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Chapter thirty two

"Alright Reynolds you've done enough for one day, lets go eat" Charles tell me walking straight into my office like he owns it.
"Pardon what?" I ask still typing away at emails that need to be sent before I leave.
"I said you're done for the day, we are going to miss our table if you keep at it" he chuckles.
"Two seconds" I mumble increasing my speed and concentration.
"You are going to make me look bad, I'm pulling the internet connection in five...four....three....two...." He counts down laughing and I hit send.
"Okay I'm all yours, what do you need?" I ask finally looking up at him.
"Dinner. Steak and Chianti, come on already" he tells me impatient.
"What are you talking about?" I laugh at him.
"We have a date remember? You told me after work Tuesday, it's after work Tuesday and we are going to miss our table" he frowns at me not happy I forgot about him.
"Oh right, yes. To go over my new job, give me two minutes" I smile.
Fuck! I totally forgot.
"I hope you're not one of those vegetarians" he mock shudders with a smile.
"Yes I am, meat is murder" I look up at him seriously.
"Oh god, I was joking. I love vegetables really" he tries to backtrack.
"I'm totally messing with you, I'd wrestle the pig myself for the salty bacon goodness that is my favourite food group" I tell him packing up my things.
"Wow, you are a little sadistic aren't you?" He looks at me impressed.
"Just a little, where are we going? You've got me hungry now" I grin.
"Not far, we can walk and come back for our cars later" he smiles.

Not far is actually five blocks away, I can tell he's never had to walk five blocks in five inch heels before but I don't give anything away. Charles holds the door to a very impressive looking restaurant and wine bar and I step inside with a smile.
He has booked us a corner booth and it's very cozy. Instantly I feel uncomfortable when he sits too close to be considered appropriate for co workers and I shift a little in my seat.
"A bottle of Chianti please two glasses" Charles tells the waitress as we sit.
"A sparkling water for me, with a wedge of fresh lime please" I add.
"I never drink on a school night" I say to Charles's disapproving look.
I pick up the menu to escape his intense stare and look over what has the potential to make me feel less sick after I eat it, I have had slight nausea since after lunch.
"So how did you find your first day upstairs? It was a pretty quiet day really" Charles says to start a conversation.
I nod approvingly, I can deal with business conversation.
"Interesting, I'm glad we managed to keep the Japanese happy. I worked forever to find those fabrics for our spring collection, the design team would have strangled me if I had to change it again" I smile.
"I'm actually disappointed we came to an agreement without heading out to deal with them face to face, I have been in the mood for some good quality sashimi" he grumbles and I laugh.
"Last time I was in Tokyo I found this great little sushi place across from my hotel, best gyoza I have ever tasted" I tell him with a reminiscent sigh.
"I can still take us out there, we can oversee the shipment for quality?" He smirks but he is totally serious.
"You should totally do that, I think I'd prefer to settle into my office for now. Assert myself as a manger first" I say hoping he won't make me go.
"Your friend was right about you, you are very dedicated to your job. I hope that means you won't mind working late on occasion and business dinners on the weekends?" He smiles unprofessional and I focus to keep the relaxed smile on my face.
"Not at all, I aim to be the best at what I do"
"I can tell, you answered ever question correctly this morning. I wasn't sure you were getting my messages, you didn't reply" he cocks his head to the side.
"I'm sorry, as I said I had a very full weekend" I wish I was wearing my ring right now to let him know he should back off.
"With family?" He asks to clarify and I think he's asking about my love life.
"Mostly, I did have some unexpected surprises too" I tell him thinking I should just tell him I'm engaged, maybe.
"Really? Like what?" He asks and the waitress appears with our drinks.
She pours some wine and Charles approves it before filling his glass. I sip my water slowly.
"Well my apartment was broken into" I say when she leaves, that's not what I was going to say.
"Oh no, are you alright? I hope you were out at the time" he says concerned.
"No, I was there. It was late at night and I was sleeping, I'm fine really. Didn't even know someone was inside" I say and I hate that it's true.
"By yourself?" He asks and I know he is still digging.
"Yes, I had Jace wait with me while I had my locks fixed. I couldn't go back to bed knowing someone could get back in"
"Of course, so he is a close friend then, if you would call on him in the middle of the night?"
"Yes, I could call on Jace at anytime for anything" I smile remembering calling on Jace in the shower this morning.
"Must be very comforting to have a friend like that being a single woman living alone" he nods thinking to himself.
"I'm thinking I'll have the Thai beef salad, maybe a goats cheese tart to start with" I say to change the subject.
"Excellent, I'll call the waiter" he raises his chin and his hand almost arrogantly.