Draw Me In

REALITY IS RELATIVELY SAFE

ZARA

I look and feel like death warmed over. I’m running on little sleep, and the coffee in my hand has done nothing to perk me up. It’s my third cup this afternoon. I’m starting to wonder if I ordered decaf. That would really suck. Today is not a decaf day. Actually, no day is a decaf day as far as I’m concerned. I need every boost I can get. Since I’m not a fan of energy drinks, this is all I have to go with. I’m sure the amount of caffeine I’ve consumed could power a small car, but I feel nothing. Yet, I know I’ll feel the crash later. So, until that happens, I have got to get a move on this day. I have reports due that I’ve been slacking off. They should have been done ages ago. In reality they’re only a few days behind. But behind nonetheless.

I speed walk into my office building like a woman on a mission. Waving to the security guard as I head to the elevator. I push the button for the 8th floor and wait.

The urge to turn around suddenly comes over me. So I do. Only to meet the hazel eyes of a god. Ok, exaggeration, but not. He’s a good six feet and 5 inches. Again, me and measurements. He walks with the air of a man who has never been told no. His skin is a smooth rich brown. I wonder what his skin routine is. Not that my skin is bad, but his looks almost brushed onto him. His hair is loc’d and styled into ropes. It’s almost like a mane around his face. Although his jaw is covered with a full beard, I can tell it’s strong. He wears a suit that is tailored to his muscular frame. The deep purple color of it compliments his complexion. Never thought id be a fan of a man in purple, but sheesh. His mouth quirks slightly to the left in a half smile. That’s the moment I decide to tear my eyes away from him. He clearly seen me ogling him. And I don’t need him thinking I’m going to be another woman who fawns over him. I imagine he has plenty of those.

He comes to stand beside me and waits for the elevator. I keep my head forward and stare at a random spot on the closed doors. Praying he doesn’t try to strike up a conversation. The elevator dings and opens. I step in first and quickly move to the side allowing him space to enter. He hits the button for the tenth floor. Once the doors close, the area seems too small. His presence filling the compartment. The air seems thicker.

“How’s your day going?” He asks, causing me to jump slightly.

I have never heard a voice so deep. It’s the kind that vibrates your being. Could be lethal if used in a certain manner.

“I… um, it’s good” I push out. I’m clearly not fully functioning right now, because I don’t have the ability to form a proper sentence. Or it could just be him. But I’m going to blame my lack of sleep. It’s more comfortable of a thought. I sip more of my coffee to keep from saying anything else. He doesn’t try speaking again and I’m happy for it.

When the elevator finally gets to my floor, I’m flooded with relief. I feel like I need air. I step out onto my floor when he calls after me.

“Have a good day, Bèl”

I turn to look at him as the door closes. A smile on his face. I get the feeling he is trouble wrapped in good skin and nice fabric. I shake it off and head to my office.

Waiting for me in my office is my friend and co-worker Maxine. And her ass is on the top of my desk.

“I know your ass is not resting on the top of my desk” I say looking at her with one brow lifted.

She laughs but lifts up anyway.

“Either you had a long night, or you had a long night” she says wagging her brows and implicating something more depraved.

“The first one” I respond, dripping with exasperation.

“Damn, I was hoping for the second one.” She states taking a seat in the chair in front of my desk. “You need it, when’s the last time you got stretched out?”

“In yoga class to two days ago” I respond dismissively. I know that’s not what she meant but I don’t care. My “stretching” is none of her business.

“Ok ok, sheesh” she says while throwing her hands up in surrender.

“What exactly are you in my office for besides to track my s*x life” I ask jokingly.

“Oh yeah, so two things” she says with a little too much vigor.

I don’t like this vigor. This vigor means nothing good for me.

“Ok spit it out girl damn” I rush her.

“Well first, I’m going to be gone for a week… so you are taking my clients while I’m gone” she rushes the words out.

“What?! Maxine no, I can’t do that. I have enough on my plate” I lean back in my chair feeling the stress already.

She powers on.

“Second, the first meeting with one of the clients is tonight!” She visibly scrunches her face and curls inward waiting for my response.

“Maxine!” I almost yell. “What the f**k?! That’s not enough time to prepare.

“I know, I know I’m sorry friend. But this is really important and I need to leave” she gives me a pleading face.

I hate when she does that face. It gets me every time with my big bleeding heart.

“Ugh ok fine” I relent “Give me the details”

Hours later I find myself in a dress that I don’t like and heading into a bar.

“What kind of meeting is this? I think to myself.

I check over the details that Maxine gave me for the client. I don’t see them, so I head to the bar to get a drink. I need to calm my nerves. I hate meeting new clients, especially ones that are not mines.

Once I’m at the bar with my drink ordered, I check my watch. I’m a little early. Good, that gives me time. The bartender comes and sets my drink in front of me. I thank her and sip slowly. Some time passes before I look at my watch again. The client is late, I don’t appreciate that. My time is valuable and I’m strict about it. Besides, this isn’t even my client. I finish my drink off, tip the bartender, and prepare to leave. Stepping of the bar stool and running into a hard body.

When I look up at the immovable wall, I stare directly into hazel eyes. The air around me stills. He is much more handsome this close up. And he smells like temptation.

“Good evening, Bèl. Are you leaving our meeting already?” He says with a smirk.

Yeah he’s going to be dangerous for me, and he’s my new client. I grown inwardly. “Dammit Maxine!” I shout in my head.