Chapter 4
Hayley
I reached the sanctuary of the restrooms and took deep breaths, trying to slow my racing pulse.
I was a fool, embarrassing myself and Dean, but I'd felt trapped and suffocated when he held me tight, his muscular chest and six pack pushing against his tight dress shirt. He’s so alpha, a naturally dominating man.
Initially, I'd felt safe in his arms, the first time I'd felt safe with a man in years.
His manly scent stimulated my senses. His unusually gentle manner seduced me, made me forget my fears for a short while, but I can't trust him or any other man.
I ought to have told the CEO I felt too ill to dance.
Perplexed, I didn't understand the change in Dean. He’s a cold, authoritarian ogre in the office, bullying me instead of motivating me, but on the floor, he asked questions as if he were interested in me as a person, not an employee.
They became too personal. I cannot share information with anyone except Human Resources.
I don't need a man in my life, and I certainly don't want a relationship with a man.
I just want to live safely on my own. Luckily, the CEO wasn't watching us.
Dean had resumed his grim expression, glaring at me when I returned to the ballroom, but I ignored him, and he didn't come over.
I dreaded the next time we would meet in the office.
We met earlier than I'd hoped. The CEO insisted that all the single women were escorted back to their houses by a male employee. I thought this was unnecessary, but he’s old-fashioned and insisted Dean take me home.
'Certainly, Sir,' said Dean. 'I'll make sure Ms. Rantur reaches home safely.' He took my arm and led me to his car, an old Jeep.
'Your carriage awaits, Cinderella, if you are not too important to ride in my lowly chariot.'
I shook off his hand and climbed unaided into the old vehicle. 'Of course, I don't mind riding in an old car. My dad always drove vintage cars; he used to do up in his garage.'
'What sort of cars?'
So, he's a petrol head. Typical. More interested in machines than people, I thought.
'Jeeps and some old English marques. He let me ride them off-road.
' Dean drove the jeep fast, enjoying manipulating the shifts, saying nothing else until he reached my small apartment block.
He glanced disdainfully at my cheap accommodation, but it is in a gated area; I prioritize safety over glamour and space.
I clicked the switch, he drove through the gates, and the car came to a halt.
He jumped out and opened my door like a gentleman and helped me down.
'Thank you for the lift, I can go in on my own.' He ignored me, held my arm again, and led me protesting to the elevator.
'You have some explaining to do,' he said, filling the uncomfortable silence as we made our way up to the tenth floor.
'What did I say wrong on the dance floor?
' I blushed but replied, 'You asked too many personal questions.
I don't like talking about myself, and I don't want you to interfere in my personal life.
I want to be left alone.' He seemed affronted.
He scowled and held my shoulders as if he wanted to shake me.
My throat dried and trembled. I tried to push him away, but he was so strong.
He realized He’d overstepped the mark and let me go. 'I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done that. If you wish to report me to HR, I’ll understand.'
'There is no need. Just stay out of my life.' He then bit out, 'Listen, Mystery Lady. I was only making polite conversation, something you must learn if you want to move higher in our firm. Social skills are important.'
'You don't talk much to people in our office.'
I reserve talking to other employees at social events I’m forced to attend. I'm a private person like you, but I learned years ago that I had to socialize with managers and customers if I wished to progress in the company. You must also trust other employees.
'I'll bear that in mind.'
We came to my floor, and he accompanied me to my door. I pulled out the keys from my purse, but he took them from me. I protested, but he said, 'I wouldn't sleep well if I allowed you to go into the apartment without checking it first.' He strode in and quickly surveyed each room.
'Everything appears safe,' he remarked, 'Although your locks need replacing. Anyone could pick those in a few seconds.'
'I'll ask the landlord.' I didn't offer him coffee. Taking the hint, he made his exit, shaking my hand at the door. 'I'll pick you up at 8.30 am on Monday.'
'Thank you. Safe journey home.'
He nodded and left, running down the steps instead of using the elevator as if he needed to expel his contained anger.
I feared the team-building exercise we would attend for a week in a lodge in the mountains.
The concept is good. We'd get to know each other and bond, thus making closer relationships at work.
The problem is I'm dreading bonding with Dean.
I saw the human side of him, the caring, compassionate man behind the cold Vulcan.
He'd got too close to me this evening, almost making me feel I could trust him. I must remain detached for my safety and sanity, but despite my fears, I’ll try to maintain a friendly relationship with him.
Dean
I left her apartment confused and angry with myself.
Does this secretive woman fear all men, not just me?
Has this ice princess built a wall around her to deter any men from becoming friends or intimate with her?
I'd thought when she relaxed in my arms, she was beginning to trust me, but I was wrong.
Her reaction when I held her shoulders seemed excessively wary and defensive.
I was a fool, touching her. I acted on instinct, but I should have remembered she'd rejected my holding her before. I could’ve lost my job if she'd reported me for sexual harassment.
I'm not a man who loses control and imposes myself on women, but she's the first woman in ages who makes me want to find out what makes her tick.
I must distance myself emotionally from her.
I'd been 'volunteered' to drive this uncommunicative woman to the bonding event at the lodge.
A week of agonizing team-building and bonding exercises stretched ahead.
The Accounting Dept intended to go, plus two administrative assistants.
I know none of them outside of work, and that's how I like it.
I separate work and pleasure. The physical exercises would be a piece of cake.
None of them would stretch me. I left the military ten years ago, but I still train with former army mates.
They're the people I like to hang out with.
Our shared experiences mean we understand one another.
Unwelcome memories hidden in the back of my mind came to the fore when she brushed against me in the office, her scent stimulating my senses and making my pulse race.