Once Upon A Time(23)

But suddenly I felt an increase in the need to vomit.

“Well, we meet again, Ms. Miller.”

Oh, fuck me running.





YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME.

The big guy up there hates me. HATES ME.

What in the hell's going on? Why's he here? Am I being punished for something I did? It was probably the time I stole Quinn’s clothes in college. I stuffed them under my bed while he was in the shared shower room, completely oblivious to the prank Kylie and I had pulled. Of course, Quinn strutted out of the room with his junk hanging out everywhere.

It was that.

It had to be that; otherwise I wouldn't be breathing the same air as the man who screwed me before I slapped his smug smile off his face the night before.

I quickly realized I still hadn't moved, nor had I opened my eyes. I had closed them and scrunched them so tight I was sure I could see spots in my vision. Deciding I’d rather be blind than deal with the situation, I did what I thought was best.

Crawled out of the room.

Yeah, probably not the smartest or most sensible decision, but all rational thought had jumped out of the twenty-third floor window the moment I fell into the office. So with my eyes tightly closed, I crawled – YES, CRAWLED – my way to the door.

The deep snicker that filled the room quickly stopped me in my tracks. Yup, it was definitely him. I could feel that deep amusement go straight between my thighs. I heard the sound of expensive shoes hitting the floor around me – no, coming towards me – and I’m sure I let out the smallest little whimper.

Deciding I couldn't really embarrass myself any more than I already had, I opened my eyes. My gaze landed directly on those damn dress shoes. This time, my gaze didn't travel up the length of him; I just stared at the deep black color of his shoes, wondering how in the world they stayed so shiny.

“Ms. Miller?” Oh god. That damn voice. He crouched down in front of me, his face moving into my eye line. “Is there a reason why you’re on your knees again?” He paused, a smirk gracing his lips. “Not that I mind.”

Embarrassment? Gone.

Anger? Oh hello!

Jumping up from my position on the floor, I waited for Mr. TDD to get to his feet. His movements were slow and precise. He was like water: fluid and smooth, yet completely Enigmatic. He stood up straight, towering over me with a damn smirk on his lips.

“What in the hell are you doing?”

I’m utterly stunned the minute he charged, his hands going straight to my face, cupping my cheeks before crashing his lips to mine. My body shuddered involuntarily, awakening every nerve. His lips didn't move, only pressed against mine with a force that made me quiver. I was frozen to the spot and before I could even think about kissing him back, he pulled away, his hands leaving my face.

“You talk too much.” He stepped around me and sat at the head of the large boardroom table sitting in the middle of the office, smirk still firmly in place.

Stunned, I stood there with my back towards him. I didn't understand. What the hell was he doing in Mr. Black’s office?

Then it hit me.

Damn it.

Mr. TDD was Mr. Black.

I wasn't sure when my mental capacity exploded and jumped out the window along with all rational thought, but I presumed it was around the time his lips pressed against mine.

“Oh my god,” I mumbled, my hands going to my head. “Oh. My. God.” Turning, I glared at a smug looking Mr. Black, who had crossed his left leg over his right, his hand on his chin. “You.” I pointed, stepping towards him. “You!”

Oh my god. I slept with a prospective client. I slept with a damn client! Kate’s going to kill me. She'll fire me, string me up and hang me out to dry. My stomach dropped: I was going to lose my job.

“Sit down, Payton,” he growled, frustration evident in his voice.

I rolled my eyes. “No,” I countered, leaning in close. “I’m good right here, thanks.”

I could feel his minty breath against my skin as he stared me straight in the eyes, the smug look on his face gone, replaced with something I couldn't really determine.

“Sit. The. Fuck. Down. Payton,” he grounded out.

Well, that took me by surprise. I wilted back a little. Moving away from him, I decided I'd better listen to what he had to say. I don’t know why, wasn't like he was going to sign with Blue Stone PR now.

I decided to take a seat at the far end of the table. Childish and ridiculous, but if I moved any closer I wouldn't be able to control my body's response to the memory of the things he did last night.

Stupid body.

Getting comfortable, I waited.

And waited.

He stared at me for far too long; it was uncomfortable and his domineering gaze was making me squirm. The moment I was about to throw it all away and walk out of his office, he finally spoke.