SOFT MELLOW

CHAPTER TWO

Seven years later

I swerve to the side for a man hurrying out as I step into the Lobby ,my heels clicking on the marble floor. The cool air envelops me, a welcome respite from the chaos outside. I glance around, taking in the sleek lines and modern decor. A woman at the desk, receptionist maybe, looks up from her computer and smiles warmly at me.

“ Good morning, and welcome to Angelino's enterprise, how may I help you today?”

“ I..m.. I'm Lana…Lana Roosevelt.. Here to see …” I bite my lips. “ I don't know, he works here and he told me..to tell the receptionist my name when I get here…says she'll. You'll understand,” I lock my fingers together on the desk with my car keys.

The woman's lips thin into a bloodless gush and her eyes crinkle at the corner, “ And you have no idea who he is, have his name or any other details?”

I feel like a clown.

“ No,” I mutter.

“ Uhmm, I'm a little bit confused here, but could you wait over there while I reach out to someone who may help, if you don't mind?” She points at the visitor's chairs at the side.

“ Sure,” I nod, and my heels tap to the chairs. I plop into one and drop my bag on the other, looking back at the receptionist, whose eyes crinkle with a smile.

She taps her ear pods and soon her lips start moving like she's having a conversation with someone, so I focus my gaze on my reflection on the pane glass beside me. I take in my puffy face and slightly disheveled hair. Reaching into my bag, my hand closes around my powder case and I dust some powder under my eyes.

“ Miss Roosevelt,” A voice snaps my face at a tall,brown haired lady whose lipstick appears bolder than the other one. “ I'm so sorry for the delay, I didn't tell my substitution about you, please forgive me, ma'am.”

“ Sure,” I retort. Clamping my powder case and slipping it into my bag before standing up.

“ Please come with me…He's in his office,” She says and starts walking before I speak. I follow suit.

We make our way to the elevator, my fingers trailing over the cool metal rail as I step inside. The doors slide shut behind me, and I'm enveloped in silence. I take a deep breath, preparing myself for what's to come.

The doors open on the top floor, and I step out into a spacious office. I'm immediately struck by the stunning view of the city skyline. I take a moment to compose myself before moving forward, my eyes scanning the room for a familiar face.

“ He'll be with you soon,” The lady behind me says and takes her leave.

Alone in the large office,my heart races and sweat tickles my skin. I settle into a seat and try not to focus on absurd facts that scheme through my mind. So now we sleep with rich men for jobs? God, what am I thinking?

My gaze fell on the indicator on the large desk, a white little board with o large “CEO OF Lortex enterprises and co.”print on it.“ You arrived earlier than I expected,” A voice echoes in the room, sending chills down my bones.

A tall frame lean on the door, a smile greesing his small mouth, black tailored suit and skin blond hair. He looks so young.

“ I'll excuse you for now,” The other man behind him says, before exiting the room.

Now the distance between us feels like a threat to my sanity. I secretly pray he remains there.

“I’m glad you could make it, Lana,”His blue eyes sparkles.

“I'm glad you're having me.” I said , trying to sound calm.

He motions forward, his shoes slightly tapping on the floor. I'm very sure mine has been louder a while ago.

His palm spreads before me and I take it.

“ I must say,Lana, you look more beautiful than the last time I saw you,” He grins. My heart beat stuck in my throat .

His gaze holds mine slowly and time freezes around me,until I feel a ticklish feeling underneath my palm and spot his finger moving. My back stifle.

“ Huh,thank you”I draw back my hand.

A soft grin touches his mouth before he spins around and

makes his way to the opposition chair.

“ Have you been offered anything?” He asks, his eyes locking with the computer screen and I'm glad for a moment his attention is no longer on me.

“ No.”

His face snaps at me, “ No?”

“ I mean,It's not necessary,” I wave a hand and the way his eyes follow my hand until it's down with a raised eyebrow makes the gesture feel suddenly dumb.

“ That's the major procedure a secretary should never miss,” His gaze grows intense and I wish he's staring at the computer instead.

“Okay.”

“ Do you need anything?” He asks.

“ I'm good,” I stare at my sweaty palms.

“You look like you've got a lot of questions,”

“Yeah,” I reply.

“Go on, be sure your questions are worth answering and don't push your luck,”

“Excuse me?” I furrow my eyebrows. But he taps his clock and mouths, “ Going”

Okay, what kind of jerk talks to people like that?

Why am I not hearing about the job offer?

What the f**k happens between us that night?

“ Oh God, you're not about to ask me if I'm ready to be a father, are you?” His eyes crinkle with concern.

“ Oh no no.. I'm not…pregnant,” I defend, grining

He relaxes in his chair, swiveling side to side . He's not the kind of man I would ever imagine on a CEO seat,never.

“ Why would you assume that?” Another chance to learn more about that night. “ Did..we do it with no…”

“ Have you taken a test?” He demands.

I search the back of my head for an answer,my throat dries up. “You didn't?” He asks.

I nod.

“Word.”

“No.”