“I’m running down to grab a quick bite before the meeting, do you want me to bring you back anything?” I ask her, as I make sure my credit card is in my wallet.
“Are you kidding me, I can’t eat at a time like this.” Jill’s melodrama makes me laugh.
“Suit yourself, but I need to eat. I’ll meet you in the conference room.” With my wallet in hand, I give a little wave over my shoulder.
I walk up to the bar and look around at the fairly empty restaurant. Two people sit at the bar, at a table near the bar are four ladies that have the stereotypical look of ladies that lunch, and a few tables away I assume to be two retired couples. They must have a long history together because the men talk to each other and the wives talk amongst themselves ignoring the husbands, completely. In the far corner of the bar, three men in suits and one woman sit absorbed in conversation. The bar blocks a clear view of their table until I sit down on the barstool where I have a better view.
There are more papers than dishes on that table; it's obviously a business meeting. I take a double look at the table.
Why is he here? Does he work around here? I never wanted to know what he did for a living. Now I regret not asking since it would have made it easier to avoid him if I knew where he worked. His card was generic with his name, phone number, and email. I avoided asking any questions because I didn’t want to have to answer any questions about myself, but now I’m caught off guard.
He hasn’t noticed me yet. Maybe I can sneak out. I definitely don’t feel like facing him here, during my workday. To have to face the man that called me awkward after having sex with me, how awkward will that be? I can’t let him see me.
I carefully stand avoiding any loud noises as I move the barstool out. I wave the bartender off as he approaches me. I mouth the words, “I’ll be back.” On my tippy toes to avoid the sound of my heels clicking on the floor, I head towards the door.
Without turning around, I hear his voice. “Alexandra, where are you going?” Nick’s voice is patronizing like he’s talking to a little girl. I can’t blame him, tip toeing out of a restaurant trying to avoid seeing him is somewhat childish.
Should I stop or just run out the door? I’m so close to the door that it’s a definite option. I decide to stop. I sheepishly pivot to face the hottest man I ever known. He looks hotter today than the last time we were together. How is that possible?
“Nick! Strange running into you.” I act surprised and casual, but as I hear my voice, I know I’m not very convincing. I suck at this.
“Yes, Alexandra, quite strange but it looks like you are running from me, not into me.” His voice has this low sexy teasing kind of thing going on.
I feel the heat rise in my body. Thankfully, I have a tan, so I hope Nick doesn’t notice the blotchy red skin that crawls up my chest to my face when I am nervous.
Nick moves closer to me, and without hesitation, his hands cradle my face. We stare at each other, I freeze knowing what he is about to do and then his lips move over mine.
I could develop a bad habit of letting this man kiss me whenever he wants.
Actually, I could develop a bad habit of letting him do whatever he wants to me whenever he wants. I never let anyone invade my personal space, but saying no to Nick would feel like blasphemy.
As he moves his lips away from mine, he leaves me breathless. The ache that I have been feeling for him since our last night together grows stronger.
“It’s been three weeks.” His statement says everything without actually saying it.
“Has it?” I play clueless, but then I decide to be truthful only because Nick is working a stop the bullshit face. “Nick, I just assumed that when I didn’t call you, you would assume that I wasn’t interested.” I stop to gather my thoughts. “I mean I was way out of my element thinking I could pull off a strictly sexual relationship. I can’t pull off any relationship. I don’t know what I was thinking.” Stop talking now. I chastise myself. Please, stop talking. I sound like an idiot.
But wait for it…
I keep talking. “Well, I could do another one night and maybe a few more after that, but wanting it won’t change the fact that I am utterly awkward at it. The whole dating thing makes me uneasy. I know if we go on a date, we’ll end up in a relationship. I can’t go through that again. But you did say you would be patient with me…” Shut up, Alex, you’re babbling. Just shut up! Stop talking! Now!
I watch as Nick looks like a deer caught in headlights. “Alexandra, so what is it…are you not interested, or are you possibly interested?”
“I’m not sure. I think it’s me. Yes, it’s definitely me.”
He shakes his head and looks away as if he’s mulling over what I just said. “So I can’t date you because it may lead to a very satisfying, loving relationship, I’m not even allowed to take you to dinner, but you have no problem just using me for sex?” He pauses. “It’s definitely you.”
“I didn’t say anything about satisfying or loving. I would never choose those words to describe a relationship of mine. But the sex thing sounds about right.” I pause as the last thing he says hits me. “Hey, you think it’s me. I didn’t think you’d agree with me.” I pout.
Nick throws back his head in an exasperated laugh while rubbing his face with both his hands. “Alexandra, I knew you were different, but I think it may shock me to find out how different you are.”
I look at my watch just as I remember I need to get back to the office for the meeting. “Nick, I need to go. I’ll call you.”
“Oh no you don’t, give me your phone.” He reaches his open palm out towards me.
I let out an exasperated sigh, but hand Nick my phone knowing this is an argument I won’t win. He hands it back to me motioning for me to unlock it. I hand it back, and he tapes on the screen. He turns toward the table. “It’s me, let it ring.” He shouts to the group at his table. He looks back at me and hands me my phone. “Now I have your number, so I’ll be calling you.”
I smile and plant a chaste kiss on his mouth. “Gotta run.” I clumsily turn and hit the edge of a table but recover quickly.
“I want to see you soon.” He says as I’m almost out the door.
I smile and bite my bottom lip and give Nick a nod as I almost run into an old woman walking towards me. “Oops sorry.” I apologize for almost taking her down. She looks pissed.
As I enter the elevator, I have little time to process what just happened. A few of the employees chatter about this impromptu meeting as the elevator quickly moves up to the 24th floor. Rumors have been flying around for weeks that the company might be bought out. Therefore, everyone is nervous about possible employment changes.
I have a few minutes before I have to be in the conference room. I quickly go to the ladies bathroom to freshen up. My tanned skin is flushed red, and my eyes are bright and glassy. I look just fucked. I feel like it. I wish I were. That man is intense. I take a deep breath in and remind myself to pull it together. A few minutes in his, presence and I feel the wetness between my legs.
I stare at myself while I wash my hands. I can’t wait to see him again. My mind drifts thinking about our last night together. Lost in my reverie, I don’t realize someone stands next to me. As if the girl standing next to me knows what I think she says, “He must be a keeper.”
I smile and let out a little laugh, “Is it obvious?”
“Yeah, it’s obvious.” She shakes the water from her hands into the sink. “Lucky you.”
She’s right lucky me, yet, it takes me way too long to realize it. I guess better late than never.
I make my way through the crowds of worried faces when I see Jill towards the back saving my usual seat at the end of the table farthest from the doors and farthest from the Big Wig’s seats upfront.
I take my seat and quickly scan the room. Nothing new, all the usual faces. Just as I think its status quo, Joe walks through the conference room doors with three men and a woman. The entire room goes silent.
I panic and roll my chair back and bend over and drop to my knees under the table. I look to each side of me deciding how I will crawl out of here with all those legs in my way. I feel Jill nudging my back. She bends down to ask me what I’m doing.
“I dropped something.”
Before I can plan my escape, I hear Joe ask if everything is all right down there. Jill pulls on my top, and I hit my head on the underside of the table while trying to sit back up.
Rubbing my head and taking my seat I answer Joe, “Fine, just dropped something.” I avoid making any direct eye contact towards the head of the conference table.
I hear a few snickers and some outright laughing, as I now try and smooth out my skirt. I shoot a quick glance towards Jill who gives me the, what the fuck are you doing, look. I shrug her off and turn to stare down at the legal pad in front of me while I use my hand to create a visor along my forehead. Then without lifting my head I look under my hand visor, and stare down at the opposite end of the table.
Nick’s eyes meet mine, and I see the shock I feel reflected in his expression. But the only difference is that his shock quickly turns into a full on smile, which then turns into a shoulder shrug laugh as he subtlety shakes his head.
He already thinks I’m awkward, now, he must think I’m the biggest ass.
Joe stands at the end of the conference room table motioning with his hands to settle down, the room full of people quiet in tandem. He begins to introduce Ryan and Ryan Industries, the new owners of Douglas, Peters & Tatum. There is an enthusiastic hum throughout the room. Joe’s lips continue to move, but I stopped listening when Joe said, "new owners."
This can’t be happening.
My new boss thoroughly fucked me multiple times, and then I tell him I want to use him for sex. Great, now, I have to find a new job.
Not what I want to do at this point in my life. Damn that yes girl…that will be the last time I eavesdrop on a conversation.
When I look back at Nick, he must sense my humiliation because he gives me a slight wink and a nod.
I shake my head and roll my eyes at him as if to say what difference does it make, now. The damage is done.
Nick smiles and his shoulders shrug up again in another quiet laugh.
Everyone stands as introductions take place. The other two men stand off to the side, and the blonde woman stands off to the back. I’m sure Joe introduced them, but my thoughts and Nick distracted me.
The one man looks like Nick’s father probably the other “Ryan” in Ryan and Ryan. He is just as good looking just older. The third man has a stack of folders and papers in his hands. I assume he is their lawyer. The woman must be an assistant.
I can’t take my eyes off of Nick, as he seems to be having the same problem. I stand still and watch as he makes his way through the crowds of swooning female employees and the, I want to be just like you when I grow up, male employees.
I fix my blouse and smooth out my skirt. “Nick, this is Alex Adams, our creative director.” Joe roughly puts his arm around my shoulder, and I fall into him. He heavily pats my shoulder making my whole body shake. I reestablish my footing and put space between him and me.
“Alex. I heard so much about you but I must apologize I thought you were a man.” Nick smiles warmly and takes my hand in his. As usual, my entire body reacts with a shiver as he touches me. “Your ads get a lot of attention. I just assumed it was a man behind all that sex and, of course, your name. It’s definitely an interesting twist.”
“Yes, they call me Alex, and yes, I find a way to weave sex throughout all my ads. And I agree this is an interesting twist.” I smile, nod, and swallow hard again.
Nick stares at me for way too long. His expression reads like my thoughts. I can’t believe this is happening. I tilt my head, raise my brow at him, and clear my throat. It must bring him back to the moment because he finally releases my hand.
I take my seat and attempt taking a deep breath. Nothing happens. Why can’t I breathe? Am I having a panic attack? I can’t breathe.
Jill looks over at me mouthing her words. “I know isn’t he fucking gorgeous. Takes your breath away!” She fans herself with the legal pad she brought with her.
Joe makes his way back to the front of the room with Nick but looks back at me with curiosity. I pull myself together so not to sound any alarms. Joe knows me too well; he’ll know if something is wrong. I shrug my shoulders acting oblivious to my awkward interaction with Nick. We all take our seats as Joe and Nick take turns laying out the plans for the transition.
I hear only some of what they say. Ryan and Ryan Industries chose DP&T because they needed to establish in-house advertising without any conflicts of interest. The health of the company and the creative talent made it the most viable choice. Then it starts to sound as if Charlie Brown’s teacher stands in front of me. All I can do is think of Nick’s hands touching me, his mouth covering me, and the intense orgasms he brought me to.
“I’m going to meet individually with many of you. I want to get some feedback from you so come prepared with any ideas you have for the company. I’m very interested in hearing what you have to say.” Nick says while he scans the room but stops when his eyes meet mine. He stares straight at me. “My assistant, Dawn,” he motions to the woman standing off to the side of him, “will contact most of you to set up a day and time, the rest I will reach out to you personally.”
Joe stands, “We want everyone to take the rest of the afternoon off and enjoy the holiday weekend. I know I’ll see many of you at Dave’s July 4th party.”
Mutual relief and excited chatter sounds throughout the room as everyone slowly stands and assesses what just happened. I hope there is enough of a distraction so I can sneak out.
As I walk down the length of the table towards the conference room doors, many of the employees surround Nick offering their congratulations and excitement for the new opportunities.
I eye him and give a slight wave goodbye as I scurry through the doors. I barely make it down the hall when I hear his voice say my name. I don’t think I can take anymore Nick today.
“Alexandra, do you have a minute?” He asks.
I turn around, “Well I obviously can’t say no. Now, can I? You are my boss.”
“Good. Let’s go to your office.” He smiles as he touches the back of my arm. “Show me the way, Ms. Adams.”
My skin moves under his touch, and I wonder how I’ll concentrate around him. Our company occupies many floors so I shouldn't see him often. When I approach my office door, I stand to the side to let him enter first, but he stops to face me.
“No Alexandra after you.”
I don’t answer and walk in. I saunter to my desk and gesture to him to have a seat in the chair facing my desk, but instead, he walks to the side of my desk, and stares out the window, “Beautiful view.”
“Thank you, do you want to sit?” I ask more for my comfort than his. Being in this proximity to him makes me want to rip off all his clothes and hike up my skirt so he can have his way with me.
“No, I won’t keep you long. I just want to clear the air.”
“No worries, I think we just pretend like nothing ever happened.” Like I’ll be able to do that. No chance in hell but it sounds good anyway.
“I don’t think I can do that,” Nick admits my exact thoughts.
“We must! You’re my boss now and nothing else can ever happen again.” I remain firm. “I am so embarrassed as I think of the things we’ve done to each other, and now here you are the owner of the company I work for. And I just asked you if I can use you for sex, just sex.” I shake my head while I press on my temples with my index and middle fingers. “I should have stayed in my small little world. I can’t believe this is happening to me. What you must think of me?” Once again, I sound like a babbling idiot. “Of all days to start saying yes. That damn yes thing.” I mutter under my breath.
Nick doesn’t respond right away. He looks like he’s processing everything I just spewed at him. He looks disappointed, and honestly, I know how he feels.
“What I think of you?” He sounds hurt and confused. “I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever been with, a little stubborn, but warm and real. I know I want more of you. And honestly, I like this little predicament because now I know where you are, and where you will be every day.”
His confidence is refreshing while I left my confidence under the conference room table.
Wait, did he call me stubborn?
“Stubborn? I’m not stubborn.” I clear my throat and try to sound more professional rather than like a spoiled little girl. “What I’m trying to say is that this is business and one should not shit where they eat.”
“No, you are right, one should not shit where they eat…” Nick reaches down brushing his thumb on my bottom lip pulling it slightly open. “But Alexandra there are many other things we can do where we eat, and everywhere else.”
Oh my!
“Well thank goodness that’s settled. I’m glad we both agree that this can not continue.” Completely ignoring what he just suggested I swipe through the calendar on my iPad. “Do you want to nail down a time right now when we can meet to discuss business?” Wishing I chose better words than nail down.
Nick looks down staring at me and then moves his eyes lower until he seems to be staring at my legs. I want to pull on the hem of my skirt to cover more of my bare skin, but I don’t. Instead, I uncross by legs and squeeze them together.
“So I guess avoidance is your out.” He asks.
“No. I’m not avoiding anything. We cannot continue what ever it was we were doing, and I thought we were in agreement.”
“Okay, I’ll let you believe that for now.” Nick takes in a ragged breath. “It’s not necessary to nail down a time to meet. We’ll be seeing a lot of each other next week. I’ll look over my schedule and then we’ll decide when you and I can do lunch.”
The Yes Girl Page 5