Chapter 16

THE NEXT MORNING

Melissa got out of bed as the shrill alarm beeped, hitting the button. She got up.

The oversized mans shirt she was wearing fell just below her bottom. Walking down the stairs she went and opened the french doors and let the dogs out. Shutting but not locking the door, because the dogs could open the door to let themselves in, Melissa put some food into their bowls, filled the other bowls with water, put them on the floor, Melissa grabbed her mobile calling up “Becky’s bakery.” The voice answered.

“Hi yeah, can I get a selection of pastries, delivered please?”

“Yes the breakfast box is good. Would you like to know what that contains?” The disembodied asked politely

“No that’s okay thank you. Could you charge it to the Hartford account please, would you be able to get it here before 9am? It’s to the residential address you have on the account.” Melissa loved Becky’s bakery, their food is always made fresh and delicious. And Melissa also knew that Ryan used them regularly, so they have their parents address on file.

“Ok. We can do that. Although it might be at 9:00. Is that okay?” The voice asked

“That’s perfectly fine. Thank you. Goodbye.” Melissa said, putting the phone down Melissa jumps in the shower, the hot water beating down on her frame, steam fogs up the mirror as she steps out.

Melissa went to get dressed, putting on a white vest top, with a long sleeved lace tunic over the the top, a pair of leggings, and flat shoes, although not her usual attire her business meeting wasn’t in its usual place either. Spraying a light floral perfume, that she wore only on weekends.

Her hair in a french braid, with a white hair tie as the end. Even in these simple clothes she looked elegant. She applied some light make up, no foundation, she was trying to let her skin breath, just brown eyeshadow, mascara with wings, and red lipstick. Melissa didn’t normally go for red it clashed with her hair, but this was a deep red like red wine, and looked amazing. She nipped downstairs and put on a pot of coffee carrying it and mugs through to the dining room along with cream and milk and sugar.

Putting the dogs outside a knock came to the door, checking her reflection quickly in the mirror by the door, Melissa opened the door, and stopped stunned, at the door stood who she thought was Blake. Brock was equally stunned, he knew she was beautiful from the IBA awards, but dressed in none business clothes she was breathtakingly beautiful.

‘Say something you idiot’ clearing his throat he spoke “Hi I’m Brock Milligan. Your secretary confirmed we’d be meeting here.” Brock stood there. A briefcase in one hand, his shirt, tight over his biceps, Melissa could see he like Blake clearly worked out. He was wearing a suit but no jacket. As he arrived the pastries also arrived, as Melissa went to turn to shut the door the awkward box made her over balanced and she fell, Brock standing close caught her in one arm and the box in the other. Melissa’s face is buried into his chest, her hand clutching at his bicep, as he effortlessly handles a briefcase, a box of pastries, and Melissa.

“Easy there.” Brock said, his eyes locked on hers as she looked at him from against his chest. She could smell his aftershave it was a very masculine scent. And seemed to suit him. He could also smell her perfume, ‘Wow, she smells amazing.’

Realisation hitting Melissa pulls away, straightening her clothes, with a slight blush on her face. “T-this way Mr Milligan.” Melissa said not dating to look at Brock as she took the box from him. Guiding him towards the dining room, with a table big enough to seat 16 adults.

Placing the box on the table, Melissa said “Ok Mr Milligan. Impress me. Setting his things down Brock gave a 40 minute explanation of what his business did.

Now Melissa understood why Sam had pencilled in this meeting last minute. Brock was looking to start his own photography business, to take the place of McAdam Photography. Smiling to herself as Brock handed her his portfolio.

Opening the book, she was a complete novice, but she saw how talented he was. As she flipped through the photos one in particular caught her eye.

“This is me. I’m at the IBA.” Melissa said shocked.

Brock had forgotten he’d put that in his portfolio. “Ah yeah. Sorry.” He started to explain.

“No you misunderstand, I look amazing, I only recognised it was me by the dress I’m wearing. Wow. May I keep this portfolio to show the board, it will help your case.”

Brock nodded, pouring himself some coffee and pouring some for Melissa as she looked again at the photos. Drinking down his coffee he had managed to look over at her, seeing the expression on her face, the curve of her neck. Taking a deep breath he placed his cup back on the saucer, “I think that’s just about covered everything.” Melissa said standing, “I will call you tomorrow with a final decision. The board meets Monday Mornings, so would 2 o’ clock be okay?” Melissa asked as she had her phone scheduler at the ready.

Brock nodded “Yes of course. I look forward to hearing from you then.”

Melissa walked Brock to the door as the clock struck 11:00. As she opened the door there stood Blake.

“Blake?!” Said Brock and Melissa in unison.