4 Chapter Four

MICHELLE

The blaring of the alarm clock woke me up at about five in the morning. I struggled to rise from bed because I really wanted to go back to sleep. But to get to work early, it's now or never. So sluggishly, I rose to my feet, yawning and stretching.

Because of how sleepy I still felt, I hadn't noticed how close I was to the bedside drawer, until I dashed my foot against it.

"Ouch" I whined in pains, sitting back on the bed, I used my hands to gently rub the affected toe. I stretched and switched on the light to reveal the room. The pain on my feet was gradually dying down and I hoped it will eventually seize.

Minutes later, I was more than relieved so I stood up to prepare for my early morning jogging, that was after I had whispered a brief prayer of thanksgiving.

Well, I was raised in a religious home. My parents had high moral values especially my mom and she always emphasized how important it was for my sister and I to imbibe them - good morals and cultured behaviours.

I changed into a pale green joggers and a black tank top, wore my converse and held my dark brown hair with a hair band. Picking up my timer, I fastened it to my arms with my headphones on and within split seconds I was out jogging and enjoying the cool morning breeze.

There was nothing I loved more than working out especially jogging or running because aside keeping me fit, it kept me mentally stable clearing my head to be smart and sharp to tackle the activities of the day - Not that I work out everyday but I try as much as I can atleast twice a week.

Forty five minutes later, I found myself back at the front yard of our house after covering about ten miles. My mother usually watered the flowers that stood beautifully there so she was just where I expected her to be by the time I got back.

"Good morning Mom" I greeted her with a smile on my face, walking into the house when she immediately called me back.

"Elle, are you ok?" she asked, her face plastered with worry. I looked at her confused because I did not see that question coming.

"Of course mom, I'm great" I answered playfully, trying to engage in some jumping jacks routine. My actions were definitely annoying her that early morning but I was so oblivious to it.

She moved closer to where I was exercising and I stopped brusquely once her hands swathed round my arms, then down to my wrists like she was taking my measurement for a dress.

"You look like you've been skipping meals that it's becoming so obvious on you" She complained, her voice laced with concern as I fought the urge to not roll my eyes, letting out a half smile. "You're appearing emaciated darling and you keep doing these extreme work-out routines"

How could she tell? "Oh come on mom, I'm fine, maybe it's as you said, I'm working out too much" I stated the obvious before remembering her actions just now and it cracked me up. "Wait a minute"... I asked her with a smirk on my face "Was that why you were taking measurements of my body with your hands?"

She gave me a wide smile and nodded. "Ok mom" I held her upper arms looking at her face. "I don't want you worrying much about my losing weight. Honestly, I've been stressed lately at work and my sleep timings have been quite short too" I explained. "But I'm fine. It's just for a while"

At this point, I really did not want to engage in long discussions with my mom because she was good at taking you off guard.

"Michelle" she begged with a serious tone. "Please watch it and reduce stress" she added and I simply responded with an 'okay' and rushed into the house to prepare for work before she noticed another.

I truly loved this woman; she was so sensitive to her family's need. She knew everyone like the back of her palm. She knew when something was wrong with me even without me telling her. She took care of us and even strangers so warmly. She was hospitable and always cheerful. No wonder she was loved by many. I deduced these were the many traits she wanted my sister and me to learn from her.

****

The office complex at Brentarc Group was still very quiet and empty when I arrived as much person hadn't resumed for the day. It was almost like there was a public holiday. When I checked my watch, it was about few minutes to the hour of eight.

I worked in the legal department and my office was on the fifth floor of the high-rise building which I still could not believe belonged to one man. The amazing thing was he wasn't even up to thirty years but yet has managed to accomplish this much for himself.

Sitting at my desk and shuffling through some files I'd been working on the previous day, I remembered I had to pick up some papers from the newspaper company across the road which was going to be useful to the case we were working on.

So, since the day's activities had barely started, I dashed without wasting any more time. Honestly, this particular case we've been handling recently has been one of the most difficult I'd ever faced - filled with so much sleepless nights.

It was literally draining all of my energy, sometimes I even forget to eat and this has been going for two weeks now. I just couldn't wait for us to wrap it up, so I can myself back.

Within minutes, I was running out of the building not really paying attention to my direction and suddenly, I crashed into something hard. Well I thought it was a wall, but it was obviously someone and I fell to the ground groaning in serious pains.

Still tending to my aching feet for the second time today, I slowly lifted my head to see who it was and met the dark grey eyes and dimpled face of the handsome and good looking Bryan Brent - My boss staring at me. Immediately, I was drowned in the sea of my hot and crazy emotions.

I could not believe my eyes, today was actually going to be a great day despite the little hitches I'd already encountered.

He stood there having this stunned and lustful expression on his face. At first, it was unreadable but when his eyes darkened with a dilated pupil, I understood perfectly - there was a force of attraction and I wasn't the only one feeling it.

I fought with the steamy urges to supress them emotions but to no avail, only seeing me staring back at those sexy eyes and lips. Goodness! He was incredibly handsome and crazy thoughts began to run through my head - like what if he was mine, like he could literally belong to me.

"Ouch" I howled as the excruciating pain in my legs brought me back to reality. I broke off the contact and tried to help myself up. It was difficult then he stretched his hands and pulled me up but I could barely find my balance because of the pains.

He bent down to take a look at my legs. "I think you sprained your ankles, you might need to go to the hospital to get it checked" he stood up looking at me after softly caressing the affected spot. I swear, his touch sent cold shivers down my spine and across my entire body, and for the umpteenth time, I lost myself again staring at him, only to be distracted by growing voices around us.

"I- I'm so sorry sir" I stammered shyly. "I was in a hurry and wasn't paying attention" I apologized, rubbing my hands on my thighs, as my body's weight was now resting on only one foot.

He gave me a smile, stroking his beard lightly. "Its ok, I guess I'm partly at fault too for operating my phone while walking, so I'm happy to share the blame with a beautiful lady like you. "He licked his lips, drawing a blush from me. "But you've seriously got to get your ankles checked" He added with a stern voice.

"Sure sir" I nodded as a sexy smile appeared on my lips. His eyes flashed again as we found ourselves, staring at each other again, but this time, we both recognized our feelings. They became so pronounced and strong like a stormy wind, that he was forced to ask.

"Who are you?" With a curious, yet amused look on his face.

Initially, I was shocked at the question, it kind of looked annoying. He was the boss of bosses, so I expected him to know all his employees. But on a second thought, I couldn't blame him at all. It wasn't an easy job, knowing about two thousand employees, especially when that was the least of his priorities, except you were a director.

"I'm Michelle Jones and I work at the legal department" I answered nervously.

"So you're a lawyer?" he probed further.

I nodded. "Yes sir"

"I see..." He raised an eyebrow with a close-lippie smile on his face. "I'm sorry to be this inquisitive, where you recently employed?"

"Not really sir" I answered, shaking my head. "I've actually been working here for about ten months".

He gave me a 'Then why haven't I seen you around look'. I was about responding to the non-verbal question when I noticed people's gazes keenly at us. It felt a bit uncomfortable just standing there engrossed in a chit chat with your boss. So I chose to act fast and debunk whatever building notions, some maybe having.

"Excuse me sir", I cut through his thoughts, "Permission to take my leave"

"Oh....of course" he said smiling and extended his hands to me for a handshake. "It was a pleasure meeting you Miss Jones"

"The pleasure is all mine Mr Brent"

"Please call me Bryan" he immediately cut me. "And don't forget to get that ankle checked. See you around Michelle" He smiled and winked at me as he walked away.

"Oh my world... That was intense" I muttered and exhaled deeply, letting out all the sucked in breaths, clasping my hand across my chest, to calm my restless heart. I needed fresh air. My heart was racing faster than normal. What was happening to me? Why would just a talk with my boss be having this kind of effect on me? I wondered, blushing as I limped out of the building.

BRYAN

"Good morning sir" Millie rose up from her seat once she sighted me. She took my bag from me handing me a cup of coffee.

"Morning Millie" I stepped into my office with the cup of coffee. My mood was a lot lighter and happier as I sat down sipping the creamy coffee.

"Fill me on my itinerary for today" I demanded, swirling the chair I sat on as she opened the tablet and began reading from it.

"You've got a meeting with some clients from Africa by 11am. Also, Miss Richardson called to confirm your dinner arrangement by 7pm and ..."

She kept talking but I was long gone.

I knew I wasn't paying much attention to her. My head and thoughts were filled with images of my cupid who bumped into me this morning. My mind betrayed me and started evaluating her in my head.

Her eyes were so intoxicating that I could stare at them and drown myself in them all day. The black and white dotted dress she wore made her exceptionally gorgeous - more than I had seen her. Her perfect shape made my heart flutter. Her hands were as soft as a woollen pillow when I touched them.

Her smiles were mesmerizing and then I could still hear her soft sweet voice in my ears apologizing and then to crown it all, she worked for me - I meant she fucking worked for me.

I couldn't help but to blush, rubbing my lower lip when Millie's voice cut through my fantasy. "Sir, did you hear all I said?"

"Huh" I froze and tried to recollect her words in my head. "Oh yea" I smiled "Thanks Millie, you can leave"

She nodded with a small smile and turned to leave. Approaching the door, I suddenly called her back. "Millie, I need you to do something personal for me"

"Ok, what is it sir?" she asked confused.

"There's a young lady... uhm, she's a lawyer and works at the legal department. Her name is Michelle Jones"

"Okay....." She nodded. I exhaled deeply as I didn't know how to say it to her but I continued anyways. "I would love to meet and get to know her"

Then she looked at me surprised, her lips parted slightly. I have never made such a request before and she knew it. "Meet her on an official or on a personal level?" She inquired further.

Millicent was more than a personal assistant to me. I knew she cared a lot about me -The reason why she always connived with May to set me up on random dates. So I knew she was the best fit for this job.

"Personal" I responded, almost feeling a bit embarrassed. The thing was I always took care of my personal matters myself, especially when he had to do with relationship.

Apparently, I hardly asked a girl out. I was literally known as the ladies' man, thus the reverse was the case. The girls were always the ones making the first move. So this would actually be my first attempt.

Millicent nodded, smiled and walked out of the office while I kept blushing uncontrollably - almost feeling fulfilled.