told me.
“You OWN Tribal Fuel?” He nodded. “Wow, that’s amazing! You said you had a lot of stupid interests? Do I want to know what they were?” He looked down at the table, he shook his head. He was silent for a few minutes when we were interrupted by the waiter bringing our food. The burger was massive, I knew there was no way I would finish it, but it looked amazing.
“I hope you enjoy dinner, it’s one of my favorites!” Bash grabbed the ketchup and drowned his fries in the red sauce. I giggled, remembering a family barbecue with my mom shouting at us for drowning our food in ketchup. “Did you want some fries with your ketchup?” I asked jokingly.
Bash laughed, his eyes creased at the sides and I couldn’t help but feel at ease with him. “Indeed, my mom always fights with us when we do this!”
I looked up, “Us?” His smile faded and his eyes flickered with something I couldn’t make out. He put the ketchup bottle in the holder, grabbing a couple of fries.
“Yea, anyway I hope you enjoy it!” He tucked into his burger and I knew he was avoiding my question. I couldn’t force him to tell me anything, we didn’t know each other that well, yet.
—∆—
Bash pulled up to the sidewalk outside my apartment building. I was once again filled with adrenaline from the ride and feeling Bash’s taut torso against me. He helped me off the bike and pulled off his helmet as he kicked out the bike stand. His hair stood in every direction and I wanted to run my fingers through it. “Did you have a good time? Sorry, we have to cut the evening short, but I am flying out to Brazil tomorrow to check out some coffee farms.”
“That’s okay, I have an early morning too, so I need to get some rest.” I stood awkwardly in front of him, feeling like a teenager at the end of a date. He took a small step towards me and the scent of his cologne washed over me. It was a mix of spice, coffee, and chocolate, it made me think of a cozy fire crackling on a cold winter night. His hand lifted my chin till my eyes met his. My heart racing in my chest, the knot in my stomach tightened in anticipation of feeling his lips on mine.
He gazed at me intently and leaned down. I felt his warm lips on mine, his tongue pushing between my lips. His kiss was soft, warm and tender. There wasn’t a sexual ache that tugged at me like Triston’s kiss. There wasn’t that ferocious hunger that I felt when Triston’s lips touched mine. Completely different in so many ways, even the feeling I had around each of them.
My lips felt cold when he stepped back, “I will see you in a couple of days when I am back from Brazil, you busy on Saturday?”
I was about to say no when I remembered I was busy, with my boss. Shit! “Uhm, yea, I have… work, how about Sunday?”
He smiled and nodded, “Perfect, Sunday it is…”
He got back on the bike. Turning back to where I stood on the sidewalk, he tossed me the helmet. “Keep this for next time.” I caught it, thank god for netball at school.
“Is that a guarantee that you will see me again?” I asked, he nodded and winked.
“As a matter of fact it is darling,” pulling the helmet over his spikey hair. Turning on the engine he revved it a couple of times and raced off into the night. I smiled looking down at the helmet, a promise. One that I wasn’t sure how I could keep.
I walked up to the entrance door and made my way upstairs. As I unlocked my apartment door my phone beeped in my pocket. Pulling it out I looked at the screen, a message from Triston. I walked into my apartment before unlocking the screen and opening the message.
*Miss Reid, I trust you are home safely?*
He was so frustrating. Was he keeping tabs on me now, seriously? I hit reply.
*I am Mr Hart, thank you for your concern.*
An immediate reply beeped.
*I am indeed concerned about your well-being Miss Reid. Sleep now.*
For God’s sake, he was so demanding. I was tired, but who was he to tell me to sleep? He was my boss, not my boyfriend so he had no right to tell me to go to sleep. As frustrating as he was, a message from him sent the butterflies in my stomach into a fluttering frenzy.
*You are very demanding Mr Hart; I am not tired*
*Early morning tomorrow, I need you 100%, please?*
I smiled at the last message, he actually said please. Maybe he could stop being such a control freak and let me be myself like Bash did. I felt so relaxed around him. They were both so different, but they both were amazing in their own way. Triston made it clear that he didn’t want anything romantic between us. My phone started ringing, startling me out of my thoughts. “Hello…?”
“Miss Reid, I didn’t get a reply, I was hoping you were asleep.” I walked into the bedroom. Sitting on my bed, I laid back staring at my ceiling. “I was, you woke me up,” I lied.
“I do not appreciate lies, Miss Reid. I can tell from the tone in your voice you were still very much awake. Now, would you please put my mind at ease and go to sleep?”
I stayed silent and thought about the deep sexy voice on the other end of the line. “Well, I would go to sleep if you weren’t on the phone with me.” I knew he would have something to say to that and I was right.
“Don’t get cheeky with me Miss Reid.” His warning sent shivers down my spine and I wanted to challenge him. The familiar tug that Triston brought to my lower abdomen was there, strong as ever.
“Or what Mr Hart?” I said, smiling.
“I will take you over my knee and show you just how respect is earned.” I gasped at his threat, but felt the heat in my core and sending a delicious tingle straight to my panties. It felt deliciously bad, just like Triston. I wanted this man, the ache inside was building and I couldn’t deny it anymore. I just wished he would stop being so frustrating and let me in.
“Why this sudden concern for me?”
“I don’t have time for this. Go to sleep Emily… Goodnight.” Closing off once again, I felt the frustration.
He hung up before I could reply, my stomach doing flip-flops at the way he said my name. He was so direct with his deep scratchy sexy voice, he sounded so good at night. I dropped my phone on the bed and went to the bathroom. I needed to stop this effect he had on me, we could never work. He's made that abundantly clear, but why did I still feel the need to challenge him. I knew that I was in way over my head. He was my boss, but I wanted him.
I brushed my teeth and took off my make-up. Staring at myself in the mirror the blush on my cheeks I knew was from my conversation with Triston.