My week was a rollercoaster. It had a perfect balance of good, bad and downright shocking days. Still, I was glad that I was ending it on a good note. Besides, what was better than a Friday night dinner with the newest CEO and most eligible bachelor in town?I couldn't think of anything else at the moment.I successfully avoided Mike for most of the day, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't escape the occasional check-ins accompanied with a complimentary coffee and bagel to 'help me feel better.' I smiled weakly every time he turned up at my desk, perfectly hiding the excitement I felt for tonight's upcoming event.When I finished for the day, I was out of the office at the speed of light. I snuck out like the coward I truly was."You're leaving early," I heard Mike say, looking delicious as always in a green corduroy shirt and jeans.It seems I'm not very good at sneaking out because I always get caught. Playing the sick card again, I placed a hand on my forehead. "I just n
Declan made small talk, expertly avoiding the elephant in the room. I cooperated, because well… food. He seemed more comfortable the moment the topic of that night had been dropped.Postponed, not dropped. I was definitely getting my answers.The food, however, was phenomenal. I moaned internally every time I took a bite. At least I knew that where food was concerned, I could trust him.He seemed satisfied with himself as he watched me eat, but I didn't want him to think the way to my heart was through my stomach. That was partly true, but still.I was filled with a strange sense of loss when the waiter cleared the table. Declan seemed to notice. "You're enjoying yourself, aren't you?""The food was great. Give my thanks to Tony.""He'll be glad to hear it.""Are you done playing hide and seek?""What do you mean?""You know what I mean.""Alright," he sighed and raised his hands up. "What do you want to know?""The same question I've been asking all week. I don't think I ha
I was sweating and my heart was pounding as I tried to process what just happened. Nothing made sense right now. What did she mean by bringing his secret to her? How was I going to do that anyways?I took three breaths in an attempt to collect myself before responding calmly. "I'm not sure I understand what you mean.""I want an exposé on Declan Samuelson. I want you to cover him. Do your research, find what he's hiding and write the piece. Sound simple enough?"Why was she convinced he was hiding something? And why me? "But that's not my department," I voiced out."I decide who gets to work on what in this place, and I decided that I want you to work on this," she paused. "You don't want to work on this?"I stared at her, conflicted. I couldn't tell my boss no, and there was no way I could write an expose on Declan. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.We had just ironed things out between us, and now this?"But he wouldn't tell me anything if he knows nothing good would come o
For the past week, I'd been overly excited to see Declan, ecstatic even. Today, however, was a different story. I dreaded it.The meeting with Declan was by 9am, so Miranda asked me to go right there and not bother going to the office first. That was just what I needed, because I didn't need to see her smug, evil face again telling me, do this Leah, do that Leah, follow Declan around Leah. I was sick of it.I pulled out a black pant suit, wanting to look cold and distant, a look Miranda perfected. I guess I was becoming her after all. The low bun suited my mood perfectly, and I'd decided to not wear any makeup.The cab ride to Declan's company was slow and long. I wished it was longer, but eventually, we slowed to a stop, and it was time for me to face him.I walked in like a lamb for slaughter, wondering how I'd approach him, speak to him, or even look at him. It was so hard, because the last time I saw him, things were so good and he would be expecting THAT Leah. Unfortunately, M
*Declan*Leah f*cking Garcia.She had a way of messing with my senses. I knew it from the first night we met, the way she looked at me like I belonged to her. The way her brown eyes drew me in, not giving me a chance to use my brain.There's a subtle way she carries herself that's so alluring; so much confidence and surety, but also softness. The pant suit she wore today accentuated her curves and I couldn't help but stare.Even when she refused to look at me, or raised her chin at me, all I wanted to do was pull her into me.Her intrusive questions and stubborn nature frustrated me to no end, but still I wanted her.Before I knew it, she was trying to run away from me. I chased after her, wondering why she was acting differently. If I knew anything about Leah Garcia, it was that she never ran, but today she couldn't even hold my gaze.I pinned her against the door, not wanting to give her a chance to escape. My eyes lowered to her bottom lip. I could feel the desire coursing th
My alarm clock blared, jolting me out of my slumber. I groaned and rolled out of bed reluctantly. I couldn't help the feeling of dread that enveloped me at the thought of the day's events.Marcella had stayed up with me last night, trying to make me feel better. Unfortunately, her long speech expired the moment I opened my eyes.I got ready for work grudgingly. I picked out black jeans and a black knitted sweater, letting my true emotions shine through."Remember to smile today," Marcella called out to me as I walked out of the apartment.I arrived at the office still feeling grumpy and out of sorts. As I made my way to my desk, I spotted Mike standing idly by. I groaned internally; I couldn't deal with this right now.He looked up and smiled. "Good morning, Leah, feeling better?" he asked, trying to strike up a conversation."I'm fine, thanks," I replied, trying to brush him off subtly. I didn't want to talk to anyone, let alone him.From the corner of my eye, I could see Trac
The strong stench of shame clung to me as I stumbled back home. I couldn't believe what I had done. Leah Garcia never ran from anybody, ever. So, what was that? I had become someone I didn't recognize. Making deals with the devil, kissing clients, running away shamelessly? I might as well dye my hair green and get a face tattoo."Marcy," I called as I entered the apartment, desperately hoping she was home. I barged into her room, and found her sitting on her bed, going through some files.She looked up at me briefly, obviously finding what she was reading more interesting. "Hi, tiger, how was work today?"I groaned loudly and plopped down on her bed. "It was tragic.""You need to talk, don't you?"Nodding, I said, "I barely got through the rest of the day without you."She took off her glasses and pushed the files aside. "What's going on?""I kissed Declan again.""What?"I flinched at the shock in her voice, but quickly filled her in on how the 'professional' interview ended
I woke up the next day with a familiar feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. As hard as I tried to dismiss it, it didn't go away. It stayed with me for most of the day, especially when I arrived at the office.My heart almost beat out of my chest every time I saw Miranda, and I jumped anytime someone said my name, scaring off Tracy and Kevin in the process. Unfortunately, my anxiety wasn't enough to scare off Miranda and Mike.Going out with Declan was a tricky situation. He wanted to pick me up from the office, and I didn't want Miranda or anyone else to see him. So, I asked him to pick me up a few blocks away from the office.I stared at the clock impatiently, eager to be on my way. Declan would be here in an hour and my nerves were getting the best of me. My mind traveled to last night, reminding me of how I'd initiated the kiss. I didn't quite understand what it was about Declan that was just so alluring.He was the only man that made it impossible for me to resist him. Th