Mr. Brockwell

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

*Calista*

When I returned to my bedroom, Adrian was gone, and I felt terrible lashing out at him. I don't know what's caused me to become so irate, but it scares me to death that Ivan's family will hurt Adrian... I don't think I would survive losing him. Even though we barely know each other, it doesn't feel like that at all. It feels like I've known him my whole life.

I changed into pajamas and crawled under the covers, though I wasn't ready to lay down yet. It was a little after nine when Quinn entered, with a beaming grin plastered on her face. I didn't even have to ask, I already knew she was smitten with Dallas. Hell, everyone probably knew at that point! They were adorable together.

"How ya doing, boo?" Quinn asked sympathetically, joining me under the covers.

"I feel bad for yelling at him..." I admitted, chewing my lip.

"Then go talk to him, I bet he feels the same way." She encouraged me, playfully shoving me towards the edge of the bed.

"It's weird... I don't understand why he feels the need to step in." I felt my eyebrows furrowing with the thought.

"Because he has feelings for you and wants to protect you, duh." Quinn snorted, shaking her head like I asked a rhetorical question.

Adrian has feelings for me? I mean, I knew we were attracted to each other, because we'd kissed twice... but feelings? I bit my lip, imagining if he actually did have feelings for me that went beyond mere attraction. My heart flutters at the thought, and soon it's too overwhelming to even think about. Adrian is gorgeous, from head to toe, he's a successful, wealthy, independent man... I wouldn't expect someone like him to develop feelings for someone like me.

Before I could ask Quinn any more questions, she was fast asleep and curled up under the blankets. It didn't take her long to start snoring again, and I knew I'd never fall asleep. I took a deep breath and gathered all the courage that resided in me. Stepping into the silent dark hallway, I tiptoed all the way down my hallway and into Adrian's wing. Stopping in front of his door.

A glimmer of light snuck through the cracks of the door, giving me the indication he was still awake. My heart started to pound heavily against my chest, rattling my rib cage. I gulped and clenched my eyes shut, knocking on the door with my knuckles. I heard his muffled voice beckon me. I slowly pushed open the door and found him already in bed, shirtless, exposing his gorgeous tattooed bare chest.

He lifted the covers to where the empty side of the bed was, smirking at me, and I joined him under the covers without hesitation. I wanted to be next to him, feel his comforting touch, and listen to his gentle words of wisdom. The truth was, I needed Adrian, in every way, shape and form. I not only desired him, but a part of my heart was attached to him, something I'd never felt before and didn't quite know how to handle.

"Does your friend need her own room?" Adrian asked with a light chuckle.

I turned towards him, resting my hand on his chest. "Maybe I like your room better."

Adrian stared at me with a peculiar expression, one I couldn't decipher. His breath hitched, and his eyes flickered at my lips, only for a brief moment. He cleared his throat and dropped his gaze, gathering his thoughts, before his eyes found mine again. I don't know what inspired me to be so coy, but it seems I have left Adrian speechless.

"Adrian... can I ask you something?" I broke the silence, and for a split second I thought I heard him sigh.

"What's that?" He responded, his voice a low whisper.

"Are you involved with Tiffany Beckett?" I asked, chewing my lip nervously.

"Involved? Do you mean to ask if I'm dating her?" Adrian rephrased my question, sitting straight up in bed.

"Yes... or have you ever?" I whimpered, feeling ashamed I even brought it up, it's none of my business.

"Hell no!" Adrian shrieked with wide eyes, "What makes you ask that?"

"Her and Tara said you two were on a break, that you were getting back together..." I admitted, glancing away.

"That's laughable." Adrian grunted, leaning back in bed.

I didn't know what to say, I ruined what could have been a sentimental moment with a stupid question. I should have known better. I buried my head, avoiding his penetrating gaze, knowing I f****d up. That is, until I heard him laughing. I lifted my head, and the moment I did he caught my chin with his fingers. Keeping my eyes aligned with his, he held me there for a second.

"There's never been anything between me and any of my employees. Except for you, that is..." Adrian's words captivated me, he was admitting to having feelings for me!

"Why is she saying otherwise, then?" I asked, not that I didn't believe him, but it was still a legitimate question.

"Because Tiffany has wanted to get in my pants ever since I hired her, I've contemplated firing her a few times because of her forward nature. I've turned her down countless times." Adrian grunted, sighing heavily.

"Oh..." I felt myself blushing, she's probably not the only one.

"Does that answer your question, princess?" Adrian chuckled and pulled me towards him, wrapping his arm around my waist.

"Yes." I bit my lip, resting my head against his chest.

"Goodnight, then, beautiful." Adrian whispered, and I think my heart jumped all the way up my throat.

What's with all the terms of endearment? Not that I'm complaining, but it does beg the question as to where the hell it's coming from. Maybe it was me asking that question about Tiffany, it was an admission of my feelings towards him, and in turn he expressed his feelings towards me. I sighed, remembering where I am and who I'm next to. I'll have to ponder that thought later. For now, I need sleep.

I woke up the following morning to Adrian's alarm. He got out of bed immediately, and I watched him walk into the bathroom. Hearing the shower turn on, I remained in bed and waited my turn. It didn't take him long, either. In ten minutes, he was walking out of a steam-filled bathroom. My eyes immediately landed on his bare chest, still dripping with water, and the white towel that wrapped around his thick waist. I gulped, as my eyes raked over his rock-hard abs, ending right above the seam of the towel.

"Your turn, kitten." Adrian chuckled, walking over to the dresser to retrieve his clothes.

"Thanks..." I squeaked, my voice cracking, as I scurried in the bathroom.

Oh my gosh... what is happening between us? I'm not even sure I can handle it! Adrian is hotter than sin, I could get lost staring at just his face all day, not to mention his perfectly sculpted body! I'm losing it. No one can be that perfect... Where's the main flaw? What am I missing? The world isn't generous enough to gift him with looks, a great personality, and money! It just doesn't work like that, I know that much.

I finished showering and wrapped a towel around my body, brushing my wet hair, before exiting the bathroom. I had completely forgotten about the fact that I had no clothes in Adrian's room, so I had to scurry down the hall to mine. His room was empty, and I flew into the hallway. With water still dripping down my body, I was leaving a small trail behind me.

I rounded the corner towards the next hallway, without looking, and ran straight into someone else. It was enough to knock me back, and I landed on the floor, my arms and legs sprawled to the side. I released a small scream, before hitting the ground, as I was startled.

"s**t! Are you okay?" Christian asked, grabbing my hand to pull me up.

"Yeah, I'm so sorry..." I murmured, embarrassed.

"No, I'm sorry." Christian chuckled, "Better go get dressed."

I glanced down and noticed the towel had slipped moderately, exposing the upper half of my breast. I blushed and tugged the rest of the towel up to cover myself, scurrying past him without another word. The second I reached my door, I heard Adrian's voice, but he wasn't addressing me.

"Stop flirting with her, Christian." Adrian grunted, looking down the hall, directly at me.

"I'm not, man, chill. We accidentally ran into each other, she was in a towel, it was all an accident." Christian shrugged, attempting to walk away.

"Just keep your eyes to yourself." Adrian growled, and I disappeared into my bedroom.

Seeing Adrian act that way had me feeling excited, like he was jealous or something. Don't ask why that made me giddy, but it did. A smile forced its way onto my lips, while I stood in front of my closet and decided on an outfit for work. I wanted to impress him a little bit, wear something sophisticated but sexy.