The CEO (4 page)

“Good morning Ryan. I like my coffee with one sugar, light cream, and two scoops of hot chocolate mixed in. Think you can handle that?”

“I could make that in my sleep.”

He promptly returned with the hot coffee and sat it down on my desk. I caught a whiff of his cologne on the way over and it was a sweet, musky scent.

“Thank you. Karen will give you your next assignment.”

He walked out of the room with a huge smile on his face.
I hope the little jerk didn’t spit in my drink.

I turned on my laptop to check our stocks for the week and was interrupted by a phone call. “Hello. Quinn National, Sheila speaking.”

“Go out with me.”

“Who is this?”

“You know who it is, Quinn. I’d like to take you out for a date tonight. Nowhere fancy, just a nice place to eat and catch up, so to speak.”

“Fine, Liam, you can pick me up after work at six.”

That day in my office frequently crossed my mind. Liam was so aggressive, and it was such a huge turn on for me. I wasn’t sure what tonight was going to be like, but I was positive it would end with us in between the sheets.

“Sheila, I know this may seem weird, but I really would like to try and work things out between us.”

“Liam, I can’t. I have a job to focus on now. I’m not that young intern that was so desperate for love anymore. Besides, it’s been years; why do you suddenly want me back
now?”

“I’ve never stopped wanting you Sheila Quinn. I was too stupid then to realize what I had right in front of me. We all make mistakes, and my biggest mistake was letting you walk out the door.”

I could see the hurt in his eyes as he admitted that painful truth. I honestly never thought he cared, seeing as he started treating me like complete shit when his company went under. He never physically hurt me, but his absence and his distance took a serious toll on me. He was all I had besides my family. I’d made a vow that night to never depend on the love of another person
ever
again.

After dinner, he drove me back to my office’s parking garage to pick up my car. “Thank you for the meal, it was nice.”

“Sheila, I want you to come over tonight.”

Part of me wanted to say no, but then I looked at him in that suit and knew I couldn’t refuse his offer. Love or not, I was still highly attracted to him.

A short drive later, we arrived outside of a beautiful condo at the end of a private street. I opted to park on the street instead of in his garage so that I could easily run if needed. We walked up the front steps and once he opened the door, I was shocked at the view inside.

The wooden floors were so clean, glossy, and scratch free. He had a small island in the middle of his kitchen with two black bar stools in front of it. The living area was to the right, decorated with a black leather sectional, thin mirrors on the wall behind it, a faux tree, and black and white lamps beside it.

“Liam, your place is beautiful. How can you afford this working at a flower shop?”

“I didn’t piss away all of my money you know. Besides, I’m co-owner of the boutique and business has been booming for months.”

“Good for you.”

“Would you like a glass of wine?” he asked.

“Sure, white Moscato if you have any.”

“Of course, it’s all I drink.”

“Since when? You never liked drinking it before.”

“Well, maybe I decided to branch out and try different things. Is that such a bad thing?”

“No, it’s not.”

He grabbed two huge wine glasses from the cabinet and opened the refrigerator door to pull out a large bottle of wine. Tilting the glass to the side, he slowly poured the chilled drink into one glass, then the other. Handing me one of the glasses, we clinked them together and said a quick cheers.

The wine was very smooth and had a faint citrus taste to it. “That was delicious,” I said, placing the stem back on the counter.

“Glad you enjoyed it.” He slowly walked over to me and opened his arms to hug me. As he wrapped them around my body, I placed my head against his chest and it almost felt like home. I quickly pulled back and freed myself from his grasp. “Sheila, what’s wrong?” he asked.

“Nothing, I just—”

Before I could say another word his lips crashed upon mine. He yanked my hair free from my ponytail and placed a soft trail of kisses from my ear down the side of my neck. I wrapped my arms around his head, holding him there for a moment longer, embracing his familiar touch. I unbuttoned his suit jacket and peeled it off of his shoulders as he reached behind me and unzipped my dress, letting it fall to the ground. I pulled his arm and led him over to the couch, pushing him onto the leather material. If we were going to do this, I was going to be in control—
not him.

“Sheila?”

“Yes?”

“Do you still love me?”

“Liam, not now, I’m trying to sleep.”

I felt like I owed him a huge debt for saving my life that night. If he hadn’t shown up when he did, there was no telling what would have happened to me. Maybe he’d been stalking me or maybe it was fate that brought him to the area; I wasn’t sure, and I didn’t care to find out—
yet.

I rolled over, clutching the white sheet to my chest as we made eye contact. His eyes—his sweet gray eyes—always had the power to draw me in. His gaze pierced through my deepest layers, exposing my once fragile soul. I felt myself getting lost in him as feelings of love and joy from our past started to resurface. I had to try and snap myself out of it.

Ripping the covers off my body, I bent over and retrieved my outfit from the floor in a hurry.

“Sheila, what’s wrong?”

“I—I have to go. I have an important meeting in the morning and I can’t stay here fucking around with you all night.”

“We weren’t
fucking
around. You felt it too didn’t you? I could see it in your eyes. You’re just trying to deny the inevitable. We belong together, can’t you see that?”

“No, it’s nice to have sex with you once in a while, but we do not
belong
together.”

“Quinn, I know you. All of you, inside and out, don’t fight it.”

I zipped my dress and slid my shoes over the heels of my feet, trying to ignore his comments.

“Bye, Liam,” I said as I rushed out the door.

That was a close one Sheila. You’ve got to get your head back in the game!

I awoke the next morning, laughing at the thought of Liam and I back together. The sex was good—great even, but that’s all I wanted. Maybe I was slightly delirious from having my head slammed against the concrete multiple times last week, but I knew what was best for me: just sex.

Arriving at my office an hour earlier than usual, I found Ryan in the conference room alone.

“Good morning.”

“Morning.”

“You’re here awfully early, Ryan.”

“I know, I was brewing a fresh pot of coffee and finishing up some last minute homework assignments.”

“What are you in school for again?”

“Business.”

“Good choice. Well if you ever have any questions, feel free to ask.”

“I will. Thank you Ms. Quinn!”

I set my briefcase down and took my seat behind my desk. Ryan looked more attractive than I’d realized before. Something about him being in a normal button up shirt and jeans made him more appealing then the stuffy suit look. His hair was different too; it was gelled up into a little flip in the front of his head, making him actually look his age.

Tomorrow was the annual ‘Save the Last Dance’ event that my father had created five years before. It was made to welcome new employees to the company and make sure we could all get along in the same space. My father treated everyone like family and I’d promised to keep the tradition going.

“Here’s your coffee, Ms. Quinn.”

“Thank you. Hey Ryan, what are you doing tomorrow evening?”

“I have no idea.”

“Good, you can be my date for the dance then.”

The biggest grin formed on his face. I wasn’t sure which D word made him happier, but I knew things could get very interesting.

Barely able to speak he muttered, “I—uh—yeah, count me in!”

“Good. Meet me here around seven so I can prep you. Since you’re the newest employee here, you will be put in the hot seat
a lot
.”

“That’s okay, I can take it.”

“Great, you’ll fit in just fine here. Oh and Ryan? I hope to see you in proper work attire within the next ten minutes.”

“Ms. Quinn, you look absolutely stunning tonight.”

“Tonight Ryan, you can call me Sheila.”

“Well
Sheila,
you’re gorgeous.”

“You’re not looking too bad yourself.”

I was wearing my black off the shoulder dress that stopped mid thigh and made my legs look exquisite. Accompanied by my black heels, lucky gold bracelet, hoop earrings, and loose side ponytail, I knew I was a force to be reckoned with. I had also applied my favorite bright red lipstick just before I met up with him.

Ryan was wearing a nice pair of black slacks with a blue button up shirt and a striped blue and black tie. He opened his arm to receive mine and we walked through the double doors together.

A loud roar of applause and whistles filled the air as soon as we walked through the entrance door. I was used to being in the lime light but poor Ryan was a bit on edge. I could tell he’d never been to a huge social gathering such as this before.

The hall was decorated beautifully. White drapery lined the ceiling with huge crystal chandeliers hanging from the center. Blue and white florescent lights illuminated the dance floor and round tables with crisp white tablecloths surrounded it. Huge flower centerpieces were set on each table with crystal gems hanging from each of them.

Rosa, the event coordinator, walked over to greet us. Her black hair and gray roots were a little frayed, but she still looked elegant in her white and black uniform. The light reflected off of her glasses as she pointed around the room, admiring her hard work. Her creations never ceased to amaze me.

“Rosa, you’ve really outdone yourself.”

“Many thanks, Ms. Quinn. Is this your new boy toy?” she said, eyeing Ryan.

“Not yet,” I laughed, nudging and winking at Ryan.

“Well, have a good night Ms. Quinn. My job is done.”