"No, I haven't," I lied.
"That's bullshit and you know it."
He rose to his feet, rendering my reply a stupid one. The air in the room immediately felt stale as he walked towards me. Describing him as handsome is an understatement so my discomfort was understandable.
He walked behind me, building my anticipation. I chewed on my lip as I fought the urge to turn around.
I yelped when my chair was pulled back swiftly. It caught me off guard. Within seconds he was before me, leaning against the table.
My breath hitched when he leaned towards me, his lips inches away from mine. His cologne invaded my nostril, destroying my senses.
There's nothing sexier than a man that smells heavenly.
His eyes never left mine once and I felt my chair being pulled towards him but I didn't flinch this time.
"Why have you been avoiding me?"
He asked, straightening himself so he wasn't all up in my face anymore. I swallowed hard, unable to speak with how he was looking at me.
This man makes me feel wanted, something I'd do anything to feel from Anthony.
"I've just been busy," I mentally slapped myself when the words left my mouth. Seriously?
He chuckled, causing me to smile at the fact that the Harrison I know was back. A month of working here has given me a glimpse of the Harrison everyone is terrified of. He can be very strict and heartless with his employees when they give him a reason to be. The words that leave his mouth can be very hurtful- a totally different person.
"I can give you a less busy job then."
He played along with my stupidity- squatting down so he was closer to me.
"No thank you, I like the one I have."
There was some form of seriousness to what he was saying so I instantly shut it down.
"You're acting differently with me Kathryn."
He frowned. I knew exactly what he meant but boundaries needed to be set and I wasn't going to jeopardize anything.
"You're my boss Harrison, it's meant to be this way."
I defended myself which only caused his frown to deepen.
"Is it because of the kiss?" He asked hesitantly. "-or because of Nate?" He added which caused me to widen my eyes. Did he actually think something was going on between Nate and me?
I get where he could be coming from. I appear to be uptight and grumpy to people who don't know me but when I open up to someone, I can be very loud, flirtatious, free and everything in between and Nate and I have gotten really close- They wouldn't understand.
"What? no," I stifled a laugh. I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"You're lying," He accused sternly, causing me to sober up.
"I'm not, he isn't my type."
I said seriously, trying to convince him but it didn't look like it was working.
"Good cause I would've fired him this instant."
He said simply, rising to his feet. My mouth was hung open- I couldn't believe my ears. I blinked several times. Does he think he owns me or something?
"You are kidding right?"
"No baby girl, I don't like to share what's mine."
He replied, unaffected by my shock. His eyes locked on my exposed breast. Slowly he bit his lips before bringing his eyes back to mine.
It was such a turn on. I'm sick.
"Don't objectify me!"
I snapped, thoughts of Anthony clouded my mind which sparked a flame within me. All those times he acted like he owned me. It would've felt better to hear it, to know he cared but nothing. It has led me to hate that word because it was something I could never hear from his lips.
Harrison smirked, taking me by surprise. It was the sexiest smirk I had ever seen but I doubt it could be better than Anthony's.
"Ugh," He groaned, kneeling down before me.
"Who the fuck are you?"
His question caught me off guard. However, it wasn't a rude or insulting one- it came across as more of a confusion and frustration.
I remained silent, staring right back at him. Both of his hands made their way to my thighs, parting them to situate himself better. This caused thoughts of Anthony to pop into my mind and memories of our last night to torment me.
I jolted back like lightning, unable to control myself beforehand. The shock was written all over his face, his eyes were wide. I Probably scared him.
My heartbeat wasn't helping either, almost as though I was suffocating. Sudden fear had taken over me for some reason, the fear of belonging to anyone else but Anthony.
Harrison recovered quickly, standing to his feet and walking back to his seat. Hurt was evident in his eyes.
"I'm sorry," I apologized quickly, genuinely regretful for my dramatic act.
He forced a smile but his frustration couldn't be hidden.
"Do you mind accompanying me to an event tonight?"
He asked with hopeful eyes. I couldn't possibly be hearing him right. An event? Never. Even if I wanted to I couldn't. I had never been to any one of those until I met Anthony and I was going to leave it at that. Those gatherings aren't my scene even though I had gotten a tad bit used to them. Besides I don't own a single outfit that's worthy for such an occasion- everything Anthony bought for me, I had left behind.
His new bitch can have it.
"I don't thi-"
"Come on Kathryn," He beseeched with pleading eyes.
"I can't honestly, I have nothing to wear besides I'm still working and won't be finished till later."
He smiled devilishly which caught me by surprise. There was definitely something running through his mind that wasn't in my favor, I could feel it.
"I'm the boss Kathryn, you do know that right?"
His voice was dripping with amusement. I rolled my eyes, I sometimes forget this obvious detail. How dumb can I be? Of course, he could easily relieve me of my duties if he wanted to.
"So? I really need the money and not to be rude, I won't trade that for a few hours of some event."
His smile only broadened which I'd have to admit was my weakness. I still can't get over how gorgeous this man is.
"I'd pay you for the time spent away, plus a really good tip."
He negotiated which caused me to burst into laughter. Was he being serious?
"Are you crazy? Pay me to tag along? I couldn't."
I said between laughs which caused him to frown.
"What's wrong with that?"
It was a tempting offer, just thinking about how much he would tip me, but I couldn't. Harrison even being my boss is someone I consider as somewhat a friend and there was no way in hell I'd charge him for my company.
"Are you listening to yourself? If anything, I'd go because I want to and not because you're paying me to."
I stated firmly. What he was suggesting is exactly what Anthony and I had going on and I detested it.
"You are something else."
He eyed me seductively which caused me to clear my throat.
"I'd go," I have no idea where that came from but I wanted to. He has been so nice to me and I wanted to do something for him for once- not as an employee but as a friend.
His eyes widened but were quickly masked by a smile which melted my heart yet again.
He watched me with so much want and hunger in his eyes.
Damn. I need holy water.
"You won't regret it," He said. His words held a promising tone to it that made me feel like I had fallen into a trap but I smiled either way.
It better be a good trap.
"I'd pick you up at nine."
He informed me as I was walking out. I still had about two hours before nine so I could grab a dress and glam myself up.
Nate looked terrified when I told him I was leaving.
"Fuck he fired You? I'd talk to him right now."
I could literally see the veins in his eyes pop. If only he knew Harrison wanted to fire him because of me. Phew.
"You can't get rid of me easily bud."
I patted his shoulder, earning a sigh of relief from him. He's the only male friend I've ever had- the rest were always just trying to get into my pants.
I explained to him that I was done for the night because of reasons that were none of his business. He scoffed which caused me to chuckle. Bella was sending daggers my way from the small receptionist booth but I ignored her.
Without wasting time, I walked towards an elegant boutique that I always happen to pass by. It looked expensive as hell but it was a sacrifice I was willing to make.
A gorgeous blonde woman walked up to me immediately when I entered.
"You must be Kathryn."
She said with a smile which caused me to furrow my brows in confusion. It was creepy that she knew my name.
"Oh sorry, Mr. Escobar told me you'd be stopping by, that's how I know who you are."
She explained, probably catching on to how distraught I was.
This, however, didn't soothe me or explain much but I knew the sick and twisted game he was playing.
"Yes, I am."
I finally spoke up, allowing her to drag me further into the eye-popping worthy boutique.
Turned out that she had already lined up a few dresses for me. According to Harrison, those would qualify for the event in which we were attending- I wasn't pleased with how things were turning out but I overlooked it, planning to put him in his place later.
I didn't have much time on my side so I settled for a gold dress. It was very simple but also really sexy and elegant. It had a deep cut in the front that exposed the skin of my breast. What I liked about it was the fact that it was satin and well fitting- not tight and not loose either.
There was also a long spilt on the left side that came all the way up, stopping at my hip bone and the back was left open for everyone to see.
I take back what I said, it was anything but a simple dress.
Caroline smiled brightly when I handed my pick to her. "This is my favorite," She chirped, unable to hide her excitement which brought a smile to my face. She's very beautiful and what I liked most about her was her friendliness.
She led me to the counter, handing my dress over to a girl who had a frown on her face- I couldn't even be bothered.
I had forgotten to ask for the price and was just biting my bottom lip in hopes that it didn't cost an arm and a leg.
The last thing I wanted was a black hole in my bank account.
"Here love," Caroline handed me the dress with a smile on her face. She's so adorable.
"Thank you. How much will that be?"
I asked, reaching for my wallet.
"It has already been paid for."
She furrowed her brows in confusion. My face contracted into a deep frown but I masked it quickly.
That bastard.
Standing- I contemplated for what seemed like hours. I hated the fact that he thought it was okay to go ahead and pay for my dress. What even confused me more was how he knew I'd be coming to this particular boutique.
I saw on the desk saying there was a no refund policy so I didn't push it any further. I thanked her and walked away, making up my mind to pay him back whether he liked it or not.
"You're back early," Monika muttered when I walked through the front door.
"Hello to you too."
I chuckled. She was dressed in my pajamas with a bowl of popcorn in her hand as she sat on the couch.
My reply caused her to roll her eyes which instantly fell on the bag I had in my hand.
"What's in there?"
She questioned and it was my turn to roll my eyes.
Her dramatic personality quickly surfaced when I explained everything to her. From Nick asking me out to the turn of events at the boutique.
"He totally wants to fuck you."
She laughed and I joined in shortly after. She was right, that's all they ever want but I wasn't going to let it happen and besides I don't feel like that's the only thing Harrison wants.
"Help me get dressed would you?"
"You don't even have to ask, mama is going to glam the hell out of you."
She followed me into my room.
I had already taken a shower before leaving for work so I just got ready with the help of Monika. She did my makeup, something I'm totally incapable of doing to perfection.
Her mouth dropped open when I wore my dress.
"Oh my God. You look so beautiful."
She brought her hands to her mouth- exaggerating. It was the first time she was blatantly complimenting me in soo long so it felt weird.
"Yeah. Shut up!"
I joked and she chuckled. My hair was held up in a loose bun- giving my tattoo behind my neck the spotlight.
The good jewelry that I had invested in months ago to pawn in case of emergency came in handy.
I wore my triangular grade A matching set diamond jewelry, making me look like a rich woman- something I'm not. Fortunately, I had a rose goldish sequence clutch that matches my outfit like it was made for it.