"I want all of you to work on the Norway project on high priority."
"Sure, sir." Everybody said in unison.
"Mark please take lead on this, and I want a daily report at my desk every day".
"Sure, thing boss."
"Ms. Carter, I would like to see you in my office to discuss the new proposal." I was stunned by hearing my name from him in a room full of people.
"Oh Sure." I muttered nervously, looking around to read everybody's expression. Thankfully it all sounded normal.
Everyone dispersed, Jake was the first one to leave, followed by his secretary and other board of directors. There was a sudden uproar, people whispering to each other. This was a solid counter and it would have strong repercussions, good or bad, that time would tell.
I was pulled out of my thoughts, as Mark pats my shoulder from behind.
"Where are you lost Emma?"
"Nothing. Just thinking. This is a bold move." I tried to sound casual, even when I was having a meltdown inside.
"Of course, it is. Everything about Jacob Richmond is bold and daring. He doesn't do regular, not his thing at all."
"Yes. Seems to be the case. I better hurry, he is expecting me in his office."
"Sure. Up for lunch later?"
I was so distracted and worried about Jake and his sudden decisions, that I mindlessly nodded to Mark.
I quickly moved out of the conference room and took an elevator to reach the top floor of the building.
I walked past the long corridor, my heart racing at every step. I saw Maria giving me a peculiar look, scanning me from head to toe.
"Hi, umm Mr. Richmond is expecting to see me".
"Third door on your right", she said in a daunting tone. Totally ignoring her cold vibes, I entered the door and saw Jake was standing next to the glass wall towards the right of his cabin. His cabin was huge, very well designed. Every inch of the room screamed regal.
The moment I stepped inside; Jake turned to give me a loving look.
He quickly approached me and took me in his arms. Under normal circumstances, I would have freaked out, imagining Mr. CEO embracing me in his own office. But right now, I wanted this more than him, I missed him and was craving his touch. I felt safe and warm in his arms, as if he was my safe haven, my happy place, my home.
We had the longest hug possible, both of us comforting each other, with absolute silence dancing through the room. He let me go after a while, as he was now looking deep in my eyes. He cupped my face, and crashed his lips on mine.
"I missed you so much, love" he whispered in between the deep kiss, and immediately continued tasting my lips, his tongue dancing in my mouth.
I was so turned on by hearing him call me "love" and the way he was hungrily kissing my lips, just proved that he missed me too. I wrapped my arms around his neck, and kissed him back with the same fervor.
"I missed you too Jake." I said after we finally parted our lips to catch some air.
"I promise, I am never going to stay out of town for that long a time, man it kills me." He wrapped his arms around my waist and held me closer to him.
"I doubt your work would let you keep that promise, but I am glad you feel the same."
"You have no idea about how I feel." He took my lips again and kissed me passionately, without a single care in the world.
We both contained ourselves after another make out session. We couldn't keep our hands off each other, but finally I calmed myself. I wanted to speak to him about the latest developments.
"Jake, I am a bit worried. The announcement you made regarding the Windsons."
"Shh… I know. It is worrying, but it is important. I don't want you to stress about it. Just trust me, ok?"
"I trust you, I am just scared of the possible outcomes, with the attacks on Erica and your father."
"I have it under control Emma, don't worry. We will get through this. In fact, I really can use your help with our Norway proposal. You did an excellent job with the Murials, and I am sure I can trust you with this one too."
"Of course! I am always there for you Jake." My heart took sudden pride in the fact that Jake could depend on me. He trusts me with his most critical work, only shows how seriously he took me.
"I know love. And before anything else, I have something for you". He turned around and went to his desk, he then bought in a small gift box, wrapped in a neat golden ribbon.
"Jake, what's this? I think we decided no gifts, please"
"Please open it, this one is exclusively for you, I promise you will love it"
I reluctantly opened the box, and was immediately captivated by what I saw.
"It's called the aurora borealis necklace, it represents us. When I went back to Norway, I had the most precious memories of our time there, especially the night we saw those magical lights in the sky, and have them witness our feelings for each other".
"Yes, I can never forget that," I whispered.
"I saw this necklace in one of the antique stores in the countryside, and all I could think of was you. This piece here is one of its kind."
"Wow. Jake, it's beautiful."
He took the pendant from my hand, and turned me around to make me wear it.
"Now, it's
