Paradise Bound

Chapter 14

I wake up to my alarm clock ringing.

The first thing I notice is a big muscular arm around my waist.

(Shit we both must have both fallen asleep!)

I quickly sit up in the bed and lightly shake Isaac.

"Isaac?"

He shifts a little bit in the bed.

"Isaac, wake up."

His eyes flutter open and I can't help admiring his adorable, sleepy bedhead. I don't think this man could ever look less than irresistible if he tried.

Isaac jumps up with a start.

"Christ, what time is it?"

"It's 7.00am."

A look of panic crosses Isaac's face.

"We must have fallen asleep."

Isaac curses under his breath as he hops out of the bed in a hurry.

"Fuck.... I never should have stayed last night."

"Isaac, is it really that big of a deal, I mean it's not like your office is miles away?!"

Isaac shoots me a glare and shakes his head.

"This can't happen again....."

"Relax, we just won't fall asleep the next time."

As Isaac buttons his shirt as he looks at me with a sudden seriousness.

"No Tessa, there won't be a next time. I should have never let this happen in the first place. You are my employee, nothing more, nothing less. That's the way it will be from now on."

I'm stunned to silence at his harsh tone and complete overreaction at the situation we are in now.

He slips his jacket on and glances at me one last time.

"Are we clear on where we stand from now on?"

I swallow the lump that has seemed to have formed in the back of my throat. I have a nautious feeling in my stomach as I look back at Isaac's cold stern face.

"Crystal clear."

Isaac nods before disappearing out of my bedroom and out of my apartment.

(I know I shouldn't care about what just happened but it felt like someone just stabbed me in the gut. If I'm being honest I really didn't want this fling or whatever it was to end so abruptly!)

I slide out of bed and head straight for the shower.

I dry my hair and tie it up before I put a small bit of makeup on.

I pick out a dress and slide it on as I check my reflection in the mirror.

When I reach the kitchen my appetite has completely disappeared. I force myself to eat a banana along with my usual travel mug full of black coffee.

I grab my bag and head out of my apartment. After locking up I make my short walk through the hotel to my office.

As my office comes into view I almost freeze to a stop when I see Mia and Isaac speaking beside the reception desk. I contemplate turning around and waiting somewhere out of sight until they are gone but Mia notices me and waves me over enthusiastically.

"Tessa, there you are."

I nervously walk over to Mia trying my hardest to avoid eye contact with Isaac.

"Hi Mia. Were you looking for me?"

"Yes, I was just about to pass on the message to Isaac but you're here now. Myself and Rob are doing a bit of a dinner party tonight for Rob's birthday, we are just inviting a few friends and I wanted to invite you."