Chapter 7 - Love, I appreciate your honesty

The door shuts behind us with a soft finality, and I allow myself a breath, one I hadn’t realized I’d been holding.

"Thank you so much for doing this," Christian says as we take a few steps away from the door. "I dont know how you did it, but I know you got through to him... something not even his family was able to do." I think that is exactly why they weren't able to get to him in a different way. Family can be smothering, and not always in a good way. 

"You dont need to thank me, after all, you hired me to help him and that is exactly what I will do in the best way I can," I reply, trying to keep my voice light, but inside, the weight of the moment sits heavy.

"And I want to take this opportunity to allow you to do whatever you find best, whatever means you find necessary to get through his stubbornness because trust me Sebastian Callahan is one stubborn individual."

"Callahan?" I ask.

"Right, forgive me I dont think I ever formally introduced myself. I'm Christian Callahan." He says.

"The Callahan?" I ask again, hoping that I didn't just lie to one of the richest men in the country. The same man I once dreamed of working for as a designer.

"Yes. I know I should have mentioned it earlier." Yes, you should have had, if I knew who you were I would... I wouldn't do all of this despite how much I wanted to help.

"Well, you already know my ridiculous name so... do you mind if I ask you something?" The small issue is called a paycheck.

"Your name is not ridiculous, as I said... it's lovely and you can ask anything you want." I feel a slight flush on my cheeks at his words. No one has ever said that about my name, at least not sincerely but hearing it from Christian, someone I’d never expected to care, makes something inside me soften.

"I hate to ask but Mira made a point that I need to establish a paycheck, especially with our landlord situation." That part I was supposed to leave out so I dont seem desperate but I blab when nerves get the best of me.

"The two of you live together?" He asks.

"Yeah, for a few years now actually. I dont know what I would do without her. She is family to me." Despite my parent's love, Mira is the only person who has supported my every decision and understood my every feeling. If the world came crashing down I know she would be the first one I could rely on.

"How about we make your paychecks a weekly deposit, and dont worry about it, for what you are doing for my brother I will pay you very generously." I have no doubt he will, I mean his last name might as well be a synonym for gold.

"There is no need for exaggerations, just pay me fairly." Christian smiles and it seems his eyes travel over my face like he is trying to memorize it. Luckily the dark sunglasses hide my nervous eyes. But then, just as quickly, he shifts his attention, breaking the silence.

"Fair enough," he says, his voice smooth but warm. "Love, I appreciate your honesty. I'll have HR send over the details for the weekly payments. And if you ever feel like you need anything...anything at all...don’t hesitate to reach out. I mean it." My honesty? At this moment it feels like there is nothing honest about me except my try to help.

"Thanks," I say, my tone a little steadier now. "I’ll keep that in mind."

Christian looks at me hesitates, then seems to dismiss whatever he is about to say.  

"I’ll drive you home." He says instead.

"Ohh, no I dont want to trouble you. I can call a taxi." And I dont want to get too close to you if not necessary. Your smell alone is driving me crazy and a part of me wants to imagine impossible things that I'm fighting to push back.

"It's no trouble," he says firmly, "Let me offer you a ride. It’s the least I can do." My initial instinct was to decline, to battle with the reality of the situation. It feels strange, but, in the end, it seems easier to accept than to protest further.

"Alright... If you insist." I smiled looking at him as we walked I truly didn't see the step in front of us making my trip, yet his strong hands were quick to catch me driving me close into his presence. Not too close that I would be able to feel his body but definitely too close for an employee/boss relationship. His touch lingers for just a second too long, and I can feel the warmth of his hand seeping through the fabric of my jacket. It’s a simple gesture, but it stirs something inside me I’d rather not acknowledge...