Adeline POV
I was able to sleep after two glasses of wine. I needed it to take off the edge of the day. Josh was more than I expected and even dreamed of in the good looks department, but his attitude left much to be desired. He was on such a high horse. I know what I did was risky, but I guess it paid off because he was speechless and dismissed me without diminuating me or insulting me.
On the upside I had a great time with Sebastian, the Dreamy CFO. He was a complete gentleman. He offered advice when I asked and listened as I vented. Honestly I don’t know if that was the right move because I barely know him and when the time comes I will be his boss, but I needed someone on my side. He in a way gave me the idea to turn the tables on my situation with Josh.
I don’t know how my day would have ended up if he hadn’t been my knight in blonde locks. I know I shouldn’t have feelings for him, but I am so inexperienced with men in all sense of the word. I wish I had my mom. I missed out on sharing those kinds of experiences with a mother figure. I had girlfriends growing up but naturally my move to the United Kingdom severed any friendship I had. I was so driven by my ambition that I neglected friends and boyfriends. I might be seen as a naive girl, but I am not oblivious to what men want. Most girls that have seen any movie or even a porn can figure it out, and now with social media the male mind is not such an enigma. I am not saying I am an expert, but I am not naive.
My alarm clock goes off and I am ready to face this new day head on. I step into the shower to relax my overworked mind, and can’t help but think about these two men. Their differences and similarities. They are both athletically built, tall and so handsome. I want to think more on Sebastian, but my mind wanders to visions of Josh. Maybe from all the years I’ve been using his pictures as motivation for my body to find release. Maybe because of the dream I had of him undressing me and taking me in his office are clouding my mind. I can’t help the need to give my body the release it so desperately desires here in the warmth of my shower. I close my eyes and envision his large hands caressing my breast as I lather them. His mouth claiming every inch of my neck as my temperature rises. Pushing me against the glass of my shower as his magical hands caress all of my delicate curves. His hands start expertly massaging my sweet spot until I’m about to reach my climax. He grabs me by the hair firmly and inserts himself with force, making me weak in the knees. I finally reach my climax out of breath, but ellated. As I open my eyes I am all too disappointed because it felt so real.
I exit the shower on jelly legs and pat myself dry. Even that simple action makes my stimulated body sing. I need to get my mind back on track. Yesterday I was unprepared for the events that unfolded, but today I am going to be all business. I put on my blue pencil skirt, blue striped blouse, red pumps and my hair up in a bun. I am ready for that “ball buster” today and he won’t know what hit him.
I make my way up to my office with new resolve and who do I see waiting for me with an almost surprised face? “Good morning Sebastian, I didn’t expect you to be by my office this early. How are you?”
He looked a bit unprepared, but for just a second. “Just came by to see how the rest of your day went yesterday.” His gaze held a little longer than appropriate, but it didn’t bother me. That was the effect I was going for.
“Thank you for your concern Sebastian,” I was really sincere. “Things will improve with time I am sure. This is just as new to him as it is to me. We will make a great team I am sure of it.” I am more hopeful than sure, but like they say fake it till you make it.
I think he was expecting a different answer. He came close to me as if he was going to tell me some juicy gossip, “You are impressive, I’m sure that you are the right person to take on this challenge. Remember if you ever find yourself in need of any assistance I will be more than happy to accomodate my schedule for you.”
He made my whole body temperature rise in response to his closeness and the way he whispered into my ear leaving me speechless. Luckily he had already turned his back to me, so he wasn’t able to see the effect he had on me. I feared my face was as red as the pumps on my feet, so I quickly made my way into my office to gather my thoughts. To my unexpected surprize, Mr. Moretti is staring right at me sitting in my seat with an authoritative look. I hope he didn’t notice my crimson cheeks.
“Good morning Miss. Heart, are you ill this morning?” crap he noticed.
“Good morning Mr. Moretti, no I am fine just feeling a little flushed from the heat.” If he continues his inquisition my whole body might go red. “Do we have any pressing matters to attend to?” Good I changed the subject.
“As a matter of fact we still need to look at some of the other files. There are some new acquisitions we need to evaluate.” He said it so professionally that I am led to believe that he took my lie as the truth.
Okay, I can talk business, “Yes let’s get started then.” I sat down next to him, but he reacted strangely at the touch of our shoulders. I scooched away some to make space between us, but he seems unsatisfied.
“Let's go into the conference room, we will have more room to spread all the files out and thoroughly go over each one.” That sounded sensual to me, I had to blink a few times. I noticed he had already gotten up from my seat and was making his way out the door. “Coming?”
What the hell is wrong with me, I am so starved for s*x that talk of spreading files on a table is making me wet? I thought I took care of my need in the shower this morning. Maybe using him for my personal release is what’s causing this reaction. This is going to be a long day if I can’t get my head out of the gutter. I am not recognizing myself and I need to get a grip before I do something I will regret.
Josh POV
She derailed me yesterday, I will admit that, but today we were going to be on my turf. I cleared my head and kept my goal in mind as I finished off my Krav Maga workout. I loved the feeling of the endorphins from working out. It gives me energy, clarity and focus. Why can’t I stop thinking about yesterday though? I have no time to think of that now, I need to get ready for today. After a much needed cold shower, I woke up the woman in my bed, sent her home sleepy but satisfied and got dressed for work.
I am going to make Adeline mine and she will pay for all of my torment. That was my last thought as I settled into her chair in her office to wait. I didn’t get to where I am today being complacent. As I settled in expecting her any moment I overheard the conversation on the other side of the door. That prick Sebastian was at it again. He has no idea what he’s buying into if he continues to go after what is mine. The door nob turns and in comes Adeline, looking fuckable. Her cheeks are as red as her f**k me pumps and I can’t believe another man did that to her. I will take care of that ill fated Sebastian later, right now I need to focus and get my plan back on track.
I let her know that I saw how red she became after talking to Sebastian by asking if she was feeling well. She tried to play it off with a lie and I let her. I had bigger things in mind for her. As she sat next to me her scent hit me like a freight train and her delicate body gave off a heat I couldn’t ignore. I want to bend her over her desk and trust myself deep inside of her, claiming what is mine. I need a change of space to get air and think with my head and not my c**k.
“Let's go into the conference room, we will have more room to spread all the files out and thoroughly go over each one.” That came out more like a double entendre then I was expecting,but judging by the look on her face I got her on the line. “Coming?” I added that for my amusement to deepen the red on her cheeks. Seems like I won that round Sebastian.
We entered the conference room to find none other than Sebastian already there with spreadsheets littering the table. I look at him as if he is an unwanted pain in my ass, but he didn’t flinch a muscle. Last I recall I sign his paychecks, but the melodic voice coming from behind me opened my eyes to his reasoning for being so bold. She might actually like this loser.
“Hi Sebastian, I didn’t know you are occupying this space.” she said it so innocently and it made me sick. She didn’t talk to me that way, but why would I want her too? She was a means to an ends revenge nothing more.
“Hi Adeline..” I shot him a look so fast he fixed his greeting to her. “Miss. Heart, yeah I am in here going over the quarterly numbers. Was there something you needed?” His question was directed at her but he stared me down as he delivered it.
If I wasn’t trying a new angle with Adeline I would have picked him up by his collar and had him removed. I was thinking of all the ways I can make him pay when Adeline gleefully walks past me and sits next to him. I watch as her leg rubs his as she gets comfortable in the adjacent chair. For a moment I feel like a spectator. I can see he is attracted to her and that little action just made his day. I can feel my anger rising but being the cunning man that I am a little bit of competition makes this game all the more enjoyable. I am confident that I will win and I can’t wait to rubb it in his smug face.
“Listen Adeline, since this conference room is taken, how about we go to the coffee shop to look over these files?” I am waiting for a response, but I can see in Sebastian’s face that he is aware something is amiss because I never leave the office to do business. Like I said I like to control everything. A lot of variables can come out and change things when I don’t have that control but I had to take her away from him.
“Yes, sure Mr. Moretti, bye Sebastian I’ll catch up with you later.” She sweetly rejects his company, placing a hand on his shoulder as she goes. He looks like he enjoyed her contact, but I’ve got just the thing to bring his confidence down a notch.
“By the way Adeline, you can call me Josh. We are colleagues and we are going to spend a lot of time together.” I added that just for Sebastians ears as I usher her by the small of her back. I want him to see that he can't compete with me.
We walked towards the coffee shop in complete silence with the exception of the rhythmic sound of her heels. We are about to cross the street, but the light changed. She was so distracted trying to keep hold of all the files that she wasn’t paying attention. It happened in slow motion, luckily because of my training, my body reacted faster than my brain and snatched her in mid air before she walked into the oncoming traffic. Paper flew all around us as I held her fragile frame in my arms. Her face was flush and all I could think was how at this moment I could kiss her and she would be a willing recipient. I wanted to let the adrenaline take over and do all the things I’ve been wanting to do to her since she walked in this morning. To pull her bun apart and run my hands through her hair. To hike up her skirt and feel her most intimate places. The time finally caught up to my thoughts and I found her looking up at me with a questioning look.
“Umm, I think I got it from here,” she finally said as she removed herself from my arms.
I don’t know why, but at that moment I felt a void. “Yes,” I finally said, clearing my throat. “You should be more careful, I might not always be there to save your life.” I bent down to pick up the files that were still intact. Not sure why but she hesitated before she began to mirror my actions. This, as inconvenient as it was, might have given me the leg up I need against my competition.
We were able to collect a good majority of the files. Because of the incident that just took place we decided that brunch was better suited than a simple coffee. I phoned my driver to pick us up and instructed him to take us to my favorite italian restaurant.
The car ride is quiet, but I am not one for idle chit chat so it doesn’t bother me. We finally arrive at our destination Lucianos. I forgot to tell her one little detail, I own the place.
We make our way inside and as always I am received like a king. We sit at my usual table and I can’t help but gaze at Adeline as she marvels at the decor and the grandness of the place. “Is this restaurant to your liking?” To break the silence.
“Yes, this place is amazing! I’ve never heard of it before.” She admitted that so sincerely I couldn’t help to feel a bit of pride
I was waiting to tell her that I owned the restaurant, when the manager came to our table. “Mr. Moretti,” he said with a hint of nervousness. “I was not informed that you would be stopping by today, I am sorry we were not better prepared.” He admitted as he bowed apologetically.
“It’s okay Francis, this was an impromptu brunch arrangement.” I reached out placing my hand on his shoulder reassuringly. “Please bring me the usual.” As I say this he motions towards Adeline. “She will be having the same.”
She looks at me with questioning eyes. I explain to her that I am the owner and my taste is undisputed. There's a hint of disbelief in her eyes but whatever she is thinking she isn’t sharing. Something about the way the day had progressed had her at a loss for words and I am not sure what that meant.
We enjoyed our meal with a glass of wine. It was a peaceful meal not something I was quite used to. Usually the women I take out can’t help but talk my ear off trying to sell themselves.
“Desert?’’ Francis asks and patiently waits for a reply.
I am not into sweets so I was about to wave him away.
“Yes please,” she finally spoke. “I would love to try your Tiramisu!”
She looked so happy at the thought of that desert that I ordered one as well, just in case she wanted some of mine. Her eyes lit up as the desert was placed in front of us. I found myself smiling at her. She was so unguarded so beautiful. I had to wipe those thoughts from my mind If I was to fulfill my plans of revenge.
She started to enjoy her desert as my brain waged war on my heart. How I wish to be that spoon she was licking clean. I caved and ordered a Tiramisu to go for her to enjoy at the office.
“Thank you so much, Mr. Mo..Josh!” She is actually smiling at me and not a patronizing smile but a full on sincere smile.
“It’s my pleasure, Adeline, if I may call you by your first name.” I waited for her to approve my use of her name instead of her surname.
“Yes, Josh, it’s fine and thank you again for earlier! I promise to pay closer attention to my surroundings.” She was so nervous bringing that up and it made me smile.
With Tiramisu in tow we made our way back to the office. We parted ways at her office. I left her with instructions on how to handle the missing paperwork. I told her once she was done with that task she could call it a day and go home.
Adeline POV
I stretch my arms as high as I can, roll my neck and shoulders and sigh with the exhaustion of the day I have had. I was never expecting the events that took place today. I was almost done with the work I made for myself thanks to my slip up this morning. Just thinking back to that moment sends shivers up my spine. He reacted so swiftly I had little time to register what had even happened. If it wasn’t for him I might have ended as roadkill. The way he held me took my breath away, and if he would have kissed me I would have happily returned the favor. I knew he had strong arms but they felt firm, sculpted, as if he was chiseled from marble. I would not have minded to stay securely in those arms all day if I was given the chance. I have to keep in mind though that he supposedly has a girlfriend, and it must be serious if he’s planning on proposing. I need to concentrate on the work ahead of me and push away any thoughts I have of ever having a relationship with him.
If this unspoken thing we have goes any further I will have to take measures to create some distance. After all, I am not a homewrecker. I have never been in this situation before, but I have been living my life without any boyfriends and I’ve managed just fine. Yeah I will admit my heart is hurting, especially since he is not as bad as I initially thought. This would be much easier if he was an asshole. I can deal with assholes. I am a woman in a predominantly male dominated world, I have experience with that type of guy, but this.
A knock on my door takes me away from my inner toil.
“Come in,” I say loud enough for the person behind the door to hear.
“Mrs. Heart,” Sebastian says as he makes his way inside. “I just happen to walk by your door and I was surprised to see you were still hard at work.”
“”Please Sebastian, if I am allowed to use your first name use mine as well.” I know Josh came down on him for that, but I don’t mind as much as he does.
“So, are you done with work?” He looks at me expectantly, I think he wants me to say yes.
“As a matter of fact, I just finished. I was about to call it a day,” and what a day it was. Having my life saved, being treated to an amazing brunch and gifted the best Tiramisu I have ever tasted. All with surprisingly good company. Leaving my heart more conflicted then it’s ever been.
“Well I would love to walk you out if you don’t mind.” He made a gentleman like gesture as if he was going to escort me out. It made me chuckle.
“I would be delighted to have you escort me out of the building.” I loop my arm around his waiting arm and head out of my office. We ride the elevator down and he’s making conversation. He’s telling me of all the files he went through. The opportunities he found in some of the investment portfolios and about new acquisitions that might be beneficial to our company. I listened intently as I could while trying hard to forget Josh’s strong arms wrapped around my body. I must have been deep in thought because he is staring at me holding the elevator door open at the bottom floor.
“I am so sorry Sebastian, seems this day has left me a bit drained.” I tried to sound convincing.
“I can understand, it is your second day officially and I can try to tell you that it gets better, but I don’t want to lie to you. Truth is you just get used to it.” His smile was honest and so alluring.
Maybe Sebastian can be a way I can distance myself from Josh, but I am not too keen on office romances. If the situation calls for it though he’s definitely a great candidate. “I really appreciate you Sebastian! You know just what to say to get me out of my head. Thank you!” I leaned in to kiss his cheek but to my surprise he turned into the kiss and pecked me on the lips. I didn’t know the repercussions of his actions, but at that moment I welcomed the butterflies that kiss gave me. He asked me to dinner and I was delighted to be able to have his company for an evening meal.
I am finally home and I can’t help but replay the pleasant evening I just had with Sebastian. As I lie in bed I recall all the things we spoke of, our pasts, our future goals, his failed relationships. It was nice to be able to talk to someone about something other than business, and the fact that he is so good to look at was a plus. My heart thumped in my chest and sent shivers down my spine every time our hands accidentally touched. I can’t believe how easy it is for me to talk to him. When the evening came to an end though, I needed to make one thing clear. I will not ever take part in a business romance. If I am to be the co CEO I can’t be caught in a scandal, it could not only ruin my reputation but also the reputation of the company if there was a bad break between the CFO and the CEO. I can tell that information was as hard for him to accept as it was for me to deliver. He is a great man and I could see myself with him if the circumstances were different, but did I want to be with him?