“What are you doing in here?” I asked in the grumpiest tone I could find.
“I walked by to go to the photocopier and saw you sleeping on your desk. I thought I’d wake you up in case the higher-ups came by and found you that way,” Chris told me.
God, he’s so handsome. I wanted to kiss him so badly. I wanted to feel his lips on mine, and his arms around me, his naked body…NO!
“I’m fine, Chris. Thank you. You can leave now.” My words sounded so harsh and cold. I hated myself for talking to him that way, especially since he was just trying to help me, but I couldn’t be personal with him anymore. The pain was too severe.
How’s your daughter doing, Chris? Do you have a wife somewhere that I don’t know about?
It made me feel better when I was furious with him, so whenever I felt attracted to him or sad, I thought about that, and the anger made it easier to deal with.
“Are you going to be okay with doing the meeting? It starts in half an hour. Is there anything I can do to help you prepare for it?” Chris asked.
I glanced at him. He looked so sweet and worried. It was sweet, but I didn’t need that right now. It would be better if he were a jerk to me.Why can't he just be an asshole?
“If you want, you can photocopy these handouts and put them together for me, unless you’re too busy,” I asked quietly. I felt awful asking him for a favor, but I was really running behind and had to study my notes since I was leading the meeting.
His face lit up, and he grabbed the papers off my desk. “Sure thing. I’ll get on that right away for you.” He was out the door before I had a chance to say anything.
Damn you, Chris Miller. Damn you for being so irresistible!
I went to the restroom on my way to the boardroom and refreshed my lipstick and brushed my hair. I stopped putting it in a bun because having my hair pulled tight was starting to hurt my scalp. Lately, it seemed every part of my body was more sensitive.
I completely ignored the elephant in the room, that my period was late. But it had been late before, so it didn’t necessarily mean anything, but I couldn’t think about that right now. I had to go to this meeting with a clear head and confidence.
When I entered the room, the first person I saw was Chris.Of course, that’s what happens.I couldn’t believe my rotten luck. Then I saw what was in his hands and was instantly grateful and guilty. He had my handouts all neatly copied, in order, and clipped. He was too efficient for his own good, and right now, I loved him for it.
The meeting started off fantastically. I remembered everything I wanted to say and said it with clarity and confidence. The partners seemed pleased with my presentation. This wasn’t something for one of my cases, it was new software that I wanted the company to buy for us, which would streamline all our documents in one place and could link us all together. It incorporated an internal messaging system much like texting as well, which was faster than emailing within the company. Many questions were asked, and I was able to answer all of them with accurate information.
That’s when everything started to unravel. During my conclusion, I started to feel like I was going to vomit. I knew I would be sick, but I didn’t have time to get to the bathroom. Chris grabbed a garbage can close by and swung it in front of my mouth just in time for me to hurl my guts into it. Once I was finished, I wiped my mouth with the tissues Chris handed me and slowly brought my gaze up to everyone else’s. There were eight sets of eyes on me. I felt like I might do it again, so I excused myself quickly. “I’m sorry,” I said as I darted off for the lady’s washroom. What I didn’t know was that Chris didn’t miss a beat and finished my presentation for me, answering all their questions expertly.
When I finally came out of the washroom, Chris was leaning against the wall waiting for me.
I was so embarrassed, but he was so calm. “Are you alright?”
I nodded as we walked back to my office. I was very aware of him beside me.How is that possible?How does one feel attracted to a man when she feels like she’s going to upchuck? “I feel better, thank you,” I managed to say.
“Marilyn, Mr. Farthington wants you to take the afternoon off and go see your doctor. He says it’s not an option,” Chris told me.
“Okay,” I answered quietly.
“Really? You’ll call?” He seemed overjoyed.
I nodded, and when we got back to my office, I made the call. As it turned out, they had a spot for me that afternoon. I couldn’t very well tell them that next week sometime would be better since he was standing right beside me. I accepted the appointment and hung up.
“Well?” He raised an eyebrow waiting for my answer.
“Today at 2:00 p.m.,” I said.
“Perfect, I’ll let Mr. Farthington know, and I will drive you,” Chris told me. I didn’t argue because I knew I couldn’t very well drive myself.
On the way to the doctor’s office, Chris made small talk for a few minutes, but I closed my eyes to drown him out. I think he got the hint because I no longer heard him talking. He helped me out of the car and wouldn’t let go of me all the way up to my doctor’s office. He even came into the room with me.
I loved my doctor, Alice Newton. She was perky and bubbly with long honey blonde ringlets and brilliant green eyes. Her mouth was large, and when she grinned, it took up half her face, but those teeth were perfect and straight and as white as snow. They literally sparkled. And her voice was one of those that just lifted your spirits instantly.
“Marilyn! I haven’t seen you in ages. I guess that’s a good thing, right? What are you here for today, and tell me, who is this sexy male specimen with you?”
“This is Chris Miller, my personal assistant. He’s here to make sure I’m alright. I threw up at work, and my boss is forcing me to get checked out,” I told her.