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3
HARRISON
I should really have much better control over myself at this age.
Thirty years old and fully grown, a Harvard Business degree, well-traveled, and here I am, standing alone in the middle of an empty reception area, drooling over a woman like a school boy just discovering girls. I wasn’t even this foolish when I first discovered girls.
It must be my eyes, because there is no way in hell her hair can be more auburn this morning. It’s glowing with a brighter flame today. How is that possible? Why do her lips look fuller? Why is my heart beating faster at thoughts of her ample boobs warming my face? Why am I suddenly tasting that vanilla flavor on my tongue all over again? When Mr. Philips stood with us, it took every ounce of self-control in me to not stare at her like a lost deer. Does he not see her too? Why isn’t he bothered by her? Why is everyone not swooning at the sight of Charlee Fox? I can’t be the only one getting drunk by the sight of those lush curves and auburn crown.
Shit.
It’s my first day as CEO of a very important company, and here I am, having hot sex flashbacks within the first hour. My chest squeezes painfully as thoughts of my father and his sneering disapproval flood into my head.
What on earth is wrong with me?
I know I’ve already messed things up with her by leaving abruptly this morning. Charlee is so soft and sweet, the kind of girl who would want to wake up with the man she slept with still beside her. But then, I woke up before her and got stuck in my own head. Overwhelmed by my feelings.
This can never grow into something real. There’s no reason for a stunningly beautiful woman like Charlee to want something real with me, a hot mess like me. I’ll probably fall short with her faster than I’ve fallen short at everything else in my life. It’s the Harrison Bridges curse. I don’t want to drag such an accomplished, intelligent, and gentle woman like Charlee into the web of woes that is my life.
I have to go up there and see things for myself.
Taking the short flights of stairs two at a time, I arrive at Charlee’s corner office quickly. Mr. Philips is packing a set of files, leaving Charlee with some final instructions. Standing at the table with her back to me, Charlee doesn’t see me at first and it gives me enough time to enjoy the sight of her well-rounded full butt in that tight pencil skirt. Damn!
“Ah! There you are! I was just telling Charlee to get settled in and start working on her market break-in strategy right away. While she has the advantage of riding on the reputation of Bridges, what Building Bridges is offering is a very common business in these times and a lot of those brands seem like they are selling over-hyped dreams. Building Bridges needs to stand out and it’s her job to sell practical visions and real possibilities.”
Charlee is now staring at me, arms folded across her chest with a pissed expression on her face. I haven’t even said a word and she’s already irritated at the sight of me.
“Thank you very much, Mr. Philips. I really appreciate you taking the time to get Charlee set up. Bridges doesn’t deserve you.” I actually mean it. The man has worked for my father for twenty years and I’m not sure he’s ever missed a day of work.
My compliment leaves him smiling cheerfully.
“I know, right? Well, I gotta run. A couple of meetings soon.” He turns to Charlee. “Don’t ever hesitate to call if you need any help or you’re confused about anything. Heck, get in a car or take a walk to Twenty-Seven and we’ll talk it out. Good luck.”
Before Charlee can respond, Mr. Philips is already walking out the door, breezing past me with a curt nod of his head.
Charlee and I are finally alone. The awkwardness in the air is crisp and I can taste it on my tongue. I usually don’t have a problem navigating morning-afters, but I’ve never had to do it at my place of work. This is new and uncomfortable.
“So, this is a total shock,” I say, clasping my hands in front of me to keep from tootling my thumbs. I’m nervous and bothered, but she doesn’t have to know.
“Yeah, absolute shock.” Charlee tries to lean on the desk but is clearly upset. She tries to walk around and assume her high seat, but then turns again and faces me.
“Look, Harrison. I don’t think we can work together. Not after what happened last night. I thought I‘d never see you again once you split from Bridges. This is really bad.” Her arms are folded across her chest again in that defensive posture. She’s trying to play it cool, but I know enough about faking appearances to know she is boiling inside.
“Charlee, I promise you I had no idea you’d be working here tonight. You think I like mixing personal with professional? I’ve never done it before. I would never have let things get that far if I’d known you’d be assigned here. Really, I’m sorry.” I mean every bit of what I’ve said, but Charlee doesn’t seem to be buying any of it.
“Charlee, this is a big opportunity for you, just as much as it is for me,” I continue. “This company is a seedling now. It’s germinating. I can see us getting to incredible heights in the future. Don’t you want to be a part of something that has the potential to rise to the skies? You’ve done so well at Bridges and you can do even better here.”
Charlee exhales, and I can see her struggling inside, not knowing what to feel.
“I guess you’re right,” she says, and her voice comes out shaky, almost scared. I hate that I’m the reason she’s feeling this way. Why am I always messing up my life and that of others?
Another idea pops into my head. I have to try and make her feel a little at ease.
“Why don’t you walk with me? You’ve only seen the lower part of the building. There’s so much to explore. Let me show you the general marketing room. The décor is even more stunning than downstairs.” I step back immediately when I’m done talking, giving her room to walk before me.
Charlee hesitates for a long moment, but then she picks up her phone and exits the office. Small win for me.
We tour the marketing room, the executive corner, the lunch room, the strategy hall, the IT office, and the employee gym. Roscoe must have sunk a lot of time and funds into bringing this place to life. I barely have any time to enjoy the décor, though, because Charlee and I are walking like a pair of convicts on death row.
