Are you my Adonis?

Flowers

I strode through the hallways of the executive floor to my office. My signature stilettos made a crisp clack on the floor with each step. My back was ramrod straight even though every muscle in my body screamed with exhaustion from pulling yet another all-nighter. Getting all the details of the Charity Gala just right was more work than one would think. Not to mention the mountains of paperwork that needed tackling before the 10 am meeting because of the collaboration with Gorgetech Innovations.

As I sat down at my desk, I picked up my cup that housed the perfect pour of a triple espresso with shaved Chocolate Abuelita and a twist of orange zest. My ambrosia, breakfast of champions, I think as I take a sip and sigh.

“I would so marry you if you weren’t gay,” I told Jacob as he walked in with the daily schedule.

“Well, there are these things called Lavender Marriages,” he replied smartly.

“You’re too much a slut to be discreet enough for that,” I said evenly as I met his eyes. We glared at each other for a second and then burst out laughing.

“Oh honey girl, don’t go proposing to me because I make the most perfect cup of coffee. That thing over there does most of the work," he finally jabbed back, pointing to the espresso machine my parents gifted me when I moved into the VP’s office.

“I’m being completely honest though. You’ll make a good wife to a proud husband someday,” I teased while I took another heavenly sip.

“No man will tie me down unless he can fill my closet with the latest couture,” he said while putting on a sassy pose. I smirked at him, knowing the size of his paychecks; he didn’t need anyone to buy him any overpriced rags.

“Okay, back to Corporate mode, what is the agenda?” I asked, ending our morning banter. Sometimes, working with your bestie is the only way not to get your soul crushed navigating through the corporate machine. Even if the corporate machine is owned by your family.

Later that afternoon, Jacob walked in holding the most gigantic bouquet in a vase. I turned my head side to side, trying to figure out how he could see with that thing in his arms. Surprisingly, he didn’t bump into anything or trip before he made it to my desk.

“These... came... for you... just now.” He said between labored breaths. For a guy who religiously works out, he gets out of breath with any kind of “hard labor”. He gave me a curious and giddy look while huffing and puffing that told me he wasn’t leaving until he knew who sent me this ridiculous bouquet.

I searched for a while before I spotted an envelope with a card. ‘To the most beautiful VP in the world, I hope our collaboration will go smoothly and lead to a bright future together. Devin.’ Was scrawled in loopy cursive on the card. Short, very sweet, and had a hint of flirting. If I were still eighteen, I’m sure I would have been over the moon, while squealing with delight. Fortunately, I’m a composed woman of 25 with self-control.

“It’s from Devin Hastings,” I told Jacob. The man, in turn, gave me the most piercing ‘I told you so’ look in the world. “And no, it’s not to ask me out on a date. He sent it in the spirit of the collaboration between our companies.”

Jacob scoffed in disbelief. “Sure… right… Every CEO sends the most ridiculous array of flowers to their collaborators.” He mutters as he saunters out of my office. I smirked at his antics and shook my head. I picked up my phone and pressed the number in my contacts.

"Hello," his deep voice came through the speaker. I shivered despite myself.

"Hello, Mr Hastings. I have received the flowers, and I am calling you to thank you," I said smoothly, if unbothered. "They are lovely."

"It's no problem at all. But if you insist on thanking me, how about you call me Devin and make good on your promise to have lunch with me?" he asked. I swear I could hear his easy smile over the phone. Hmm... maybe this puppy does have teeth."

" How about three days from now during the research lab walk-through, Devin?" I countered, trying not to encourage him too much.

"I look forward to it. Amelia," he agreed easily. Hmm, maybe I was wrong about the teeth.

"Well, until then, Devin."

"Until then, Amelia"

As soon as I hung up the phone, it flashed the name Adonis Romance Services. I thought I had erased that number a while ago, but I guess not. I let it ring for a second before I picked up the call.

"Ms Fowler, I'm Eros from Adonis Romance Services," said the seductive voice that sounded like melted chocolate.

"Ah, yes, Eros. Was there an issue with the payment? I'm pretty sure the payment was posted," I said, convinced that they were trying to blackmail me somehow.

"Actually, no. The Adonis that you stood up to actually felt bad that he had me chide you. He is willing to meet you at half price if you are willing. " Did I hear a hint of desperation? hmm interesting.

"I am not interested in meeting the Adonis," I replied. I really should hang up and block them.

"May I ask why?" Eros asked gently as if he actually cared.

"I wasn't in the right state of mind to make sound decisions that night. I was mortified to learn I slept in someone else's suite that night. Thankfully, he was understanding." I replied.

"Please, Ms Fowler, our Adonis is desperate to make it up to you," Eros replied, almost begging.

"No, I don't think I need an Adonis anymore. Thank you for the offer." I answered back, starting to get frustrated.

"Well, if you ever change your mind, we will be there to take care of your every need."

" I don't think so, but thank you." I tried to end the conversation.

"I hope to hear from you soon."

"Goodbye, Eros."

"Goodbye, Ms Fowler" he said as if he wanted to stay on the line longer.

After I hung up, I wondered why Adonis in particular wanted a session with me so desperately. Business must be slow for them.