All of a sudden, I forgot how to walk. His stare was sharp. I could bet my job he was dissecting me, but I couldn’t tell if he was proud of what was walking toward him or just disappointed. I couldn’t read his thoughts through those emotionless gray eyes of his.
“Hi, Anna?” he said with a quick smile that almost threw me off balance the moment I took my seat. I inhaled and adjusted in my seat, putting up a show to maintain balance because I was here for business. To talk business. I had to remind myself.
Mr. Smith was a client my company had been trying to catch. I was the one who came up with the plan that caught his interest, and that was how I ended up as the staff member in control of his affairs.
We’d been chatting for a while, mostly business, but his texts sometimes seemed a little flirty. Maybe it was all in my head because I don’t stand a chance with a man of such high profile. But for a second I thought I could pass for a mere mistress when he asked for a brunch date. Although he made it clear he wanted to talk business, he also said he’d like to meet the person behind the smart plan that compelled him to invest in our company.
His cologne filled my nostrils. I could perceive a complex combination which I thought was of wood, musk, spices, and leather. I was sure I’d smell like him the whole day because his fragrance overshadowed the citrus and vanilla mix I wore.
“Good day, Mr. Smith.” He smirked and tilted his head to the side, taking me in. I’ve worked with clients as big as him, but I’ve never felt this tense. I guess I wasn’t expecting him to look so young and handsome. He could pass for a model — I mean, with those eyes, perfect chin, a skin tone light enough to fit the gray in the eyes, perfect build, and wavy but low-trimmed hair, he was perfect for anything or anyone. My last desire was to see him on his feet.
“Coffee or tea, Ms. Anna?” His British accent was refined, screaming my type. I figured I was drooling too much and he was beginning to notice, so I sat upright and looked straight into his eyes. My palms were sweaty, but that was the only way to make sure I didn’t stutter while speaking to this man.
“Tea,” I finally called out, shifting my eyes to the waiter beside us.
“Pick a sweet treat too, Ann.” Oh, the short form. I could feel my heart twirling.
“I’d like some waffles and some fresh fruit salad, please.”
“Same for me,” he said. The waiter nodded and left.
“Tell me about yourself, Anna. You catch my fancy.” I almost sank into the ground. What does he mean? Is he trying to sweep me off my feet, and when I eventually close my eyes to savor the moment, he’ll leave me crashing into the ground? He was messing with me, and it was working.
“Umm, aren’t we here to talk business?” Oh, the pretense. Me pretending to sound all professional. Pretending to stand on business. Not mixing business with pleasure, when in reality I’d sprint if he asked me to stay the night. I was swimming in delusion.
“Not today, Ann. By the way, you look breathtaking.” He smiled and reached for my hands that were spread across the table. He grazed my knuckles with his finger. “Nice rings.” I finally gave in, and we chatted away while nibbling on our food.
We talked business, and we flirted. My heart was full. I felt I could be myself around him despite his social status.
Suddenly, a call came in on his phone. He picked it up and glanced at the screen, then back at me.
“Duty calls, mama. Next time, I’d love to have you over at mine.” I nodded as the moment I’d been waiting for finally came but instead of him rising to his feet, two men dressed in all black rushed to him and assembled a wheelchair, which he climbed into. He put his hand in his pocket and brought out a card.
“My house address is there. I hope to see you next time.” I could see sorrow in his eyes — one that wasn’t there before. I could see pain. He knew I was disappointed, but he still wanted to try.
I took the card from him, and his bodyguards rolled him out. My eyes gleamed with tears as I looked outside. The sky was painted in orange and gray hues as the sun dipped below the horizon. I still think he’s beautiful, but now all I can think of is what sleeps between his legs — it meant a lot to me in any relationship I ventured into. I was hopeful, looking forward to the next meeting. I was sure to find out then. For now, we wait and not judge — yet.