Chapter 3: The Meeting

"This is going to sound crazy, but... from the moment I first set eyes on you, I haven't been able to stop thinking about you." - Leigh Fallon

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Alessandra's POV

My work begins with filing reports and reorganizing the system.

I was on the last file when I noticed Mr. Hernandez's head peeking through his office door.

"Ms. De La Vega," he called in his nasal tone, causing my whole attention to drift to him. "Will you please prepare the Account Summary reports for the last quarter? Mr. Demakis will see me in an hour." He asked politely.

"And please, bring it in when he's here. I may need you to stay with me and take notes too, will you?" He added on as he smiled.

"Yes, sir," I replied with a small tight smile, nodding my head.

Mr. Demakis?

I remember those ladies at the front desk saying he's the CEO. Of course, that hot guy. And I'm going to meet him on my first day?

I hope, I don't make any mistakes. I don't want to look stupid in front of him. He doesn't look appreciative at all.

I log into the Account System with my mind still reeling at the thought of meeting the CEO. I printed out the Account Summary for the last quarter of the year and placed them neatly in the red folder.

Still thinking if I should make an excuse, but that's absurd. It's my duty, and I'm being irrational.

Maybe, I'll say I'm not feeling well. Perhaps, I'll reason my stomach suddenly got upset.

I shook the ridiculous thought off.

It's my first damn day, and I'm getting all anxious. I didn't like the feeling when I first laid my eyes on him this morning. It ruffled my confidence.

Crap!

I was busy looking for the stapler in the upper drawer of my desk to staple some papers together when I felt someone standing across my desk.

I slowly looked up and met with those beautiful blue/gray eyes looming over me.

Oh, God. It's him!

Double Crap!

I mentally scolded myself as I bolted upright, not knowing if I should smile.

He looks like one of those Greek Gods.

His bright blue/gray eyes pierced through me, causing my nerves to go haywire.

I'm not sure what to make out of his pursed lips that looked like he's always pissed off.

I briefly and subtly took in all his appearance. Noting the way his unruly coppered hair was combed neatly on one side, at that moment, I felt an urge to run it with my fingers.

Cut it out, Ali.

Well, he looks very well-groomed.

Of course, he had money.

I noticed that he wasn't wearing his coat anymore. Just his pinstripe purple dress shirt with three buttons undone. My eyebrow involuntarily cocked up.

I don't want to think that he's trying to charm his way into me, but isn't a boss supposed to be more, you know?

I looked up to meet his eyes and ignored the tempting buffed chest right before my eyes, peeking through the slit opening of his buttoned shirt.

He looks dashing, if I may say.

"Ahem." He made a fake cough, and I felt my body burning with embarrassment.

"Like what you see?" he asked cockily, grinning from ear to ear.

I gathered my thoughts as I mentally scolded myself again.

"Oh, I'm sorry. How may I help you, sir?" I asked, playing as innocent as I could muster. I met his eyes impassively, trying to cover up my embarrassment.

Slamming back down the blushes that were eager to settle on my face, I tilted my chin up. Dare I look defiant, but I didn't care.

I take it back what I had thought about his looks. He's conceited!

He just raised his well-defined bushy brow.

"I'm Stavros Demakis, the CEO." He pompously introduced as he cocked his head to the side, his Icy eyes staring at me intently.

"I'm here to see Mr. Hernandez. You are?" He added with proffered hand.

"Alessandra De La Vega, Mr. Demakis," I replied as I acquiescently placed my hand on his proffered hand.

"Mr. Hernandez's new secretary, sir," I said as we shook our hands, and his warm hand squeezed mine briefly.

I pulled my hand in a brisk move. The warmth of his palm seeped through my mine and slithered through my body like fire, startling me.

I felt like an electric bolt had rushed through my veins and unto my heart, making my heart beat faster than ever.

I looked at him, frowning, holding his eyes, wondering if there was any telltale that he felt the same, But he just looked at me as if I am some peculiar thing.

I had no idea if he felt it too. Or was it just me?

Before it became awkward, Mr. Hernadez's office door opened up, and he saw Mr. Demakis.

Triple crap!

He gave me specific instructions.

When the CEO arrives, I will send him into my boss' office. With the papers.

And here I am, thirsting dumbly over the CEO.

What a great start to my first day.

"Mr. Demakis, you're here!" Mr. Hernandez exclaimed warily as he quickly walked closer to us, looking apprehensive.

"I'm sorry if you waited long. I see you met my new secretary?" Mr. Hernandez apologized anxiously, though he made an effort to smile brightly.

"Yes, Mr. Hernandez. She seemed efficient enough." He stated good-naturedly, a playful smile teasing the corner of his lips.

I felt the heat creeping up to my cheeks, so I looked down to avoid their gaze, mostly his gaze.

"Yes, she is." Mr. Hernandez replied with a tinge of pride in his tone.

Now they're talking about me.

Hello, morons, I'm here!

"Well, Sir, please come into my office." He motioned him in, then he turned his head and spoke. "Will you please bring the copy in, Alessandra?"

"Yes, sir." I nodded, still anxious about being around them. Rather, around him.

Mr. Demakis walked through the door with Mr. Hernandez following him, and I was trailing behind the CEO.

They both sat on the two chairs across from each other.

I gave each one the printed summary of the last quarter for both of them to go over it.

I pulled myself a chair and sat behind Mr. Hernandez (not completely behind him as I can still see the side of his head) ready to take important notes.

I kept my eyes away from Mr. Demakis' direction and willed my eyes to not get astray. However, I could see him with my peripheral vision, and he was shamefully studying me while talking to my boss.

The heat blossomed on my cheeks, and I tried to suppress it.

I am so not comfortable with his stares. His eyes are boring holes into my face.

They kept on ranting about the budgets. I'm getting bored and antsy in my seat.

I tried to be attentive, still trying to pick up the most important things. God, I want this meeting to be over soon.

I can't stand his piercing gaze anymore. If only the floor would crack open and swallow me up.

I don't know if Mr. Hernandez has noticed him. His eyes trained on the sheets in front of him. Watching him the whole time, he looked confident as he spoke those numbers, but the sheen of the sweat forming on his shiny forehead was a giveaway of what he truly felt.

After like long hours, the meeting is finally over.

"Will you please email me the summary, Ms. De La Vega?" Mr. Demakis asked suddenly, with a low, husky voice. That sent shivers down my spine, and he still didn't take his eyes off me.

"I'll take this too." He meant the printed files. I looked at him and nodded my head.

"Will do, sir," I replied as I stood up when they both rose from their seats. He got up and extended his hand to Mr. Hernandez for a handshake. Then he powerfully strode towards the door, a forbidding air radiating off his stance.

Before he was out, he turned his head and met my eyes.

"Nice meeting you, Alessandra." He smiled, shifting his eyes to Mr. Hernandez briefly, then rested them back on me. However, it felt like the smile was just for me.

"I hope you'll find pleasure working with us, and good luck!" He added and gave me a heart-melting smile... again. I'm sure it would make any girl swoon at his feet.

"Thank you, sir," I replied with the most impassive tone I could muster.

I could feel my legs starting to feel like jelly.

Then, he disappeared through the door, to my relief.

I let out a loud, relieved sigh, forgetting about Mr. Hernandez's existence. He looked at me with curiosity.

I just shrugged my shoulders and headed to the door.

"Looks like Mr. Demakis had an eye on you, Ms. De La Vega?" My boss playfully remarked before I could reach the door lever handle.

He is smiling thought-provokingly.

I just smiled back in silence, reached out for the door handle, and pulled it open.

I walked out the door with my whole body burning with embarrassment.

Mr. Hernandez aparently witnessed all that.

But before I could close the door behind me, he spoke again. "Thank you for today, Alessandra!" I nodded my head, forcing down the flush settling on my cheeks. "Mr. Demakis seems so pleasant today. I have never seen him act so cooly since I started working with him."

I looked at him quizzically. "Oh, you will find out soon enough while you're working here Alessandra. That's all for today. I'll see you tomorrow!" He dismissed me.

I just nodded and said goodbye. I closed the door behind me.

Just one more thing to do before I leave.

I went through the email contacts that were already stored in the system. Shortly, I found Mr. Demakis' account and quickly sent the summary report.

Done.

I checked the time on the computer screen.

It's five minutes past five.

I put the notes in my drawer and locked it. I shut off the computer, grabbed my purse, and like a fire chasing my heel, I left in a rush.

I made my way to the Accounting Department and looked for Lucy. I saw her in one of the cubicles in a corner.

I waved at her and she waved back, giving me a sign of just a second. After a few minutes, she's walking toward me as she hoists her purse on her shoulder, waving goodbye to some girls on her way out.

Wow, she already gained friends.

"Hi. How's your first day?" I asked.

"Fine." She smiled, as we walked together to the elevator.

"I'm enjoying it, Ali. How about you? How's your job?" She asked with enthusiasm.

"I like it. Mr. Hernandez has been nice to me. It's an easy job." I stated. I never mentioned the CEO.

Everything went well the previous days. We both enjoyed our job.

We made friends too. They were from the Accounting and Finance Department.

It's Friday, and I can't wait to just relax on the weekend.

Maybe I'll do some movie marathon with Lucy, I thought.

I'll meet her downstairs since she got out earlier than I. Mr. Hernandez asked me to finish some reports for tomorrow. I glanced at my wristwatch. It was half an hour past five. I hurriedly walked to the elevator and got to the lobby. I saw Lucy sitting on one of the armchairs in the lobby, talking on the phone.

I walked closer.

"Hey, I'm sorry," I said apologetically.

"It's okay, Ali. Let's go." Taking my hand, we both walked out of the building. She called a cab, and he drove us to her brother's condo. Soon enough, we arrived home.

"Thank goodness! It's Friday!" She exclaimed to herself out loud. Then turned his head and asked, "What would you like to do?" as she tossed her purse onto the couch and plopped down.

"I don't know. Maybe watch a movie?" I shrugged my shoulders in abandon.

"I'm going to make dinner. Would you like some stir fry veggies with noodles?" I asked, watching her lips split into a cheeky grin.

"Sure, our favorite!" she replied cheerily.

"I'll just go upstairs and then change," I said as I turned on my heel and walked to the stairs towards my bedroom.

I put on my pajama pants and a white tank top. I ran back downstairs to the kitchen and started preparing dinner.

After like a decade, the food was ready. We both devoured the noodles. We were laughing at Lucy's hilarious story when her phone rang.

I was watching her as she spoke with someone over the phone. I heard her mention Sheena, one of the girls from the Accounting Department.

"Oh, sure. Perfect since we're not doing anything tonight. It's nice to loosen up a bit. Ali wouldn't mind." Then she stopped and listened while eating the rest of her noodles.

"Yes."

"Okay, we'll see you shortly, then." She hung up.

"Looks like we've got something to do tonight!" She singed out, giggling as she made some funny dance moves.

"That was Sheena. She's inviting us to join them, clubbing with Railey, Shannon, Nico, Nazi, and Rizza."

"Who's Shannon and Nico?" I asked. I don't remember meeting them.

"Oh, those lovers from the Financing Department. They're Rizza's best friends. They're both cool. You'll like them." Lucy explained, smiling reassuringly.

"So, would you like to go?" Lucy asked hopefully, throwing me puppy dog eyes. She knew I couldn't resist.

"Please, since we don't have anything to do," she added.

"Those guys seem pretty cool, you know? It's nice to loosen up since all we did was work this week." She cajoled, ranting ceremoniously.

She's right. It's been a while since we went clubbing.

When was it?

Three years ago?

With three overprotective brothers, it's not surprising.

"You're right. I agree." I smiled.

"I'm free. We are free." I exclaimed, musing over how my brothers would react if they found out.

I grinned!

I noted the time. It was eight o'clock at night.

I took the dirty dishes and placed them in the sink with exuberance. Then, I cleaned the table. Soon, Lucy and I raced upstairs to get ready.

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Stavros' POV

I got home around ten at night. I had to stay late to finish some documents. I felt so tired.

Then I remembered Alessandra. What a beautiful name.

Sexy, just like her.

Those beautiful eyes reminded me of the grass in the summer. I could stare at it all day, with luscious plump lips of natural pink shade. I could get myself lost in kissing her. Glide my palms over her glowing peachy skin and feel as if it is as soft as it looks.

Oh God, just thinking about her makes me feel horny as hell. I could feel my lower anatomy getting all excited.

Just hearing her name made my soldier rise in attention.

Is she good in bed? Because I won't let her sleep the whole night. I'll just fuck her until we are both dead on one's feet.

I unconsciously grinned foolishly.

A loud groan left my lips when I felt my crotch tighter than ever.

I decided to have a cold shower.

I walked into the shower and turned the water on.

Why can't I get her out of my mind?

She doesn't look interested in me. But recalling our first meeting, she seemed to like what she saw in me.

She was assessing me, and I was pleased with her reactions. Did I wonder she suddenly seemed put off? She was avoiding my eyes.

I've been debating if I should go down to the Accounting Department, hoping to get a glimpse of her.

Bloody hell, I miss her face.

She looks hotter than those other models I bedded.

Damn. I had to go out.

I remembered Alexander.

I finished showering, toweled dry myself, and got changed.

Then, I called Alexander.

"Hey Alex, it's Stav. Just wondering, what are you up to tonight?"

"I'm meeting up with Rick at my bar." He replied lazily.

"Which one?" Alexander owned chains of bars around the US. He had fifteen bars just around New York.

"Long Beach." He replied shortly.

I know that place. It's our favorite one and the main branch.

"Great, I'll see you in half-hour." With that, I hung up the phone without waiting for his response.

I got myself ready and took my keys from the bedside table.

I made my way to the elevator after securely locking up my door.

Tonight, just get laid to get her out of the system, for now.

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ENJOY!