DAYS WITHOUT YOU

Meeting

His arms are now placed on my waist and chills running down my spine. “You look beautiful in that dress.”

That was all he said to me before leaving, he didn't turn back but a part of me wanted him to.

I stood and watched him leave, his broad shoulders stiff as he moved, his features glowing in the light. It was clear, the man in front of me is perfectly fit to be a Cross, how did I not see that last night.

I was probably blinded by my desires and didn't think and now I have a lot on my table to worry about.

Last night was a one night thing and it has to remain that way. I can't let my desire and what happened between us get in the way of this deal, I can't let my father down.

Not now, not ever.

Leo walked towards me as I exited the boardroom.

“You have a guest waiting in your office.” Leo informed me, offering to carry my laptop.

“Don't worry, you can get back to work.” I dismissed Leo and headed to my office.

I cat walked to my office. The only place I found solace in this building and sitting right on my chair was Zoe.

“Why aren't you at work?”, I asked her and smiled back at her.

She quickly got up and offered me a seat on my own chair.

“Have your seat, my queen.” Zoe winked at me.

I gave her a dramatic gesture, “I know why you're here and I'm not nothing happened.”

Zoe walked over to the table and sat on it, “You can fill everyone in this office but not me.”

I majestically walked to my seat wondering what could be going on in Zoe's head.

A knock landed on the door, a tap came and then Dad walked in. He didn't need a response to come into my office. He is always welcomed but he always waits to hear me tell him to come in.

My dad is a man I'll always respect even in my sick bed. And he's one of the reasons I can not see myself settling for anyone lesser than him.

“Dad.” I said, standing to hug him.

Zoe smiled and went in for a hug.

“Hi Uncle.” Zoe greeted him.

I would say Zoe has become a family more like my twin sister. I get jealous at times because I think Dad loves her more than he loves me. He treats us both with so much love but what can you expect when we've literally stolen each other's family.

Dad placed his hands on my face, “I am super proud of you.” He paused, “once again you've made me proud.”

I couldn't help the smile growing on my face.

Dad pecked my forehead and told me he'll be leaving now. He never stayed long in the office these days due to his health but my man is still as strong as his youth.

Looking around I was left with Zoe the bug, she wasn't letting this go. She really wanted to know what happened last night and trust me to spill the tea for her, I just needed her to work for it.

“You can stop staring at me like that.” I told Zoe.

Her legs still crossed, “I won't till you give me what I want.”

“Come let's go.” I told her as I packed my bags.

“Where?” She looked puzzled.

“Somewhere safe, the walls have ears.” I whispered softly and we both began to laugh loudly.

Few moments later, we both were sitting In a quiet café tucked away from the city buzz. The walls were lined with old bookshelves, the kind of place no one from the office would think to look for us. Zoe stirred her latte, eyes pinned on me like a hawk.

"Talk," she ordered.

I groaned, sinking into the leather seat, "why do I even put up with you?"

"Because I'm the only one who can keep your secrets." She shot back grinning.

I hesitated, chewing my bottom lip, but her expectant look broke me down.

"You're relentless, you know that?" I sighed, running a finger over the body of my mug.

"Relentless and loyal." She countered, smirking. "Now tell me about the man who has you looking like you didn't sleep a wink last night."

I groaned, burying my face in my hands, "I wasn't supposed to, it just happened."

Her eyes widened. "With who? Don't dodge, spill it."

I peeked at her through my fingers, muttering. "I hate you."

Finally giving in, I bit my lips. I almost didn't want to say his name, hearing his name alone gave me chills. But Zoe is my best friend and she deserves to know, she knew all my cracks so why hide this one.

"Damian Cross"

The spoon slipped from her fingers and landed on the saucer. She leaned in across the table, whispering harshly, “Are you insane? Damian Cross? The Damian Cross?”

I winced. “Lower your voice.”

“Girl!” She said, with amusement on her face.

“I didn't know.” I countered, and we both started giggling.

“I can't believe this,” she said, smiling at me.

“What?” I asked her, raising my brows.

She leaned in on the table, “Andrea Hale slept with a man she just met and didn't even know his name.” she whispered.

We both started laughing.

“That's your thing.” I said as we continued laughing.

“Exactly! It's my thing.” Zoe laughed, “clear evidence that I'm an influence.”

I love Zoe, she never judges me. If she's going to be truthful she'll do it without judgement and that's what makes life with her smooth.

Zoe sipped her latte, “So,the man that makes men in the boardroom cry. How much did the men in your boardroom cry?”

“You and I know those things are exaggerated.” I paused, “It didn't feel that way but I can certainly tell you the man knows what he wants.”

“Yeah I know, glad you got the deal.” She bit her croissant.

“I didn't tell you I got the deal.” I dipped my cookies into my tea.

“You don't need to, Ms Hale.” And she laughed.

My phone buzzed violently against the table call after call and then a message.

Dad.

Zoe's smile faded.

I checked the message, and my heart dropped in my stomach.

We need to talk.

I locked the phone, forcing a steady voice."It's nothing, just business.”

But my chest burned, dad never sounded like that.