The Devil's Darling

The Meeting

The entire car ride, I began practicing my speeches. Going over every detail I could think of. I was quizzing myself with practice questions, and trying to go over all of the possible outcomes. I was put on this assignment two weeks ago. It was my big chance to prove that I belonged at my company. This meeting was to present our business proposal to an investor.

I didn’t know very many details about this mystery investor. I assumed he would be like most of the ones I have seen enter the office and board rooms before- grey, large, arrogant, and obviously wealthy enough to go around spending their money on other people’s businesses. I pictured a wrinkling, round man seated at the head of the table with a blank stare on his face- probably wondering why a woman was giving the presentation.

All of preparations came to a halt as I entered the parking garage under our building. I skid into my assigned parking spot, grabbed my purse and shoes, racing to the elevator barefoot. I shuffled into the elevator, it was already crowded. I looked down to press the button for my floor, but it was already lit. I bent over slipping on my shoes. I fixed my tousled hair, and straightened my jacket. I finally had a moment to breathe.

I could feel eyes on me. I didn’t mind it. I was in an elevator full of people, and was wearing my “look at me” outfit! A smirk found its way across my face, that feeling always made me warm and blush. I glanced down realizing something strange… my floor was the only light lit on the elevator key pad. They must be the investor and his team! I quickly tried to gather my thoughts and calm down, I dare not turn around.

Just before I couldn’t stand the tension, the doors eased open. I swayed over to my desk, taking care to think about my posture, my hips, and my legs. I loved knowing they were watching. I bent down at my desk, placing my purse on the floor.

“How was last night?!” a perky Tessa appeared on the other side of my cubicle. I looked up at her, “ A complete waste of time, new panties, and a shave!” We both burst out in laughter. Tessa was the only thing that kept me sane at work. We were a part of some bull s**t equal opportunities hire, and were brought on so the company could meet their female employee quotas. We had been attached at the hip since the first day of our new employee training.

“I’m sorry girl, I really thought he would be a contender. Lord knows you need someone to get rid of all the tension you carry!” Tessa laughed.

“Well, I hate to disappoint, no juicy stories to tell you.”

“Ms. Harrison?” Mr. Haffield bellowed from across the room. He stood at the entrance to the board room, his eye brows raised, ordering me with his eyes.

“Coming!” I called after him. “Wish me luck,” I whispered to Tess.

“Get ‘em girl!” Tessa smiled boosting my confidence.

I looked down to grab my portfolio…. It wasn’t there!!! No where! Not on my desk, not on the floor……. WHERE IS IT!?!?

My mind flashed to me hurriedly leaving my car…. The folder laying in my passenger seat.

I was screwed…. No way could I remember everything I needed without it!!

I looked at Tessa in a panic- I tossed my keys at her. “Tess! Go to my car, passenger seat, bring me my portfolio! I’ll go in and stall! Please hurry!” I begged her!

She looked determined, she ran for the elevator and I slowly began a true walk of shame toward the board room. I took a deep breath in, straightened my jacket and hair, and stepped inside. I looked passed every one seated, trying not to make any eye contact, and made my way to the opposite end of the long table.

I turned to face them, and completely was at a loss for words. My blood ran hot, my eyes locked, and my lips fell parted. Seated at the head of the table was the most beautiful man I had ever seen. His hair was dark and thick, combed perfectly as it touched the brim of his collar. He had the perfect facial hair stubble. He was completely rugged. His broad shoulders looked as if he was going to bust his suit at the seams. His suit was acutely tailored for him, fitting him in every nook and cranny, it was a deep navy that complimented his olive complexion.

I stood in awe. I was mesmerized. I felt the strongest urge pulling me near to him, thankful for the table that was keeping me in place. I could feel my face warming as I blushed under his stare. I was watching his lips, thinking of how soft they would feel against mine, I became utterly soaked! My legs parting slightly. He leaned forward, folding his hands and placing them on the table in front of him. They were so large and strong, if only I could feel them running up and down my body…. Feeling my every curve….. cupping my breast…..

“Ms. Harrison?!?” Boomed Mr. Haffield.

I jolted from my trance, blinking and shaking my head slightly. “Uh.. uhm… Good morning!” I announced to the room. “I’m Ember Harrison, and I would like to thank you for taking the time out of your day to come and listen to our proposition...” I glanced back at the gorgeous man, Was that a smirk on his face? Was I amusing him?

All of a sudden , the door flew open, a breathless Tessa appeared holding my folder! I shuffled to her side, “Thank you so much!” I whispered. Tessa smiled at me, gave my ass a “go get em” pat and backed out of the room. I smiled to myself, it was so nice knowing I had her confidence and support in my corner. I walked back to the front of the room, once again focusing on my walk- begging for his eyes to be on my ass- I placed the portfolio out on the table.

I looked back at the room full of people. Mr Haffield looked angry beyond measure, everyone seated looked impatient, but the captivating creature at the head of the table was locked in on me. The moment my eyes caught his a tingle ran down my spine, the hair standing up on the back of my neck.

He stood up abruptly, and walked over to Mr. Haffield. “Bruce, thank you for inviting me today, but I do not have the time for this,” my heart sunk and my head dropped. I failed. I hated this feeling, inadequacy. “however,” he continued, my head shot up- listening intently, “I would like to hear this presentation. Make arrangements for dinner today.”

“Without question, I will have my secretary make the reservations. I will meet you at whatever restaurant you wish to conduct business-”

“No,” the beautiful man interjected, “Ms. Harrison will be the one to continue the presentation- this is her proposal after all.” He looked over at me, our eyes locked again. I couldn’t hide the smile on my face, I bit my lip in a feeble attempt to cover it.

“Antonio’s. 7pm.” He turned and walked out of the room, everyone following.

Mr. Haffield looked absolutely enraged. I walked over to him, ready to receive his angry words. He took a deep breath and looked at me. “Ms. Harrison, this is a vital investor. Do not ruin this account for us. Be on time, and be prepared this time!” I nodded my head trying to end the conversation as quickly as possible. “I’m having Abby make the reservation, make sure you account for the dress code!” he sputtered. “Yes sir.” I responded and left the room.

I reached my desk and collapsed into the chair. Tessa quickly shooting her head over the cubicle wall.

“What happened??! Did they leave? Are they coming back? Are you fired?” She was one of those people who were rattled easily, always a bombardment of questions when panicked.

“I-I have a dinner meeting.” I stuttered. Tessa looked confused. “The investor requested an end to the presentation, and that we have a dinner meeting to discuss the proposal.”

Tessa’s eyes widened, “Giiirrrllll, its your lucky outfit! This is perfect! It will be so much less stressful not having to speak in front of a room full of people!”

She hadn’t seen him… I have never had a man make me feel that captivated by just looking at me. He was almost magnetic. I wanted to climb on top of him the moment his eyes locked with mine. I was always in so much control- How could he make me feel this rattled?!

“What are you going to wear?” Tessa questioned, bringing me back to reality.

“I have just the dress. We are going to Antonio’s.” I spoke softly. Tessa’s eyes looked like they were going to fall from her head.

“You. Are. So. Lucky! And on the company’s dollar!!!” Tessa fell back into her desk chair laughing, “Its that damn lucky outfit.” She chuckled to herself.

I felt a smile creep onto my face, and a warm blush find its way across my face.

The rest of the work day was a blur, I couldn’t think straight. I had to regain some control before dinner, I could not stand the way the “little girl” in me came out this morning. I was a confident woman, in and out of the bedroom. I would dominate this dinner meeting, just as I did everything else in my life. I just had to control my thoughts, and apparently my body.

I got home, kicking off my shoes at the door. I laid sprawled across my bed for a minute or two, winding down, scrolling my phone. I had to go ahead and begin my mental preparation for tonight. I walked to my closet pulling out the dress I planned to wear.

It was a floor length black dress. It’s slit ran up the side allowing my long toned leg to peak through, and the front showed enough cleavage to receive the attention I deserved, but tasteful enough to not be condemned for it. Antonio’s was one of the finest dining restaurants in town. It had a black tie formal dress code, and I was up for the challenge.

I soaked in the bath. I made sure to take all the time I needed to get ready. I took extra care, spending time doing my make up, extra time on my hair. After this man made me so flustered this morning, I was determined to ruffle some of his feathers tonight.