It seems that after my blunt outburst at the meeting, the dynamic between Theo and me has changed, despite how much we both try to keep it under control. Following that specific event, Theo seemed almost enthralled with me. I don’t think I’ll very quickly forget the way that he watched me as we walked out of that boardroom together. And, of course, that was only made worse by me, literally, tripping into his office and falling into his arms.
If I thought he was looking at me a certain way before, I quickly learned what it meant to have Theo Hurstlookat me.
For the first time in maybe my whole life, right there in Theo’s arms, I felt like I was finally being seen. And though I’m certain I was imagining it, there was a fire behind Theo’s eyes that told me he liked what he saw.And even now, as I replay it, all I can think about is how he called me beautiful when he gave me that flower the following morning.
Perhaps there was more to that gift than just a friendly gesture.
Thankfully, we haven’t had any more embarrassing events. Rather than wearing heels again and risking tripping over his threshold, I’ve opted for flats with only an inch heel at most.
Since that first week, our entire work life has been focused and driven by the need to check off the necessary requirements for the follow-up meeting in a few months.
Despite what my heart tells me, my brain agrees that this is for the best.Company policy at Nexus is no employee relationships.
Though Theo may be the most attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on, he’s not mine. He is myboss. Nothing more.
But even with that in mind, throughout the following days, I often catch myself admiring the way he tugs at his necktie when he gets too stressed or rolls up the sleeves of his dress shirt when he’s frustrated.
It’s all these little things that are drawing me away from seeing Theo as my boss, and instead, seeing him as a man.
A man I’m terribly attracted to.
And a man who might just be attracted to me too.
I just hope that I can keep reminding my heart to stay in line and listen to reason. Otherwise, I might just find myself in some treacherous waters.
Theo
As I emergefrom the confines of my work, I glance up at the time on my computer screen. My stomach rumbles the second I notice it’s lunchtime. I forgot to pack something today, which means I’ll have to fend for myself and either venture down into the lunchroom or go off-site to find somewhere to eat.
I’m buried deep in a mess that just seems to be getting bigger and bigger the more I dig. I’m not a numbers guy, but even I can tell when I look at these income reports that some things have been skewed.
If I had known what a battlefield I was walking into, I’m not sure I would’ve signed on the dotted line. I’ve overcome a lot of things within my career as an executive, but the premonition that this might be bigger than anything I’ve ever faced has me greatly concerned.
My goal coming into this company was to help lead it into a new avenue of commercial real estate, but if there’s something bigger lurking here, I’m going to need to uncover it before I can even hope to start making any notable changes.
And with the Board breathing down my neck with their high expectations, I know it’s going to have to happen soon.
A sneeze from outside my office breaks me out of my grim thought processes.Whitney.
I guess there have been some good things to come from taking over this company. If I hadn’t made the deal, who knows if I would’ve had the pleasure of meeting my assistant.
A sly smirk forms on my face, and before I know it, I’m pushing away from my desk and sauntering out to Whitney’s workspace. She looks up as soon as I’m standing in front of her, and my dick twitches at how her plump lips purse.
“Hi, Theo.”
Damn. I could get used to the sound of my name on her lips. It takes every ounce of willpower to keep my gaze from falling back down to her mouth and wondering what those plump lips might feel like on mine.
“What can I help you with?” she asks as her fingers fly over her keyboard. She hits theenterkey with her pinky and then turns her full attention to me.
I stick my hands in my pockets to act as some type of boundary between us. Not that I’d actually reach out for her, but the urge to be close to her pulls stronger and stronger every day. I’m fucked when it comes to her. No matter how hard I try to keep myself in line, even being in her presence has me balled up in knots. For the last few weeks, I’ve made valiant attempts to be professional, and so far, I haven’t crossed the line, aside from when she fell into my arms. But each day, whatever this is between us seems to grow more and more pronounced.
I wonder if she can feel it too. I’m dying to know what’s going through her head when she sees me. I suspect it’s similar to how I’m feeling, based on the way her eyes dilate and her breath hitches when I roll up my sleeves. Or how her elegant tongue darts out and wets her lips when I catch her watchingme chew on the cap of my pen. Or when our eyes meet and we don’t look away from each other until a second longer than is generally customary.
“What’s on your agenda today?” I ask her, forcing myself back into business-mode.
She looks down at her schedule, laying on her desk. “I have a meeting at two o’clock, but other than that, it’s a light day. Anything you need me to do?”
“Yes,” I say, and she perks up.Fuck,she’s a dream. “Come to lunch with me.” Her lips part slightly, and I smile victoriously, knowing I’ve finally got her. She can’t say no now. “Please,” I add, for good measure.
