The Business Trip

CHAPTER 3 - In the eyes of Marshall..

*Marshall's POV*

I reached Chrysler HQ at around 9:15; shit, I was late! I walked in quite casually whilst the others were seated and in mid-discussion, I scanned the room, all eyes were fixated on me, their lips arranged into exaggerated grins.

"Sorry I'm late", I apologized roughly, still feeling their eyes lingering on me.

"Don't worry Mr Mathers, we were just about to discuss today's production plans", Mr Tripp forced a smile and ran his large hand through his shiny black hair.

I seated myself on one of the chairs located around the glass table. I tugged at my leather jacket and slumping slightly, rested my hand on my chin.

Everyone seemed to tread on eggshells around me, like I was going to cuss them out if they spoke a word out of line. Then again, who's the rapper with a reputation for being an angry asshole? I attempted to toss aside the endless thoughts and rhyming words circling my mangled brain and listened to the discussions.

"Mr Dean, are you prepared to work with Mr Smith to design concepts and contact Mr Aiman to work on filming techniques", Mr Tripp took charge of organising work groups.

Suited and booted businessmen with their backs straight fired ideas across the table. Target audience, budget, pilot runs, texture crews, research. What the fuck does all this mean? I had lost any concentration of the ongoing discussions until...

"Mr Mathers". My eyes sprung up at Mr Tripp, my eyebrows raised and he continued to speak.

"I was thinking, our new head of advertising for this project, Miss Greystone should pair up with you as you have previous experience of being a part of Chrysler advertising and could may be shed a little light on giving the buyers a real sense of Detroit. Miss Greystone can work alongside the research crew to put a pilot concept together by Wednesday. How do you guys feel about that"?

Mr Tripp's sharp voice was questioning, as if he thought I minded! I didn't give a shit, I didn't know who Miss Grey- whatever was. I just wanted to do my bit and that's it.

"Yes, that would be fine with me"

My curious eyes rolled around the room swiftly to identify the one velvety feminine voice. She spoke gracefully and confidently. Her looks matched, she looked sleek, elegant and her blonde-brown hair cascaded in curls around her breasts.

Miss Greystone.

"Yeah, uhh, I don't mind, anything", I replied, still staring at her. Enticed. Intrigued. Wriggling awkwardly and fake coughing, I was struggling to keep my cool.

At that moment, everyone, including Miss Greystone rose from their swivel chairs. I followed, catching my Nike-clad foot in between the chair legs. My ears burnt red and my cheeks felt like they were turning crimson. Fuck, this is embarrassing.

I sighed and walked over to her, she waited patiently and smiled, sniggering at my little incident. Those lips.

"So, shall we get started Mr Mathers?", she lead me over to her office desk and we seated ourselves.

"Uhh, yeah, call me Marshall", The words tumbled out of my mouth catching my tongue on the way, making me stumble. I held out my hand and she shook it loosely.

"Right, call me Athena. So, are there any places in the city that represent it's past or may be even it's future?", she questioned.

"Uhh, yeah, the old station might be a good one, it's pretty derelict, and the future, I'd say, umm, the new Tigers stadium ", I replied. I wanted to impress her.

Our conversations continued for a while, it was pure business, nothing more. She seemed only interested in her work.

Lunch hour came by and everyone raised off their chairs to get their meals. I wasn't hungry. Or was I? I don't know. Athena made my stomach flip, so I had no idea if I was actually hungry or not.

I followed her around the room with my eyes. Those hips. I took my eyes off her for a second whilst cracking open a can of Red Bull. When I looked back up, she was staring at me!

She flushed pink and diverted her eyes away, almost perplexed at the fact I looked at her. She likes me back? I don't know? At that point, I found myself walking towards her.

"Hey", I whispered.

"Uh, hey", She whispered back.

We got talking, about her life. She was a New Yorker. Staying at MGM Grand Hotel. Not bad. For three months? That's not long. She doesn't like it here? I suppose, it's nothing like New York, but Detroit, it's real!

She had a chisled face, a strong jawline and her eyes were big green diamonds piercing into my older weary ones. Our conversations were over, and by three p.m, we were well into our work again. Swivelling on my chair childishly, I let her continue with her work and lowered my eyes at the floor. Those legs!

Suddenly, Mr Tripp interrupted.

"Miss Greystone, I hope you don't mind, but there has been a change of plans, we should have a pilot by tomorrow morning so we have a base to start with, to save time. Would you be able to get it done tonight?", Tripp sounded sorry, but his tanned face remained stony and emotionless.

She looked up at him, nodding, seeming a bit pissed off and Mr Tripp placed his palm on my shoulder.

"Mr Mathers, you can leave if you like, I'm sure you're busy", he continued.

"No, it's okay. I can stick around, I can help Miss Greystone with finding a sufficient location", I replied. I didn't wanna leave and it's getting dark, I wanted to stay with her. She looked at me, smiling gratefully.

It reached ten in the evening by the time we finished and we were the only two in the darkened office. It was completely silent apart from me and Athena talking and laughing. Our only light source was the modern lamp situated on her glass desk.

"I guess we should be going now", she suggested, standing up and grabbing her purse.

"Yeah, it's kinda late. How do you get back, car?", I questioned.

"No, the bus, I don't have a car", she stated.

"Well, it's kinda late and the buses will take a long time. Buses don't run like New York here! I could always give you a lift?", I stuttered, avoiding her eyes. Why was I nervous?

She refused twice before finally giving in. We walked back to the parking lot, which was almost empty. Well not surprisingly, it was 22:30! I opened the passenger door to my Mercedes to let her in. Hopping into the driver's seat, I turned the key in the ignition.

It was silent and she had her eyes fixed on me. I sighed and turned towards her, my pulse racing and I unconsciously placed my thumb against her blushing cheek. What am I doing?

"Oh God", she exclaimed exhaling heavily at the same time

I leaned in cautiously, placing my lips against hers and kissing. She kissed back with more ferocity and I pressed my lips further into hers. The taste of cherry lip lacquer lingering in my mouth. She closed her eyes and moaned slightly. My fingers splayed into the folds of her hair, gripping and massaging. Raging passion was taking over my usual cold front, smothering it with warmth.

I stopped suddenly, breathing harder and drove off. She glanced at me occasionally, biting her bottom lip. Her breasts were pushed outwards and her legs were tightly crossed. My arms prickled with goosebumps as I continued to drive hastily. I couldn't wait. I was losing my inhibitions. Who would have thought this day would end like this?