“What? It’s still early.”
She stands up and starts putting her jacket on. “I know, but my boss is kind of a dick and I have a lot of work to do. Have a good night and thanks for the drinks.” Without another word, she turns and walks away, leaving me staring after her. Now that she knows that I want her, I can tell she’s going to make me want her even more with flirty comments and not-so-innocent smiles.
I got to see a different side of her tonight, and now I know she’s not only strong willed and full of passion, but she’s easy to talk to, she’s funny, and has a great sense of humor. At work, she’s like me and it’s strictly business. Maybe working closer with her tomorrow will get us both to ease up on work and allow us to get to know one another on a deeper level. I can’t wait to see her again tomorrow. I won’t stop until she says yes.
I finish my drink and pay the tab before getting up and leaving for the night. I drive back to the hotel and go straight to my room. I close the curtains and remove my suit and shoes to go for a shower. Stepping beneath the hot flow of water makes me let out a long breath as the heat warms my sore and tired muscles. I let my head fall forward and I close my eyes as the water rushes over my hair and into my face.
The moment my eyes are closed, all I see is Destiny. The way she looked in that sexy little dress tonight, the way her red lips turned up into a smile when I made her laugh, the way her face would flush and turn pink with my words. I can feel her chest pressed against mine like it was when we danced. I can still smell her perfume and feel her soft skin. My body comes alive and I take myself in hand.
While I pump and down my length, I keep my eyes closed and think of seeing her sprawled out before me, completely naked and begging me to take her. I can feel her heat as I slide into her, feel her tightness around me. I long to taste her, needing to find out if she’s as sweet as I believe she is. Within minutes, my release rises to the surface and I don’t stop until I’ve spilled every drop onto the shower floor.
My chest is heaving, and my heart is racing as I try to calm down. I know that the reality of Destiny will be a million times better than my imagination, and I have my sights set on her as I count days the days, hours, minutes until she will be mine. I’ve made up my mind, and once it’s set, there’s no changing it. I’ll wear her down, make her see how great we can be together. Half the fun is working for it and I don’t plan on giving up any time soon.
I finish my shower and step out, wrapping a towel around my waist as I shave. After finishing in the bathroom, I step into the private bedroom and let the towel fall to the floor as I climb beneath the blankets. My body is tired, but my mind is amped and ready to go. All I can think about is her at the bar tonight and seeing her again in the morning. I imagine all the ways I’ll work asking her out into our day. I imagine her responses, each time getting weaker and weaker. Then I picture her finally giving in and how I’ll feel when she does. Excitement pumps through me, only keeping me up longer. Eventually, I fall asleep, but all night I dream of her and spending the rest of our lives together.
In the morning, I’m still tired, but I’m also excited to start the day. I get out of bed and go directly to the computer to check my morning emails and messages. After spending an hour responding to them all, I get dressed. I pull on a fresh suit, style my hair, and add some cologne before leaving the hotel for the day. On my way to the event center, I stop at the bakery to load up on coffee and baked goods to take with me. Today will be the first full day of work at the event center now that everything is complete. I pull out my phone and send Destiny a text.
SHEPARD: Meet me at the event center before going into the office?
I get my order and take everything to the car. A moment later, my phone chimes.
DESTINY: Sure, I’ll be there in five.
I smile as I set my phone aside and drive to the event center. When I arrive, there is nobody inside, since the work is officially done. I let myself into the building and put the coffee and baked goods on the bar. Now it’s time to wait. I can’t wait to see Destiny’s face when she walks in and finds everything done. She’ll be just as excited as I am. I’ve never had anyone to share the excitement with before, but, now that I do, I find it to be rather nice. Her car pulls into the parking lot and the door opens seconds later.
Chapter Nine
DESTINY
I’ll admit, I had fun with Shepard last night. He acted like a totally different person, and I wonder what brought on the change. Maybe he’s really just that different at work and after work. Theafter workShepard, I think I like. He’s funny, sweet, flirty, and fun. Theat workShepard, not so much. He’s demanding, spoiled, and reminds me of a child who throws a fit to get his way. Luckily for me, this job won’t last forever, and I’ll never have to work with him again. Meaning that theafter workShepard that I like will be who I see most often.
I try to make a decision about going out with him as I’m gathering my things for the day. He told me he won’t stop asking, so I need a game plan. Before meeting him, this is exactly what I was hoping for, but the week of hell did me in. Would it be so bad if I accepted his date? I mean, what’s the worst that could happen? He could go back home, and I’d never see him again, but it’s not like I’m in love with the man, so that shouldn’t stop me. He is extremely good-looking, and we did have a lot of fun last night.
I shake the thoughts from my head as I walk to the door. As I’m getting in the car, I get a text from Shepard asking me to come by the event center. I agree and drive over there immediately, figuring I’ll stop for coffee on my way to the office. I park my car next to his rental and start toward the door.
When I step inside, he’s standing in the room alone. The walls have been painted, the light fixtures are hung, the plastic is off the floor, and everything is in place down to the artwork on the walls and the curtains on the stage.
My mouth drops open as I take it all in.
“What do you think?” he asks, walking over with a cup of coffee in hand.
“This is amazing. How’s it all done already?”
He hands me the coffee. “It’s surprising what can change in such a short amount of time, isn’t it?” He flashes me the same smirk as last night when he asked me out, and I wonder if he’s talking about the room or him.
“This looks great.”
Shepard nods. “We can start moving everything in now. Really get this ball rolling.”
I nod as I continue to take in the beauty of the room. The floor is shiny and perfect. The walls a crisp white. The curtains on the stage are a flat back, and the light fixtures and the glass on the ceiling just add to it all. “I’ll call my team and have them start bringing stuff over.”
He smiles. “Perfect.” His phone begins ringing. “Excuse me. I have to take this, but there are some donuts on the bar. Help yourself.” He steps away and I walk over to the bar, pulling my phone from my purse to call the moving crew.
I make the call and then open the box, pulling out a glazed donut to snack on while I wait for the guys to arrive. Shepard is back and he takes a drink of his coffee.
“I just called the guys. They’ll be here soon with all the tables and chairs.”
He nods. “How many tables did you order?”
