Flirting
*Cal*
I frown at Clara, my brain still a bit foggy. I don't need to ask who she is referring to. At this point, everyone who works for me knows I'm seeing Heidi. "I'll be right there," I tell her, getting to my feet and checking my appearance in the mirror.
I don't feel tired, but the dark circles under my eyes say otherwise. I'm sure Heidi will notice it as soon as she sees me, but I don't want her to worry. I'll probably have to lie to her if she asks. It wouldn'tl be the first time I've kept something from her.
The idea of keeping the truth about my life from her is starting to bother me to the point I'm considering risking everything, telling her what I do for a living. But I know the moment I confess and she realizes how dangerous it is, she'll be out of my life in a blink of an eye.
And I'm not ready for that.
I wonder if that's how Tony felt when he got married to Chloe to protect her from the cartel. He told me one time that he was afraid to involve her in all of this mess, and even though I could see his point back then, I can understand him completely now.
I finally head to the bar, finding Heidi seated at the same table I took her to the first time we met-when she barged into my bar and demanded I do something about her blown up bookstore.
Contrasting drastically to the outfit she was wearing yesterday, tonight she is wearing a flowery dress, her collarbone exposed, her beautiful skin glowing under the dim light. The hem of the dress brushes her thighs, causimg me to thank her internally for making it easier for me to have access to her. A grin forms on my lips when I remember how she mentioned how unfortunate it was that she chose to wear pants yesterday when we were in the car.I'm glad she chose something simpler tonight-but equally sexy.
Heidi sips a cocktail through a straw, her eyes roaming around the bar as she watches the clients. She seems to be entertained, not even noticing when I approach her.
"Now, that's a surprise," I mumble, leaning down and placing a kiss on her cheek.
She flinches, being caught off guard, then a chuckle escapes her. "You scared me," she says, smiling at me.
God, she's so beautiful.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to," I admit, gesturing to Ian to get me my usual drink-whiskey on the rocks. He nods at me, turning to pour my drink.. I turn my attention back to Heidi who is looking up at me with a different glint in her eyes. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?" I ask curiously.
She shrugs, taking another sip from her drink. "I wanted to surprise you. That seems to have been a success."
"Indeed. I was not expecting to see you here tonight," I tell her, sitting in the chair across from her. "I'm glad you came, though."
"Are you really?” Her voice sounds somewhat hesitant, even though she maintains a confident expression. "I was worried I'd disturb you while you're working."
I lean forward, capturing her lips and kissing her slowly but passionately. She lets out a soft moan, and I pull back, staring into her eyes. "You could never disturb me." Then I straighten up and sit back. The small distance I just created between us is met with protest from my body, but I ignore it, not wanting to put on a show for my clients and employees. What I want to do to Heidi can only be done behind closed doors, with no one else but the two of us around.
She's flushed from the sudden display of affection, her cheeks reddening ferociously as she takes another drink from her glass, this time withoug using the straw. She clears her throat next, pretending she isn't deeply affected and shifts in her seat uncomfortably. "How was your day?" she asks, trying to make small talk and clearly distract herself.
I smirk at her before shrugging. "Busy. Boring. Lots of meetings and rounds around the city to check on my other establishments," I explain, making sure I don't give her too much information about exactly what I did. "Nothing worth mentioning, to be honest. How was your day?"
"Well, I walked around the neighborhood, looking for places that are for sale. I loved this shop in Greenwich Village, but it's very expensive. I don't think I'll get enough money from the insurance company to buy it." She looks and sounds disappointed, which is something that doesn't sit well with me.
"I can help you, if you want," I offer, even though I know she won't accept it.
She's already shaking her head before I finish the sentence. "No way. You've already done so much for me. I can't even begin to imagine how I'll pay you back."
My eyebrows shoot up, and I grin at her. "I can think of a couple of ways you can do that, don't worry. But seriously," I continue, noticing Heidi play with her hair to hide her shyness. "I wouldn't mind. I really don't mean to brag, but you know I can do it in a blink of an eye. You just need to give me the word, and I'll get it done."
"I know. But I feel like it isn't fair to you, you know? You've helped me a lot already."
"Well, take your time to think about it. We can figure something out. You can consider me your sponsor, if that'd make you feel better," I suggest.
Clara approaches our table with my drink in hand. It doesn't escape my notice how she looks at Heidi and shoots me a grin afterward. I'm sure all my men and employees are dying to tease me, but I glance back at her with the scariest look I can muster, and she vanishes from my sight, heading to another table.
"Okay, fine. I promise I'll think about it," Heidi finally concedes. "Just because I really loved the place."
"Whatever suits you, sweetheart. I just want you to be happy." My words catch me off guard, and I take a sip from my whiskey to wet my suddenly dry throat. What's wrong with me? What is it about Heidi that brings out this awkward, romantic side of me that I didn't even know existed?
"Thank you, Cal. I don't know what I'd have done without you. Ever since the fire and my grandparents moving away, I've been feeling so lonely. It's nice to have someone to spend time with," Heidi confesses, her eyes roaming over my face. My heart shrinks at the thought of her spending her days alone, her grandparents being the only ones in her life. I feel like Heidi wants to open up to me, share her thoughts and feelings, but I honestly don't think this is the right place for her to do it. I want her to feel like she can trust me with her whole heart. I want to give her the space she needs to tell me her fears and dreams, and if there's anything I can do to help her and provide for her, I want to do it. "I'm here whenever you need me." I catch her gaze with mine, making sure she understands this is coming from my heart.
Heidi only nods, swallowing hard. That's when I notice her eyes are filled with tears. I'd hate more than anything to see her cry. I wouldn't be able to stand it.noveldrama
In an attempt to prevent her tears from falling, I ignore everyone around me, and all the possibilities of being harrassed by my staff later, and move my chair closer to hers, wrapping my arm around her shoulder and pulling her close to me. With my free hand, I smooth a lock of her hair behind her ear, watching as her blue eyes study my face.
"You know, I think tonight's outfit is a much better choice than the one you picked yesterday," I murmur, my eyes lowering to her exposed thighs. "Not that I didn't love seeing you in a leather jacket and combat boots. Because I did. It gave me enough content to dream the entire night about you."
Heidi chuckles, nudging me slightly with her shoulder. "You did not dream about me. I bet you crashed as soon as your head hit the pillow."
"You couldn't be more wrong," I reply, although she is correct that I fell asleep pretty quickly. "You've been occupying my mind even when I'm sleeping. It's a bit invasive, if you ask me."
She laughs harder this time, her head falling backward, revealing her elegant neck to me. I take the opportunity when no one is looking in our direction,thanking the heavens that this is the most private table in my bar, and kiss on the neck, nipping at her soft skin and feeling her body shiver under my touch.
"Cal," she scolds, pushing me away, although with little intention of actually being successful. "We're in a public place, remember?"
"So? It's my place, remember?" I tease back.
"Regardless..." Heidi looks around, her cheeks pink with embarrassment.
"Okay, so..." I lean down, my lips brushing her ear and causing another wave of shivers to course through her. "What do you say we get out of here and go somewhere more private?" I suggest with a deep chuckle. "I really want to get you back in my bed."
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