Do you trust me?

fourteen

Gabriella POV

Things do look up for me. I never would have imagined all this happening just a month back having to endure those endless tortures from Stacy.

When we made love, it felt so pure and wonderful. I never thought the touch of a man could send sparks and shivers in a good way. I thought that my past trauma of being groped by my high school jerks and the almost r*pe experience would make it difficult for me to trust a man. To trust that he wouldnt hurt me. With him, I just do.

Warren had meetings since morning because of the new recruitment and I had to complete the reports which are piling. There had been another case of immediate resignation without contact and it was starting to make us annoyed.

After getting unanswered calls from this recent case, I decided to go get lunch to cool my head. All this doesnt make any sense. Why would anyone just leave? In this case forfeiting his last payroll.

The elevator was taking forever. When one opens, there were a few men in it. It was crowded and so I decided to wait. I finally managed to take the elevator down after what seemed like a lot time and walked out into the lobby, only to be stopped by this tall and good looking man who asked whether I work for the courier company on level 20.

"Yes. Can I help you with something?"

Jack: Im Jack Tyler. Which department are you in?

"I work in Human Resources."

Jack: Ah.. under Mr Warren Ashton.

"Yes. Im sorry but can I help you with something?"

Jack: Nothing. I saw you on level 20 and found you attractive. I just wanted to let you know that.

I blushed at his comment.

"Thank you. Im sorry if there is nothing else, I gotta go."

Jack: Lunch?

"Excuse me?"

Jack: Are you going for lunch?

"How does that concern you?"

He chuckled.

Jack: Can I join you?

"Sorry but I dont know you."

Jack: Ive told you my name.

"I meant I dont know why you are here or what you want from me."

Jack: Ok if it makes you comfortable, I work in the same company as you. With Josh Gabber. And I saw you and thought maybe we can have lunch as colleagues.

"Just as colleagues?"

He nodded.

"Sure. I guess its ok."

He smiled and we both walked down the street and stopping at an asian restaurant to have lunch.

"How come Ive never seen around before?"

Jack: Im a consultant. I am not needed often and only comes in when necessary.

"I see. I didnt know we had a consultant."

Jack: So we are having lunch and Ive told you about me but I still dont know your name.

I chuckled.

"Oh sorry about that. Im Gabriella Sanders."

He shook my hand.

Jack: Nice to meet you Ms Sanders.

After siting down and placing our orders, we chatted about the restaurant and how much he loves chinese food. I was laughing as he was making some impersonation of types of waitresses who takes order.

Zach: Gabriella?

I looked up to see a pissed off Warren. I straighten up and introduce Jack.

"Mr Ashton? I was just having lunch with our new colleague, Jack Tyler."

Both of the men stared at each other and the tension was intense.

Jack: Mr Ashton. Good to see you.

Zach: Mr Tyler. You too.

Why are they being so formal?

Jack: Would you like to join us? We just ordered. I was just getting to know this lovely lady.

Zach: Yeah. I could use some lunch.

Warren chose to sit beside me. They just continued to stare at each other knowingly. I think Im missing something here.

--

Zach POV

I ended my morning meetings early and wanted to have lunch with Gabriella. She wasnt at her desk and so I went out to look for her hoping to catch some time alone with her.

When I walked past the asian restaurant, I saw her with a man talking and laughing.

Who the hell is that?

I stepped in to confront them when she introduced me to a new colleague, Jack Tyler.

What?!

He looked at me with a slight smirk and we introduced ourselves despite us knowing each other. I dont know what game he was playing but I dont like it.

When he invited me to join, I chose specifically to sit beside Gabriella so I can try to read his intentions.

Gabriella: So Mr Ashton, Jack here is a consultant in our company.

What?! Consultant?

Why did he lie to her?

Gabriella: What exactly do the company consult you in?

Jack: Many aspects. Management, finance among them.

She seemed intrigued by Jack which I hated so much. I also cant let him know that Gabriella is my girlfriend.

When Gabriella excuses herself to the bathroom, I looked at him and asked.

Zach: Mr Tyler, why did you lie to her?

Jack: Technically I didnt. As a chairman, I am also the consultant on many things.

Zach: But still.. if you dont plan to let your staff know who you are, you shouldnt be having lunch or getting to know them.

Jack: Not them. Just her. I like her. She is different. Unlike all the other girls Ive met.

I felt my blood raging. How dare he? My boss or not, that is my girlfriend.

Jack: So tell me Ashton, how long have the both of you been seeing each other?