Page 1 of Mister Stark

ONE

First Impressions

Iwas early.

Again...

I even stopped at the cafeteria to get a coffee, and I was still ahead of schedule. Arriving early seemed to be my normal routine here at Lakeshore University. It was the only university I considered attending because I want the best and today was the moment I waited for.

I blew the wavy long black wisps of hair out of my face and adjusted my textbooks in my arms. I held them clenched tightly against my chest and my hand grasped my warm coffee. The order was black because I needed something strong to wake me up for the day. It was an important day and a crucial lecture for my business management class. I had to be on high alert and function properly to comprehend all the information given because a very important man gave the lecture.

I heard a noise at the end of the quiet hallway and turned around, but no one was there. A frown spread across my face and my nose crinkled with curiosity. No one was ever here this early except for me, and it was so quiet that if a pin dropped, it would echo through the hallway.

I shook my head at the nonsense and whispered to myself. “No one is here.”

I blew the hair out of my face again, but dropped a textbook. “Shit...”

I bent down to retrieve it and had a hard time managing all the books I wanted to have for this lecture. I had to balance them within my clenched arms and reached out for the fallen textbook. The textbook tucked between my fingers. I placed it back where it belonged and stood up with a spin. But some of my coffee spilled on the floor.

Nothing the cleanup crew couldn’t handle.

Suddenly, I bumped into a firm form as warm liquid spilled all over my hands and onto my beloved textbooks. There was no time to react except for a curse word that filled the hallway from my mouth. I stared down with displeasure at my coffee stained, soaked books and then at shiny black dress shoes.

“You should watch what you’re doing, young lady,” a stern voice said as it echoed down the hallway and sent a shiver down my spine.

His firm tone gave me daddy vibes, but as my displeased eyes worked their way up his business suit, my mouth almost fell open when they landed on his face. A wise face with deep and dark eyes that burned into mine. The look of amusement toyed inside his depths, but his features remained cold and I knew exactly who he was.

Mr. Daxon Stark.

The powerful billionaire CEO of D.S. Industries and the same man who came to give a lecture today. He was the owner of the top-ranking company in the entire world and he stood before me with my coffee spilled all over my textbooks. The same man who I’d looked up to for years. I’d tossed and turned in bed because I knew he’d be here today. And by the look on his heartless face, I’d blown my first impression.

“I-I didn’t think anybody else was here,” I stammered under his dark stare and blinked repeatedly.

“Well, that’s very unfortunate for you.” Mr. Stark growled with annoyance as he ran a hand through his salt and pepper hair, but pointed towards my wet textbooks. “Maybe now you’ve learned your lesson, young lady.”

I couldn’t speak.

No words came out of my mouth after the mess I’d made of this entire situation. Tears stung my eyes, but I wouldn’t dare let him see me cry. He was Daxon Stark for Christ's sake and he didn't tolerate self-pity in his business. I wanted to impress him and I was afraid the chance was all shot to hell.

“If you’ll excuse me, I have a lecture to get ready for,” Mr. Stark said as he fixed his collar and flashy blue business tie. “I hope you enjoy it, princess.”

Just before he broke eye contact, I saw a hint of amusement in his eyes and it toyed with my nerves. It caused my cheeks to burn crimson as I watched him walk away and enter the lecture room without a glance back. All I could do was stare at the door after his departure in disbelief.

A career in business has always been the right path for me and it was a dream I wanted to achieve. Lakeshore University was my ticket towards making that dream become a reality and Mr. Daxon Stark has been my idol since day one. I can’t remember a day where I didn’t fawn over every single business magazine I could find with his face plastered on the front of it. But he wasn’t just famous for his business, he was a popular billionaire bachelor.

Every magazine wanted him as their top story with his face on the cover. Daxon Stark was forty-seven years old, but every woman wanted him and he had a reputation for being a playboy. He may be wise, but he was definitely also easy on the eyes. After meeting him up close and personal, I definitely agreed, but I was afraid I’d blown my chance.

Chatter filled the hallways, and footsteps echoed around me. I gazed down at my wristwatch, wet with coffee, and muttered to myself, “Let’s get this over with.”

My morning had been once full of excitement and new beginnings, but now was rife with self-disappointment. I may have a dream, but I needed to stop being such a clumsy fool. If I was going to get anywhere in business management, I had to pull myself together and focus on my goal. Mr. Stark had taught me something valuable. Even if he didn’t realize it. I had coffee spilled all over my beloved textbooks, but I would still move forward.

I followed behind classmates who probably didn’t even remember my name and blended in nicely as I made my way towards a seat. My eyes searched the front of the room, but no dark eyes or salt and pepper hair were in sight. Mr. Daxon Stark was nowhere to be found, and I breathed a sigh of relief. He had put me on edge with his harsh attitude, but I wouldn’t let him mess with my dream.

The lecture room quickly filled up with students and their conversations. It was almost time for the lecture to begin. The lights dimmed, but the front of the room remained lit.

Mrs. Heard, our primary teacher, went towards the podium and fumbled with some papers. She cleared her throat and tapped the microphone. A sharp buzz filled the room and students turned their attention towards the front.

“Good, now that I have your attention, we can begin,” she chimed as she pointed over towards the chairs in front of her. “Mr. Dylan Stark will give today’s lecture. The president and chief operating officer of D.S. Industries. Let’s welcome him to the stage.”

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