I wanted to cancel my day and spend it with Gabriella, but I had to let her go back out front. I’m in the middle of a crucial business deal and people’s livelihoods depend on me.
When my phone rings abruptly it brings me back to the present when Gabriella states, “Mr. Steele, your phone conference with Mr. Jones is available on line two.”
“Thank you, Gabriella. Will you order us all lunch while I’m on the phone with him? I’ll take a turkey sandwich and Coke, please.”
“Of course, Mr. Steele,” she responds.
“Gabriella, please call me Justin.” I’m firm about this. I’ve never felt superior to anyone even if I do own this company plus, she may not know it yet, but she’ll soon have my ring on her finger.
“Okay, Justin,” she replies breathlessly and just like that I’m back to readjusting myself, knowing this meeting is going to be the death of me. I just want this day done. I’m already thinking of a way to get Gabs to come home with me, maybe I’ll tie her to my bed so she can’t leave…ever.
“See you soon, Gabs.” I hear her intake of breath before I hang up.
I switch over to the call I’ve been waiting for and say, “Damien, great to hear from you.”
“You too, Justin. Who’s the new secretary?”
“That’s Gabriella.” I state firmly.
“The Gabriella?” he questions.
“The one and the same, man.”
“I bet you won’t let her get away this time, will you?”
“Not a fucking chance, I knew from the moment I met her, she was the one. Her working for me, only makes it that much better. Not to mention some new information she just gave me.”
“What do you mean?”
“It means I’m fucking glad this merger is coming along. I’ll need the extra time even more now.”
“Way to be fucking cryptic, but I’m glad to hear it, man. Have you thought anymore on my offer?”
“I have, send over the paperwork that you have drawn up and if the numbers work, we’ll go over it with both of our lawyers. I think merging together may be the best thing that happens to Steele Industries. I want to have a solid game plan in line. Even if I’m only thirty-five, with Gabriella back in my life I’m not leaving shit to chance,” I tell Damien.
“I understand, man. I’ll get it couriered over in the next few days.”
We shoot the shit for the next few minutes until there’s a knock on my office door, hanging up I stand up and open the door to see Gabriella on the other side. I may have just seen her less than two hours ago, but seeing her again takes my breath away.
Chapter Nine
Gabriella
I’ve worked at a few places before Steele Industries, but I have never been treated as an equal among all of the other employees and especially not by a boss. While Jane managed the phones, I ran down to the cafeteria and ordered everyone’s lunch. When I came back Jane excused herself to eat lunch after she turned the phones to voicemail, stating she was eating outside like she always does.
When Justin opens the door to let me in. I have his food, the turkey sandwich, chips, and Coke he requested. I grabbed a chicken salad sandwich, some fresh fruit, and a bottle of water for myself. I decided to eat at my desk today until I get acquainted with the comings and goings of the day to day in the office.
“I have your food.”
When I go to hand it to him, he opens the door further inviting me, I think nothing of it and go to set his food down at his desk where there’s a clear place for it and turn to leave when he says, “Where are you going?”
“Back to my desk to eat and finish looking over the software system you use.”
“Eat with me,” he states and he’s looking at me like he’s refusing to take no for an answer.
“Let me go back out front and grab my lunch.” I’m back in a matter of seconds and I see he’s moved us over to where he has a comfortable looking couch and a coffee table in front of it. I go to sit down and Justin sits down beside me. His knee grazing my thigh makes goosebumps appear across my body. The conservative dress I wore today, was probably a bad mistake. It’s not anything revealing, but when I sit down it gathers towards my upper thigh and when I look at Justin his eyes are glued to my thighs. I can see the hunger in his gaze. I can feel it and it mirrors my own.
I slowly pull my dress down and his eyes linger for a moment before grabbing his lunch and bringing it to his lap. We’re sitting in a comfortable silence, no words need to be said, the stillness around us is comforting, and for the first time in a long time, I feel contentment.