by René, Dani
“Miss Reid, good morning.” Charlene smiled. We had met a few days prior in the introduction meeting.
“Hi, Charlene. Please call me Em.” She shook my outstretched hand and smiled.
“Em, we need to get the guys inside up and ready by midday. They’re going to bring in all the equipment. Also, the tables need setting up. I need you to supervise, or nothing will actually get done.”
I nodded. “Coffee first?” She smiled, and we walked to the large cafeteria. The venue was large enough to hold five hundred people, and there would be at least fifty coffee companies exhibiting. There were already a few people milling around. I supposed they were some of the roasters that were joining the convention. We grabbed a couple of coffees when I heard a deep voice behind me. I turned to see where it was coming from, or who it was coming from.
I laid eyes on the source of my distraction. The man was talking to some friends and turned to catch my gaze. I looked into beautiful hazel eyes that had a naughty sparkle in them. A rugged, tanned god with dark hair, dressed in tight black jeans and a black T-shirt, which seemed to hug his muscled arms perfectly. He was handsome, not much taller than me, and I found myself blushing from his intense stare.
“Em, let me show you where the office is. You can set up if you need to work.” Charlene startled me. I turned to face her and nodded. I hoped she didn’t notice the flush on my cheeks. I tried keeping my eyes down, but I kept glancing at him from the corner of my eye. I followed her out of the cafeteria, but I felt the intense hazel-eyed gaze follow me.
The office was small, but there was enough space for both of us to get on with what we needed to. I set up my laptop, connected to the Wi-Fi network, and started downloading my emails. “What time do you reckon we will finish off here today?” I asked Charlene.
She looked up and shrugged. “About five, I think. It shouldn’t be a late night. Why? Got a date or something?”
I smiled and looked at my laptop. “Or something . . .”
* * *
I handed my layout plans to the set-up crew coordinator and gave him the instructions. He was confident they would be done in two hours for set-up. That would take us to midday, which was perfect timing. Most of the companies that were participating had already arrived, the flooring for their particular stalls laid out. I walked around looking for those hazel eyes but couldn’t find him. I wondered if he had already left. I supposed I could grab a cup of coffee from the cafeteria.
I walked around trying to decide on a coffee to get when I noticed they had set up some new blends. There were a few brews from local roasters featuring at the event. There was one I didn’t recognize, Tribal Fuel, that sounded interesting. I poured some of the filter coffee they had set up, and the aroma hit me at once. It smelled amazing! I took a small sip and immediately got the mocha flavor. It was strong, yet the flavor of chocolate was gentle. This was definitely going to be my new favorite.
“I hope you like the coffee.” A familiar deep voice startled me. I turned and was met with those intense hazel eyes. I nodded. “Yes, I think this just may be my new favorite coffee.” A genuine smile creased the corner of his eyes and made him look younger than I thought he was.
“Well, that’s good. I guess I did my job right. Sebastian, but you can call me Bash.” He held out his hand. I shook it, and his big, strong hand engulfed mine.
“Nice to meet you, Bash. I am Emily. You can call me Em, though nobody uses my full name anymore. Your coffee is amazing; I haven’t heard about it before. Is it new?” I stopped myself, realizing I was rambling. He let go of my hand, and I felt nervous. His gaze was intense; I felt myself flush. He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine. “Yes, our company opened a couple of months ago. So, I guess we’re still new, but I have a lot of experience . . . with coffee. I hope I see more of you later; I have to finish setting up. Enjoy the coffee.” He winked and turned to walk away. I watched his retreating form and found my appreciative gaze locked on his tight black jeans. He definitely filled them out perfectly.
* * *
I was running late. There were minor details I needed to finalize. I sat in Charlene’s office, checking my emails when my phone beeped.
Triston: I trust your day has been productive Miss Reid? Your boss.
Em: It has been; I apologize for the delay in getting back. Your employee.
I hit send, and a smile crept up on my lips, “Boyfriend?” Charlene asked as she stared at me mischievously. I smiled. “No, it’s, uh . . . It’s just a friend.” How was I meant to tell someone I was smiling like a teenager at a text from my boss? I opened my other messages. Jessie had replied that she had Charlie picking me up at five p.m., and there would be a dress in the car for me to wear. I sent a quick reply to thank her.
“I am about to go and check on the setup. Can I bring you anything?” I asked as I opened the office door.
“Yeah, sure, get me a coffee. Something strong. I’ll be here a while.” I nodded and walked out, closing the door behind me.
“Miss Reid, can we get your signature on these?” The contractor caught me as I made my way through the exhibition area. I signed the forms, giving them final clearance to finish the last structures. The venue looked amazing, and it smelled even better! I walked down to the cafeteria.
“Are you following me?” I turned to see the rugged Bash walking toward me. “I think you’re the one following me, Bash.” I laughed, he smiled, and his eyes twinkled. I couldn’t help but stare at him. As I turned, he grabbed me, pulling me toward him. I had almost bumped into a contractor carrying a couple of long poles. “Shit! Thank you! I am not used to being awake as early as I was this morning.” I looked up, and his face was so close to mine I forgot to breathe. His strong arms felt warm around me, and I felt myself relax into them.
“It’s part of my job, you know, saving damsels in distress.”
His face was a picture of amusement, and it made me giggle. “Oh, I am sure it’s a job you quite enjoy.” It was when he stood me up did I realize I was leaning into him.
“Thank you, again . . .” I stepped back. I turned to walk to the cafeteria with him following alongside. “Can I get you a coffee?” Bash asked, “There are some amazing blends here. How do you take it?” I smiled. He had gone from flirting to professional in a matter of seconds. “I love strong coffee, no milk, no sugar.”
He nodded in agreement. “My kind of girl.” Making his way over to the table with the Tribal Fuel coffee, he grabbed an unmarked bag and started grinding some beans.
“Is that your special stash?” I joked. He finished up by setting the machine to boil and turned to me. “Absolutely! A special coffee for a special lady. That’s my company motto. And it also might keep you from injuring yourself, since I won’t be around once you go back to your fancy office.” He winked and turned back to the coffee machine. I frowned at his strange remark. I wondered how he knew I worked in a fancy office.
He handed me a cup, and I inhaled the strong scent of rich chocolate and caramel. “This smells amazing.” I looked up at him, and he looked pleased with himself, nodding and smiling at me. The warmth of the cup felt good, and I imagined that’s how he would feel.
“Well, it tastes even better.” I took a sip, and he was right; it was definitely mouth-watering.
“Do you try to impress all the girls with your coffee-making skills?” I narrowed my eyes at him.
He shook his head. “Only the pretty ones.” He smirked at the incredulous look I gave him. “I better get back to work. See you around.” And with that, he was gone.
Chapter Two
Since I didn’t make it back to the office, Jessie told me to go straight home. I unlocked my apartment at five thirty, and I had some time to get ready. First, I needed a hot shower. I walked into the bedroom, unzipped the dress bag, and I pulled out the garment. It was beautiful. A simple, knee-length, black, off-the-shoulder dress, with a thin, silver belt around the waist had me in awe. It was stylish yet sexy. Jessie had amazing t
aste in clothes. I hung the dress on the door of my closet and pulled out my phone. I needed to call her and thank her. Unlocking the screen, I noticed I had a message from Triston.
Triston: I hope your day wasn’t too tiring, Miss Reid. See you in a couple of hours. T
I didn’t know what to think. He had my mind whirling with thoughts I shouldn’t be having. Between him and Bash, I was sure going to have my hands full. Although, I had completely forgotten to get Bash’s details. The only thing I knew about him was that he worked for a coffee company and a fantastic coffee company at that! I suppose I would see him over the next few days at the event.
Em: It was busy, as expected, I look forward to dinner. E
Shower time. I made my way to my modern bathroom. I loved the spa bath and large shower. Stripping down, turning on the shower, I waited for it to heat up and stepped into the hot, welcome spray. I closed my eyes and saw those beautiful hazel eyes. I thought about Bash. His rugged exterior, the flirtatious smile, and those naughty eyes that seemed to sparkle. He was absolutely handsome.
The hot water was calming, and I felt relaxed when I stepped out. Grabbing a towel, I dried off and wrapped myself in my bathrobe. Walking back to the kitchen, I turned on the kettle and walked back to the bedroom to find shoes to pair with my dress. I had about an hour left to get ready — plenty of time. My phone beeped from the bed. I picked it up and unlocked the screen.
Jessie: Have a good dinner. He was in an exceptionally good mood today… I wonder why ;)
Jessie did think Triston liked me; I wasn’t sure. I still had reservations about dating the boss. It’s not a professional thing to do. I made a cup of green tea and got ready.
* * *
I walked downstairs. Knowing Triston was in the car right outside the door made my heart race. I took a deep breath before opening it.
I had never seen him outside of office hours, and I genuinely wasn’t sure what to expect. He always seemed calm and collected at work. I wondered if he was like that normally. Upon opening the entrance door to the street, my breath hitched. He was leaning against the passenger door, and he looked breathtaking. His shoulder length hair was shining. Dressed in black slacks and black leather, unzipped boots, a silver shirt with the first few buttons undone completed the look.
“Don’t you scrub up beautifully, Miss Reid?” He smiled as he took in my appearance. He turned to open the door for me.
“Thank you, Mr. Hart. The dress is beautiful. Jessie’s choice is perfect.” I slid into the passenger seat.
“Actually, I chose it,” he said and closed the door. My heart hammered against my rib cage. I couldn’t believe he chose my dress! He slid into the driver’s seat and looked over at me. I felt self-conscious under his gaze. “Well, you have good taste in women’s clothing, Mr. Hart. As well as sizing,” I stated, making a point of the fact that he had chosen a size that fitted me perfectly.
“It seems I do.” His gaze traveled over my body appreciatively, and he smirked. His stare had my stomach doing flip flops, and my heart thudded so hard in my throat. He started the engine, pulling out into the street, and sped off.
He leaned forward to turn on the radio. I gazed down at his hands. They were so smooth with prominent veins pulsing just below the skin; I felt the need to touch them. The song started, and I recognized it from my running playlist. Pia Mia’s song “Do It Again” was good. I loved her voice. As I listened to the lyrics, I blushed. I sat back as we made our way through the traffic. “So, what made you move to New York?” he asked over the music.
“I have always wanted to run off to the big city and make a name for myself. I finished university, and I suppose life got in the way of my dreams for a while.” I trailed off, not wanting to share the painful details that brought me here.
“Life? Yeah, it has a funny way of fucking up your dreams. At least you’re here now?” He reached over and touched my knee, feeling sparks surging through my body. He pulled his hand away quickly. “Sorry,” he mumbled and put both hands on the wheel. He gripped it so tightly I could see his knuckles turn white and the veins pulse. “So, what happened to make you finally follow your dreams?” He glanced over at me. I shook my head in response. Everything seemed so fresh in my mind that I couldn't find the words to explain.
“Can we not talk about this now?” I looked into those steel-blue eyes, hoping he would let it go. He nodded and turned his eyes back to the road.
* * *
Triston pulled into a parking spot right outside the restaurant. It looked like a quiet little place, and I felt relieved. I was definitely not in the mood for a bustling restaurant to get to know him. Looking over at him, he seemed so casual yet sophisticated. He would fit in anywhere.
After getting out, he came around to the passenger side, opened my door, and held out his hand. I slipped mine in his and felt my skin tingle with an electric current surging through me. His hand was so smooth, soft and warm.
We walked alongside each other to the door. He stepped aside, allowing me to enter first. A perfect gentleman at all times. He walked up to the manager. “Mr. Hart. I have a reservation for two for seven p.m.”
The manager smiled and nodded. “Please, this way sir . . .”
We followed the manager to a private table at the back of the restaurant. Triston pulled out my chair and grabbed my coat as I shrugged it off. His fingertips brushed my shoulders, and the hair on the nape of my neck stood on end. I felt goosebumps rise across my skin. He handed it to the manager who proceeded to place our menus and the wine list on the table. “Your waiter will be with you in a few moments.” The manager smiled and walked off.
“Do you drink?” Triston’s blue gaze was on me again, and my stomach fluttered. I nodded. “I do. I didn’t think you did?” He always struck me as such a serious person, as I couldn’t imagine him drinking at all.
“I do. Only on special occasions, though, like tonight. Would you like a glass of wine? Unless you’re a beer girl?” He had a wicked smile that crinkled his nose, which made him look like a naughty little boy.
“Dry red wine, please.” He nodded and looked at the wine list while I picked up the food menu. I glanced at his face over the top of my menu. He was definitely perfect.
A lanky, dark-haired waiter appeared at our table. “Good evening, I’m James. I will be your waiter this evening. If there is anything you need, please let me know.”
Triston looked up and gave him a gracious smile. “James, please bring us a bottle of your Lenz Estate Merlot 2007 vintage. Give us some more time for the food order.” James nodded with a small smile and retreated with the wine list.
Triston turned his gaze to me. I didn’t look up from my menu, but I could feel his eyes as he observed me for a few moments before speaking. “Did you have a good day, Miss Reid?”
I looked up and smiled. “It was busy, but productive, Mr. Hart. Are we going to keep with the formalities tonight?” I asked him, curiosity getting the better of me.
His face changed to an amused smirk. “I didn’t want to put pressure on you by assuming this was a date. I don’t do dates, as I am sure Jessie would have mentioned when you two gossip.”
My mouth fell open. “We do not gossip!” He laughed, a carefree look on his face. He seemed relaxed. I shook my head, my dark brown eyes meeting his steel-blue stare. I felt a flutter in my stomach, and my eyes fell to his clasped hands, which rested on the table. He looked so calm — nothing seemed to faze him. His emotions in check at all times. I wished I felt half as calm as he looked. “I didn’t feel any pressure, Mr. Hart. I am a big girl. I can take care of myself, you know.”
His eyes glinted with something. I couldn’t tell what it was, but his smile deepened. “Oh, Miss Reid, I am well aware of that. Running away from home to a big city is proof of taking care of yourself.” I felt a tug in my abdomen from the dark look in his eyes.
James returned with our wine and proceeded to open the bottle. “Shall I pour a taster, sir?” Triston nodded
and watched the dark red wine flow into his glass. He picked it up and took a small sip. Mesmerized by his movements, slow, sensual, and sexy, my mind boggled at how a man could be so perfect. I was blatantly staring at him.
“Perfect, James. Please go ahead . . .” He motioned for James to fill my glass. The wine was the color of garnet, almost black in the dim light of the restaurant. Once James filled our glasses, he retreated once more. He mumbled he would be back shortly to take our order.
Triston picked up his glass. “I want to welcome you to the company, Miss Reid. I trust we will have a fulfilling . . . relationship.” He stopped short, and I felt the tension thick in the air. It was consuming, just like he was. I picked up my glass and clinked his. Our eyes locked in a stand-off — I wasn't looking away, and neither was he. The air prickled with an underlying current.
“Thank you for hiring me, Mr. Hart. It’s a dream to work for an internationally recognized company like yours.” He smiled, his eyes creasing. I stared at him. I knew I shouldn’t, but I couldn’t look away. There was something in his smile that drew me in. I felt consumed by his ethereal beauty. Lifting his glass, keeping eye contact with me, he took a sip of his wine. My eyes fell to his mouth. He pulled the glass away, and I watched the blood-red liquid stain his soft lips. I ached to kiss them in such a way it almost hurt, wanting to taste the wine there.
He licked his lips, and I watched his tongue move over each one. A fire furiously burned inside me. I ached to feel his tongue, and I squirmed in my seat. I could see his eyes flicker with the recognition of the effect he was having on me. He was aware of what he was doing and enjoying it.
“So,” he broke the spell. My eyes fell to my glass. “Tell me about yourself. Your family, what do you enjoy doing besides running around after clients?” I looked into his eyes again. Did he want to talk about my family? After what he just did to me? How was I meant to concentrate?
