Chapter 3 #2
Not being able to take it any longer, I searched through the papers for what he requested. I had suddenly become extremely nervous. I never once came across a man that had me questioning my ten plus year relationship.
“Here you are.” I handed over the list and stood to grab a bottle of water from the mini fridge.
I was no fool and knew exactly how it felt to have someone’s eyes on them. With every step I took, I could feel him following me. My shape had always caught the focus of any bystander. I realized that he wasn’t any different. It low key boosted my ego to know that I captured his attention.
Grabbing the water, I made my way back to the space that I previously occupied. “Would you care for anything to drink Mr. Hughes?”
“I’d prefer you to call me Paxton. I think being on a first name basis brings on comfortability. And no, your assistant already offered.”
Finally, his eyes found interest in what he requested. While he studied the paper, I studied him.
His chiseled features were very attractive. No matter how young he may have looked, you could tell he was a mature man. His demeanor screamed out alpha and there was no doubt in my mind that he ran shit in his world.
As he set with his left leg propped on his right knee, I admired how clear and moisturized his chocolate skin was.
There wasn’t a pimple or blemish in sight.
Also, his lineup was so crisp, I wanted to tip his barber for him.
That went for his hair line, mustache, and goatee as well.
Just looking at him, you couldn’t spot a physical flaw and that drew me in even more.
His eyes found mine again, and I quickly looked away. I was being a creep, enjoying the view, and I didn’t need him knowing that.
“Your questions are basic but they’re straight forward. I like how you can’t avoid answering with the truth. I’m anxious to see how this works. However, if I’m participating so are you.”
“No sir. I won’t be participating because I’ve been in a steady, ongoing relationship since high school. I’m good. Plus, I’ll need to make sure the event is running smoothly. I can’t do that if I’m a candidate as well.”
I answered quickly but it was far from the truth.
Nothing about Trust and I had been steady.
Since high school, I dealt with insecurities behind him.
Truthfully speaking, I never felt secure with him or my position in his life.
It wasn’t until two to three years ago when I knew that he could walk away from me and Brendon at any given moment.
Him stepping out with Xara started around that time and no matter how many times he categorized her as a friend, my heart wouldn’t let me believe it.
So many things surfaced with them two, yet he told me repeatedly not worry about her because they weren’t like that.
It took her birthing Truce for him to admit to his wrongdoings.
I still had a hard time moving on from that because Truce was a living being and getting rid of her was impossible. My trust in Trust was very shallow.
“I won’t be a participant if you won’t. This is an experiment to win me over.
If you’re confident in your abilities, then I’d like to see you put yourself out there as well.
I understand you’re in a relationship and I’m not trying to get you to leave it.
I’d just feel better knowing I’m getting into bed with someone who trust her own product. ”
Bed… I couldn’t help but focus on his last sentence. Getting into bed with him was a metaphor for making a deal, but I took it literal and instantly thought on how he would have me if that ever happened. So many orgasms accompanied by out of body moments had somehow become my interest.
Shaking it off, I answered, “Fine. I see there’s no moving forward without honoring your request. I will send you an email with more information soon.”
His cheeks were hiked up and I released the fluids I had been holding back. Paxton’s smile was a dangerous one. A perfectly aligned one with dimples that possibly held the power to make me go against my relationship.
“I’ll be watching out for it.”
He stood while extending his hand. I placed my small one in his and returned the smile.
“Thank you for coming to the office and hearing me out. No one really takes my questionnaire seriously.”
“I don’t either, that’s why I’m accepting you standing behind it and proving that it works. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
With that, he exited my office and left me standing there. I was too stunned to speak. He doubted my skills but was still willing to give me a chance to showcase them. I didn’t know how to react to him.
On one hand, I was grateful for the opportunity because he was the company I wanted to collaborate with. However, on the other, I took offense to his response. Men always wanted a woman to prove something but wanted us to accept their words off gate.
“I believe this belongs to you.” Sabrina came in carrying my wallet, pulling me out of my stunned state.
“Sabrina what are you doing with my wallet?” That pulled the stick out of my ass causing me to rush to her.
“You left it at some sandwich shop.”
“What? I didn’t even realize I left it in the first place.” I quickly looked through it to see if anything was missing. A weight was lifted off my shoulders when I saw everything was still intact.
“Who brought this in? I’d like to thank them. Are they still here?”
She smiled and said, “That would be Mr. Paxton Hughes. When he arrived, he had it in tow. He said not to give it to you until he left.”
He was a strange individual, but he managed to get my attention. I couldn’t help but smirk and bite my lower lip while thinking about him. He could’ve done anything with my wallet, yet he made sure it found its way back to me. His kindness unwillingly won me over.
“Send him some things as a thank you for me.” I couldn’t stop smiling if I tried.