Rules of Engagement- A CanEm AU

Chapter 5. Red is Your Color

Previously

He ran his thumb gently across her lower lip, and then he drew his hand back. She wasn't ready for more - he realized that now. But soon, Inshallah, she would be....

.................

Sanem sat at her desk at work, lost in thought. She closed her eyes and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, as if to remove the feel of his thumb on her lips. She was shaken by how much that gesture had affected her. Soon after that charged moment, she had mumbled something about heading back to work, and they had returned to the city with no more words between them - just the songs on the radio breaking the awkwardness.

You encouraged it, she reprimanded herself - by going to his tent, then by touching him first. That's it, Sanem. New rule, no initiating contact. Just keep your hands to yourself.

Can sat at his desk trying to finish up the draft for the campaign, but his mind kept drifting back to that moment in the tent. He didn't realize just how physically attracted he was to her until that touch of her hand to his skin, the feel of her soft, full lips against his thumb. He was not used to being attracted to someone so inexperienced. Worldly women who reciprocated his interest with equal or more fervor was more his style. This was new ground for him. There was no denying he wanted her, and he suspected that beneath her innocent oblivion, she wanted him too, she just didn't know it yet. If she did feel the same way, he knew he would have to tread gently

They stayed out of each other's way for the better part of the week, mostly because Sanem made sure she was hard to find. She was also relieved that he was giving her space and not actively seeking her out. But that changed on Friday. She was working in the archive room downstairs, out of sight as usual, when she looked up to see him standing at the entrance.

"Hey", he said.

"Hey", she responded, trying to match his nonchalance.

"So, today is the party with the investors", he continued, getting straight to the point.

"Oh no!", Sanem replied, slapping her forehead. "I completely forgot! I don't even have anything to wear!"

"No problem", he replied calmly. "Let's just stop by a store and pick up a dress and head out from my place. Does that work for you?"

She nodded. She didn't know how she would afford a fancy dress, but she didn't let on. "I'll tell my parents the client is hosting a party for Fikri Harika and everyone is going together from your house", she said. Then added apologetically, "I feel bad that I'm lying to them, you know? But they don't understand what I'm trying to do with the perfume company and they don't support it."

"You don't have to explain, Sanem", he said gently, "I get it."

"Let's leave a little early today, I think I know where we can get everything you need", he added.

"Tamam", she said skeptically, secretly worried about the arm and leg she'd have to pay for a designer dress.

After work they drove to a store in the upscale shopping district. Can introduced her to the manager Ahmet, an older, well-dressed man, who promised to find her something she liked.

"Ahmet will take good care of you, let him know what you need", Can said, heading out. "I'm just going to make some calls and get some work done. Text me when you're done."

Sanem felt completely out of her depth. Ahmet kept showing her beautiful dresses with price tags that made her eyes bug out. Finally she was compelled to ask him to find something more budget friendly. "Do you mind if we look at something a little less expensive Ahmet Bey?", she said hesitantly. "I would hate to spend so much money on something I will only wear once."