Lust or Love

Chapter 9

Evie introduced herself to the receptionist and was shown to the waiting area. After meeting a HR representative and the Creative Lead she would be assisting, who was the lady that sat in on her interview, the paperwork was signed and the job, along with the policies, terms and expectations of Evie were discussed.

“Let me be very clear again, at Benchmark Designs, we do not tolerate s****l or intimate relationship between colleagues. If you are found to be in a relationship, there will be a risk of immediate dismissal.” Said the old HR lady. “Of course” nodded Evie in agreement, this was perfect for her as it meant she could just focus on her work and of course, it was too soon to even be thinking about that (except for Charlie) anyway as it had only been a few weeks since catching David.

Evie started her role that afternoon, she saw no point in going back to her hotel room and be left alone with her thoughts of Charlie, so working was a welcomed distraction. She was introduced to a personal assistant to a creative designer, who showed Evie around and she realised it was a lot bigger than it looked. She was taken over a few floor levels, noting that Benchmark was across floors 7, 8 and 9. There was a building restaurant and coffee bar on floor 6, other company offices on floors 1-5 the HR department on level 10 and then management offices on floors 11 and 12.

“So where is the office for our management team?” Evie asked curiously but hoping deep down she wasn’t going to say floor 12.. “on 11. You will find whoever you need to speak to there.” Smiled the PA. Thank goodness, Evie thought to herself, that must mean that Charlie owns a different company within the building.

Meanwhile, in his office, Charlie couldn’t focus on his work at all. The brunette that was dangling all over him got the hint that Charlie was either no longer interested or distracted as he gave no response to her when she attempted to throw herself at him after Evie left the lifts.

“Is there anything I can do for you Mr Dunn?” Asked Charlie’s assistant, Wendy. “No thank you.” Charlie stated sternly whilst pacing up and down in his office “actually, I want a list of all the new employees that started over the last week” he asked of Wendy, she nodded and got right on that. Being as inpatient as he was, Charlie grabbed his suit jacket and made his way down to floor 9. Without saying a word to anyone, he made way on his hunt for Evie. His employees stood still when they saw him with shock, envy, lust or all 3. Some pretended to be busy, whilst others just stood and watched as he made his way around the company and restaurant floors. With no avail, he didn’t find Evie, which irritated him more. Wendy got the brunt of this as he let his frustration out on her when she had told him she was still waiting for the list from HR “if you can’t do a simple task I ask of you, then why are you still here?!” Shouted Charlie, before saying “leave!” At Wendy, who was stood in the doorway of his office. She abruptly turned and all but ran back to her desk with tears in her eyes.

Charlie was a strict and professional employer that on occasion, did lose his temper and poor Wendy usually felt it.

After sitting in his office, in a somewhat tantrum for what felt hours, Charlie decided to let Wendy leave a little early, “Wendy, before you go; I apologise for my behaviour earlier.” And turned away back to his office before she could respond. Of course, she was gob-smacked as Charlie never apologises to anyone.

Over the next weeks, Evie had settled in well and had made a few friends that she met with outside of work for coffee or drinks. She had heard from her lawyer, that had confirmed that she was now a free woman as her divorce went through with no fights from David. She had not yet head from the insurance company, but she knew it was going to be a long time before she did. And she had managed, although not on purpose, to avoid contact with Charlie, despite his efforts in continuing to look around for her.

Evie was getting on well with her team she had been assigned to, pitching ideas and of course they welcomed her expertise, despite her job title which made her feel good and appreciated. She was happy here and it showed.

“Hey pretty lady, fancy going to the club tonight?” Asked Ella, one of Evie’s colleagues, a small petite girl who had an alternate sense of style dressing in extremely bright colours and wearing her hair in fun styles. Turning her nose up, “hmm, I’m not really feeling it tonight” said Evie. “Pleassseeeee come with me! It’s Friday and you know what that means..” Ella pleaded with her hands locked together at her chin. “Friday night, party night!” They laughed together “ugh, fine! Only because I love you” Evie said as she gave in “meet you outside of Ruby’s at 9?” Evie said as Ella jumped up and down, clapping her hands way too enthusiastically.

It was 8:30pm and Evie stood in front of her mirror inside on whether or not to change her outfit, consisting of a spaghetti strap, black midi dress that had a high slit up her left thigh, which exposed her fox tattoo she loved, paired with ribbon strapped black heels. She wore her hair straight and had Smokey eye makeup and nude lipstick. “I look hot” she said to herself with acceptance. As her taxi pulled up, Evie grabbed her bag and leather jacket and left. Upon arriving she saw Ella stood with a couple of other people she recognised from work. As she got out, Ella cheered “You look so hot!!” with Evie replying “so do you, as always!” before saying “Hi guys!” to the others.

They all entered the club together and immediately started dancing to the music as they made their way to the bar. It was busy inside but not over the top meaning they had room to dance without getting knocked into, which is how Evie preferred it. After ordering a couple of rounds at the bar, the group went to the dance floor. Dancing with each other and avoiding the creeps, they had fun, laughing and singing along to the songs. “Shots!!” Said one of the colleagues as she stood with a tray of shots “3x each.. go, go, go!” She encouraged, as Ella and Evie took them back. It wasn’t long before Evie felt the effects of the alcohol whilst dancing. She turned and realised that her friends had ditched her, so continued to dance alone.

Meanwhile, Charlie had arrived at Ruby’s and was shown to his usual VIP area, which overlooked the dance floor from above. He arrived with a couple of friends who had invited some ladies. All were very attractive looking, as if they were all models for vogue! After a few drinks, Charlie stood and headed to the balcony to look at the crowd below. It wasn’t long before he spotted Evie, shaking her hips to the music and looking breathtaking as she danced in her little black dress. He watched her closely then realised she was alone, no one was with her as she danced, no friends to keep the creeps away. As he thought that, he saw a man beelining straight for Evie. He growled and did the exact same thing.