Sugar

Chapter 2

A/N: Hi guys. We made it to chapter 2. I know it was a long wait. I'm sorry. I have been really out of it lately. Buuut, I'm so happy and excited to continue this book and take you guys on the journey with me. Thank you for choosing my book. I really appreciate it. Enjoy guys.

I arrived at my apartment and quickly switched off the car. I let out a deep sigh and got out of the car. I entered the building and made my way to the elevator. I really hoped I would've been able to ride up to my floor alone but like always, life fucks me over. "Hey Rio!" Cassidy, my snobby neighbour, called out to me. I internally groaned and put on a fake smile. "Hi Cassidy" I smiled. "How are you? I haven't seen you is so long" she said. I internally rolled my eyes. "Yeah, cause I've been busy working, unlike you bitch" I thought. "Just been occupied with work" I simply replied. "I don't understand why you work so hard. If I were you I'd..." she trailed on, but I blocked her out. The elevator dinged and brought me back to reality. I quickly stepped out, without saying goodbye. I practically ran to my door, trying to avoid any more "friendly" encounters. Unlocking my door, I set foot into my dark apartment. It's eerily quiet but I like that, it means there's no distractions. I switch on the light and make my way to my spacious kitchen to start making dinner. I decided on a simple pasta salad and red wine. I begin cooking the pasta and then make the sauce. Once I was done, I set everything down on the kitchen island and open my laptop and start working on the preparations for the celebration. This was my daily routine. I get home, make dinner, work on the next days tasks, shower and get into bed. The only people I would ever interact with is my family or my one best friend who I've known for almost ten years, but I barely see her. Maybe only once a month she would come over. I look at my laptop screen and go through my emails. I send all the details to Mr Richards to look over and send all the changes back. One email caught my attention and I roll my eyes when I begin reading it. "Good evening Miss Rio. Your boss has given me your email to openly communicate with you about our company. Please attach the agenda and details about the celebration." Carter's email stated. I quickly messaged back and got up to put my empty bowl in the sink. My laptop pinged with a message and I quickly walked back to it. "Thank you Miss Rio. Have you thought about my offer about the coffee? We could go tomorrow morning." he said. I had completely forgotten about that. Should I? Fuck it. He works with me now, I have to interact with him anyway. "I have Mr Adams. I would be delighted to go tomorrow morning. We can go to Dillons, which is down the street from our work. I'll see you then." I reply. The same feeling from earlier comes back. I feel my area start to pool. For fucks sake, I barely know this man. He is gorgeous though. The anticipation is almost killing me, I need to go to bed. I make my way to the shower and undress myself while looking in the mirror. I look my body up and down. My long black hair cascades down my chest, covering my full breasts. I see my stretch marks on my stomach and back. I am proud of them To me, stretch marks are so beautiful. I might not be that thick, but I still have stretch marks. I tie my hair in a high bun and step into the shower, allowing the hot water to burn my skin. I lather up my loofah and start washing myself. I quickly rinse off my body and grab my white fluffy towel and make my way into my bedroom. I grab a pair of shorts and tank top out of my dresser and put it on. Once all dressed, I leave my bedroom and make my way to the kitchen. I glance over to my laptop see that he hasn't responded. I decide to close my laptop and lock up everything before I make my way back to my bedroom. Just as I get comfortable in bed, my phone rings and I groan. Why are people interrupting my schedule. I see that it's and unknown number and hesitantly answer. "Hello?" my voice cracks. "Rio?" the person on the other side questions. "Yes?" I answer. "It's Carter. I asked your boss for your number too. I know it's probably creepy for you, but, as your boss too. I need my employees number." he justifies. "Really?  Is that what you're telling yourself. You know, if you wanted my number, you could've just asked." I say as I roll my eyes. He goes on to tell me that it's easier to communicate on messages than emails. He says emails are too formal. If I need to remind him of anything, since he's my "boss" too, I should just message him. We finally hang up and I shut my eyes and let sleep take over

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The next morning, I wake up bright and early to make it in time to still get coffee. I quickly brush my teeth and shower then dress in my usual black attire. I decide to add a bit more effort into doing my makeup today. I give myself one last look over and exit my bedroom. I grab my laptop, keys and bag and make my way out to my car, thankful that it's too early for everyone else to be walking around. I quickly put all my items onto the back seat and get into the car. I send Carter and message to let him know that I'm on my way to the café. I shift my attention to the road and drive towards Dillons. I find a parking next to a black G-Wagon and suddenly feel conscious of my less expensive car. Putting my feelings aside, I get out of the car and walk towards the quaint café. I see Carter sitting at a table next to the window and make my way over. He's reading the newspaper and doesn't notice my presence. I sit down and clear my throat. He looks up and gives me a toothy smile. "Good morning" I greet and smile back at him. "Good morning Rio" he replies. I love the way my name rolls off his tongue. It does things to me. The waiter comes and takes our orders. We both order a Cappuccino and resume our conversation. "So, you're so young. Why did you start working so early?" he questions. I smile and reply. "I'm 21. I studied for two years and finally graduated. I wanted to jump straight into working so I can support myself and start my own life." I say. He nods and sips of his drink. "What about you?. When did you start your company?" I ask. "It was my fathers company before I took over. I only took over when he passed. My life changed at 22 when he sadly passed. I had to figure everything out by myself. People didn't take me seriously because I was young, but now that I'm 39, people take me seriously." he says. I almost choke on air when I realise the age gap. Fuck, I like a guy eighteen years older than me. Wait. I like him? No, that's absurd. I've only just met him. Maybe only enjoy his company. The waiter brings our drink and we sit there talking about work and making jokes or speculations. Eventually, we started arguing over the check. I wanted to pay but he said it was his offer to take me out. I gave in and thanked him. We exited and walked towards our respected vehicles. "Why are you following me?"  I ask. "I'm not, I'm going to my car." he says. I get to my car and smile at him. He walks over to the G-Wagon and gets in. I internally face palm myself. Of course it's his car. He owns a business, he can afford this car. I start the car and begin my drive to work and watch as Carter follows behind me. I let a small smile form and continue driving. Finally, we pull up to work and get out. "I saw that smile you know." he says as soon as he gets to my side. I turn as red as a tomato. I begin to walk faster than him and walk towards the elevator and get in. Carter follows behind me and presses the button, but it wasn't my floor button. "Where are we going?" I ask. "Did your boss not tell you? We switched assistants. Seth and Christina work for him now and you, my dear, work for me" he says. Work for him? Me? He knows exactly what he's doing. I really can't get close to him. He already makes me feel some type of way, now i have to work with him directly. I'm fucked.