Second time is a Charm

Chapter 3

Crystal Brown

"Ms. Brown, your deliveries have arrived,"  the lady at the reception said when we entered the hotel.

"Thanks, Ms. Strattford. Can I get some help to load them in the car along with the luggage from my room?" I asked.

"Sure Ms. Brown, Please call the bell desk when you are ready to check out". I thanked the lady once again and got into the waiting elevator along with Brett.

His eyes blazed and he looked mad. Brett was fuming, as soon as the elevator doors opened he stormed out towards the conference room without waiting for me.

I was thirsty from the long walk back in the sun and went to pick a bottle of water from the coffee counter. I debated if I wanted to go to the conference room or back to my room and pack. The time was 3pm, I could reach home before the traffic starts, I was not needed at the time of signing.

I was tempted to leave before Brett reminded me of the dinner again. I knew what he wanted. I have never felt so physically attracted to anybody before. Not even Gale! And after all that I have been through in life, I was hesitant to decide, and take that first step forward. It took me a long time to get back the confidence I once had. I sighed, one heated look from Brett and I felt weak at my knees.

I didn't want to feel this vulnerable to anyone so easily. I had never slept with anyone after Gale. Even that was the reason for my hesitation. What if he didn't like that I lacked in experience. I didn't mind that this would be a one night stand, and the dinner was only foreplay. I needed this. I had to start somewhere, and dating or relationship was not something I wanted to jump into.

I sighed still undecided and walked towards the conference room to collect my things and let Craig know, that I was leaving.

Everyone turned to look at me when I opened the door,

I silently walked to my chair mouthing "sorry". 

"Hey, you don't need me anymore do you?" I whispered into Craig's ear as I sat down. He raised his eyebrows with a questioning look. 

"I thought I can get a head start going home. " I said.  

"Can you stay a little longer? I can drive back with you. I took the train coming here" He asked.

I bit my lip thinking and then nodded my head saying a Yes. I took out my laptop and started checking my mail until we were ready to go.

I could hear the constant sound of a pen tapping the table And it annoyed me. Why wasn't anyone asking them to stop? Why is everyone quiet about this?

I looked up to tell the person doing it to stop, but instead, I met piercing grey eyes,  intensely watching me while tapping his pen on the table.

His lawyer cleared his throat before saying " Brett, all the papers are in order. We checked them twice, please sign fast." He grumbled. "I want to go home in time for the game today. Why aren't you signing?" he muttered frustrated.

Brett didn't look away while he spoke" I am waiting" he said to me rather than to his lawyer.

"Waiting for what?" his lawyers asked irritated.

It didn't dawn on me until he raised an eyebrow at me with a questioning look, he wants me to say Yes to the dinner and wasn't going to sign until I said so. 

That is ridiculous, he can't do that, not sign until I said a yes. That is so not fair. He can't expect me to answer him in front of everyone.

Brett Dicamillo

I saw all her thoughts play on her face, she forgot they were in a room full of people, and they were all looking at us. She frowned, then pouted folded her arms against her breasts and huffed. I looked amused at her.

"Fine , ok" Cris grumbled

"I need to hear the words Sunshine," I said

Crystal Brown

"Yes !!  There,  happy?" I spoke with a little raised voice "But no Red" I said firmly. He grinned widely nodding his head and went ahead to finish signing the papers.

Everyone looked at our little exchange with confusion. I felt Craig jab his elbow into me, to get my attention, " What was that about?" he asked

"A spoiled Brat trying to get his way", I snapped still frowning and looking at Brett who was happily signing the papers.

I sighed feeling bad for throwing my anger at the wrong person. "Sorry Craig, didn't mean to snap at you. Looks like, you have to take the train again. I will be spending the night in the city" I said.

Ten minutes later both the parties were shaking hands on the new contract. I told my byes to everyone on my team and proceed to go to my room. I still had time to squeeze a spa treatment before the dinner, I needed that to be in control and survive the dinner without jumping him.

I opened the door to step out when I felt him behind me, he smelled good..... very good, I took a deep breath of his scent, he bent forward and whispered in my ear " 7.00 Sunshine. In the lobby". I gulped and nodded, not trusting my voice as I proceeded back to my room.