Just The Right Black

Chapter 21

Jace wondered why he even attended the meeting because it was all useless, he thought as he sat at the end of the table trying to listen to whatever the Patricks were trying to say, his gaze kept betraying him as it shifted to where she stood.

He should have known it wasn't just in his office but the meeting room as well, probably even everywhere. Since she started staying in his office, things haven't been going well. He'd been taking most of his work back home with him, he barely got anything done at the office. He always caught himself staring at her across the room, he already had the outline of her body engraved in his mind. From her jet-black hair to that black body-hugging top of hers, her black leather pants down to those Timberland boots, black of course.

Seems to be the only colour in her closet. But he didn't for one-second doubt that what laid underneath was much better.

"Sir." Jace heard in the distance but he was far too gone.

"Sir, Mr. Black."

Ariana looked at Jace,
"Jace."

That was all it took to snap him out of his reverie.

"Sorry." Jace glanced from her to the Patricks, "You were saying?"

"We think this is..." And they went on and on.

An hour later.

"We'll send the legal documents as soon as it's drawn up." One of the Patricks said as he shook his hand.

"Of course." Jace smiled and gave him a brief nod.

The Patrick gave him a curt nod before his gaze shifted to Ariana then he left. Jace turned to Ariana to find her glaring at his retreating figure.

"So?" Jace asked; with no particular question.

Ariana looked at him,
"If that's what you have to sit through every meeting, I would understand why you'd zone out."

Jace smiled.
"That's the first time I haven't paid attention in a meeting."

"Well, you have a good force of perseverance," She said, "I admire that about you."

A smile threatened to push through but he held it back and took a step closer to her.

"Is that the only thing you admire?"

"Well, your ability to know when you're wrong isn't so bad either."

Jace smiled then,
"Do you know what I admire about you, Green?"

Ariana kept quiet as they both gazed into each other's eyes like it was a contest.
"I don't think I'd like to know."

"I'm telling you anyway."

Jace took another step closer and by then they were so close he wasn't just in her personal space but private.
"I admire your strong will of pretending like you don't feel this thing between us," His gaze dropped to her lips, "When all I can think about is nothing but this."

Ariana felt her heart skip a beat; it was more of a cartwheel than a skip.
"Mr. Black..." Ariana said on a shaky breath but snapped herself out of it, "...I'll have you remember that I am your bodyguard. Whatever you think is happening between us is all in your head. I suggest you realize that quickly because even if there was something; nothing can happen."

Ariana walked past him and Jace stood there and sighed at her stubbornness.

She is one strong willed woman.
Jace thought.
We'll just have to see how strong you are.

Jace followed her and they both headed to his office together. Once inside, the tension was palpable.
Nothing can happen? We'll see about that Green.