Falling For a Stranger

We meet at last...

Anya
Tuesday came quicker than expected. Let's just say I didn't want to get up. I couldn't sleep, all I could think about was him.
Benjamin Wright. He was practically playing mind games with me. Even though our only interaction was at Bellevue's the other night.

I sat in bed until the last moment possible, it reached 6:45 and I needed to get ready or I would be late. I crawl out of bed and go to my wardrobe to choose out today's outfit. A pair of black trousers and a burgundy blouse with a pair of black stiletto heels. I pull out a black blazer. I give my hair a brush and applied some makeup. To be more specific, mascara, blusher, highlighter and lipgloss. I give my eyebrows a quick brush over and put on some earrings. Within 25 minutes I am ready, somewhat. I am ready to attempt to avoid Benjamin Wright. But am I ready to go into work feeling like the centre of attention? No.
I go downstairs to get some breakfast and get ready to leave the house for 7:30. With a 25 minute drive and a chance of been stuck in rush hour traffic as per usual.
With my bag packed, my cereal eaten and my teeth brushed, I head to the car park and get in my shiny black Jeep Cherokee.
With my pay at the company being pretty good, I would say I'm pretty well off. I live in a two floor apartment with underground car parking, just on the outskirts of London.
With my life being a lot quieter since moving out of my family home in Manchester at the age of 18. I stayed in student accommodation while studying Business Management at the University of London.
My parents were incredibly supportive when I told them that my plan was to move out for university. Especially to a big city like London. Being the age of 23 now and turning 24 next month, I always thought that living the London life was too out of reach, but here I am. Living what most people would call 'a dream'.

As I started the car and pulled out of my parking spot, nervousness bubbled in my stomach. I was NOT looking forward to today. I like having eyes on me, for the right reasons, not because I was seen grinding on MY BOSS at a nightclub. I sigh. Here we go.

Getting to work took longer than expected. With my shift starting at 9am, as per usual for the typical 9-5 worker. I found myself pulling into the car park at 8:55am. Great. I grab my things and lock the car before quickly speed walking through the huge glass doors of the Nether Corporations building. I'm almost at the barriers before a man steps out in front of me and I have to stop myself before I collide into him. I look up to see a tall man dressed in a grey suit with a black and white patterned tie. He stands at about 6'2 with styled blond hair and bright blue eyes. He opens his mouth, "good morning Miss Matthew's, I am Ashton Franks, Mr Wright's personal assistant. He is waiting for you in his office." A small smile forms on his face, with a look of satisfaction.
Shit.
"O-ok," I say nervously. Before I get chance to say anything else, Ashton turns round and starts to walk towards the barriers.
I rush after him, my black stiletto heels clipping quickly on the marble floor. I slip my hand into my bag to pull out my badge.
I feel eyes on me as I follow him, I tap my card and walk through the barriers. Ashton is already at the entrance to the lift, waiting for me expectantly. He looks cool, calm and collected. Whereas I'm the opposite. My hair is sticking to the back of my neck and I swear my foundation is already coming off.
I stand next to him as the lift door opens. As I step in, I put my bag on the floor and pull my phone out of my pocket to check my makeup. I glance at myself, turning my head side to side in the reflection of my camera. I'm safe. I tuck my phone back in my pocket and get my hairbrush. I sweep my brush through my hair before flicking it away from the back of my neck. That's better.
By the time I've freshened up, the doors open to reveal the 13th floor. Unlucky for me, but lucky for the others that work on the floor. As the lift opens, I'm greeted with perfect looking staff gliding around with clipboards, folders, books and laptops. Everyone looks serious and important. It's way out of my comfort zone.
Ashton walks out of the lift first. I grab my bag, walking at my pace behind him. Glancing around in awe of this floor. We reach a huge black door. No glass needed.
Ashton coughs, breaking our silence. "Mr Wright will be waiting for you inside."
He smiles, before turning to leave me.
"Thank you," I say to myself.
Then I'm left alone with the terror of this huge door, knowing that within the hour. I may be fired.
I take a deep breath, before knocking on the door. A deep voice instantly responds. "Come in."
I open the door, closing it carefully. I face the door for a moment, trying to compose myself before facing him. I turn around, and there he is, in all his glory. His dark brown hair, messy, his striking blue eyes staring at me with such intensity I feel like I'm going to melt. His black suit making him stand out even more with his royal blue tie. He knows what he is doing.
He smirks at me, "Hello Miss Matthews, we meet at last."

Ben
When Tuesday finally came I was a mix of excitement and nervousness. Meeting Anya Matthews was something that I had been thinking about over the last 24 hours. By the time I was up and dressed, I was way too early for work. With a restless night, I didn't know what today would bring.
I found myself messaging Nelson, my driver early. I know he would hate me for this. Nelson is NOT a morning person. I went into my kitchen and decided to make myself a coffee while waiting for Nelson to turn up.
I sipped my coffee and thought about what the day would bring. What would my interaction with Anya be like? Would she be hostile? Pretend that what we had at Bellevue meant nothing to her? I sigh. Taking a long sip of my coffee, before I hear a loud knock at the door.
I put my coffee down, walking to my door, it's Nelson.
He looked at me with a small smile, "good morning sir."
"Nelson," I smile back, "there is fresh coffee in the kitchen if you would like a mug before we head out."
He smiles, "thank you sir." He drifts past me to the kitchen. I close the door behind me and follow him to the kitchen, just as I catch him pouring himself a rather strong coffee.
"I'll be ready in five," I say, as I gulp down my coffee and go to my office to grab my things.

I walk to my front door to see Nelson waiting by the front door, "the car is ready for you sir."
"Thank you Nelson." I walk out to the car. A stunning black BMW X5. One of my favourite cars. I smile as I climb into the back seat and I turn on the heated rear seats.
Nelson climbs in the front, "Ashton will be waiting for you at work sir, he's running later than us."
"Thank you Nelson," I smile as Nelson starts the car and turns the radio on.

I arrive at work earlier than normal, at 8:15am. I walk into the building and the entrance way is quiet with a few of people standing round waiting for their colleagues.
Thankfully whoever does watch me, I don't pay any attention to them. I stride to the barriers, tapping my card on it, nodding at the receptionists who smile at me, their cheeks red and flushed. I get to the lift and sigh. I enjoy my last moment of quiet for the morning as the lift goes up. I step out and I'm greeted by Ashton waiting for me by the lift.
"Good morning Sir," he says with a smile. Handing me my coffee and plan for the day. I spot my first hour on the schedule. 'Meeting with Anya Matthews.' I smile.
"Be prepared to cancel any meetings today after my interaction with Miss Matthews."
"Yes sir, Miss Coulson is requesting an earlier meeting this morning, so I've pushed that forward since you're in early, to 8:30am."
"Thank you," I start to walk towards my office. Ashton following at my pace. "At least I have a distraction."
Ashton nods.
The first call goes fast, and by the time it reaches 9am I am a nervous wreck. I don't know whether to sit or stand. Anya Matthews what have you done to me?
I sit in my chair, putting my hands on my head, messing up my hair that I'd already styled this morning. My phone pings, it's Ashton.
"Miss Matthews is here, I'm sending her up."
I put the average "👍🏻" response, unable to think of a different response. It's time.
Within minutes there is a knock at the door. "Come in," I say. Spinning round in my chair.
She steps in, her head looking at the ground, she closes the door quietly. Making me smirk.
It's good to know it's not just me that's nervous.
She turns around slowly, catching me mid smirk.
She's here. My smirk changes to a serious expression as my eyes slowly travel down her body. Her dark brown hair is just as I remember, her hazel brown eyes are unrecognisable. Something that I need to look at more intimately. Her burgundy blouse adding the perfect touch to her almost, all black outfit. She clutches her bag nervously. She watches me, like she's waiting for me to say something that she doesn't want to hear.
"Hello Miss Matthews," I start. "We meet at last."
And what a day it will be.