Violet Dreams

Chapter 7

"Wow seems like we are the only ones not here on a date." I laughed as I sat down. Carter seemed a little upset and the thought crossed my mind that he was going to pull my chair out for me, but I brushed it off. This isn't a date! I don't need this in my life – I need my job.

"It would seem so." He said, glancing at me as I began pulling out the paperwork for the case. I was beginning to feel awkward and wanted to begin working.

The stupid table had little plates and candles on it. So I promptly moved them to the side and asked the waiter if I could put the candle on the other table.

After a solid three minutes of working I now had the table full of paperwork. Not a candle or flower in sight.

Carter just seemed amused the entire time. When I sat down, almost out of breath in my hurry, he just smirked.

"You seem uncomfortable, Violet." He remarked, interlacing his fingers as he leaned over the table. He was ignoring the printed e-mails between the other company's lawyers that stated the prices they were willing to sell. His suit was crinkling the paper I had carefully set out.

"I am." I huffed, pulling the e-mail from near him. I looked over the prices and cringed. They were still way too high and Mr. Richardson was much too stubborn to pay these. I had only met him once and at first glance he seems like a friendly grandfather type. Then he opens his mouth and you realize he is a cutthroat business man who will fire you in a heartbeat. I shuddered. If I even showed him these prices I think he'd fire us.

"Why?" Carter had ignored my movements, but I noticed he wasn't leaning as roughly against the table anymore.

"Because this feels all date-like." I shuddered and made a face of disgust. I probably seemed like a child and I'm okay with that. "And I just want to work."

His amused expression didn't change. "You don't," he paused and closed his eyes, "feel anything?" His voice was quiet and I would've had to strain to hear him if I wasn't a werewolf. Just thinking about my heritage reminded me of my sore muscles. I could feel the call to run already which just made me annoyed.

"Like awkward? Annoyed?" I wanted to laugh at just how awkward this was.

Here I sit, with my handsome boss who never paid any attention to me only a week ago, in a romantic restaurant with legal papers and e-mails and ledgers spread out. Violin music playing softly in the background and I could hear the other couples whispered to each other softly. The smell of roses and wonderful food and chocolate wafted through the air.

Underneath all this I could hear Carter grind his teeth and saw his shoulders tense.

"This isn't right." He growled, rising from his chair. "I'm going to make a call." And then he left.

I sat there, a frown on my face, when the waiter came back to take our drink order.

"I'll have a gin and tonic." I said, not missing a beat.

As I stared at the printed e-mails with the firm price of the company I knew I would have to talk to Carter. This was getting weird and I need to know what he expects out of me.

Does he want to promote me like I thought originally?

Or is he looking for more?

My drink came before Carter did and I took a large gulp of it. I had already cleaned up my mess and put the candle and rose back.

Now was the time to think. Honestly, I don't know Carter and while we've had some awkward moments that seemed like flirting, mostly we talked about work. I've said it before and it's definitely been on my mind more and more, but he is handsome. Like slap yourself because you must be dreaming handsome.

But I...

I can't.

I bit my lip and took a large swig of my drink. The waiter must have felt bad about Carter leaving so suddenly because the drink seemed extra strong.

As I put my drink down Carter back. His hair was mussed up and the top button of his shirt was undone. His mouth was turned down in a frown and his eyes glared me.

My face grew hot at his look. He didn't look angry.

He looked like he was going to rip my clothes of piece by piece and make me forget why we came here.

--

Or at least that's how I felt; however, he just sat down calmly and ordered a scotch from our waiter who must have been waiting for him.

"We need to talk, Carter." My voice was strong even though my knees felt weak. Where had that smoldering look come from? I wondered. How can I make it come back? I almost dropped my drink at the thought. Nope, I do not need any of this.

"Yes. I think we should." His drink arrived as he finished and he immediately downed it.

Woah. I don't know whether to be impressed or worried.

Standing up, he placed some money on the table (more than enough to cover our drinks and a tip) and extended his hand.

"You aren't driving me anywhere." I said, eyeing his hand warily.

Carter just stared blankly at me. If I could read minds I'm sure he'd be saying mean things about me right now.

"Let's go for a walk, Violet." I still eyed his hand. We were both standing and drawing odd glances from the other couples nearby. I've raised myself from 16 – I don't trust people. Sure, I'm a werewolf and inherently stronger than many humans, but Carter is no ordinary human. I eyed his body, he's lean but muscular. I could most likely get away if he tried to murder me, but I also wouldn't have a job on Monday.

My priorities are all sorts of messed up.

"Okay." I said, not taking his hand as I pushed my chair in. Yes, even with that crazy train of thought I still decided to go with him. I know if it comes to a fight I'd win and more than likely it wouldn't and I'm just paranoid.

Carter stared at my hand as it fell to my side. He then ran the hand that was extended through his messy hair, making it messier. I walked a little faster to get in front of him. Watching him do that made me want to run my own hands through his hair.

We walked out of the restaurant and began moving down the street. It was completely dark, but, since we were in downtown of the city, the streetlights illuminated most of the street.

"Do you have a particular place you want to walk to?" I asked, rubbing my hands over my arms. The weather was warming up, but in a little black dress and strappy heels I was feeling most of the chill.

"Yes, it won't take long." Carter's voice was low as he walked up behind me. I turned my head and almost sighed at his appearance. His hair was even messier and he looked frustrated as he stared down at me. I could see his breath forming in the chilly air. Heat radiated from his body which must have only been a foot or so away and I felt the sudden urge to lean into him and enjoy the warmth.

Luckily, I wasn't given the chance to do so. Carter didn't wait for my reply as he immediately began to walk down the sidewalk. I followed silently, my heels making a sharp sound as I tried to keep up.

All I could think about as I tried to avoid falling in my stupid shoes was:

What am I getting myself into?