Page 10 of Choosing the right Man

“What do you think I want?” he asks. I wish I could guard my features as well as he can. I wish my face didn’t read like an open book. I take another breath, inhaling his musky scent. Damn, he smells good. I wish I could find a single flaw in him. I’m determined to do just this.

“It sounds to me like you’re... uh... well, it sounds as if you’re suggesting an affair,” I finally say, only tripping on the words a little. My cheeks heat. It isn’t fair to show everything I’m feeling while he’s showing nothing.

My dad often told me life isn’t fair. It’s what we make of it. We can bemoan our circumstances, or we can appreciate how much better we have it than many others. Maybe we don’t have the best house, the best car, the best clothes, or the best job, but at least wehaveall of these things. There are many people in the world who go to bed each night with an empty belly. Too many are cold, or suffer from addictions, or are depressed.

When I think of these things, I realize how truly blessed I am. This calms me. I’ll survive. Even if I lose my job, I’ll survive. I smile.

“That’s exactly what I’m suggesting,” he says, waiting to speak until I look him in the eyes.

I’m prepared for him to say this. Some women may be offended by his brash statement. Some might hightail it out of his office. I’m sure some have accepted. I’m in none of these categories. I keep smiling. I actually appreciate the honesty. No games. I’m also flattered. Who doesn’t want to be desired? Who doesn’t want to feel chosen?

I’m almost amused when a flash of victory flits across his otherwise expressionless mask. He must have it easy if his commands are met this quickly, if he can say such a thing, snap his large fingers, and get exactly what he wants. I wonder what it would be like to be him. It can’t be anything other than amazing.

“Thank you,” I say. He looks confused.

“You’re welcome,” he says, the words seeming uncomfortable on his tongue. It’s obvious he isn’t sure why I’m thanking him. This feels good as well. He might be the one with all of the power, but right now I feel on top of the world.

“I had a really bad morning, areallybad few days, to be honest. But you’ve made me feel better. I know I’m nothing like a supermodel, and it’s quite flattering to have you be so open with your desire for me. I’m sure it will burn out quickly, but it’s still flattering,” I say.

He opens his mouth to speak, but I hold up my hand. He looks incredulous, but he stops what he’s about to say. I feel even more powerful. It’s the best I’ve felt in a very long time.

“Does my job depend on my answer?” I ask. He looks horrified as his body straightens. Then he glares at me.

“Absolutely not. I’ve never had to threaten a woman in order to sleep with me,” he says. His voice is icy cold. My expression doesn’t change. I still feel pretty good. I step away from the chair and move toward the door. He doesn’t follow or say anything else. I don’t turn until my hand is resting on the sleek brass handle that will free me from this room.

“I won’t be having an affair with you, but thanks for the offer,” I say, giving him a genuine smile as I open the door. With one word he stops me from stepping out.

“Why?” he asks. All iciness has disappeared. He merely sounds curious again.

I look at him, having to stop myself from laughing. His offer truly lifted my spirits. I have a boyfriend I’ve been with for tenyears who doesn’t want me, even when standing naked before him, and now I have a stranger offering a lurid affair. The two worlds don’t make sense.

“Because that’s not who I am,” I say. I step out into the hallway. I know he wants to say more, but my elation begins to fade. It’s time to get back to work. By the time I get home, I might crash, I might have a complete meltdown, but I have half a day to get through first.

I have zero appetite so I work through my lunch hour. It gives me time to prepare before the other girls come back. They don’t drill me about my talk with Mr. Alexander. I’m glad. I’m not that good an actress and don’t want to cave if they push me too much.

When the day ends, I make sure to leave with a large group. There’s no way I’m getting stuck in an elevator again, not with Mr. Alexander. I’m strong — but I’m notthatstrong.

Chapter Nine

Mason

I push hard in the gym as I run through rep after rep. I can’t get Chloe from my mind, and I’m absolutely stumped the woman has turned me down. It’s been a few days, and I’m trying to forget her... but I can’t. What the hell? I hate this obsession because it’s a form of weakness, and Inevershow weakness.

I have an empire to run with many people who depend on me, and this means I have to keep my head high and never allow anyone to get beneath my skin. I knew as a young man a lot of weight would be put on my shoulders because of who I am. But my dad dying so early shortened my timeline of when things in my life were supposed to happen.

I didn’t want to run my dad’s business at such a young age, but I stepped up, and I tripled the profits. Now I don’t put up with nonsense. Even knowing this, I still want to chase the girl...

My usual moves to get a woman have failed miserably. She isn’t interested in my charm or my money. She doesn’t seem to find me attractive, which boggles my brain. I’m not sure what in the hell to do to get this woman. I should give up. Even having this thought makes me laugh out loud. I don’t quit. Not only doI not quit, but I don’t lose. There’s no way I’m not getting what I want. Maybe this is a test for me. Maybe it’s to humble me. I laugh again. I don’t think that’s possible.

Chloe is working late tonight. Looking at the bus schedule, the last one just pulled out, and she’s still here. Is she waiting for me? As much as I want to believe this, I know it’s not the case. I can, however, play a knight in shining armor. Maybe this will get her attention. I’m on the fourth down, and so far, I’ve been blocked at every single play. But I’m not one to punt.

I pace in my office, trying to decide what to do. I’m not sure how to chase a woman. She’s the first to turn me down... ever. Maybe I’m trying to prove a point. Whatever it is, Chloe intrigues me, and I need to make her mine.

I walk from my office, take the elevators to the garage, then watch the cameras and wait in my car. She finally exits the building, and I see her move around the corner of the building. I know she lives a fair distance from here, and I wonder if she’s planning to walk all of the way home right about the same time the bars are letting out. This doesn’t seem too smart. And so far, Chloe has impressed me with her intelligence in addition to her good looks.

But I’m here to save her, so intelligence doesn’t matter right now. I drive up behind her and honk my horn. She jumps at least a foot in the air. The evil part of me doesn’t mind her uncomfortable for a moment since the woman’s made me miserable since our first chance encounter.

She looks adorable as I pull up next to her, her bag slung over her shoulder, her cheeks red. She’s stunning, and age is only going to be kinder to her. She’s one of the few that can be said about. For her to not realize her beauty is another shock to me.

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