Delicate

1

I stepped out of my car in polished six-inch black heels perfect for today's event in my office. I put my hair back with my left hand as my right one closed the car door with a thud and stormed my way inside the reception of my office. I checked in using my identity card and rushed toward the elevator eyeing my id card.

Anastasia William.

The elevator door swung open to reveal a man standing in a black tuxedo suit staring at his mobile screen in his left hand and his blazer held in his right. My heels clicked as I entered the elevator and stood at the adjacent corner to him.

 He seemed not to even bother to look up from his mobile. I wondered what was so important there. I glanced all over him quickly.

 He is at least 6'2", maybe taller, has a trim build, is not overly muscular, jet black hair slightly gelled, and two strands falling at his face stud with a strong jawline, and a sharp Romanesque nose. I noticed him breathing heavily as if he is in a rage. 

Suddenly my phone dinged. I caught myself staring at him and came to my senses. My lips curved into a little smile as I blushed for a moment to realize that I have been stealing glances at a perfect-looking man whom I have never seen in my office. I assumed he is a guest in today's event or a new one. 

The lift door opened on the 20th floor and I was storming out of it as I was as usual late. In a blink, the man crashes into me trying to get out of the elevator and I fall out of balance as my heels tossed on the marble polished floor. My elbow struck his well-built hard chest and my fingers automatically clamped onto his shirt to help myself from falling. He held his arms out to support my falling figure at my waist. I lost my mind for a moment when I saw his eyes. Dark black eyes. Majestic and scary. His face was inches away from mine as I was in his strong arms.

" Ana, you're again late! Hurry put your things down and go to the boss. He is waiting.", Jenny's voice came as she stood in front of us and we separated.

 I was beyond embarrassed and forgot to say thanks to him before he click-toed his way from there as if nothing happened. He sure was in a hurry. Just like me. I still felt bad for not showing the least grateful behavior to him. 

I brushed my thoughts away for now and headed to the boss's cabin with the document for today's event schedule and management details. As an event manager of the office and the secretary, I had to. 

When I paused at his door for a moment to let a breath out I didn't know I was holding, I heard loud laughs across his cabin. Two men laughing. I knocked at the door and opened it. He nodded seated in his chair. I entered. The more I moved forward to his table, I saw a known figure standing facing his back at us at the floor-length glass window from where a calm and beautiful view of the city was visible.

I handed the file to the boss and took a step back to stand there. 

"So, the event starts at 11?"

" Yes, Sir."

"Well managed, Ms. William. It's an impressive idea to include the invited couples to launch the dating app."

" Thank you, Sir."

" Oh well! I have an extra job for you today."

" Yes, Sir ?"

" Meet Liam Carter. My brother. He will be joining our company as the assistant CEO."

The man standing at the window turned to face me. My eyes widened at him. It is the same man from the elevator. I felt so embarrassed that I wanted to disappear right now. He held his right hand out from his pocket for a handshake. I let my hand out but my hands were already shaking in embarrassment. We shook hands and I forced a smile at him. He didn't smile but the corner of his lips folded. Maybe he wanted to laugh at me. Maybe he was thinking that how much of a clumsy girl I am to fall while getting out of an elevator due to a mere collision.

" I want you to show him the Company's profit and loss charts with all the products launched so far and the data stored for business abroad. Also, a short tour around the office building. Can you?"

"Yes, Sir. Surely, I will do.", I don't have any idea how will I do. 

"Lucas, is there any coffee shop near? ", Liam spoke to the boss, Lucas. Of course, they are brothers! I heard the boss's brother was in France for 10 years. 

I have been working at the Carter Company for 3 years now and staying in Los Angeles but I never saw a man this much perfect other than our boss. He is also very handsome and well-built but dude, he is my boss. Many people have asked me if he has a girlfriend. hah! They thought my being the secretary made me close to him. No way. The Carters are highly professional and in my 3 years of experience, he was never seen with a female figure except for his mother and sister at Company foundation anniversaries. And office romance is not my thing. Oh god! Why am I thinking all this? I need to just do my job perfectly that's it. 

I stood there as the two brothers had a chat and then I escorted Liam out. 

"Can we go to the coffee shop? I would prefer seeing the documents there."
"uh- yes, Sure.", I took the necessary documents from my table and we headed out to the elevator. There was an awkward silence in there. I chose to break it.

"Um-actually, T-thank you, Mr. Carter, for helping me."

He shot his eyes at me and opened his mouth to say something but he didn't. He raised one brow and said, "Oh that? No problem." 

As the elevator door opened we both stood there. I stood to let him walk out first. Maybe he also thought the same. He understood I waited for him to go out so he said, 
" You may step out first. Who knows if you fall without crashing, I might be of use again.", he smiled at me.

" I-uh-am sorry", my cheeks flushed as he mentioned earlier remembering that moment. 
"Hey, it's fine! I was just joking around. Let's go.", he isn't that bad and rude like the first meeting. I thought he would be an arrogant bastard cause why not? Owns a company, stayed abroad, and is good-looking with a good body for a man of his age. 

We got in his black McLaren to drive to the nearest coffee shop. He parked the car alongside the road. I opened the seatbelt and click open the car door but it didn't open. 
"Is it locked?", I asked him. 
" No, wait. Let me see.", He opened his seatbelt with one hand which was an oh-so-sexy moment, and leaned over me to reach the car door lock with his left hand. His right hand supported his body over me holding the side of my seat. I could breathe his cologne. My heart was racing within my ribcages as if I might lose my breath. He was a few centimeters away from my face trying to unlock the door and I stiffened at my seat in anticipation of the door getting unlocked soon as this situation was itself exciting me. 

The car door opened and I got out catching my breath in the fresh air outside. He got out and walked towards me to accompany me inside the coffee shop. I took the documents out and went in following him.