My Beautiful Pheromones

HOTTEST MAN

Ten floors later, I got off the elevator and walked over to the reception desk. I held up my ID for the woman behind the counter. She nodded and smiled.

“Good morning, Miss Zoey,” she said, glancing at my cream and olive-green dress with a front slit. Just enough to show my sexy straight legs. “You look really nice in that outfit.”

“Hi Mia. Thank you. You look great too.”

“Thanks. Here’s your keycard. Your office is the first door on the right. Don’t get lost,” she said with a smile.

“Sure. Thanks again.” I took the card and headed down the hallway. All key cards are usually dropped at the reception desk everyday after work, makes sense to me. Because I don’t usually do well with my keys sometimes.

The office was already cleaned and aired properly. The humidifier made the air in the room smell so nice. A brass nameplate with my name sat on the big desk. The room looked elegant and modern, done in soft olive green, my favorite color. Floor-to-ceiling windows let in plenty of natural light. There was a comfortable chair, some picture frames, and a few pieces of art here and there, that fit the space perfectly. It was cool inside, just the way I liked it.

I walked around slowly, running my hand over the desk and smiling. “Did they decorate this in my favorite color, or was it already like this?” I set my bag down, hung up my coat, and switched into flats because there was no way I was wearing those heels all day. Then I turned on my laptop to transfer some files to the company’s computer.

I pulled out a few photos and the flowers I’d bought earlier and set them on the desk.

Once I settled in, I noticed my boss still hadn’t arrived yet. I texted Parker: “Guess who I met today? My missing rib, it has to be!”

His reply came right away: “Oh really? Are you spilling the details now? Because I can’t wait until you get home.”

“I’ll tell you everything when I’m back. Promise,” I texted back with some heart emojis, then walked out to grab a coffee.

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“Good morning, Miss Zoey. Good to have you here,” a deep voice said and I sat up quickly to face him.

“Good morning, Mr. Armstrong.”

“Oh dear! Just call me Mr. Smith. It’s easier. Uhm… I’ve got a few things I need you to handle.” He gestured for me to follow him.

“Sure, Mr. Smith.” I smoothed my dress and walked behind him. He was tall with broad shoulders and carried himself with confidence. His charcoal-gray suit fit him well and showed off his athletic build. His beard was neatly trimmed, his dark hair styled carefully, and his skin looked smooth. He wore a nice watch, and an expensive cologne trailed after him. His expression was calm but still carried authority. His office had that classic, expensive feel that once you entered, you’d wish not to leave.

He pointed to the brown chair across from his desk, and I sat down.

“So, do you like your office? You mentioned you love olive green because it helps you focus.”

“Yes, I love it,” I said. “I’m sure I’ll do my best here.”

“Good start. So I am officially welcoming you to Crown Towers International. I hope you do well with us.”

“I appreciate it, Mr. Smith.”

“I’ll give you some files to go through so you can get used to how things work here. If you have any questions anytime, just ask. I’m happy to help, and I’m glad to have you as my assistant.”

I took the files. “I’ll read them carefully. Thank you.”

“You can head back now,” he said, already turning to his computer. I returned to my office.

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The rest of the day went by fast. Working with Mr. Smith was the easiest part of it. We met with about five clients, two of them didn’t look like the type who had that kind of money. I was genuinely impressed. Buildings got sold, some were acquired by the company, investments were made, and stock prices moved the way they were supposed to. The atmosphere stayed relaxed. No drama, no toxic work colleagues, just good vibes, steady work and money coming in.

“This man is so chill and easy to work with,” I thought. “Calmest boss I have ever had.”

Just as I was about to pack up, my phone buzzed again.

“Get your ass home already. It’s past 4: 00 pm. I’m dying for the gossip. I am totally gist-starved, please! Do they pay you for overtime too? And don’t even think about canceling clubbing tonight!”

I laughed out loud.

“Gist-starved, huh? Is that even a real word or something you just made up? I’ll be on my way soon, Parker. Chill.”

Mr. Smith and I finished setting things up for the next day’s clients, then said goodbye.

I headed toward the elevator, ready to leave and immediately the doors slid open, I froze.

Standing inside was the same man I’d bumped into that morning. He was looking straight at me. For a second I just stood there, staring back, completely caught off guard again. My mind went blank the same way it had earlier. I couldn’t make myself move.

He held the door with one hand and tilted his head slightly, a small, amused look on his face. The same calm, confident energy from earlier was still there. His well groomed dark hair still looked perfect, and that familiar scent of oud drifted toward me.

“Oh God. He smells so good. I could hug him”… I thought..

I felt my face warm. Of all the people who could have been in this elevator right now, it had to be him, again. Part of me wanted to turn around and take the stairs, but my feet stayed planted.

His eyes stayed on mine, patient but clearly waiting.

“Aren’t you coming in?”