Playing the Game of Temptation

CHAPTER 7

I checked the time on the clock for the nth time today, chewing nervously on the end of the pen I had in my hands.

There’s still at least an hour more to go.

I turned my attention back to my computer screen and attempted to resume the report that I had started two hours ago, but I still couldn’t focus. Not after Cameron told me that Mr. Bennett agreed to schedule a meeting with me at 2 o’clock in the afternoon today.

When I asked a favor from Cameron earlier, I didn’t expect that Mr. Bennett would agree to schedule a meeting with me right away.

I sighed and closed my eyes. My head suddenly felt heavy and throbbing. I pressed my fingers on my temple and released another breath.

I’m determined to talk to him today and settle things out once and for all.

—

By the time it was almost just a few minutes to go before my meeting with the company’s CEO, I went to the washroom first before heading to his office to compose myself. I had already rehearsed everything that I wanted to tell him.

Hopefully, everything will go exactly as I had planned or else. I don’t know what I’ll do anymore.

I checked my reflection in the mirror one last time and then I left the washroom and headed towards the CEO’s office.

Cameron told me to knock twice and just open the door anyway. I did just what he said and when I stepped inside Mr. Bennett’s office, he was on his phone. He was frowning as he paced back and forth with his other hand on his waist.

When he saw me, he stopped briefly to look at me and gestured to me to take a seat.

“Send her the papers again. She will either sign those papers or I’ll make sure to do everything that I can to sue her.” He told the person on the other line.

It definitely felt wrong to eavesdrop on their conversation because I could tell they were having a very serious talk. He spewed out a few more words before he finally ended the call.

He took a swig from the glass of water on top of his desk before he settled back on his swivel chair and looked at me.

I cleared my throat and straightened my back on my seat. “Mr. Bennett, thank you for agreeing to have a meeting with me even on a very short notice.”

“My schedule’s a little light today so I can definitely squeeze in a meeting with you during my free time.” He righted the tie around his neck and raked his fingers through his hair.

I noticed the way his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down as he swallowed. His hair looked soft to touch and those visible stubbles on his chin still looked sexy on him. I would lie if I said that he’s not attractive just because he pissed me off the first night I met him, but this man’s undoubtedly good-looking.

I tried to stay focused on my goal as to why I wanted to have a meeting with him and not because I wanted to take my time to admire just how beautiful he looks.

“Look, Mr. Bennett, I won’t beat around the bush.” I started, my palms were starting to sweat. “I want to talk about what happened in the club where you know...we first met. I knew you remembered me from that night.”

He smiled knowingly. And I hated how he looks even better when he’s smiling like that. “Of course, you’re my runaway stranger.”

“Please, don’t call me that.” I snapped a little. I wanted to apologize for displaying a slight attitude but I wanted to end this meeting as soon as possible. “I respect you as the new CEO of the company, but whatever happened back there in the club would have to stay in that club. We were both strangers that night and I only did what I thought was right during that time because you were definitely not being…nice.”

The smile on his face slowly disappeared as he looked more serious now, but he didn’t say anything though.

“I want you to know that I won’t apologize for slapping you. It was just right that I did that.” I let out the words with all the courage I’ve managed to gather. “But since you are the new CEO of the company, I want to put everything behind and work with you and for you professionally, regardless if I will be hired as your executive assistant. I certainly hope that we are on the same page, Mr. Bennett.”

He smiled again, but a little less friendly this time. “I understand. I appreciate you for taking time to have this conversation with me. I can tell that you’ve been thinking about this ever since you saw me as the new CEO of my father’s company. Rest assured that everything that happened in that club will be left behind.”

I nodded, not smiling at all, because I was still nervous as hell even after finally having the courage to tell him everything that I wanted to tell him before. I felt like a burden was finally taken off of my back.

“Thank you, Mr. Bennett.” I stood up from my seat and prepared to take my leave.

“Miss Hutton,” he softly called out. “I would also like to apologize about what happened back there in the club. Again, it was not my intention to be an a**hole towards you.”

“I appreciate you apologizing for that, Mr. Bennett.”

He walked around his desk and approached me until he was just a few steps away from me.

“I look forward to working with you.” He said, extending his arms out to me for a handshake.

I looked at his hand for a fleeting moment before I took it in for a handshake. “Welcome again to the company, Mr. Bennett.”