“Morning,” they all echoed back, but Ian didn't. He just kept staring with a devilish smile.
The presentation went on for the next hour and fifty-five minutes. I finally got comfortable and dished out the best of what I had worked on. They all look at me with complex expressions. Even Moody could not hide his awe.
I immediately turn to my colleagues who were just smiling sheepishly with raised thumbs at me. The room goes silent for about ten seconds before a brown skinned executive on a grey suit stood up and started clapping. Followed by another man with dark hair. Then Ryan and the whole room was filled with the sound of clapping and congrats.
Ian waited for the clapping to die down before he spoke, with a countenance that showed nothing but indifference, almost like he wasn't impressed.
“You've done well, Ashley, better than I expected.”
I did not know how to take his statement; it seemed like a compliment and an insult at the same time.
“Thank you, sir.” I said with my voice sounding high pitched.
“We will implement your plans, as no one in the room obviously seems to be objecting it. Meet me in my office at 3pm for your briefing,” he said as he pushed his chair backwards to make space for his exit.
Ian picked up his almighty tablet and headed for the door, not sparing me a glance. His black shoes shone as he walked by.
“All black? That's some choice of wear for today.”I thought to myself, not noticing the barrage of compliments coming from the baffled directors.
“That really was something, Miss Lane. Good job.” Mr. Curtis, one of the board of directors said as he extended his hand for a shake, calling back my attention.
“Oh, Mr. Curtis. Thank you, sir.” I replied with a smile that finally gave me a relief.
“Ashley, you really escaped Moody this time!” Ryan said with a warm smile on his face. His grey and white check suit coupled with his shoes and watch.
“Oh yes! I told you I was going to beat him at his own game,” I replied with a sudden outburst of laughter. My colleagues waved bye and slipped out the room.
“You sure did. Keep this up and he may call in a truce,” he stated as he repositioned himself to stand behind the board seeming to get a better look.
“Oh, when I am done, there won’t be hope for a truce,” I blurted, immediately holding back the rest of my words.
His grey eyes left the board and pointed at me, as if he was looking into my soul. “Really?”
“Uhmm... Yeah?” I replied quite in the blue.
He immediately let out a short laugh and started making his way to the door. “Maybe we celebrate your victory at lunch?”
“I don't know. Maybe next time?” I replied, with my shoulders shrugged.
“Okay, whenever you are free then.” He said slightly tilting his head to the right, making his hair lie towards his right face. He promptly turned and left the room.
“Phew. Now that was something. Let's hope Moody doesn't think of something else to try torturing me again.”I pondered to myself as I packed up my things from the desk.
Chapter 13
Ashley
***2:56pm***
I start sorting out the various papers on the desk and head for the door. On my way to Ian's office, various coworkers kept complimenting me as the walk past. It was a nice feeling; at least some nice people cared to compliment my work.
Finally in front of his office, I hesitated to knock, trying to stabilize my breathing and gather my thoughts. Summing up the courage, I knocked in his door after which a calm voice ushered me in.
“Come in,” the voice echoed from behind the door.
I gently turned the knob to open the door. There he was standing in his white shirt with two buttons open. I couldn't help but notice the bottle of wine on the side of his counter and the glass in his hand one quarter empty already. Those devilishly sexy green eyes locked with mine and then swept to his bottle of wine.
“Good afternoon,” I casually uttered as I went to take a seat for myself, not waiting for him to offer me one.