27 The Adjustment

Charlotte wondered at how one day she went to work and the next day she was suddenly married. It was a lot to take in.

They had spent the night at an ocean front hotel and were headed back home today.

Home. Where was home? They needed to talk about that.

"Gordon?" Charlotte called.

"Hmm?" He replied absentmindedly. He was looking at a quarterly financial statement intently.

"Will I be living with you?" Charlotte asked.

"Yes. I've already had people pack your apartment. Everything should be there when we get home tonight." He said, finally looking up at her.

"Oh. That's good." She said softly.

Gordon didn't notice the odd tone of voice.

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When they arrived at Rising Sun Corporation that afternoon Charlotte headed straight for her office. She knew she'd have some extra work because of her absence the day before.

She opened the door to her office and saw...nothing. Not a stick of furniture was in the room. Everything gone.

Gordon was headed to his own office when Charlotte ran to him.

"Gordon, are you firing me?!" She cried.

"What? No!" He said firmly.

"My office. There's nothing there!!" Charlotte was raising her voice with each word.

Gordon pushed open his office door and motioned for her to enter. She couldn't believe her eyes. His office had been rearranged to accommodate two identical desks. One belonged to Gordon and the other had Charlotte's personal effects.

"Wait, so I'm sharing an office with you know?" She asked.

"Yes." He didn't elaborate.

"This will be a test in self control." Charlotte muttered.

"What do you mean?" Gordon asked.

"Looking at you is going to make it hard to concentrate." Charlotte said bluntly.

He raised his eyebrows with a slight smile. That was what he hoped for.

"Gordon, don't you sometimes need this space for private discussions with others? Wouldn't it be inconvenient to have your secretary present for all of that? Charlotte asked.

"What conversation could there be that my wife can't be present for?" Gordon asked in his customarily domineering voice.

Charlotte marveled that she, a nobody, a woman he'd known barely half a month could suddenly be elevated to such regard in his heart and mind so quickly.

Perhaps Rachel had been right that the colder the individual the more passionately they loved once they opened their heart.

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As they rode home together, Charlotte suddenly asked, "Will I be cooking tonight?"

"Do you want to?" He asked.

"Do you want me to?" Charlotte asked with uncertainty.

"I would eat what you prepare for every meal if it were up to me. Then I'd have you for dessert!" Gordon said. Charlotte felt a blush on her cheeks.

Suddenly Gordon's driver, William, had a bout of coughing.

Gordon shot him an icy warning look. William cleared his throat and remained quiet.

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Charlotte was amazed when they arrived at home. When she had brought Gordon back the night he was drugged she hadn't observed her surroundings. Now she had the leisure to do so and she was overwhelmed with the grandeur.

Gordon led her to the kitchen so she could prepare dinner. She was amazed at the amenities of this kitchen. Her eyes lit up when she took in the pantry that was more like a supermarket.

After she'd gathered everything and started working, Gordon came behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his chin on her shoulder. He held her like this the entire time she worked.

He helped her carry the dishes to the table. Before she could sit down, he pulled her into his lap.

She squealed in surprise. "What are you doing?

"I want you to feed it to me." Gordon said. She gracefully used chopsticks to place food in his mouth. He then did the same for her.

After they ate, Gordon told her he wanted to show her something. He led her to the courtyard. It was dimly lit and suddenly soft music began to play.

"What—" Charlotte started to ask.

"Dance with me." Gordon said while pulling her close.

Charlotte relaxed in his arms. She had no need to worry about where she lived. There would be adjustments to this new life, but her home was in Gordon's embrace.

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As Gordon finally felt Charlotte relax in his arms he was pleased. He had sensed her uncertainty today but he wasn't always very good with words. He offered comfort in the only way he could think of; physical touch and close presence.

In his world of business he knew time was money. He knew time could be worth a lot. He hoped that as she would become more comfortable as he made efforts to be close to her. They were close physically and he hoped in time it would lead to a closeness mentally.

After dancing closely for awhile, he led her to the master bedroom. He scooped her into his arms and gently placed her on the bed. Tonight he kissed her long and gently. Every move he made was with utmost care.

Then he ran a warm bath and carried her into the tub. As he helped her bathe, she couldn't help but initiate things further. She climbed on top of him while they soaked in the tub and began kissing him and moving her hands over his body. She heard him groaning.

"I want you, Gordon" Charlotte panted. "Please take me now!"

Suddenly he had the urge to tease a bit. "How bad do you want it?" He whispered in her ear.

"Gordon!" She whimpered, "Please!" Her voice was breathy with desire.

Two hours later they collapsed on the bed, trying to catch their breath.

Gordon pulled her close and they fell asleep holding each other.