I AM NOT FOR SALE

"Do you know why Mr. Colby Tanner wants to see me?" Tanya asked the handsome man who was decked in a shiny black suit. He smiled again and said reassuringly, "it's not my place to say, Miss. However, Mr. Tanner is a very busy man, if he wants to see you, then it must be very important."

Tanya sighed embarrassedly. Her clothes were quite shabby since she didn't have many and had overworn them. Even her shoes were nothing to write home about. She felt really self-conscious. If she had known that she would meet such a man today, she would have used her savings to get better clothes.

"This way Miss," the man said, interrupting her thoughts. "Alright" she replied and followed him into the building. Tanya secretly hoped that she hadn't offended Mr. Colby unknowingly because no matter how much she thought about it, she couldn't figure out a reason why he would want to see her.

They took the elevator together to the fifty-ninth floor. She was surprised to see that only Mr. Colby's office took the whole floor. It was so large. It even had a kitchen and a bedroom. "Wow!" She finally managed to say when the man in the black suit left her sitting on the biggest couch in the office after saying, "Mr. Tanner would soon be out of his bedroom."

Tanya couldn't help but fidget with her fingers as she waited for Mr. Colby to come out. He finally did and for a moment, she felt like she was in a trance. He was the most handsome man she had ever seen and his fragrance was all over the place. It was so amazing. She instinctively stood up and said, "good morning sir."

Mr. Colby smiled and replied, "please, sit down and relax. What should I offer you?"

"Nothing sir," she answered as she sat back down. "I just want to know why you sent for me."

"Why don't we get to know each other first," he said before stretching out his hand for a handshake. Tanya shook his hand with both hands and said, "okay sir."

He continued, "my name is Colby Tanner as you may already know. I am thirty-five years old and I'm a widower. I lost my wife and my daughter in a plane crash five years ago."

"I am very sorry to hear that sir."

"No, it's fine," he said. "I have long come to terms with it. This is my company and my office is on the highest floor, where we currently are. My company, Tanner Conglomerate is multinational. We have subsidiaries in different countries and we are involved in all types of legitimate businesses. From energy to health, water, aviation, and food, the list goes on and on. Each floor of this building specializes in a different type of business. All the employees report to their managers, while their managers report to me.

I am almost always busy so, most of the time, I end up spending my nights here which is why I have a bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and all of that. So go on, tell me about you."

Tanya swallowed hard before she began, "my name is Tanya Lowe. I am a high school senior on scholarship. I have one year left until my graduation and I turned eighteen last month. I am an orphan and I live under the care of my grandmother."

He nodded his head thoughtfully "okay. I saw you from my office when you were going to school this morning, why are you back so early?"

"Well, I had a little accident with my skirt. I was feeling very uncomfortable so I couldn't stay. Mr. Colby, why did you send for me?" Tanya asked.

"I like being straightforward so I'll say it right away," Colby replied. "Ever since I lost my family, I've buried myself in my company and not really been interested in anything else or anyone. Then I saw you this morning and I was held spellbound. What I mean is, I am really fascinated by you. I couldn't help but send for you when I saw you again."

Tanya clasped her hands together while trying not to breathe too loudly. She couldn't believe it. The amazing billionaire Colby Tanner was fascinated by her. No one would believe it if she told them at school. "Well at least, this confirms that I'm beautiful." She thought to herself. "But wait, what does he want from me then?"

"I want a piece of you," Colby said as if he had just read her mind.

"What do you mean by you want a piece of me?" Tanya asked.

"I want you to accompany me whenever I want and warm my bed," he replied.

Tanya opened her eyes in surprise and stood up immediately when she realized what he was asking of her.

"Mr . Tanner, aren't you ashamed to say such a thing to me? Never mind that you are almost twice my age, do I look like that kind of girl? I may be poor but that doesn't give you the right to treat me like a tramp."

Carrying her bag, which she had dropped on the couch, Tanya turned, ready to leave.

"Hold on right there, I am not done," Colby said, stopping her in her tracks.

"I admit that what I'm doing is quite unconventional but that doesn't make you a slut. You are the only girl I have taken a fancy to since I lost my wife.

Just spend time with me after you are done with school every day. You can treat it as a part-time job. I'll even pay you hourly. Five thousand dollars for each hour you spend with me."

Tanya briefly thought about the amount of money he mentioned. That was really huge for someone like her. If she did it for a week, she could give her grandmother the best medical assistance she needed. She could buy designer bags and clothes and even use the latest iPhone model.

His offer was really tempting but it wasn't free. Tanya knew that she needed to have sex with him and she couldn't bring herself to do that.

With so much determination in her bones, she turned towards him and looking into his eyes said, "Mr. Colby Tanner, I am not for sale."