Page 6 of Body

Before I can respond, he turns and strides off, leaving the gym and a stunned redhead in his wake. I watch the exit long after he’s gone.Did that just happen?What is it about Chase Davis that continues to stupefy me? Is it as simple as being wildly attracted to him? Can’t be. A connection perhaps? My girlfriend Bree would tell me it’s the universe forcing us together.

I spend the next few minutes going over our two encounters again. My mind wanders as I enjoy the view from the windows overlooking the Chicago skyline. It’s breathtaking. This hotel provides for extreme luxuries. Patrons are able to view the entire city while they burn calories on a treadmill or elliptical.

“Too busy fucking what’s mine.”His words burn a path through my subconscious. What if I was his? The simple thought makes my belly go warm. I squeeze my thighs together to relieve some of the pressure building between them.

He’s obviously successful. If you consider the meticulously tailored suit he wore last night, the air of authority around him, and the fact that he’s going to send a driver for me this evening, plus the little tidbit of owning this lush hotel. Definitely the type of man who can take care of himself.And me.

Though, I don’t need to be taken care of. My mother taught me long ago to never count on a man.

“Take a look in the mirror, Gigi. You see that person? That’s the only person you can count on in this world. Never expect a man to be your everything. He will fail miserably. If you want something in life, you must go after it.”

She was right. Men have done nothing but harm and prevent me from reaching my goals and dreams. Not anymore. My cellphone alarms on the treadmill. I’ve got to get ready for this board meeting. It’s 6:30 a.m., and I’m meeting my boss in an hour. Scurrying out of the gym, I leave my thoughts of Chase for the birds.

After a lightning fast shower, I dry off and pull out the clothing I set aside for the meeting. I look at myself in the floor length mirror in my room. I’m wearing a form fitting black pencil skirt that falls just above my knees. It fits like a glove. I turn to view my backside. The slit up the center of the back hits mid-thigh. Respectable, yet feminine. I’ve coupled the skirt with an emerald green silk blouse. It’s sleeveless and gathers at the front, keeping my breasts away from any unwanted attention. My hair is up and away from my face in a sleek chignon, leaving a delicate swooping layer of hair running across my forehead like a strip of fiery red across a white canvas. I slip stocking feet into black suede, four inch Guess heels. They have this enticing cutout right at the arch which makes me feel innately sexy, even though the outfit puts off a smart vibe. I shrug into my matching blazer, and I’m out the door.

***

My boss, Taye Jefferson, waits in the hotel lobby Starbucks. His large form sits sideways in one of the small chairs and his hand encircles a white foam cup. It is barely visible under his large paw. Taye is an African American, SUV-sized man in his late forties and the Director of Contributions for the Safe Haven Foundation.

I love working with Taye. He treats me as his equal and hates ‘yes’ men. He wants to know what I’m thinking and genuinely appreciates my opinions. We make a great team and have been very successful. I’ve only been at the company a couple years, working my way up from Assistant to Manager. In that short time, we have found an easy partnership in our charitable work.

He checks his watch and looks up with a big smile. “Right on time as usual, Gigi. Woman after my own heart,” he jokes.

“Uh huh, that’s what you tell all the ladies, especially Mrs. Jefferson,” I tease him.

Taye smiles wide. When his wife is mentioned, he gets this cheesy grin across his face. He truly loves her. What I wouldn’t give to have a man appreciate me like that, but it’s likely never to happen. A good man wouldn’t want a woman with my history; damaged goods as Justin would say.

There’s a Starbucks cup across from Taye, and a crusty, crunchy muffin that looks delicious.

“For me?”

He nods. “A little welcome to the world of board meetings and proving yourself accountable to the bigwigs.”

I take a sip and the creamy, hot liquid surges through my taste buds. I want to bow down and worship the Starbucks Gods for making such a perfect combination of espresso, cream, and vanilla goodness. “Mmmmm, Taye, you know what I like. Thank you.” I break off a piece of the crunchy muffin and take a bite. It’s as satisfying as the latte. Well, almost. “So, what’s the plan for this morning?” I ask around a mouthful of muffin. Not exactly the best manners, but Taye is used to it. We’re like family, rather than boss and subordinate. There’s an ease about being around him. Most big men make me uncomfortable; Taye has always made me feel the exact opposite. I feel safe around him. Much like I did when Chase’s arms were around me this morning.

He shuffles through his briefcase and hands me a copy of something. “I just received the agenda last night from the President’s secretary. We’re on the schedule just after lunch. President’s Office speaks first, and then Business Development runs through their latest plans for new affiliations. Then lunch, Contributions, and the Volunteer Department will go over their recent cases. Tomorrow, there’s Marketing, Finance, and general Board items.”

“Do you have any pointers you want to share? I’m afraid I’m going to make a complete fool of myself. This morning I tripped and almost killed myself on the treadmill.” I chuckle and shovel in another bite.

He shoots me a worried look. “Are you okay, Gigi? Did you hurt yourself?”

“Just my pride. A man caught me.”Chase.He keeps popping to the surface of my mind. It’s official; I’m a lunatic. Taye continues to stare, assessing my mood. His head tips to the side in one of his “Tell me, my child” gestures that usually has me spilling my guts. Not this time. “It just rattled me, and I was already nervous about today.” I pat his hand with affection.

“Just do what you always do.” He smiles and sips his coffee. “Dazzle them with your statistics and campaign numbers. You have the Midas touch when it comes to direct mail and tele-fundraising. Just explain what you’ve done differently and the outcomes.” I nod as he finishes. “Just be yourself.”

I roll my eyes. “Oh, come on, Taye. A cliché’, really? Just be yourself? Did you not eat your Wheaties this morning, big guy?”

He laughs and leans back in his chair. “I need to work on my pep talks. You ready? It’s ten to eight. From what I remember, the Chairman despises people who are late.”

Someone else recently mentioned not being tardy. Wonder what Chase would do if I didn’t show or was late to his little 9 p.m. command appearance. We grab our things and shuffle towards the large bank of elevators. The board room is on the third floor with the other convention and meeting rooms.

“At the last board meeting I attended,” Taye says, “the Chairman made a board member wait outside until the first break in the schedule. Then the board member had to apologize to the entire room for being late.” He stabbed button number three on the brightly lit panel inside the elevator and the car rose.

“You’re kidding? The Chairman treats a colleague like an errant child?”

“Well, he’s the founder and Chairman. He’s crazy rich. Donates over half our foundation’s budget each year. Forty million annually.”

I whistle. The elevator dings, signaling we’ve reached our destination. We step into the corridor and a sign on a pedestal states “Safe Haven Foundation Board of Directors Meeting.” An arrow points down the hall.

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