Ryan: Is it love - The original story (Game walk through)

Chapter three part four

I warmly thank Colin before plunging into this ocean of information. The afternoon is going to be a long one... It's quite late when I complete the file entrusted by Carter. I switch my computer off and I pick my things up ready to leave. The hallway, everything is silent. I always feel like I'm somewhere else when everything's this calm. I notice some light coming from my boss's office... I really don't want to see him, especially after our... clarification. I sent him an e-mail informing him of my progress. But his voice calls out to me from behind.

Mister Carter > Miss. You're still here?

As I turn around he's very close. Too close. There's a peculiar glint in his eyes. A guilty hot flush spreads through my body...

> I wanted to finish the file you entrusted me with.

Mister Carter > I didn't entrust you the file for you to botch it up today. There are a lot of things to be studied and considered with it...

> That's why I've appended three research registers to my report at your disposal.

He stares at me, smirking.

Mister Carter > Good...

He clears his throat obviously taken aback.

Mister Carter > I was about to have a drink in my office. But it's a little dismal alone... Care to join me?

I nod and we both head towards his office. I stay standing and walk towards the huge play bay windows to look at the city. At sunset, the view is breath taking... The sensation is almost thrilling to overhang the Big Apple in this way. Carter opens a little cabinet door and gets two glasses out as well as an elegant crystal carafe of rum.

> A Havana Club Maximo. You have taste!

He smiles irresistible as he pours the liquid into each glass. Cuban rums are amongst the best in the world. This one is exceptional. A true masterpiece. I stare at the city lights to compose myself not really sure what I'm doing here. As he comes closer to me handing me my glass, his hand skims across mine. It's like an electric shock, my heart skips a beat and I almost lose control. While I'm totally stirred, he silently sips his drink. I nervously fiddled with my glass staring at the floor. I'm not a great fan of hard liquor. I feel like I'll choke if I try to do like him! His ash-coloured eyes gaze beyond the skyscrapers.

Mister Carter > It is relaxing...

> Calm after the storm...

He looks so peaceful, so relaxed. With his empty hand, he pulls on the knot in his tie, undoing it a bit. The gesture is so sexy that I hold my breath. I could watch him do it over and over again... If only I could be the one untying his tie using it to bind his wrists... Inside I hail my naughty conscience for having such an exciting thought... He stares at me an instant perspicaciously as if he were probing my mind. I clear my throat fixing my gaze on my glass, feeling uneasy.

> It must be... it must be exhausting to be at the head of an empire such as Carter Corporation.

Mister Carter > Sometimes yes. But the satisfaction it brings is greater than the stress.

> Do you work this late every day?

Mister Carter > More often yes. I don't just show myself off at charity balls.

He lets a pert smile linger in my direction.

> I'm really sorry for... for everything.

Mister Carter > I know.

> I just... need to get used to this new job and to your expectations.

He simply nods at me. Suddenly, he turns towards the bay windows.

Mister Carter > Do you see, over there?

He's pointing at something in the distance, in the city. He squints slightly and I follow his gaze.

Mister Carter > The Empire State Building.

Indeed, difficult not to see the majestic building overlooking the city. He turns towards me coming even closer. My arm skims the soft fabric of his suit. My heart skips a beat as his face slowly tilts in my direction. Does he realize what state he puts me in?

Mister Carter > When I began my company, I promised myself to build a building like it one day.

> So, you made your dream come true.

Mister Carter > It wasn't a dream. It was a goal. And I never give up.

I lose myself an instant in his impelling grey eyes. Is he charming me? Or is he naturally sexy? Am I imagining things? Is he just having a harmless drink with an employee? I can't honestly believe that he's playing dumb and that this isn't innocent. Why would a man like him be interested in a girl like... me? For an instant, we both look at each other in silence. Though my fingers are touching the cold glass my skin is rapidly burning up. Quite honestly I could tear the glass out of his hands and throw myself onto his lips. This desire makes me feel feverish and pictures as fleeting as they are lewd of us both doing inappropriate things in this office, invade my mind. I think I'm losing my mind! This man stirs things inside me I'd never imagined I could feel!

All of a sudden Carter takes a step back and takes a step back and takes another sip of his drink. I feel like I can breathe again. Is it me or something just happened between us both? He moves towards his computer to check something on it.

Mister Carter > I have to go to Houston next week.

> Ok.

Mister Carter > I have to see some clients and a magazine would like to make the most of me being there to interview me.

> Do you need me to prepare something...

Mister Carter > You'll be coming with me.

What?!

> Why do you need me?

Mister Carter > I need you to give the interview in my place while I finalize an important business deal.

> But... I'm not sure I'm ready yet... I...

Carter looks up at me over his computer screen.

Mister Carter > You should trust yourself more. You'll do fine.

I should be used to it by now. One never says no to Ryan Carter.

Mister Carter > We'll be going for the day. Smith will pick you up outside your house at 5 am.

> Er... Ok.

Mister Carter > We'll be taking my private jet.

What?! A private jet?! I hold back from giggling like a school kid! I've never been on a private jet before... Well, I guess it's useful when avoiding traffic jams! I swallow the rum down in one gulp. I need a pick-me-up, and right now. Carter looks at me, visibly amused.

Mister Carter > You sure can take a drink. I would have thought an epicurean such as you would take her time and savor it.

> I...

I stare at my empty glass a little embarrassed.

> I... I should go. It's late and er... I have to leave.

Carter straightens up.

Mister Carter > Yes, of course. Thank you for sharing this moment with me, Miss Langood.

As I leave his office, I attempt to retrieve my self-confidence. This moment spent with him was more than stirring and the thought of going with him to Houston excites me as much as it distresses me... I don't know exactly what happens when I find myself in his presence but what I do know is that I lose control. Inside I try to reassure myself, we probably won't be going alone. At least, I don't think we will...?