His Ex-Wife Returned... Powerful!

23

“Before Mr Red's retirement, the company was handling the Chicago showroom project,” Erica started to say, and I nodded, because I already read about that.

“The project is behind schedule,” she continued, “if we don't finalize the supply this week, then we might have to move the opening to next month.”

I leaned back. “What exactly is delaying it?”

“Custom fittings and lighting system.” She answered.

My eyes shifted to Drex, but he didn't blink. Still that emotionless look.

“My company can deliver all the materials in twelve days.”

“Twelve?” I frowned. “The contract says ten.”

“Ten is only possible if custom clears early.” His voice was calm. Too calm. “Twelve is realistic.”

“Well, I prefer results over realism.”

That was something I knew Leo would have laughed about. At least a smile or something.

Instead, Drex slid a file forward.

I opened it. It was all just higher cost for a faster delivery.

“You're asking me to spend more money?”

“If you're keen on meeting your deadline…” he said, “then yes, I'm asking you to do that, Miss Red.”

It was hard to not frown, because tell me what the hell was his problem.

The next hour was barely bearable. Drex's sudden change to professionalism only gave me a headache.

By the time the meeting was over, I was more than glad.

Not only because we'd made progress business wise, but the fact I could get out of Drex's weirdness.

“We'll meet on Wednesday, then?” Erica asked.

“Yeah. Finalize the deal and that'll be it.” I said, just as Drex stood.

My eyes went to him against my will, but he didn't return the gaze.

“This meeting is adjourned.”

“Thanks for your time, ma'am.” Erica offered a small head bow before walking out.

I felt a headache grow, and had to rub my forehead, face scrunching slightly.

It was only then that I noticed Drex still standing by the chair, eyes on me.

Something crossed his expression, but it was gone before I could make out its meaning.

He said no word as he walked out, and I couldn't help it. My eyes followed him until he shut the door.

Whatever was the reason for his sudden change, I didn't know, but I told myself that I liked it.

It was at least way better than his unprofessional and previously irritating side.

If we were going to be working together, then I might as well get used to this.

I left the meeting room to my office, where I continued with all that needed attending.

Each second that passed only worsened the headache. It was starting to become unbearable.

Heck, I even started to feel my heart beat from the ache.

Irea must have noticed, because she asked, “Are you okay, ma'am?”

“Hmm.” I nodded, fingers rubbing my forehead like that'd be any help.

Right now, what I needed was air.

A lot of it.

So, I pushed the chair back, grabbed my purse and was heading out of the office, to the elevator, then left the company with a still heavy head.

It was likely due to the stress of work. Maybe I needed a break like Rachel always suggested.

Once outside, I leaned by one of the pillars, retrieved a cigarette and lighter from my purse.

Just when I was about to light it, footsteps arrived.

My head lifted to where Drex was already eating the gap between us, his expression plain, but I noticed something deeper masked.

Concern? Worry?

I didn't know. Either way, he stopped beside me and handed something over.

I raised a brow at it.

“Cigarettes won't work.” He said, voice calm. “Take this, it'll cure the headache.”

Pills.

It was pain relief drugs.

I stared, confused, for a second, before looking away. “I don't need your pills.”

“If you don't take it now, the ache will worsen, then you might get so sick that you won't be able to come to work, which means more things that'll be piled up.” He sounded like I needed to be reasonable. “Do you really want to risk that?”

As much as I despised the idea of taking anything from him, I also knew he was right.

If I ended up very sick, that'd be terrible. So many things that I'd have to postpone, and when I finally resume back, I'd probably be greeted with double fold of stress.

So I returned my lighter and cigarette, then took the pill from him.

Not before adding, “This does not speak professional, by the way.”

“What?”

“You seemed keen on shifting to professional stance, but this gesture,” my arms crossed over my chest, “goes against that.”

Drex frowned. For a second, he looked like he wasn't sure how to respond.

Before he took a step forward, so close that I got in the thick scent of his cologne.

“I was only being professional because I wanted to respect your boundaries,” his voice was low as he held my gaze, “if you don't want it, then I'll change back this instance… Lisa.”