Chapter 5
Can he see my heart threatening to jump out of my chest?
I worry my fingers under the desk. I'd arrived at my office a few minutes ago, shocked to hear Cole was requesting a meeting with me.
“Why?” I’d asked, seething, but sweet Sally had already hung up.
After setting my forest green coat on the coat hanger close to my desk, I begin to pace.
What did he want? Why now? And why had he been intentionally avoiding me?
I knew he was because the Cole I knew, no matter how busy he was, would at least welcome me to his company.
He might have broken my heart at sixteen, but he had manners.
I lean on my desk, mentally preparing myself to face him. I groan, squeezing my eyes shut. I had made a point of never being alone with Cole since that disastrous evening. Whether at family functions or social gatherings, I ensured there was always a large group of people around us.
But now, to see him alone in his office, behind closed doors?
I might murder him! As the memory began to replay in my mind, my ear began to ring and my blood boiled.
Cole had no right to have this hold over me.
He’s made it clear he wants nothing to do with me in the office.
I would gladly embolden the boundary line he has drawn.
I grab my phone and type a quick text to the girls: Cole finally wants to meet with me. Gonna give him the Frost Queen.
I don't wait for their replies. I simply place the phone back in my tote bag and leave it on my desk. Time to meet the devil.
Now, here I am, fighting to stay calm. When his rich baritone commanded me to come into his office, I’d forced myself to march inside straight-faced.
Once inside, I treat myself to a quick survey of his office.
It screams luxury, with dark and rich hues.
Minimalist furnishings, shiny surfaces, and windows give his office a view any artist would itch to paint.
A ginormous mahogany desk dominates the room, with two swivel chairs in front and Cole’s chair behind.
There's a long sectional sofa by the entry door and a touch of green plants here and there.
After surveying the office, my eyes rest on the man before me.
It should be a crime to have those amber eyes, those sensuous lips, and hair that begs to be touched.
The morning light from the window illuminates him like an angel.
I swallow the lump in my throat, taking in the way his black sleeves hug his muscled arms.
In a bid for him not to notice my wobbly knees, knocking from a severe case of nerves, I made a beeline for the chair in front of his desk and took a seat when he offered.
I keep my expression detached as I lower myself into the swivel chair.
I make my response as formal as possible, “Thank you, Mr. Prime.” The laughter that follows catches me off guard.
“Oh, come on, Dee… I have never been Mr. Prime to you. I'm still the same old Cole.” His use of my nickname causes the floodgates of anger to burst open. I immediately set him straight.
“I apologize, but you are my boss, and this is your office.” I plaster a stiff smile on my lips, “I will address you as an employee should, which you have made abundantly clear that I am just that – another employee.”
He freezes in his seat before frowning. “What do you mean by another employee ?”
I place my now stable fingers on his desk and lean forward, a cool smile in place, “Well, your intentional absence speaks volumes.
I understand that you may have given me this job as a favor to my brother.
I also understand that you may not want me here.
And I get that you don't want familiarity at the office. I completely get it-”
“Wait, wait, wait! You've got this all wrong,” Cole cuts in, shaking his head and waving his hands in front of him. “You’re wrong on one count.”
I raise a brow in response, waiting for the ball to drop. He sighs and rises from his chair. “You’re not here as a favor to Dean. You're here because you're a super talented and driven young woman who may likely be the secret to saving my business.”
My eyes track his movements and I frown as his words sink in. He leans on the desk, and I unintentionally scoot away from him. He pauses and I catch a glimpse of something entering his eyes before his lips spread in a mischievous smile.
“Come on, Dee. I didn't mean to make you feel unwelcome. I apologize for making you feel you're just another employee because you're not.”
I open my lips to respond but his finger lands on them, silencing me, and my mind goes into overdrive.
“Shh… I'm not done apologizing. The reason I've been intentionally avoiding you is because I didn't want you to think this same thing.” Why do I feel like he is lying? “And now, I see that my absence has done more harm than good.”
Jeez! I'm melting from his touch! Cole’s fingers slowly slide off my lips and cup my cheek. My pulse is racing madly beneath his fingers and I'm almost panting with desire. What is he doing? How is this possible?
Cole smiles a devastating smile that drags my gaze to his kissable lips and pearly whites.
What is wrong with me? I was acting like I've been starved of sex when I've had a healthy sex life. Well, not exactly. I had only had sex once, and it was a disaster! Oh God, why am I thinking about sex right now, while gaping at Cole’s lips?
With a labored breath, I tear my gaze from his lips and look into his eyes, only to find them glowing fiercely. I barely hear the words he whispers as his fingers trail over the shell of my ear.
“Allow me to remedy that now, Dee… Dora McLean,”
My gaze sharpens at the mention of my name, “Welcome to Prime Universal Supermarkets.” His finger leaves my ear as he spreads out his hands, and a look of pride enters his features.
My breath leaves my lips in a shudder and I swallow before I reply, “Thank you, Mr. Prime.”
Cole chuckles and slides into the chair beside mine. “I already told you,” he says as he twists his chair and mine at the same time so we are face-to-face. “Just Cole is fine by me.”
A protest springs up on my lips, Cole is stirring up a lot of emotions that are confusing me right now. For one, he is too close. As though he senses my inner turmoil, he leans forward, closing the gap between us.
“Cole,” I whisper, breathless, and his eyes dilate even more.
“Yes?” His words are a whisper that wash over me, chasing goosebumps down my arms. His fingers return to my cheek with soft strokes.
“What do you think of my baby so far? Do you like it here?”
His touch sends a million signals to my brain, and I swallow a purr rising in my throat. “Y-y-yes, but-”
Before I can complete my sentence, the most shocking words slide off Cole’s tongue.
“How I’ve missed you, Dora.” Those simple four words are like melted butter sliding over me. My eyes snap shut and I struggle to swallow a sigh of pleasure at his admission. What is Cole doing to me? I feel his breath fanning my lips and know he has closed every inch of space between us.
Pleasure begins to course through my veins at the thought.
He wants to kiss me! But the warning bells start to ring.
I can't let him. Remember what happened the last time?
I manage to pry my eyes open and strain against his hand grazing my cheek, but Cole pulls my chair even closer, sandwiching my thighs between his.
I hear him groan and I can't stop the purr of pleasure that slips out as his finger leaves my cheek to trace a line down the middle of my neck, past my collar, stopping at the V at the top of my cleavage. A whimper springs from my lips as his warm lips graze my cheek.
“So beautiful…”
His words are like a spell and I'm about to respond when a sound breaks the silence. Cole grows still and curses under his breath, “Shit!”
The knock sounds again, and the door cracks open immediately. I don't know how Cole does it, but in a split second, my chair is righted, and he’s leaning on the chair beside mine, a good distance away, laughing.
“I knocked this time!”
Oh my goodness! My eyes widen in shock as I recognize the voice. Dean?
“Yup, you did! But you interrupted Dee and I getting reacquainted.” Cole winks at me, and I pray to God Dean doesn't notice the heat on my cheeks. I plaster on a happy smile and turn to face my brother.
“Hi, Dean! You didn't tell me you were coming,” I say in accusation.
“He never tells me he’s coming. Just drops in unannounced – without knocking!” He said, then quietly for my ears only, “Thank God he knocked this time.” I coughed to hide my embarrassment.
Dean stops by my chair and pecks my cheek, “Well, I would've told you if you were with your phone or in your office. They told me you were here with this one,” Dean nods at Cole while sinking onto the sofa, “And so, I came here instead.”
I nod at his explanation, my heart thundering at the thought of almost being caught by my big brother in Cole’s arms! I flinch at the thought and feel a sharp pain in my toe.
Did Cole just kick me? And what was so funny that had his lips twitching with suppressed laughter?
“What’s up? Why are you in my office past eight in morning?” Cole asks, turning his full gaze on Dean. Only past eight o'clock in the morning and I'd almost been seduced by my boss! Because that's what Cole had been doing, seducing me.
“Stuff it, jerk!” Dean warns, throwing a stress ball at Cole who ducks. “Behave, you're in front of my sister.” Cole responds by raising his hand in surrender and I can't help but smile. I've always admired their friendship.
“Anyway, I’m glad to have caught you both in one place.
The families are having dinner tonight, ours,” Dean says, pointing at me.
“Yours…” this time he points at Cole. “And Lenny’s.
Eight o'clock, dress formal, reservation is at Du’Mount, and…
” There’s a gleam in Dean’s eyes I don't quite like. “You get to bring Dora.”
Wait, what?