“Is it okay if I go?”
“I’m the boss so...yeah.” He pushes a stray piece of hair behind my ear.
With that, I run to Ashley’s closet to change, picking out a simple summer dress and flats. It’s nothing fancy but it’s cute.
I stand in front of Aiden and twirl. “Is this okay?”
He bites his lip before nodding his approval.
“I’m sure you prefer high heels and tight dresses.” I joke, curious about his preferences.
He places his hand on my cheek, and I lean into its warmth.
“I prefer this, I promise you.” His eyes trail down my body. “You looked hot as fuck at the club, but it was too revealing with all the men around. I prefer this cute innocent look on you.” He winks. “We can save the other stuff for my eyes only.”
Seven
I slide into the Challenger, the leather seat is warm under my legs from basking in the morning sun. I love the classic feel of the car and the heavenly scent of leather mixed with Aiden’s cologne. The engine roars to life and I watch in admiration as Aiden’s muscles flex while he changes gears.
I turn the radio down and look to him. “When will your place be done?”
A half smirk forms on his face as he places a large hand on my thigh. “My apartment got finished yesterday.”
“What? I thought it would be weeks.” I droop a little, surprised and disappointed our time together is ending. “Why did you stay?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” He grins wolfishly.
I look away with a blush.
His hand moves from my thigh to grip my chin, turning me back to face him. “It’s adorable when you’re shy.”
I plaster on a smile. “Are you dropping me off at home and staying there tonight then?”
“That’s where we are staying tonight.” He winks, sliding his hand further up my dress as we drive along.
∞∞∞
I eye the massive building in front of me curiously as Aiden helps me out of the passenger seat, handing his keys to the valet. His arm wraps protectively around me as we make our way into the lobby and towards the elevator. I look around, noticing the bottom floor is filled with men in business attire who are staring in our direction.
I glance at the directory by the elevator and my eyes widen.
Fortieth floor: Scott Investment Corporation.
Aiden gives me a cocky nod when I peer up at him. It’s definitely something to be proud of, especially at the young age of twenty-five. I would be the same way too.
I giggle as he escorts me inside the empty elevator. “Why is everyone staring at you?”
He laughs. “They aren’t staring at me.”
Now it’s my turn to laugh. “Right.”
He cups my face. “That’s what’s going to get you in trouble. You don’t know when men are flirting with you.” He smirks before planting a kiss on my neck.
The soreness makes me jump and reminds me of something I forgot.
“I forgot to cover my hickey!” I shriek, embarrassed.
He shrugs, pulling my hair away from my neck so it cascades down my back, and admires his mark. “I would have wiped off any make-up you put on it.”
His voice is so stern and authoritative, it makes me gulp.
The elevator dings and Aiden releases me, his features sharpening and growing cold. The doors slide open revealing a sleek and modern office design.
A woman sits at the white front desk, a bright smile plastered on her face. “Mr. Scott,” She greets with a nod.
I return her polite smile when she looks over at me.
Aiden guides me over and introduces me to Lexi.
“Would you like some water?” Lexi asks with a smile.
I shake my head politely, not wanting to bother the nice lady. “I’m okay, thank you though.”
“She’ll have a water with lemon.” Aiden instructs before guiding me towards the back of the room, his warm hand pressing into the small of my back.
The faint sound of heels and dress shoes against the marble flooring makes me stand a little straighter. A man hands Aiden a manila folder but they exchange no words.
I study them curiously. Is this how it will be like when I work in an office one day? Everything looks so serious; from the white polished floors, ironed dresses to pressed suits. So different from my dream of being covered in flour all day, creating delicious treats with my hands.
This is what Aiden was born to do, his general no-nonsense demeanor shows more than usual. I can’t deny that being next to him feels powerful and a little intimidating. I notice his voice sounds different when he talks to his employees, it’s deeper, more serious.
My wide eyes take in the beautiful sight of Portland’s skyline as Aiden ushers me into his office. The interior design is different from the rest of the floor; deep colors adorn the walls while rich oak furniture dominates the space. Fine-Art of various deep hues sit flush against the deeply colored walls. It fits Aiden.
Despite the natural light shining in through the floor-to-ceiling windows, he flips on a lamp that casts a faint golden hue over his desk. It looks incredible, like a luxurious cabin.
I spin around in awe. “How is everything so established? I thought you just got this place.” I peer at the awards framed on the wall.
Aiden sits in the large leather chair behind a dark oak desk and powers on his computer. “This is the same set up I had when I went to Stanford and worked in the city. I already owned the company when I was in school, my employees just came with me. It’s been an easy transition.”
He beckons me over, pointing to his lap. “Come.”
I shuffle over shyly and slide onto his lap sideways.
“We won’t be here long.” he twirls my hair as he taps away on his computer. “I just need to send some paperwork to my clients, and then we can head out.”
The door opens and Lexi steps in, her bright smile
