“What is it then?” I couldn’t help but smile, this is the most basic thing you learn when you get a degree in marketing.
“When you buy something, you think you are buying the product but you aren’t, you are buying the person. The inventor, the CEO, you have to brand yourself before you can sell a product and get people to buy it.” I spoke strongly. I accepted the looks of surprise and shock, and Cade’s smile spread across his face.
“Well, then I guess we have some work to do.”
“Yes, with the help of the CNO, of course.” I smiled daftly at him and he looked away. I think we can consider my reputation made.
I spent the rest of the day in my office going over past files to see how I could spin this. The only accounts he has are big trucking companies, shipping, and exports. He needs something substantial, he needs to get back the two clients he lost and more like them.
“May I come in?” I gasped when I heard his voice. I looked up, smiled and nodded. “Of course.” He entered my office. He had taken off his suit jacket and loosened his tie, he looked very sexy.
“So, how do you like the office? I know it’s a bit dreary.” He sat in the arm chair across from my desk.
“It’s alright. I’m sure I’ll do something with it eventually.”
“I’m sure you will. I am not letting you go anytime soon. I was very impressed with you today- well, I had a feeling you were bright.” He looked right into my eyes, I felt like if he looked at me any harder I would explode.
“Thank you. May I ask? What happened to your former CMO?” I asked him out of curiosity. He laughed easily.
“He was a very demanding person, he tried to overthrow me as CEO.” My mouth dropping open, expressed my surprise before I could contain it.
“How could he even do that? You’re the founder.” He turned his gaze to me, so calm. How can he be so calm when I am so bothered by his presence?
“I know he was a tough guy.” He averted his gaze and his face tightened. I was mesmerized by the way his jaw clenched perfectly.
“You seem sad about it?” I asked as if it were a question.
“Were you a psychology major too?” He laughed and I joined. “I just knew him for a long time is all.” I nodded.
“Was there something else you came in here for?” I wondered aloud. Part of me wanted him to leave so I could relax, and another wanted him here merely so I could stare at him.
“Yes. I mean no. I mean Salena…” he paused, as if deciding whether or not to continue. “I tried to be as professional about this as I could but I just can’t hide the fact that I am attracted to you. I understand telling you this could make things worse but I just can’t hide it. I understand that it is the first day but it’s better to do it now than have you get comfortable here and bear the embarrassment of leaving because of me.” For the second time since he had been in my office, my jaw dropped open before I could hide my surprise. I guess Laney was right.
“I can’t say I don’t feel the same way.” I said quietly. I didn’t meet his gaze, those emeralds were too distracting. He is a smart man, and knows his way around women all too well. He is right. I would rather pack up and leave today than be months in when people already know who I am.
“Good. I also wanted to ask you if you would be my date to the annual Christmas gala this year.”
“Um, won’t people suspect something?” I didn’t want to be labeled as someone who slept her way to the top, even though I didn’t, I got the job on my own. At least I hope I did.
“What will they say? That they are jealous of the both of us?” He chuckled.
“I just don’t want… people will talk, both of us might lose respect and I just got here.” He smirked at me like he had a secret.
“I never suspected you for someone who cared what people thought.” He smiled at me coolly. I felt like I was in a business meeting, negotiating whether or not to move ports.
“I’m not.” Perhaps he is right. I was afraid but I never let fear stop me before. I have to see if there is a chance with him, I deserve a good chance, right?
“Yes, I’ll be your date.” It sounded weird coming out of my mouth but good at the same time.
“Great. How about I walk you to your car?” I nodded and gathered my things. We got sideways glances all the way to the elevator. I guess he’s never left with anyone before.
“This is quite the empire you have amassed.” I said to him, once we reached my car.
“Thank you. After what I saw today, with you, it can only get bigger.” I blushed and looked away from his smoldering green eyes. He tucked a stray piece of hair behind my ear and I met his eyes again. He flatters me too much. At times I feel like I deserve the credit but it is completely different coming from him.
“I’ll see you tomorrow.” He smiled and walked away, leaving my cheek tingling where he touched it. I kept telling myself this isn’t good, but that doesn’t mean it didn’t feel good.
*****
I had time to change my mind but I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I had to act indifferent around the other board members. He often came into my office just to- talk. It was like I was his ‘go-to’ person, his rock. He talked to me about things he didn’t tell the other board members in the meetings. My feelings grew stronger and before I knew it, I was slipping on a gold evening gown and dressing up like a princess for the ball.
Laney was all excited to do my hair and make up for me and then I patiently waited for his arrival. I was a nervous wreck the whole day. Surely the people in the store noticed, I was excited and afraid all at the same time.
“That’s him!” Laney exclaimed, when the doorbell rang. She got up to answer it before I could beat her. This is it, just be cool, Salena.
“Hi, you must be Laney.” I could feel her excitement when I heard him say that. I had told him about her, when he’d told me about his best friend, Derek.
“Yes. Yes I am.” She said confidently. I walked to the door and almost stopped in my tracks. He looked absolutely dashing in a sleek, black suit with his hair pushed back perfectly over his head.
“Wow, you look amazing. I bought you flowers.” He said breathlessly. He handed me a beautiful bouquet of flowers which Laney took to put in a vase.
“Thank you.” I smiled up at him nervously, he looked down at me and gave me that look again. I had to crane my head up to look at him, he was so much taller than me. He towered over me, even in heels, like my protector.
“Are you moving?” He asked, as he eyed all the boxes. We finally signed the papers to the town home. After Laney got her bonus and I got my quarter pay, we had enough for the down payment and new furniture.
“Uh yeah, we just signed on a new town home we’ve had our eye on.” He nodded.
“Well, shall we go?” He held my hand in his and led us out the door. I didn’t hide my shock when he led me to a sleek, black Jaguar sitting out front. He opened my door politely for me and we were off.
Once we arrived, I couldn’t hide from all the gazes. I know what it looks like, the new employee arriving with the CEO. I had to ignore them though.
“I have to uh, work the room a little bit.” He said to me apologetically.
“That’s okay, I’ll be here.” I sat at the open bar and he kissed my cheek before he left me there. I got a scotch on the rocks, suddenly I needed a drink. I understood why I couldn’t exactly go with him, what would he introduce me as? His new employee? His date? His… girlfriend? I don’t even know yet. Having conversations with him tucked away in my office isn’t a relationship, this was the first time we’d been out together and-. My inner thoughts were broken by the arrival of Nora.
“I noticed you come in with Mr. Bryson.” I recognized Nora’s voice. She sat next to me at the bar and got a vodka and cran.
“Oh, um yes. I’m his date.” I said quietly.
“Don’t worry, no one is talking about it.” I let out a sigh of relief.
“I still feel like everyone is stari
ng at me.” I said nervously.
“That’s because you are the best looking one here. You look hot, no homo of course.” She smiled. She looked different without a plain pant suit. Granted, she was still wearing a plain black evening gown and wore her hair the same way she always does.
“Thanks, I was worried about how it might look, you know?”
“Yeah I know, I’ve had a crush on him since the first day I saw him. I’ve been in this company since the beginning.”
“I could tell.” I smiled at her sadly.
“I thought it might have been obvious. I would have approached him a long time ago but it just didn’t feel right, not just because he was my boss. Seeing you guys walk in together… you look good together. He’s been kind of sad since his wife died.”
“He was married?” I had no idea.
“Yeah, she died of cancer.” I opened my mouth to speak but Cade was back.
“Hello Nora, you look radiant tonight.” She smiled shyly and left after thanking him.
“Sorry about that, I couldn’t get one of them to shut up.”
“It’s alright.” I smiled at him sadly. It was then I saw it, that look he gives me, I could see it in his eyes. The sadness, the hole that he was trying to fill. Could it be me that does that?
“Would you like to dance?” He held out his hand. I was thankful now for the dance classes my parents made me take.
He held me close to him as we swayed to the music. I lost everyone else and it was just him and I. I rested my head on his chest and found comfort in the beat of his heart. It was over too soon, we had to take our seats for the award ceremony.
I didn’t expect to win anything, apparently some corporation decides it and I just got into the business world.
“And now for the newest award on our roster, it came to our attention this year that we have to recognize those who have just stepped into this industry and are waiting to win the awards like employee of the year, or best in their field. The outstanding new employee award is one of groundbreaking standards. In just three weeks, this individual has raised the revenue of Bryson Enterprises by thirty-four percent and is now at the highest it has ever been. This year, the award goes to Salena Martell, and will now be known as the Martell award.” I pinched myself. No, really. I reached under the table and pinched my leg, I was awake and this was real. There was an award named after me? All the hours, the sleepless nights and taking my work home paid off, right now. I never thought I would garner an award for crying out loud!
“Salena? You have to go pick up the award.” Cade whispered in my ear and smiled at me. I stood up and shakily made my way to the stage. I took the perfectly crafted, clear glass award from the MC and nervously stepped to the microphone.
“I can honestly say that I was not expecting this. When I decided to go back to school and get my doctorate I was already working some crappy desk job for a marketing agency. I used what I learned to make it here. I guess it worked, and that is you are never selling a product, but yourself. Thank you, very much.” The applause thundered as I left the stage and joined Cade again.
“You did this.” I said to Cade. I was expecting it was him out of fear I suppose. I felt like being with him could open doors I couldn’t otherwise open myself.
“Nope. I had no idea. Congratulations.” He reached across the space between us and kissed me suddenly. It was so unexpected but so welcome. I imagined how his lips would feel against mine, and it was perfect. We broke it off too soon and I was left staring into his smoldering green eyes once again.
“I would hate to make you win and dash but, I want to take you home.” I nodded silently and he whisked me away.
He lived just outside of everything. A secluded mansion in the country was an understatement. It was no less than seven acres at least, the drive way was a long circle and led to a sealed off garage.
“This place is beautiful.” He looked sad when I said it.
“You haven’t seen the half of it.” He smiled.
He didn’t wait a second before he kissed me inside. It wasn’t like at the party when we had company, now we were alone and I had never been kissed like this in my life. His hands roamed all over my body as I fisted my fingers in his hair. He lifted me easily and carried me a distance before I fell against a bed.
“You are so beautiful Salena.” He whispered, as he hovered above me. I bit my lip nervously and pulled him back to me. I kissed him softly as he reached behind me and unzipped my dress. He moved to kiss the skin at my neck and down to my shoulders.
It was a struggle getting him out of that suit but soon we were flesh on flesh. He unhooked my bra and kissed both my breasts softly. I moaned when he took my nipple in his mouth and sucked slightly. He moved his lips down my body and rid me of my panties, I was a wet pool beneath him. He kissed me there softly and I bucked my hips toward him. I moved to remove his briefs and felt his hardened member press against me. He reached behind me and fumbled in the drawer before grabbing a foil packet. He looked at me as he opened it with his teeth and rolled it on easily. I’m on the pill but I couldn’t manage any words right now. I was a puddle of desire for him.
“Oh Salena.” He breathed as he entered me. He filled me so completely, from wall to wall. I had to adjust to him before I could relax, he sensed it and didn’t move until I bucked my hips toward him, beckoning him to move.
“Oh Cade… yes.” I breathed. He quickened his pace, moving against me perfectly. He encased me in his arms, his muscles surrounded me as our bodies molded together perfectly. If I thought it was just a crush before I was wrong, I have never felt like this before with anyone. It was taking me to places I never were there. My muscles coiled and tightened as I felt my climax coming closer, I could tell he was close too by his deep groans.
“Ah!” I cried out as I came beneath him. He rolled his hips into me one last time and hit my g-spot right on, it was like I came twice in seconds and he followed soon after me.
He held me close as we caught our breaths. He pulled me under the covers with him and I fought to stay awake, looking into his eyes made me want to know everything about him, including what Nora had told me.
“Something is troubling you.” He softened the crease in my brow.
“Nora told me something today and I didn’t want to ask you until you were ready to tell me. I figured you would have told me if you wanted me to know.” He looked at me with confusion and I grabbed his hand, now noticing the tan line on his ring finger. He sighed heavily when he figured it out.
“You were married.” He nodded. I didn’t want to bring out any of the pain he might he have hidden away.
“You don’t have to talk about it if you don’t want to. I shouldn’t have-“
“No, it’s okay. I never really talk about it, it was a hard time.”
“Of course it was, you lost your wife.” I caressed his cheek.
“Well, yes, but that’s not why. Days before she got sick, we filed for divorce. All I could do was let her go as a married woman. We were having trouble in our marriage before, it was like a punishment or something. I don’t know what it was but when she died I didn’t grieve. I missed her but, by the time she was gone I just didn’t love her anymore.” He confessed.
“I’m sorry.” Was all I could manage to say.
“It’s okay, it was years ago.” He took my face in his hands and kissed me softly. I fell asleep easily then, wondering if he could ever love me as he must have once loved his wife.
He looked like a peaceful angel when he was asleep. The professional, career man was gone. I ran my fingers across his lips softly, hoping he wouldn’t wake up yet. Then reality came back to me and I jumped out of bed to rush and get my clothes. I had forgotten we still had work tomorrow.
“What are you doing, love?” I gasped when I heard his voice, and because he called me love.
“I’m going to be late for work!” I said frantically. Who has a gala on a week day anyway? He laughed and sat up in bed, rev
ealing his chiseled abs and defined muscular form.
“We don’t have work today, it’s the start of the holiday.” He smiled.
“I thought that wasn’t at least until the twenty-third?” That’s when I booked my plane ticket to go home and requested off.
“I do things a lot differently than most corporations. Think of it like the winter break in college.”
“Oh.” I sighed heavily, feeling foolish in the duvet I was wrapped in. He smiled sweetly at me and held out his hand.
“Come back to bed.” I smiled shyly and sauntered back over to the bed. He held me close to his chest and kissed my temple. I was back asleep before I could blink again.
When I awoke again, he was gone. I checked my phone and found three texts from Laney. I replied, telling her I was okay and with Cade, of course she freaked out. I went into the bathroom, which was absolutely stunning. It was pristine white and black, perfect for a guy like him. I found a spare toothbrush and brushed my teeth. I went into his closet, which was bigger than half our apartment, and threw on one of his t-shirts with a Ball State logo. It took me forever to find him just by following the noise, but I eventually ended up in a modern-style kitchen.
“You look beautiful in my shirt.” He was too flattering. I was sure I looked a mess with my make-up gone and my hair disheveled.
“You flatter me.” I wish I could tell him he looked beautiful. Moving around the kitchen like a Greek god, shirtless with a pair of sweats hanging loosely off his hips. He smirked with the corner of his mouth and gave me a cup of coffee.
“Thank you. What are you making?” I asked him.
“Pancakes.” He smiled, as he whisked the contents of a bowl. I bit my lip nervously as I watched the muscles in his arm ripple with his movements.
“What made you decide to close the office for so long?” I wondered if he was worried about losing money or something.
“It’s just something I’ve always done. I wasn’t always the productive type, to be honest I’m really lazy.” He laughed. “Then I also thought that I didn’t want to keep my employees away from their family, and my clients seem to agree with it.” I nodded in understanding.
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