Sugar

Chapter 9

A/N: I know I've been gone for long. I apologise, but I'm back and ready to give you guys an amazing chapter.

I stand in my living room, just staring at the door that Carter had walked through not that long ago. I feel a wave of guilt wash over me as the realisation of what just happened sets in. Carter is a happily engaged man. I betrayed his fiancé, my "friend". Now that I think about it, how did he come over to my apartment without her knowing. Did she know? All these questions and theories run through my head. I need a drink. I make my way to the kitchen and open the bottle of wine hidden in the back of the pantry. I watch as the red liquid starts filling up my glass till the brim. Placing the bottle back in the pantry, I make my way over to the glass and take a seat at the island. I check the time and see its just after midnight, my friend should still be awake. I quickly dial her number. "Pick up" I mumble to myself. After four rings, Fallons voice comes through the other side. "Rio?" she questions. "Hey girl." I say shyly. I don't know why I still get shy around her, we've been friends forever. "This must be important since you're calling in the middle of the night" she giggles through the phone. I contemplate on whether I should tell her about what just happened between Carter and I, but think it's best to tell her in person. "I just wanted to know if you're free this weekend. I need to see you. We can have our usual girls night. Popcorn, horror movies, wine and candy?" I ask convincingly. "Sounds good. I'll talk to you later, I'm exhausted." she states. We say our goodbyes and I walk over to the sofa and turn on the tv. Titanic would be a good movie right now, I think to myself and that's exactly the movie I decide to watch. 

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The next day, I walk into work with my head hung low, trying to avoid any and every type of contact with Carter. I have been dreading coming to work after what had happened. I quickly slip into my office and gaze at the clock on my wall. It's 08:30, Carter only comes in at nine so I know I'm safe for this half hour. My table has already been stacked with files and tasks for the day and I groan at the sight. I place my bag on the white couch in my office and sit in my chair. I start sorting the files in chronological order, from the todays meetings till the end of the month. All today and tomorrows meeting folders have to be taken to Carters office to be confirmed before returning to me. Now that all files have been arranged correctly, I make my way to Carters office for his confirmation. I open the large doors without knocking because it's too early for him to be here anyway. As I swing the door open, a very smug Carter glances my way while I stand frozen in place. He knew my routine, knew that I always deliver his files before he can get here. He knew I was going to be embarrassed to see him again. "Rio" he greets. I can't say anything, just stand there like a deer in the headlights, Like a child caught doing something he wasn't supposed to be doing. "Are those my folders?" he askes, breaking me out of my trance. "Oh, sorry, yes. These are your upcoming meetings and clients." I state. He nods his head and extends his hand without breaking eye contact with me. I hand him the folders and feel his fingers brush my skin, causing a burning sensation that no other man can do. As I pull my hand away, he swiftly grabs it, my heart skips a few beats at this interaction. "Carter" I say breathlessly. "Rio" he answers sternly. I want him to take me. I want him.  "You know we can't do this. What happened between us, shouldn't have happened." I say honestly. Although it hurts my heart to reject the most attractive man I know. Carter face has morphed into a pain struck expression. Why is he hurt when he has a fiancé. Is my plan finally working to my advantage? I damn hope so. I slip my hand out of his and turn towards the door, throwing him one last glance. Once the door is closed, I let out a frustrated sigh. I hastily make my way to my office and bury myself in work for the rest of the day. I avoid eye contact with Carter during meetings, even when holding the door open for me, my eyes stay glued to the floor. 

At this point, I've worked overtime. Its already nine in the evening, my shift ends at five. Four extra hours worked, just to distract myself from Mr Seductive. Once I feel my eyes become heavier, I decide it's time to head home. I start by shutting down my computer and packing my bag. I give my office a once over, just to make sure I have everything I need, then close and lock my office door. My heels click against the floor, the sound empowering me with every step I take. I press the button to the elevator and wait for it to arrive, pulling out my phone to send Fallon a message of when I'm available. I hear the elevator arrive and step in, I press for the ground level and wait for the doors to close. I am startled by an extended arm, preventing the doors from closing. The rings are a dead giveaway of who it is. I feel my heart jump into my throat, I do not want to be in a confined space with him, not for now at least. "Rio" He greets formally. I hum in acknowledgement. All I can do is hope the elevator ride speeds down to my floor. "So you're ignoring me?  You realise I'm your boss?" he asks. "I'm not ignoring you. I just feel like there's no reason to communicate outside of the work place or talk about thing other than work related topics." I state proudly. Carter nods his head in understanding, yet I see a bit of sadness in his eyes. Even jealousy maybe. But what is there to be jealous about. "Well then, tomorrow I need you to set up a meeting with Mrs Morris regarding her law suit against Hudson Super Store. Try to arrange for 10am. Then after I need you to-". "Be in the 11am meeting and set dates for all other meetings and send emails to incoming clients. Yeah, I have it all set already" I cut him off. He looks at me stunned. "I must say Rio, I'm impressed" he praises. I roll my eyes. I feel his body move closer to mine and his scent grow stronger. Suddenly, I'm being pushed up against the elevator wall and Carters soft, juicy lips are pressed against mine. This is wrong, he shouldn't be doing this, yet, I'm the one giving in and kissing him back. I savour this moment of his lips on mine, the way they fight and fit perfectly. The way his hands are fisting my hair and how his arm is wrapped tightly around my waist. my hands are slung around his broad shoulders, pulling him deeper into the kiss. The elevator dings, indicating that we've arrived at our floor. We jump apart and try to catch our breath. "Can I walk you to your car? You know it's quite dangerous to walk alone this late" he asks and I can't fight back the smile that forms on my face. I blush and nod. We walk in silence to the entrance of the building where he holds the door open for me. I hurry past and walk towards my car. Carter walks next to me, looking very intimidating in the moonlight. His tall figure towers over me, his built body would feel amazing on mine. We arrive at my car and I lean over to unlock it. I turn to face Carter to thank him for accompanying me but am cut off when I once again feel his soft lips on mine. Again, I don't pull away but I welcome him to kiss me deeper. Our tongues battle for dominance and I moan into his mouth. There's a flash and we pull apart. Suddenly we're face to face with a lone paparazzi. We look over to the man, then at each other. We knew we fucked up. This story would go public. My reputation would be ruined but even worse, his reputation would be ruined. His empire would go crumbling. I looked at Carter, he looked at me. "Fuck" He mumbles. What are we going to do?