To Breathe Again

Chapter 15 - The Longing

I've given you guys a little smut in this chapter.  Hopefully this will hold you over for at least a little longer.  ;-)

Michelle's POV

As I drive into the parking garage of Grant's building, I can't help but get a little excited to see him. Before I exit my truck, I find myself checking my reflection in my mirror and adjusting my shirt. 'What am I doing?' I think to myself. Actually, I know what I'm doing. I may not think I stand the slightest chance of getting a man like Grant to notice me, but it can't hurt to try a little, right? If I don't at least put in some effort, I would always wonder if things would be different had I tried a little harder, though I know the answer anyway. I think too much.

I walk into the building and notice that it is mainly men. Some are typical construction guys, a few I know from the site, and some are obviously more the engineering group, dressed more business casual. I approach the front desk and a beautiful redhead greets me. She is breathtaking and I feel myself shrink down a little in her presence knowing I look like an overweight slob next to her. She's what I would expect when I think of the perfect woman for Grant. She's tall, with long slender fingers that are gracefully tapping away at the keyboard. She has beautiful porcelain skin and a cute little cupid's bow mouth. Her voice is a little squeaky and not the most calming, but meh, no one is perfect. "How can I help you?" she says while giving me a tight smile.

I know I am no match for her beauty, but I do know my worth as a business woman so I stand straight and lift my chin, just slightly. I found that when I do this, I appear confident but not arrogant. It was taught to me by a mentor in college and I have done it ever since. "Good morning. I'm Michelle Garcia with Highlight Technologies. I have an appointment with Grant Daily to review the construction progress of our building. I have something that has come up and I need to review this with him." I replied, smiling back at her sincerely. That's another thing I learned. Be sincere. If you are not nice, you won't come across nice. So, I try to ignore the evil thoughts in my head that want to tear her down a notch or two based on the look of annoyance she is giving me right now and think about how I could make her smile with a nice bouquet of flowers, I find my smile in those thoughts.

"Please have a seat and I will let him know you are here." she replies finding herself smiling back more nicely this time.

"Thank you." I reply and have a seat feeling a little good about myself and my tiny little achievement.

Grant comes to the front within minutes. "Michelle. It's good to see ya. How's Tony?" he asks, smiling at me and reaching to draw me into a big bear hug. I love his hugs.

"He's great. He keeps talking about the rope knots you taught him and keeps asking about you. Thank you again for spending time with him." I replied, stepping back a little to look at his face, which of course, I could look at all day.

"He's an awesome kid. Why don't ya folla me to my office and we can talk over your plans." I nod in agreement and he places his hand in the small of my back and he walks me back to his office. I can't help the shiver that travels down my back due to that innocent touch. I wish I could have more. I wish it could mean more.

Once we reach his office and settle into our chairs, I begin. "So I know we are nearing the mid-point and I promised that I wouldn't throw in any changes to your plans but I have to break that promise a little." He raises his eyebrows and then narrows his eyes in challenge, but smiling at the same time. "The testing group has informed me that they have run out of space in their lab and they need a larger one. The lab has to be raised with air conditioning pumped directly into that room, apart from all others, in addition to heavy security.  It needs to be sound proof and fireproof. This is where all R&D and testing is performed and we want to ensure trade secrets cannot be stolen during this process prior to when any patents can be filed.