Her Conquest

3. Realization

Laura knocks on the door to Chase’s office. “Come on in,” she hears his muffled voice call through the heavy door. Mustering the courage to face the man who plagued her thoughts all night and day, she opens the door stepping in. She notices the cool, dark grey walls and massive windows behind him overlooking the city. The natural light gives him a calming aura around him and immediately she feels more at ease. His space reminds her of her father’s old office as far as aesthetics go, even with his small bar on the opposite wall from his desk. Man, he looks gorgeous in that suit. She studies him as she approaches the chairs in front of his desk. The black suit is tailored perfectly to his frame, highlighting his beautiful grey eyes. I’d love to get lost in those eyes. “So, Miss Jameson—" She cuts him off politely raising her small hand. “I think after last night, you’ve more than earned the right to call me Laura.” He gives her a gentle smile, “Laura, I apologize. I hope the rest of your evening was incident-free. I was unfortunately called away on business. It’s a vicious cycle I’m afraid,” he chuckles lightly to himself. “Oh yes, it was smooth sailing after my toast. There were a couple more dances and then we called it a night. Daniel and Heather are currently in the Bahamas enjoying their honeymoon. Sidenote: I’m plotting her murder for when she returns for throwing me in that incident.” He lets out a generous laugh, “Your secret is safe with me, Laura. I’ll even help with the body disposal. Can’t believe Heather would do that to you.”

She laughs along, “So you know Heather? I was wondering which side you were with, but never got the chance to ask.” His laughter tapers off as he gives a warm smile. “Yes, Heather and I go way back.” Okay, so I’ve known her all her life and anyone she’s ever known so I was right! I do know him, but the only Chase Marshall I know…Oh s**t. Realization dawns on where she remembers Chase from. “Oh my God! We all went to school together. You lived next door for a little bit.” He stands from behind his desk walking around perching on the corner of his desk in front of her now, “Guilty.” She looks up at him and swears she sees a hint of sadness behind his grey eyes. She remembers how lonely he always looked in high school, never hanging out with their peers or going to any parties. She gives him a concerned look, “What happened to you all those years ago? It was like you just vanished.” His face hardens becoming cold, he stands, walking over to the bar against the wall. He pours himself a drink, swirling around the amber liquid before taking a sip. His back still to her not wanting her to see the pain in his eyes, “That was a long time ago. No need to worry about it now.” He turns to face her hiding any evidence of discomfort the memories his childhood give him.

He’s definitely hiding something. “So enough about the past,” he quickly changes the subject, “How have you been all these years?” She gives him a polite smile, “Been getting by best I can. It’s really been good though. I learned a lot from my Daddy, putting that to use through my internship with his company and climbed the proverbial corporate ladder so to speak. I wanted to earn the right to be over his P.R. division. I didn’t want anyone to think it was given to me because of who I was.” He nods taking another sip of his bourbon, moving to his back to his place at the corner of his desk in front of her. “I know what you mean, and I respect that. I think your father’s company will make a great addition as well as its staff if they are anything like you.” Setting his glass down he gives her a mega watt smile which causes her cheeks to blush. He is definitely not the same Chase Marshall I knew. I like this version way better. “Well Chase, it was great catching up with you, but I should really get going so I can get these contracts together for the new clients coming in Friday.”

She stands to leave; however, upon getting up her heel catches the strap on her bag causing her to fall forward into Chase. His strong arms catch her and their eyes lock. The current between them charges the air around them. She melts slightly into his hold. Chase reaches to brush a loose strand from her face, tucking the strand behind her ear, his thumb brushing her cheek bone. Her body having a mind of its’ own leans into his touch, relishing in the delicious feeling warming her insides. He shifts her so she is steady on her feet again, “You alright?” No!! I want you to take me across this desk and have your way with me! Smoothing her skirt, she reaches for her bag again, careful to be clear of any loose straps, “Oh yeah! I’m great. Just a big klutz. I’ve never been very graceful and its only become worse with age unfortunately.” He steps back from her placing his hands in his pockets looking her up from head to toe, “Well thank goodness I was here to catch you.” Oh my damn. He has got to stop looking at me like that. “Yes, thank goodness,” she stares down at her feet, her nerves getting the better of her. “See you tomorrow, Chase.” As she turns to leave, “Laura!” he blurts out from behind her.

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I can’t let her leave just yet, Chase thought, I’ve got to think of something quick. “Yes Chase?” she asks, her voice barely over a whisper. “How about an early dinner? Catch up some more. I’d love to hear more about what’s happened over the years.” She appears to be having an internal battle with herself, struggling to give an answer. Please say yes, please say yes, please— “I’d love to go to dinner, but I’d like to freshen up first if that's ok? Is there a restroom I can use?” Yes! he thought inwardly. “You can use the en suite bathroom if you’d like.” as he gestures towards the personal bathroom. “Thank you. I’ll only be a moment,” she replies meekly. As the door closes, he lets out a relieved sigh. God, he thought, she hasn’t changed a bit. Just as captivating as first time I saw her all those years ago. As he thinks back, a slight frown mars his face. That was a point in time he hadn’t thought of in a very long ages. He unconsciously runs a hand through his hair reaching a scar that is well hidden on his scalp and flinches when he touches it. Shaking the thoughts from his mind, No, those thoughts aren’t going to ruin this evening for me. He looks in the mirror hanging on the wall and straightens his tie. The first time he saw Laura, she was walking out of her house, bookbag slung over her shoulder and had the most carefree look in the world. That was what captured his attention. He longed to know what it felt like to feel so free, but his insecurities got the better of him, so he continued to admire her from a distance.

He hears the door open and it snaps him back to the moment. “Alright, I’m ready,” she says shyly. “Great. I know just the place.” He motions towards the door following in behind her as they make their way to the elevators. Arriving at the bank of elevators, she presses the call button and Chase stands closely behind her taking her in. He can faintly smell her perfume radiating off her, and it smells intoxicating to him. He smiles to himself and realizes that this is the first he has felt this familiar feeling since the first time he met her. He makes a silent vow to himself in this moment, he would fight like hell to hold on to this feeling. Never again will he be that terrified little boy afraid to take a chance. The elevator arrives and they step in, heading to their destination for dinner.