Chloe

“Damn that man.” I muttered only to blush when I realised Caleb was standing in front of me.

“What’s he done now?” I heard the amusement in his voice and scowled.

“Oh Chloe, you’re such a doll.”  He chuckled. Great, even my glare was amusing.

Everyone in the office found it hilarious when David and I had a fight, but I didn’t. Well, I didn’t find it funny, I found it annoying and frustrating and maybe a bit exciting too. David pushed my buttons, and I pushed his.  I worried one day that one of us would go too far.

“What can I do for you Caleb?”  There was no point being mad at him after all. He was a nice man, and he made me laugh.

“I need the file on the Thompson’s please. I have to do a statement for the divorce lawyer and I don’t want to leave anything out.”

I sighed. “Another one, whose fault is it this time?”

Caleb’s expression hardened and it was a look I didn’t see often on his usually carefree face. “The wife’s, she’s decided to trade down. A man half her husband’s age and less money too.”

“It must be love.”  Surely if she was leaving behind money, she wasn’t a gold digger.

“It’s not love, its lust and as soon as it fades she’ll go crawling back to her husband and his millions.”  He sounded bitter, and I saw pain in his expression just for a second. I wanted to ask him what had happened to him but I bit down on my curiosity.

“Maybe, but it’s nice to think there is good in people.”

“Yeah but it’s not usually the case. You’re too nice Chloe.” His grin appeared.

“We’ll have to agree to disagree.” I told him with a grin of my own. He might not believe in love but I did, even if the person who has my love would never feel the same.

“Chloe,” The machine on my desk growled, and I jumped.

I pressed the button on it and put on my professional voice ignoring Caleb who was grinning like an idiot.  “Yes, Mr Poole?”

“Get in here.” he growled, making me frown. What did he think I’d done now?

“Yes, sir.” I replied and Caleb sniggered.

“It isn’t funny,” I glared. “I can’t possibly have done anything to annoy him; all I’ve done is talk to you since the last time he shouted at me.”

Caleb shook his head. “Oh, baby doll, you’re such an innocent.” He smiled softly, and I frowned in confusion. “Go and see the boss and I’ll get my own file.”

I sighed because I could have done with an excuse to stay away from David in his current mood. I got up reluctantly and smoothed my hands down my black pencil shirt, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear that had fallen out of my neat ponytail. “Here goes round two.” I muttered to myself and a muffled laugh came from behind me.

My heart took off like a rocket and my palms felt wet. It was typical that the one man who set my teeth on edge was also the only man to make me feel desire. Talk about bad luck.

I lifted a shaking fist to tap the door and then I walked into the lion’s den.  The sun shining through the huge window blinded me for a second and I had to blink a few times to clear my vision. I felt the door handle slip out of my hand and heard the door click shut. I froze in shock when a hand gripped my shoulder and turned me to face a furious David. I instinctively took a step back and came up against the closed door. I’d never been this close to him before, we’d always kept a polite distance but he was invading my space now. The angry expression on his face should have scared me but it didn’t, instead I felt a shiver run through my body. I could smell his aftershave, see the stubble starting to grow on his face and smell his minty breath. Longing hit me hard, and I looked away before he could read my eyes, I knew they were showing how I felt. His finger and thumb gripped my chin gently and brought my eyes back to his.

“Caleb is a playboy.” He said in a rough voice.

Blushing, I shook my head. “I’m not interested in him and Caleb isn't interested in me.” I said softly. I didn’t want to make him angrier when he was so close.

“You’re so naïve, of course he’s interested.”

“I’m not naïve, Caleb sees me as a friend nothing more.”

“And how do you see him?” his voice was calm but I could see the anger in his eyes.

“That isn’t any of your business is it?” I said snottily. Hadn’t I already told him I wasn’t interested in Caleb just two seconds ago?

My pulse leapt as he gripped both my wrists in his hands and held them above my head. “It is my business. Should I prove it to you?”

I didn’t have time to ask him how. His mouth touched mine, and it wasn’t gentle. My lips pushed into my teeth and I gasped at the roughness of it.  He was kissing me in anger and it was horrible. He pulled back to look at me, a strange look flickered in his eyes before his lips touched mine again, this time they caressed softly, gently, until I gasped again at the tenderness he was giving me. He swept his tongue along my bottom lip and my stomach broke out in butterflies as I opened up and let him tangle his tongue with mine. I had never been kissed like this before, my thoughts scattered and I melted into his hard body. He felt my surrender and liked it, I heard his sigh and then he let go of my wrists to wrap one of his hands around my waist and the other went to my hair. I couldn’t stop myself from touching him; I lifted my hands to his dark hair and thrust my fingers into it loving the silky softness. He deepened the kiss, the hand in my hair moved down my neck before he cupped my breast. I stood frozen. David felt my body tense, and he paused before letting me go and standing with his back to me. I leant against the wall trying to get my breath back, I wasn’t sure if I dared to move in case my legs gave way. I could hear David breathing just as hard as I was and pleasure ran through me knowing I was the cause. He didn’t turn around for a long moment and I didn’t know what to do, or if I should leave. I gripped the door handle and was about to turn it when he spoke. “I shouldn’t have done that, Chloe, I’m sorry.” He said in a rough voice and I dropped my eyes from his. Disappointment settled in my tummy and I wanted to cry. Had he not enjoy it? Did he regret doing it?

“Hey,” He said as he walked to stand in front of me again, tipping my chin up with a long finger. “I don’t regret the kiss, but I shouldn’t have done it in anger.”

I smiled at him reassured at his words. “I liked it.”

“Not at first you didn’t, but you warmed up to me. It shouldn’t have happened like that though.”

“How should it have happened?” The words were out of my mouth before I had time to think. A twenty-four-year old virgin shouldn’t be this forward should she?

David grinned. “I should have done this,” he said before he took my hands in his and linked them around his neck, he stepped closer to me until our bodies touched and gripped my hips. His head leaned down slowly and his eyes stayed on mine. The look in them caused a whole body shiver, and he smirked knowing exactly what he was doing to me. My body felt on fire. His lips touched mine in a soft yet demanding way and I opened my mouth for him. The kiss took me over and I lost myself to the sensations he created in me. My nipples tightened and my thighs clenched in need, I’d never had this kind of reaction to anyone, never felt like this in my whole life and I loved it. I whimpered unsure what I wanted, but knowing I needed more than this. David knew, his hand came up and cupped my breast again, this time I found myself arching into him and he groaned. I felt it all the way to my toes. He lifted his head and took his hand away. “We have to stop otherwise I’m going to take you right now against this door.”

His words, his expression, and the way his hands shook before he fisted them shocked me. I stared at him while my body shook with unsatisfied desire. I would have let him take me here, I wouldn’t have had the wits to stop him and it worried me.

“Chloe, you need to leave. Many times, I have fantasised about bending you over my desk. If you don’t go I’m afraid I’ll do it.”

Shit, I actually hesitated. That wasn’t how I wanted my first time to be but I wanted him to touch me again, to kiss me again.

“Go, Chloe, now. We’ll talk about this later once I’ve calmed down.” I heard the control he was trying to keep from slipping away in his voice, saw the way his body tensed as if ready to grab me and it broke me out of my daze. I opened the door quickly and stepped out. The click of the door behind me signalled it had closed, and that I was safe from him. Part of me felt sad.

Luckily, Caleb had left while I’d been in there. I sat down at my desk trying to get my body and my thoughts under control. I was shaky, turned on and confused. A hell of a lot had happened in a few short minutes and I felt like my life had changed. With all the experience David had, I bet, he was back in control and getting on with his work. That thought hurt me, why would a man like him want someone like me. I was shy and inexperienced. I looked nothing like the girls who usually interested him. He was beautiful. His dark hair and big blue eyes could put him on any magazine and I was just plain. My brown curly hair was unmanageable and my brown eyes were nothing special. My size twelve figure was the opposite of what David was used to. I couldn’t see what attracted him to me. Was he messing around? I didn’t think so, David wasn’t like that, he was a straight talker and I couldn’t see him playing games with me. I needed to calm myself down. He said we would talk later and we would. I heard someone calling my name and looking up I saw Lea coming towards me. I put my worries aside.

Lea was Caleb’s personal assistant who co-owned the security office with David. They have five men working for them so Lea and I always stuck together otherwise the testosterone took over, and they all got demanding. Not in a bad way, but it was annoying sometimes. I let my eyes drift over her yellow dress and yellow peekaboo heels she looked summery and pretty, but when I caught her eyes, I realised she wasn’t having any more fun today than I was.

“What’s up?”

“Caleb, that’s what’s up. I swear to god one day I will walk out.” She growled as she sat on the edge of my desk. I hid my smile, for all her moaning I knew she would never leave. She loved her job, and I was sure she loved Caleb too.

“You can’t walk out, I need you.” I pouted playfully. She smiled despite the anger in her pretty blue eyes. Lea was my opposite, blonde to my brown, and tall and willowy compared to my curvy five-four frame. She was also a spitfire according to Caleb, which he told me every time he angered her.

“I know us girls have got to stick together, but he’s being a bear today.”

“He seemed ok just half an hour ago.”

“Yes he was until I had flowers delivered.” She grimaced. “Tony is still trying to win me back and today it was flowers and a phone call.”

“Oh.” Tony had cheated on her. They were childhood sweethearts, but he’d got close to his work colleague and decided to try out what she was offering him. If Lea had stayed late at the office, the night she’d walked in on him having sex with the woman she probably would have remained oblivious to it. I suspect that Caleb had known and being unsure how to tell her, he had set her up. It wasn’t a nice way to find out, but at least she knew and could try to put it behind her.

“I slammed the phone down on him as soon as he spoke and threw the roses in the bin. When Caleb came in and saw them, his face went blank and he slammed his door after walking into his office. I don’t know what annoyed him but he’s been snapping at me ever since.”

“Oh dear,” I said. I knew why. Caleb obviously has feelings for her, and they call me naïve. “Maybe he likes roses.” I smirked.

She chuckled.

“It’s not much better here I’m afraid. David’s just as grumpy.” Well, he was, before our make out session. I wonder, did he think I was flirting with Caleb? Caleb was attractive in a boyish way, but he didn’t make my heart flutter, my pulse race or my mouth water. Only David had the capability to do that.

“Have you had a falling out?”

“You could say that.” I didn’t want to tell her anything, I wasn’t even sure what there was to tell.

“Men are confusing creatures aren’t they? Tony told me he loves me and him cheating on me meant nothing. He wants me back.”

“He’s such a jerk.”

“Yep,” She agreed. “I might not have thought it at the time, but him cheating was probably the best thing to happen to me. We plodded along happily enough but the spark had gone, I didn’t feel excitement or happiness really at seeing him, and even when he went away for two days for work, it didn’t bother me. I feel embarrassed more than anything now because obviously I wasn’t enough for him if he had to go elsewhere for sex.”

“Lea, he went elsewhere because he is a jerk who let himself be flattered by a woman. It doesn’t reflect on you and you’re right, it was the best thing to happen to you because you weren’t happy. I could see that.” I reached over and covered her hand with mine. “You can do a hell of a lot better than Tony. You’re beautiful inside and out.”

She blushed. It added to her appeal, and I knew this was why Caleb liked her. She was sweet and beautiful but she didn’t see herself like that at all. She was down to earth and so much fun.

“I hope so; I just wish he would leave me alone.”

“Why don’t you ask Caleb to have a word?”

“I don’t want to get him involved and I’m not sure he’d want to help, anyway.”

“He would help you in a heartbeat.”

“I’m not sure I want his help.” She admitted quietly, and I let it drop.

“I’ll ask David, see what he can do, ok?”

“Thank you. I never want to see Tony again; I wasted eight years of my life with him thinking he was the one. I don’t think that person exists, I don’t think I’m meant for happy ever afters.” Her voice was sad, and wanted to punch Tony in the face, hard.

“Just because Tony messed you about doesn’t mean anyone else will. There are some decent men out there Lea.”

“I don’t think I want to find out.”

“It’s too soon for you; you’re still grieving for your old life. It’s a big change, Tony had been in your life for so long and you have never been alone. Enjoy single life, go out, go dancing, and get drunk. Just have fun.”

“You’re right, Chloe, how about tonight? It’s Friday, and I heard the guys talking about a new club that’s opened up the road.”

 She looked so hopeful; there was no way I could say no. Even if I could bring myself to say it, I would only sit at home and stress over David and the kiss. “Sure. It’ll be fun. Come over to mine after work and we can get ready together.”

“Yay, I think a night out is just what I need.”

“I think you’re right.”

“If you meet me at my house I can grab an outfit and get a lift to yours, unless you want to lend me something?”

I laughed at her not-so-subtle hint. She has wanted to borrow my red dress ever since she’d seen it. I hadn’t even worn it myself yet, but what the heck, Lea needed to see herself how everyone else did, beautiful. That dress would do the trick no doubt about it.

“You can borrow my red dress.” I grinned.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you.” She screeched then hugged me so tightly I couldn’t breathe.

David opened the door of his office, probably wondering what the racket was. He smiled at Lea before his eyes touched mine. “What’s going on?”

I couldn’t answer him; the hot look he was giving me had me in a daze. My breath quickened.

“We are going out tonight.” Lea answered him, oblivious to the atmosphere.

“Oh, really, where are you going?” his voice sounded casual but his eyes told a different story.

“To the new bar down the street, we’re going to dress up and get drunk.”

He took in her enthusiasm before looking at me. “It’s a good job Caleb and I are going tonight too, else who knows what kind of trouble you two could get yourselves into.” His smile didn’t reach his eyes.

“Caleb’s going?” Lea asked in a subdued voice, her excitement deflating right before my eyes.

“Yeah,” he answered her. Over her head, he raised his eyebrows at her change of attitude, but I quickly shook my head.

I turned to Lea and gave her a quick smile. “Caleb doesn’t dance so we can dance all night.”

She smiled. “You’re right, he doesn’t. Best make sure we’re wearing comfy shoes because we’re not leaving the dance floor.” She warned. “See you at five.”

I watched her almost skip away from us.

“What did I say?” David asked me.

“Caleb’s been snapping at her and she wants a break from him.”

“We both know why he snaps at her.”

“Yes, I’m beginning to see why, but she doesn’t, and she’s definitely not ready to be told yet. She needs time.”

“Caleb knows that. That’s why he is so frustrated. He’s going against his instincts to make her his.”

“He told you that?” I asked.

“He doesn’t have too; I’ve practically known him my whole life.”

“Why would you tell me you think he’s interested in me if you know he isn’t?” I asked confused.

“Caleb isn’t the only one frustrated you know.” He took a step towards me but seemed to check himself. “Perhaps it’s best I stay here, we don’t want a repeat of what happened earlier. There isn’t a door to lock.”

My face heated, and I felt my pulse take off. The way he was looking at me told me he was aware of it. His smile was lazy when his eyes met mine, but it held promise. I took a quick breath, and he muttered something I couldn’t make out before he strode towards me fast. Anticipation of what was coming held me in place until he grabbed my hand and pulled me behind him and into his office.  He flicked the lock, but he didn’t stop walking until he pushed me gently down onto the sofa by the wall. He sat next to me, his eyes so intense I closed mine in defence. I felt cornered by him, like a being he was about to conquer. I felt him shift and then his fingers gripped my chin.

“Open your eyes.” He ordered.

I hesitated and squeezed my chin hard, but not painfully. I got the message. When I opened them, I gasped at how close he was. I could feel his breath on my mouth and it was so arousing. His blue eyes weren’t as blue as I had thought, this close I could see tiny flecks of brown. My eyes dropped to his firm lips remembering how they’d felt on mine. I heard him groan and my eyes flicked back to his.

“The way you look at me…” he trailed off. “I was going to give you more time but fuck it, you are mine. Everyone knows it but you.”

“What?”

“You heard me Chloe, I’m through dancing around. I’ve tried to ease you into a relationship with me, I was willing to go slow and let you get used to me, but I’m not waiting any longer.”

“You’re not waiting any longer?” I parroted.

He studied my face and my confusion must have registered.

“I’ve shocked you.”

“Of course you’ve shocked me! You only kissed me an hour ago.”

“I’ve wanted you since you started working here nearly a year ago.”

Wow. I could not be more surprised. “I’ve liked you since then too.” I admitted. I didn’t like games, and I wasn’t experienced enough to play them, anyway.

“I know.”

I blushed. “It was obvious?”

“To me, yes.”

“I never in my wildest dreams expected this.”

“Here is what’s going to happen. We are going to date, we’ll go for dinner, to the cinema, all the normal things couples do. Then you’re moving in with me.”

“What?” I almost screeched.

He ignored my outburst. “Once you’re comfortable with me, we’ll get married and start a family. How do you feel about two kids?”

I pinched him. My fingers gripped his arm hard. He flinched but didn’t make a sound. “What did you do that for?”

“I was checking to see if I’m stuck in a dream.”

He grinned. “You’re supposed to pinch yourself baby.”

“I know, but pinching hurts.” I grinned back.

“Do you still think you’re dreaming? I could kiss you if you like, prove it that way?”

“It wouldn’t prove anything. I dream about kissing you.” I said shyly.

My words pleased him; the smile he gave me showed me that. He leaned over me so I was nearly lying down and he kissed me. I felt like I was drowning, his tongue thrust into my mouth and I whimpered at the feel of his passion. When he let us up, we were both gasping for air, I pushed my face into the crook of his neck.

“I meant every word, Chloe. I’ve known for a long time what I want from you and now I need you on the same page.”

“And what if I don’t want to be on the same page?”

“You want to be. Do I need to prove it?”

“No, David you don’t. I want what you do too, but not as fast as you’ve planned.”

“Why not?”

“Because, I’m scared,”

“Of me?” he looked hurt.

“No of course not,” I quickly reassured him. “It’s just, I’ve never…” I trailed off embarrassed.

“You’ve never been with a man before.” David finished for me and I nodded. “I know that Chloe, I worked that out a while ago. Want to know something?”

I nodded again, unable to find my voice.

“I can’t fucking wait to be your one and only.”

“I thought men liked experienced women?” I asked in confusion. Didn't they like women who could please them?

“Fuck, baby, knowing you’re untouched.” He shook his head. “There are no words, I’m a lucky man.”

Well, that told me didn’t it. It all felt like a dream. The rush he had to move in together was a little scary. Honestly though, I’ve never felt so wanted in my life. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. Was I trying to see the truth in his? I wasn’t sure, but David was. He picked up my hand and brought it to his mouth, turning it so he could kiss my palm.

“What if I can’t please you?” I didn’t have the first clue what men liked, what he liked. I was sure I would disappoint him.

“Baby, you please me just by kissing me, you’re a natural and we are going to be dynamite together.”

“How can you be so sure? I don’t know anything.”

“I’ll have fun finding out what pleases you, and teaching you what pleases us both. Don’t be anxious Chloe, just trust me.”

Could I trust him? I was sure I could, but I couldn’t trust that I wouldn’t let my insecurities take over. “I do trust you.”

“I know you do, otherwise you wouldn’t have let me get close to you. Something is bothering me though.”

“What is?”

“Why have you been so grumpy today?”

I instantly flushed to the roots of my hair. I couldn’t tell him the reason because it was mortifying. I’d seen a photo of him and a brunette in one of the magazines and I had felt so jealous. “It’s that time of the month.” I shrugged.

“Try again Chloe.” He said sternly. “You had that last week.”

“How do you know that?” I asked in shock. It wasn’t like I advertised it.

“You always have chocolate in your drawer and you wear baggier clothes for comfort.” His fingers pinched my chin and forced my eyes to meet his. “Now, tell me what was wrong?”

I sighed. “I saw a photo of you in a magazine with a beautiful brunette on your arm. I was jealous, ok.” My eyes closed in embarrassment.

“Open your eyes.”

I waited a second before I followed his command.

“I haven’t been with a woman since I first laid eyes on you.”

I stared at him in shock. He had to be lying to me. “What about all the dates you’ve had? What about the brunette woman?”

“I dropped them at their own homes at the end of the night without touching them. The brunette is the wife of a close friend. The tabloids make stuff up Chloe, you should know that.”

“Ok.” I nodded.

“You believe me?”

“I have no reason to think you would lie to me.”

“Good girl.”

His phone started to ring, and he looked at me with a grin. “Where is my personal assistant when I need her?” he reached over still grinning to pick it up. “Callie.” He greeted with so much warmth in his voice I felt a pang of something. I moved to slip away, but he grabbed my hand holding me still. I watched as he spoke. “Yes, that sounds great, it will be plus one.”

He laughed at her response. His eyes met mine. “I’ve finally done something about her.”

I blushed at his words.

“You’ll love her just like she’ll love you.” He was silent as he listened. “Yes, see you next week. Bye.”

When he hung up the phone, he pulled me into his arms. “That was Callie, the brunette from the photo. She is married to an old friend of mine called Alex.

“Ok.”

“She’s invited us to dinner next week.”

“Us?”

“She’s known about you for a while and she’s pleased she is finally going to meet you.”

“Really?” I smiled.

“Every week she invites me for dinner hoping I’ll have you with me.”

“That’s sweet.”

“She’s sweet, you’ll see that.” He looked at his watch. “We need to catch up on work; I have reports that need to be done and that appointment at three.”

“I know.” I said reluctant to leave him.

“Tonight you’re all mine.”

“Not quite, I’m going out with Lea.”

“Oh, I know but I’m the one who is going to be taking you home.”

Butterflies filled my tummy at the promise his voice held.  “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Me too, baby, me too.” He brushed his lips against my brow and let me go.

I turned towards the door and his hand caressed my bottom making me jump. “Don’t dress too sexy, I don’t want to have to fight men off.”

“As if,” I scoffed. I wasn’t exactly the type of girl men fought over.

“One day I’ll make you see yourself as I see you.”

With my hand on the door handle, I twisted to look at him. “How do you see me?”

“I see you as the sexiest, warmest, sweetest woman I’ve ever met.”

“Oh.” I choked.

“And now you’re struggling not to cry because you think I’m sweet.”

I nodded.

“I’m not sweet Chloe; I’m so far from sweet you wouldn’t believe it. I’m telling you the truth. You are fucking gorgeous. Now leave before I show you just how I feel.”

I opened the door hearing the warning loud and clear and I didn’t look back. I was scared I would run back to him and rip his clothes off if I did. Who would have thought that as shy as I was, I would want to do that? The thought didn’t even make me blush. The phone on my desk started to ring, glad of the distraction, I snatched it up still slightly breathless. It was going to be a long afternoon.