He turns to look at me. "Yes. It reminds me of myself. I have an office high up, and I stare down at almost this exact view every day. How did you know what the city looks like from that angle?"
He is curious, and I love that about him.
"My dad used to have an office that high, and I used to sit in there and draw the skyline when I was young. It just came to me yesterday, and I didn't sleep until it was finished. That's why I was late today, because I had to finish that piece." I lean in close to him. "I was hoping a businessman would like it in his office." I wink at him.
"Oh, there is definitely someone interested. I want to buy it. I want to hang it in my office." He looks at me. "This is exquisite. I want you to come and paint the real skyline from my window. It would be amazing to watch you work and also to see the view that I love so much hanging on the wall, and I can see it from my desk too."
"Oh my god." I throw myself at him. This is a chance in a lifetime and something that I know I can't pass up. "Won't it be interrupting your day if I'm in there? I'd need to come back multiple times."
"I'm sure I can work with you in the room," he says, looking me up and down. "Well, actually, maybe I wouldn't be able to. I'd say you could be rather distracting."
"I'll wear nicer clothes rather than my artist ones. Thank you so much, Alexander. I really appreciate it. Oh my god, I am so lucky that Ms. Fletcher rang me two days ago. This is the greatest opportunity I've ever had."
"Wear what makes you comfortable, Emily. I might have another offer for you. If the painting in my office goes well, thenI'd like to commission you for artwork in all the buildings I own and acquire going forward."
How can he just stand there and say that without any emotion crossing his face?
I am so excited, I don't care. I run at him, jump into his arms, and squeeze him tight. "Thank you, thank you, thank you," I shout with my eyes closed. It's only when I open them that I see everyone is looking at us.
"Fuck. I need to get down; people are watching us." I wriggle so that he lets me down and watch as various emotions cross his face. I am sure I see lust, and I definitely feel it as he sets me on the ground close to his body.
"They're probably wondering what happened to me to be so nice. And now they are wondering what the hell I just did to provoke that kind of reaction from you. Although, I must say, Emily, that I enjoyed that show of affection. I don't normally indulge in PDA, but you can jump into my arms anytime you like."
"I'm sorry. I hope it didn't embarrass you; it is your work event after all."
"Emily, don't panic, it's fine. Now put my name on that piece of art and make sure to come and find me before you leave. I want to talk to you in private." With that, he winked and then turned around to leave. I watch his fine ass in his very expensive suit as everyone watches as he passes them by.
Blushing, I turn and smile. I take a post-it note and write his name on the artwork before putting it back in the bag with Henry's. After that bit of PDA, I get really busy, and I'm surprised when I've sold all but two pieces. They're pieces I did a long time ago, so I'm not upset. I never thought I'd sell any, so Iam in a very happy place right now. Everyone is packing up, and Flora comes over to me. "We're going to a bar down the road if you want to come with us?"
“That would be lovely. I’d love that.” But then I look over at Alexander and remember that he wanted to meet me. Flora looks at me, then looks over at him and says, "I think you're hoping for too much with him. He's a businessman. He's a one-night stand kind of guy."
She puts her arm around me. “Come on, come with us. We're going to the bar to have some fun. It will give you a chance to get to know us, and you never know, we might be able to attend more of these functions together. It’s hard enough finding them, so we share the information.”
I decide that she's right. If I want to make a serious go of my chosen career, then I need to go with them.
So, we pack our stuff up, and we all head out to the bar, the Spinning Wheel Bar. I'm on my second drink, enjoying the company when I feel somebody standing behind me.
“I thought I asked you to come and find me before you left, Emily.” His deep voice sends shivers down my neck. His voice is right by my ear. I can feel his breath on me, and it goes right towards my core, causing shivers and goosebumps.
I turn, and his face is close to mine. “I'm sorry, Alexander. You looked so busy. I thought you'd only said it to be nice.”
He puts his arms on either side of me so that he's leaning on the bar. He's got me hemmed in.
“I asked you to make sure you came to see me, Emily. I need your contact details so that I can contact you to arrange for you to come to the office.
“Is that all you want?” My heart is beating so fast I’m sure he can see it on my neck.
“No, you're not going to find out. Give me your phone, Emily.” I hand over my phone and he taps his number in.
“We need to keep our relationship strictly business.”
I look up at him, unsure. “Is that what you want? You don't give me that vibe, so if that's what you want...”
He leans into my ear, and he whispers, "It's not what I want. If I take you home, you won't ever be leaving.”
He gives me a quick peck on the cheek, and he turns and leaves.
I'm stood against the bar with my mouth open and my body shaking. I stare and watch him leave. He doesn’t turn back to look at me. My heart drops. Did I make a mistake not going with him?
