Mr. Brockwell

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

*Adrian*

I knew breaking up with Ivan was weighing heavily on Calista's mind and I wanted to relieve some of that pressure, if possible. So I took her to the place that I often find myself retreating to when I'm under stress, a place that can calm anyone's nerves.

I opened the passenger door to my Mercedes coupe, watching her cute smile as she admired the expensive car. I shut her door and jogged over to the driver's seat, hopping inside and starting the engine.

I would casually glance in her direction on the way to our destination and each time, I didn't think she could get any cuter, she did. Her eyes were glazed with excitement, as we drove away from the city and into a wooded area. It took a good hour to get there and once we arrived, I shut the car off and walked around to her side to open the door. I held out my hand and she grabbed ahold of it, while I helped her out of the car.

Her beautiful green eyes scanned the area and landed on me, her lips pulling into a breath-taking smile. I held onto her small hand and pulled her into the forest, through the cluttered trees and shrubbery. I cleared a path for her when the forest became too dense, helping to move branches out of her way. We ducked and weaved through the thick path of trees, until we finally reached the destination.

A clearing opened up and revealed the gorgeous view ahead. A meadow full of wild flowers, tall grass, and covered by two large willow trees. I led her towards the center, where a glimmer of the sun was shining through the branches and we sat against the tree stump. The view ahead is gorgeous, especially at this hour. The sun kissed the white petals of the daisies that scattered the field ahead, glistening with the movement of the wind.

"This is incredible..." Calista murmured under her breath, still with her eyes glued to the meadow.

"I come here when I feel stressed," I admitted, and she glanced over at me with curious eyes, "It helps me unwind."

"I can see why." She smirked and her head focused back on the meadow.

"I thought it might help you too." I responded, staring at the side of her face and waiting for her to look at me again.

"You thought right," She giggled and turned her head with the sweetest little smirk, "It's very peaceful here."

As I admired the little beauty in front of me, I realized that I was leaning closer to her and I quickly pulled myself away. This is becoming increasingly difficult and I don't know how much longer I can hold out. I've finally admitted to myself that I want to have Calista in my life, as more than just an assistant, and now all I want is to claim my girl.

I'm forced to remind myself, she isn't mine, not yet. She has to feel the magnetic pull that I feel whenever we're around each other. I can tell every time she blushes and hides her face. I think what's holding both of us back is the fact that we work together, and she still has to break up with Ivan. Speaking of Ivan, I'll have to have Ida and Walter keep a close eye out on Calista. I get the feeling she'll try to meet Ivan alone, and that can only end in one way.

"Are you stressed too?" Calista's little voice breaks me from my reverie and I glance at her with knitted brows.

"There are always things that weigh on my mind," I admitted and held her gaze, "But I'm not currently stressed, no."

"So you brought me here... for me?" She asked, her voice raising an octave.

"Yes," I chuckled and watched her cheeks bloom to a bright red, "I thought it might help you sort through your thoughts. Was I right?"

"Yes.." She muttered and bit her lip, refraining from smiling.

We sat there for a little while longer, enjoying the peace and silence, as well as the gorgeous view. It was something to behold, such a treasure, to find so much bliss in the middle of the forest. Some people never find such simple luxuries in life. I feel bad for those people, because it's places like this that can lift a person's sorrows... even if just for a moment.

"Ready to return home?" I asked, standing back on my feet and holding my hand out for her to grab.

"I am." She grinned, grabbing my hand.

I pulled her up and her frail little body fell against mine, as I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her closer to prevent her from falling. Calista lifted her head up, which was the same height as my chest, and I peered down into her vulnerable glimmering eyes. I felt her heart hammering against my chest, where my heart was matching the rhythm to her beat. Our eyes locked and we stared at each other for a moment, while I contemplated making the first move.

It was too soon, I knew it was too soon, but dammit I so badly wanted to kiss her. She gulped and I felt her chest inhale deeply while she waited. She was going to let me make the first move and I couldn't believe what I was about to do, because I'd never done it before. I pulled away, with a soft sigh, keeping my hands on either side of her shoulders. I licked my lips, pursing them, clearing my throat and turning her towards the path that we took here.

Without a word, we made our way back to the car and left the thick forest behind. The ride was quiet at first. I sure as hell didn't know what to say and I know she was feeling uncomfortable with the situation. Her boss almost kissed her, dammit I probably creeped the s**t out of her. She's a lot younger than me. Maybe I'm too old for her? f**k, I bet she's afraid of me now.

Do I apologize for almost kissing her? I certainly don't want her to feel uncomfortable around me, nor do I want her to feel obligated to reciprocate, simply because I'm her boss. It will only be awkward if I don't address the situation, because however badly I don't want to, I need to if I want to keep her around at all.

"Calista..." I mumbled and felt her eyes fall on me, "I'm sorry for what happened back there, I never meant to make things awkward."

"It's okay, Mr. Brockwell, I should be apologizing too... it wasn't just you.." She softly replied, her voice lighter than a whisper.

Ouch. Back to Mr. Brockwell, huh? I guess that's what I get for almost crossing the line... although, I can't help but ponder her words; 'it wasn't just you'. Was she going to kiss me back? Did she want to kiss me back?

I took a deep breath and nodded, stealing a glance at her ashamed expression. Son of a b***h, now I've made her feel guilty! I couldn't leave things like that, I had to find something to say to fix the situation. There was only one thing that was coming to my mind and I went with it.

"You have nothing to apologize for, Calista. I am your boss. I am the one who should have known better. Can you forgive me?" I asked, peeking over at her puzzled face.

"Forgive you? Mr-"

"Adrian." I corrected her with a coy grin, chuckling on the inside when her cheeks blushed.

"Adrian," She smirked and lightly nodded, "I have nothing to forgive you for."

"For trying to kiss you." I bluntly remarked, causing her to stare at me with wide eyes.

"I would have let you..." She lightly muttered, once again shying away and hiding her face.

That last comment took me off guard and I quickly glanced at her, feeling my heart do back flips inside my chest. Instead of responding, I focused on the road and getting us back home safely. I can't allow my thoughts to travel there, not yet. She isn't ready for anything yet, and her words just proved it. She would have let me kiss her. That's allowing someone to do something that you're not ready for. At least, that's how I see it, and I would never in a million years take advantage of any woman. Especially Calista.

We arrived home and I watched her head upstairs towards her bedroom. Sighing, I retreated to my office near the living room and shut the door behind me. I really f****d that s**t up, didn't I? That poor girl probably thinks of me as a vulture, just waiting to stake my claim on her. f**k!

I dug through the bottom drawer of my desk and retrieved a pack of cigarettes, old and stale. I quit a long time ago, but find myself craving one from time to time. I pull one out of the pack and start smoking it, calming my wrecked nerves. Pouring myself a stiff drink, I sat back in the leather chair and pondered my options.

First and foremost, I need to learn when Calista is planning on meeting up with Ivan. Once he's out of the picture, I can assess everything else. Until then, she is just my assistant. Just my assistant... my gorgeous, adorably innocent, and undeniably sexy assistant. Yeah, I'm f****d.