Page 20 of Power
ChapterFifteen
Bailey
For the second time today,I cautiously approach the large office door, my palms sweating and my heart pounding. I stand in front of it, trying to compose myself before knocking. I take a deep breath, trying to quell the nerves that are bubbling inside me. I slowly reach out and give a firm double knock.
“Yeah?” Archer calls out.
He sounds irritated.
I debate briefly whether to turn back and run or follow through. Shaking out my hands, I reach for the handle and open the door, stepping inside, ready for whatever is about to happen.
He is sitting at his desk, deeply focused on whatever is in front of him. I hesitate to interrupt, but he bid me entry, so with lungs that feel full of smog, I take a deep breath and begin to speak.
“Good afternoon, sir,” I say, trying that out in case he’s angry with me. My voice is a little shaky, but I try to remain steady. “I'm here to speak to you about the work I did on the market tracking. I believe you'll be pleased with my results.”
Archer looks up and stares at me with an intensity that steals my breath away. His gaze radiates power. I can feel a chill go down my spine as his lips part, and he blows out a breath.
“What?” he says, his eyes inquisitive.
He didn’t hear a word I said.
“Uhm, I asked if you were pleased with the results from the Datrax analysis.”
Dammit. I’ve completely lost the plot. I didn’t expect to have to repeat myself.
He smirks and sits back in his chair. “Did you call me ‘sir’?”
I feel my cheeks heat up. “Yes. Sir.”
He snickers. “Really, I don’t want you to call me that. I’m not my father. Archer is fine. And you don’t need to wait for me to tell you to come in, Bailey. Knock and then enter unless explicitly told not to.”
“Okay,” I say with a nod, wondering what he would be up to that would make him not want me to come in. I can’t go there. My jealousy is unfounded but, unfortunately, very real.
But he hasn’t given me what I came in here for. I’m still unsure if he is displeased with me. His eyes are boring into mine, making me nervous and flustered.
“Were you?” I croak.
“Was I what?”
“Pleased.”
“With your work?”
I can barely form the word. “Yes.”
I watch as he rises from his chair and takes a step closer to me. His stature is commanding, imposing, and sexy as fuck. My heart beats wildly in my chest. I try desperately to steady my nerves as he continues to look deeply into my eyes. He prowls toward me like a panther ready to pounce, stopping about a couple of feet away. I want to fall into his arms and have him kiss me. His fingers are like magic, so I can only imagine what he can do with his tongue. His voice is deep and full of emotion when he speaks.
“I’m impressed with your efficient and accurate work, Bailey. You have done well.” Archer meets my gaze with a piercing intensity that sends a thrill down my spine. Towering over me, he radiates the power that I crave, and my mouth goes dry.
I take a deep breath, trying to steel my courage and bear the weight of his presence.
He inches closer, looking into my eyes and saying, “I'm more than pleased with your work, Bailey. It was outstanding.”
The words rush into me like a tidal wave. My body is electrified with pride and accomplishment. My heart thrums with joy as I realize that all of my hard work has paid off. He is pleased with me. Happy with me. The elation makes my head spin in relief.
Archer's gaze is piercing, and he smiles knowingly as he takes another step closer. His hand is warm when he places his fingers under my chin, tilting it up to look at him.
His words reverberate through me like a thunderclap. “You belong here,” he murmurs. “I expect big things from you, Bailey.”
