Stay With Me

by E. R. Wade

  She takes a sip of her flavored water. “He’s the best part of me. He’s the one I’m meant to spend eternity with.”

  “Like a soul mate?” I ask curiously.

  “Something like that. I don’t want to label it but I think when you meet the right person, you’ll know.”

  “How will you know?” I’ve never given much thought to the idea of soul mates. I don’t know if I believe that there’s just that one person for you. It’s more likely that there may be a handful of people who you’re compatible with and you could end up spending your life happily with any one of them.

  My mind flashes briefly to Cam. I recall how I felt that there was something significant missing from our relationship which I couldn’t fix.

  “You’ll feel it. You’ll feel a connection,” she states confidently. “Don’t get me wrong, you may not know immediately you meet him but you’ll be able to tell over time.”

  I lean back in my chair wondering if there’s any truth in what she’s saying.

  “You’ll see,” she says mysteriously, smiling.

  A few minutes later, we’re on our way back to the office. Just as I am about to walk through the doors, Nadya stops me.

  “I had a good time. We should do this again.”

  I smile at her, pleased. “I’d like that. I had a good time too.”

  “Sofia, I hope you like working here. It’s a great place to work, and Julian is amazing. I know you haven’t had much contact with him and he may, on the surface, seem a bit aloof but I can assure you he’s a really good guy. You’ll find out for yourself soon.”

  That’s the thing. I don’t want to find out anything about him. Damn. I don’t like lying to myself. Okay, I admit I want to know more about him but I know I shouldn’t.

  “I do like working here,” I respond, choosing to ignore the part about Julian. If Nadya notices, she doesn’t say anything about it, and we both walk into the office.

  I spend the rest of the afternoon working on a rough design for the Rosenburg office building. By seven o’clock, I’m ready to leave the office and I’m looking forward to the weekend. I start to shut down my computer but a message pops up at the bottom right corner of the screen. I click it open and I freeze once I see who it’s from. It’s a meeting invite from Julian. He wants me to attend a meeting with him at a client’s office next Tuesday. I can’t turn it down. Why would I even think about doing that? This is my job, exactly what I was hired for, and no one should stop me from doing it. Not even my boss. I click the button to accept the invite and confirm my attendance.

  I bump into Alana on my way out. As always, she looks impeccably dressed in a pencil monochrome dress and three-inch heels. Her glossy black hair is in a twisted bun at the back of her head.

  “You’re still meeting us at Lantern, right?”

  “Definitely.” I’m meeting Skylar, Erin and Alana at the bar and from there we're all going clubbing. “I'll see you there at nine.”

  When I get home, I pour myself a generous glass of white wine. This is probably lame but I’m celebrating making it through this first week without making a fool of myself in front of Julian. I need to let loose tonight and start my weekend off right. I don’t plan to get plastered so no hard liquor. I would just like to feel a buzz, and still be able to dance and walk in a straight line at the end of the night.

  I kick off my shoes and lean back on the loveseat in the living room sipping my wine. I just want to relax for a few minutes and try not to analyze my brief encounter with Julian. I haven’t told Skylar about him yet. I need to figure out why he has such a profound effect on me and how I’m going to overcome it.

  As soon as I tell Skylar, she’s going to be all over me about letting him know that I’m interested. And that’s the last thing I want to do. Skylar believes in going after what she wants because life is too short. I agree to an extent. Yes, life is short but not everything you want is good for you. Wanting Julian in ways I’ve never wanted anyone else is definitely not good for me. He seems so intense and so virile, unlike Cam, and I’ve only ever been attracted to Cam. I have a feeling that a relationship with him would be all-consuming.

  Of all the men in the world I could be attracted to, it has to be my boss. The one man I can’t have. He doesn’t even like me. I have to keep reminding myself of that important fact. I don’t know how I’m going to attend the meeting with him next week and be my normal confident self. I guess I should be thankful that I have the entire weekend to prepare, and if I’m lucky I won’t see him on Monday.

  I replay in my mind every detail of our brief meeting today. He looked magnificent. I imagine what he would look like shirtless or better still, without a stitch of clothes on. My body reacts instantly, and I can feel an ache between my legs. I’d love nothing more than to get my hands on his taut body. Julian is undeniably gorgeous.

  Clearly, any hope I had that I won’t be thinking about Julian is gone. I can’t get the man out of my mind.

  Groaning, I down the last bits of wine and get up. My phone rings and I almost upend my bag to get to it. It's Skylar.

  “Hey, Sky.”

  “Hi, babe. I’m getting ready to leave. I’ll be there in thirty.”

  “I’m just about to get changed.” Thanks to my daydreaming, I’m running slightly late. “I'll get there a few minutes after you.”

  “You’re sure you don’t want me to come get you?”

  “No, I’m good. I’ll see you there.”

  As soon as I disconnect the call, I go to my room and take a quick shower and get dressed. I put on a black halter-neck, backless dress which ends right above my knees. I bought it on a whim in New York after I decided to move here. I wasn’t sure if I was ever going to wear it but tonight is as good a night as any. From the front, it looks respectably sexy but the back is revealing, showing my skin all the way to the base of my spine. I usually go light on my makeup but tonight I’m making an exception. I line my eyes with dark liquid liner and kohl, and apply dark eye shadow on my lids for a smoky eye look. After applying mascara to give my lashes volume and length, I slick on nude lipstick. I brush my hair to the side so it’s swept over my shoulder, and spritz on perfume. I look at the full effect in the mirror. I like it. I think I’m ready for tonight.

  I slip into my heels, grab my clutch and I’m out the door in seconds, not bothering with a coat even though I know the night is cool. But I don’t mind since I intend to stay indoors drinking and dancing. I’m lucky to find a taxi as I step outside my building. I give the driver the name and address of the bar and settle back in the seat. There are lots of cars on the road so it takes longer than I had expected to get to Lantern.

  The bar is almost full but it only takes me a moment to spot Skylar and Erin seated at a booth. And Lucas. I thought this was a girls’ night out. It looks like I was mistaken. I see the exact second he catches sight of me. His eyes widen and he stares at me appreciatively.

  I make my way to them with a few appreciative glances coming my way.

  “Great. You made it.” Skylar says, standing to give me a hug and make way for me to sit beside her.

  “Why wouldn’t I?”

  She ignores my question. “You look fabulous.”

  Lucas pipes up. “She’s breath-taking.” He sounds enthusiastic.

  “Thank you.” I smile sweetly at them. “It’s been a while since I had a night out. I figured tonight is a good night to have a bit of fun.”

  “I’d like to see fun Sofia,” Lucas says suggestively.

  Laughing, I say, “Don’t get too excited.”

  “It’ll be hard not to,” he responds, winking at me.

  Turning to Erin, I see she’s looking at Lucas wistfully. “Where’s Alana?”

  She looks away from him and glances at her phone. “She’ll be here in a few minutes.”

  “What would you like to drink?” Lucas asks.

  I probably should stick to white wine. “A glass of Chardonnay would be nice.” I smile up at h
im. “Want me to go with you?”

  “Nah, I got it. Anything for you ladies? Erin, another beer?”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  “Skylar?”

  “Same thing Sofia is having. Thanks darling.” She smiles at him and then turns to me as he leaves for the bar. “You look great. This is what I’ve been talking about. No red-blooded man will be able to resist you.”

  I can’t help but laugh at her statement. “I’m not looking for a man. I just want to have a good time.”

  “Who says you can’t have a good time with a man? They’re not mutually exclusive, you know. Right, Erin?”

  “Yeah,” she responds, but she sounds distracted. I’m not sure she even knows what Skylar just said.

  Lucas comes back with our drinks minutes later, and Skylar is telling me about the guy she met yesterday at the liquor store near her office. He sounds charming. They’re going on a date next week and she’s happy about it because, according to her, she’s sure she’ll be having an orgasm at the end of the night.

  Chuckling, I ask teasingly, “Just one?”

  “Well, I don’t want to be greedy,” she says, smiling playfully. Skylar is a serial monogamist and not particularly interested in hookups and one-night stands, so I don’t take her statements seriously.

  Erin and Lucas are talking a little too animatedly but I can’t make out what they’re saying, not that I'm interested in their conversation but I admit I’m a tad curious to know if she has a thing for him going by the longing look I saw on her face earlier. She makes a move to touch his arm with her hand, but he stops her by taking a hold of her wrist. I would have been worried but his expression is incredibly tender.

  “Whoa. Who is that sexy man looking at you?” Skylar asks in a voice that is scarcely more than a whisper, and distracting me from the scene in front of me.

  I look towards the direction she’s looking at half-heartedly, not really interested in seeing who she’s referring to, and I almost choke on my drink.

  FOUR

  Sofia

  What the heck is he doing here? I’m not supposed to see him until Tuesday when I’ve gathered my wits. Damn. I quickly avert my gaze, choosing to focus on my drink which I happen to be gripping tighter than necessary. I take a deep breath and deliberately relax my hand. I need to stay calm.

  “Are you okay?”

  I wave away her concern. “I’m good.”

  Skylar eyes me speculatively. “I take it you know the cover model.” It’s not a question.

  I really don’t want to answer her. “He’s not a model, he’s my boss,” I tell her reluctantly.

  “Wow, Sof! Your boss is this hot and you didn’t think to mention it?” Her voice is laced with surprise and curiosity.

  “I didn’t think it was important,” I say dismissively.

  Skylar isn’t buying it, she knows me too well. “You like him,” she says smugly, a slow smile spreading across her lips.

  “Don’t be silly. I barely know him.” Why is my face suddenly feeling too warm? Taking a sip of my drink, I avoid looking at Skylar so I don’t give her more to talk about.

  “It’s okay that you like him. I can totally understand why. I mean . . . look at him. If you hadn’t already called dibs on him, I’d have gone over to the bar and flirted with him.”

  I give her an incredulous look. “I didn’t call dibs on him. He’s all yours.”

  “Sure you did. Just because you didn’t say the words doesn’t mean you didn’t call dibs. It’s written all over you. You want him.”

  I honestly hope it isn’t. I don’t want anyone knowing especially Julian. I sigh, and look at her. “Is it that obvious?”

  “To me it is.” She glances back at him for a moment. “He’s still watching you, and he isn’t being subtle about it. Why don’t you go over there?”

  “Don’t be silly. He’s my boss.” I protest.

  “So?”

  “We work together.” I state the obvious.

  “Why is that a problem?” She looks genuinely puzzled. “You’re both adults.”

  “It could get awkward and . . . he doesn’t like me.” I hate to admit it out loud because it seriously bothers me why he doesn’t like me, and not just because he’s my boss.

  “Darling, I can assure you that he does. He’s looking at you as if he wants to drag you out of here and into his bed.”

  An unbidden image of Julian and me completely naked and entwined on a bed comes into my head. My throat goes dry and my skin flushes. I take a gulp of my wine. I should have ordered a stronger drink.

  “You’re being ridiculous.” I roll my eyes.

  “Why don’t you take a look?”

  It goes without saying that that’s not going to happen. I’m not that bold. “No, thanks.”

  “Why don’t you go over there?” she asks again. If there’s one thing about Skylar, it’s that she’s persistent.

  “Skylar.” I know I sound exasperated but I can’t help it. “Please stop. I’m not interested and neither is he. You’re welcome to him.”

  I belatedly remember that we’re not alone. Oh no. This is the last thing I need. Erin and Lucas knowing I have a thing for Julian. I’m incredibly mortified. I slowly look towards them, mentally preparing myself to see their curious gazes and to answer their questions as evasively as I can, but they are still huddled next to each other talking in extremely low voices. They’re not looking at us.

  A huge wave of relief goes through me. I am so not continuing with this discussion. As far as I’m concerned, there will be no more mention of Julian Scott tonight.

  She shrugs elegantly. “Okay, I’ll stop since you’re dead set on lying to yourself. Just one more thing . . .”

  “What?” I snap, desperate to end this conversation that has got me suddenly feeling on edge.

  “He’s coming over,” she says cheerfully.

  Wait, what?

  I whip my head involuntarily towards him, and just like Skylar said, he’s making his way to our booth, moving with effortless grace. I hurriedly look away. Taking another large sip of my wine, I’m hoping for some liquid courage. I’m aware that Skylar is looking at me with amusement but I ignore her.

  “Ladies. Lucas. Mind if I join you?”

  God! That voice definitely does things to me.

  Skylar doesn’t wait for him to finish the question before she gets up and goes to sit opposite me, next to Lucas, leaving the seat next to me empty. I give her a murderous glare. She smiles sweetly at me.

  “Hi. I’m Skylar. Sofia’s friend.”

  “Julian Scott. It’s a pleasure.” He sounds friendly and he’s smiling at Skylar which makes me want to glare at him too.

  “Julian, we didn’t know you’d be here tonight,” Erin says to him, obviously happy to see him. Everyone at work likes him. I must be the only one he treats like a stranger.

  “I wanted to grab a drink.”

  I’m acutely aware of him sitting next to me, his powerfully masculine body just inches away from mine. Somehow he’s managed not to touch any part of my body with his which for some reason puts me more on edge. I can’t avoid talking or looking at him. It would be rude, not to mention obvious that I’m affected by him.

  “So you’re Sofia’s boss,” Skylar states, looking at him with interest.

  That’s just great. Now he knows I’ve been talking about him. I wonder if this is a good time to crawl under the table.

  “Technically, Nadya is her boss.”

  Skylar raises an eyebrow at me. “Really? So she doesn’t report to you?”

  I know where she’s going with that line of questioning, and I don’t like it especially with everyone paying attention to what she’s saying and trying to make sense out of it.

  “Skylar, can you please stop talking about me like I’m not sitting right here? Besides, I don’t think Julian is interested in talking about work tonight.” I give her a pointed look. I need her to just stop talking.

  Glancing at me,
Julian says, “I don’t mind answering the question. No, Sofia doesn’t report to me. What do you do?”

  I realize he’s shifting the focus to Skylar, and I’m grateful for that.

  “I’m a management consultant,” she tells him.

  “You analyze companies and help them improve their performance.”

  “In a nutshell, yes.”

  “Do you focus on any specific sector?”

  As Skylar goes on to talk about her job, I use the opportunity to try and relax, and to rein in my burning awareness of him. Julian is entirely focused on listening to Skylar. Despite telling myself not to look at him, I can’t help it. He is without a doubt an incredibly handsome man. He gives off an intense vibe, and describing him as sexy is a massive understatement. His very presence demands my attention. I had heard of lust at first sight but I never thought it would happen to me. I’ve always had a sensible head on my shoulder, at least until I met him. Whenever he’s nearby, and even when he’s not, all I can think about is being with him in the most carnal way possible.

  “Has Sofia told you about her move from New York?” I hear Skylar ask him.

  “No. I haven’t had the pleasure of hearing about it.”

  “I’m sure she’ll be happy to tell you about her experience.” What’s there to tell? I just packed my bags and got on the plane to get here. Nothing newsworthy happened. I wonder what she’s up to. “She’s not dating anyone so we went furniture shopping together.”

  Oh. My. God. Skylar did not just say that. What does my relationship status have to do with shopping for furniture? She deliberately let it out, and was so damned obvious about it.