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“Mr. Trenton.” My boss' voice broke into my daze and I glanced at him to see him shake the hand of a very handsome very tall man I supposed was the CEO of the company we were hoping to work for. “I’m Bob Forrester, such an honor to be here.”
Mr Trenton gave him a curt nod and sat at the head of the table as I opened my laptop to connect it to the projecting screen behind it. Time to start the show. “I hope we can do business.” He replied, flicking his eyes to my coworker Adam who was nervous and couldn't be more obvious about it.
“We have a wonderful presentation for you. We want Trenton headquarters to be everything you want it to be.” Adam said doing his usual ass licking.
Mr Trenton rose a brow at the him. “What I want it to be is functional as soon as possible. “ He replied and I went back to my computer screen.
“Oh excuse me.” My boss said. “This is senior executive Adam Jennings and his junior partner Sophie Knight." He replied.

Mr Trenton shook Adam's hand then moved his eyes on me as I lifted my head and smiled as I reached out my hand. IT was easier to smile at clients when they were so handsome. “Hello Mr. Trenton.” I replied, shaking his hand firmly.
“Nice to meet you.” He said softly, holding on to my hand and enveloping it with his large hand.
I kept my smile in place and just gave him a nod, not breaking eye contact because I never did. Or at least not when I worked. I had to be professional. But damn he was even hotter than in the pictures I had looked up on google. And taller. He was so tall and...I had to let go of his hand. I did quickly, deciding that I had to recompose myself and that I could have worn something more sexy than just my favorite black trousers, black top, black blazer and black Oxford shoes. Good job Sophie, good job. As if men are lining up behind my door. I had zero chances with him anyway. And this was work. Work.
"Sophie, the presentation." My boss urged with a tight smile on his face. Jeez. He needed to calm down.
"Right." I mumbled, forcing myself not to roll my eyes as I slid my glasses out of the pocket of my blazer and wore them quickly. I was already messing with the laptop and a second later the images I had worked on like a maniac appeared on the big screen on the wall. I opened my mouth, ready to explain, but that asshole of Adam had other plans.
"The first thing we want to show you is how the building we designed would look into the existing landscape." He started, pointing at the volumetric 3D which was pretty much a big ass cube. I had been against that choice because this man in front of us was no architect, I doubted he cared about these aspects.
My boss went on as I clicked on the mouse, showing the second picture which was the actual building as it'd be. I had cured the rendering and I was proud of my job, it looked amazing. More than amazing. It looked real. "We got inspired by what the building is going to contain, its use, its owner." He said like the ass licker he was sometimes.
I peeked at Mr. Trenton who looked positively bored. Still gloriously handsome, but bored. This wasn't going to work, we wouldn't get the job if those idiots of my colleagues didn't sell our project in a decent way. I kicked in. "As you can see there aren't many colors, it's mostly glass which will reflect the clouds when it's day, it seemed appropriate since it'd be Trenton airlines headquarters." I paused to start the animation that showed the building at day and at night, "But when the sun goes down and it's dark the building lights up showing the colors of your company, in an elegant subtle way."
"I like the design." Mr planes said in his low sexy voice, his eyes darting to me. "But I want it to be mostly functional."
"We thought about that too, of course." I nodded and glanced at him a moment before focusing on the screen again, the building exploding and showing the floor plans in a 3D view that was easy and quick to understand.
Adam went in full engineer mode, pointing out in his uber rational way how everything would work just perfectly. And then it was my boss' turn, with the economical side. I kind of spaced out, thinking about the things I'd change or add if we got the job, stealing glances to the businessman from time to time and getting caught too. Ops?
When the presentation ended I got the feeling it hadn't gone well so I collected my things distractedly, and squeezed Mr Trenton's hand again before following my colleagues out, sure I wouldn't see him again if not in my dreams. Better than nothing I guessed.
"Miss Knight?" A high pitched voice reached me and I turned around to see the assistant literally running after me. It was scary.
I blinked at him. "Yes?"
"You need to go back inside a moment." He breathed out.
I wondered what this was about but I didn't ask. I just shrugged then looked at Adam and my boss. "Go ahead, I'll see you at the office." I told them before following the poor assistant.
When I stepped into the conference room again I noticed that Mr Trenton was still there, looking through my notes. Oh damn. "You left your notes here Miss Knight." He said quietly. "Interesting."
I sucked in a deep breath. "Oh. Yeah, right." I mumbled and reached for them clumsily, stuffing them into my bag. "They're just ideas I got while discussing the project in front of you." I told him apologetically.
“Why didn’t you mention them?” Mr Trenton asked, staring down at me in a way that could easily be intimidating, just not to me.
I rubbed my lips together as I settled the papers in my bags. “I didn’t want to interrupt Adam.” I said finally, my eyes turning back to his with no hesitation because huh of course I couldn't interrupt him.
“They were good ideas.” He pointed out.
I smiled, alway sliking to get a compliment. “I know.” I replied, tucking my hair behind my ear.
“You missed an opportunity by not bringing it up during the meeting.” He said back. I narrowed my eyes a little because I got the feeling he was trying to tell me how to do my job but kept my mouth shut. “Are you opinions not valued?” He asked a moment later.
I blinked, caught off guard. “I-No I’m sure that they are.”
“So then why are you a Junior Executive? Why are you not in charge of my building instead of the other man?” He went straight to the point, with a precision that was...impressive. As if he didn't even waste a word, always saying what he needed and wanted to.
“You mean Adam?” I questioned before pointing out the obvious. “He’s above me.”
“Why? Because you’re a woman?” He asked seriously.
“What? No.” I shook my head because this wasn't the case.
“So why then? You’re obviously just as smart, and you knew how to turn the meeting around when I was about to fall asleep.” He replied.
“I’m….waiting on a promotion.” I explained and tried not to chuckle at the thought of him falling asleep during the meeting. I was in professional mode. “I should be next in line to-“
“I’ll see that you get it.” He replied seriously, before turning to leave.
What? I followed him. “Excuse me? Mr. Trenton. What did you mean by that?”
He stopped walking and looked down at me. Now, that was a little intimidating, because he was towering me and was looking down at me like he could suck my soul. “Was I unclear?” He asked.
I narrowed my eyes a little. I didn't like to be talked to like I was 5. “No. But I don’t work for you.” I said, my voice steady.
“You do now. That is if your company wants my business. I want you in charge of my building Ms. Knight.” He said razor sharp once again.
I almost fainted for the shock. “Just like that?”
“You set up the presentation, you fixed the problems I had with the design in your notes. It’s not perfect by any means but I think we’ll work fine together. I want to start next week. I’ll let your boss know.”
I stared at him at complete loss of words and this time not for his looks. This was happening fast and what I had thought had been a disaster was turning out like a win situation for me. And for the company I worked, but because of me. It was all amazing, the only thing I didn't like what this Mr Trenton asking me questions and schooling me like I was a kid. I was 31 and even if I didn't know how old he was he couldn't be much older than me. He had his own airline but that was irrelevant. "Perfect. Thank you for giving us this chance, I'll see you next week." I smiled brightly at him, genuinely happy. Beyond that, I was thrilled. I shook his hand and he seemed to be taken off guard, barely muttering a goodbye when I left.
I walked outside the building once again only this time I was practically bouncing, texting the good news to my sister and deciding I was having my lunch break now, to celebrate. I spotted a restaurant just across the street and walked inside.
Just when I was ordering a big fat steak and a beer I spotted a tall Viking looking man locking eyes with me. What were the odds of meeting my new boss while I was about to eat like a pig? Pretty high considering I was less than a mile from his office. Damn it. I smiled at him once again, more to be polite than anything.
"Are you here alone?" He asked once he was close enough.
I nodded and had no idea what got into me because the next words I said were. "I'm having lunch before going back to work. Do you want to join me?" I asked him.
Once again he seemed taken aback and blinked those mesmerizing eyes at me. He recovered quickly though. "Yes I'd like that." And next thing I knew he was sitting across from me.
I mentally slapped my face, then patted my back because after all this could be really good for my job. "I already ordered." I said next as if that made any sense.
He tuned promptly, stopped a waitress and ordered too. Impressive. Was there anything not impressive about this man. Maybe he had a small dick. Not in my fantasies though. How was I going to survive working with this man? I'd just get used to his hotness.
"Where are the other two men?" He asked and gave me his attention.
I straightened my back, knowing a business tone when I heard one. "Probably having lunch somewhere else." I shrugged. "I like having lunch alone, it helps clearing my mind."
“Should I leave?” He asked, smirking a little.
I widened my eyes as I sipped my water, realizing just now how I was sounding like I didn't want him here with me. “No! Oh god I didn’t mean you…I mean usually…” I shook my head. “Why are you alone anyways?”
“I enjoy being alone for the most part.” He replied and I wasn't even surprised. “Plus my usual lunch date turned me down.” He added, setting his phone next to him but setting it on silent which was a nice touch.
“What?” I almost laughed and he looked back at me, not saying anything and letting me go on. “I mean I have a hard time believing anyone would turn you down.” I admitted, just saying my thoughts.
“It happens on occasion.” He shrugged, leaving it at that.
“Not too many occasions I’m sure.” I pointed out casually.
He held back a smile, surveying me before he spoke. “Why are you so sure?” He asked.
“Because you seem like the kind of man who always gets what he wants.” I replied, smiling as the young waitress brought our plates and set them in front of us, refilling our water glasses.
“Good observation.” He said finally, watching as I cut into my steak.
“Thank you.” I smiled simply, eyeing my lunch which looked delicious. Not as delicious as the man in front of me though.
“How old are you?” He asked, the words spilling out of his mouth no matter how inappropriate they might be.
My eyes widened and I swallowed my food before narrowing my eyes. “31.” I said finally. “How old are you?” I asked back, making him smile.
“I’m 36.” He answered and I made a face as I nodded. 36 only? “What were you just thinking?” He asked.
I blinked. “What do you mean?”
“You just made a face. What was running through your head?”
I laughed softly. “I was thinking you’re young for all you’ve accomplished.” I said.
“I try not to let my youth restrict me.” He teased back, making me chuckle again.
"That's a good thing." I said quickly and nodded as I ate, thinking that he wasn't that young after all. I mean he was, but not like super young. When I noticed he was just staring at me without adding a word I wondered if I had something on my face or something. "So what's the secret for being so successful so young? I still have a few years before turning 36 maybe I'm still in time for making something big." I added, making it sound light.
He smirked as if he was amused. Men. "I'd say study a lot and work hard."
"I got those covered already. Any other suggestion?" I asked, using my napkin to wipe my mouth just in case. I knew this is was just business and he probably saw me just like the architect girl dressed in black who forgot her notes, but his handsomeness still intimidates me a little. Almost made me feel a little ugly compared to how gorgeous he was. He was in another league.
"You're an architect right?" He asked back and I could almost see the wheels turning into his head. If he was as smart as he was handsome he had to be Einstein. I just nodded, preferring eating instead of talking. "Why didn't you choose structural engineering?"
"Because I needed something more creative than that. I considered the option but I didn't think I could've spent my whole life calculating concrete and worrying about iron bars." I grinned a little. "I love being an architect, really, only I'm not Le Corbusier." I paused. "Not yet anyway."
"Maybe you will." He conceded and I had to keep in mind I was going to work for him. I had to make him believe I was the next Zaha Hadid. Time to switch topic.
"I get great inspiration about architects from the past and the present too. I always keep in mind their work whenever I start working on a new project, it happened for your building too Mr Trenton. You'll see when I'll show you what I have in mind next week." I told him with a confidence I had mostly when I talked about my job. I had to make him fall in love with my idea. I was sure this was a great opportunity for me.
“Confidence. Another secret to getting me where I am.” He added. He had so much confidence maybe he could give me some of his.
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I smiled.
“Do you paint too?” He asked me, taking a bite of his steak. What?
I shook my head. “No. I mean I took some art classes in college, but I like the structure element of architecture.” I added. “I told you I’m no Le Corbusier.” 
“You also said not yet.” He reminded me, proving me he was listening to me. Impressive.
“Well, I can paint if that’s what you’re asking.” I smiled, taking a mental note to do that again. “Just not as well as I can design buildings.”
He watched as I took a bite from my veggies, smiling as I chewed silently. Why was he looking at me like this? “My sister is an artist.” He said out of nowhere. “You remind me of her a little.” 
“I remind you of your sister?” I asked and I wanted to hit my head against the table because as cute as it sounded? It was never good.
For some reason that made him laugh. “Just in the way you eat. As if you’re enjoying every moment.” He replied.
“Are you watching him eat Mr. Trenton?” I asked, tilting my head to the side slightly and causing my hair to fall over my shoulder.
“I was.” He replied, not saying anything else.
“Does she paint then? Your sister?” I asked to try to make the moment less awkward.
“Yes. Her work is excellent.” He agreed.
“You approve of your sister being an artist for a living? Even though you went to MIT?” I asked him more to tease him than anything.
He blinked back at me. “My sister went to Yale.” He replied seriously.
“Well Yale is no MIT.” I said finally, smirking and making him laugh. Point scored. I knew how men like Mr Trenton used their brain.
“That’s true. How did you know I went to MIT?”
This time I did blush a little. Busted. I confessed. “I may have googled you before the meeting.”
He grinned. “That’s smart. Always know your client.” He said and I just nodded, too embarrassed to say anything else. “Did you check up on just my education or did you also find out I may be fathering the baby of a british model?” He asked.
“Are you? That should be a cute baby.” I smirked even though that sounded absolutely awful.
“Yes, I’m hoping just the rumor will placate my mother. Unfortunately I don’t even know any british models.” He shrugged and sighed.
“I’m sure you walk into London and find a bunch.” I laughed and I felt as if we were becoming friends.
“Ahh, but you can’t walk to London. You have to fly.”
“I’m sure you could find a plane somewhere.” I shrugged as I bit back a smirk.
“Probably. How much checking up on me have you done? I feel a little at a disadvantage. I haven’t found out anything about you. British model or otherwise.”
I took in his words quickly and wondered if he had really googled me. Of course not. Couldn't be. He was just teasing. I answered with a small grin playing on my lips, feeling a little embarrassed. "There's no much to find out about me, at least not on the Internet." I said nonchalantly.
"Why? Are you a mysterious woman?" He pushed on, his lips curving into a tempting smirk that almost made me sigh. Thank god for my poker face.
I chuckled and shook my head. "No I'm just a normal person." I replied honestly.
He seemed to take in my words as he sipped his water slowly. "Where did you go to college?"
I started feeling that this was turning into an interview. He wanted to know who he was working with. It made sense. So much for a relaxing lunch. I sighed in my mind again. "I went to Columbia, in New York." I started explaining as I leaned back in my seat, getting comfortable because I had nothing to worry about. Since I didn't have to impress him as a woman but just as an architect, I knew I could do that easily. He raised one questioning brow. "I didn't care much about Columbia, I just really really wanted to go to New York. The first time I went there and I was 16, I saw the Seagram building and thought that I wanted to know everything about it. When I did, I decided that I'd be an architect." I made a very long story short, guessing that he wouldn't want to hear about all the details about my crazy days.
He gave me a smile as he leaned his chin against his hand. "That's a good story to tell." He paused, his eyes not leaving mine. "Why didn't you stay in New York?"
Nosy wasn't he now? "My family is here and I wanted to be close to them." I admitted.
"Nothing bad about that." He commented cryptically, leaving me wonder if he was close to his family. I knew he had a big one, but that was all.
I kept my smile in place. "I love San Francisco anyway. It's more relaxed." I told him as I wondered what else he was about to ask me. I glanced at his left hand quickly. Not married. I already knew that, but I had this weird habit of checking that every time.
"Let me guess, you live in one of those Victorian houses." He grinned at me as if he had me all figured out just because I was an architect.
I grinned back. "Wrong." I shook my head, "I like them modern more." I told him as I wondered how his house was. His bedroom. Him in his bedroom. Naked.
“Interesting.” Mr Trenton said criptically.
“How so?” I asked to try to get more from him.
He shrugged. “I’m trying to picture your house now.” He admitted as he took a look over me again.
“It’s nothing compared to yours I’m sure.” I smiled as I imagined his place to be huge and fancy and sophisticated, just like him. He kept oddly silent. “What?” I asked, snapping him back to the present and he rose a brow at me. “You were looking at me with a strange expression on your face.”
“I was-“ He cut himself off then started again. “Just thinking about the building.” He finished.
“Oh, well I can talk about that all day.” I grinned and I pushed back my hair with my left hand. “I have to say, you’re different than I expected." I said.
He blinked. “How so?”
I shrugged and sipped the last of my water. "Most man in your position just toss their money in the project, and don't care much about it as long as it makes them look powerful." I explained simply, feeling at ease now that I had the peace of mind that nothing would ever happen with him. He was just my yummy boss for a few months.
He listened to me carefully and gave me a light nod. "What about me instead?"
"You were very specific about what you liked and didn't like Mr Trenton." I answered with a smile because that, in my opinion, was a good thing.
"You don't have to call me that." He paused and frowned a little as if I was doing something wrong. "Call me Parker, please."
I chuckled. "Oh no. I don't think I can do that. I'm going to work for you...you're my superior. I'm not used to call my boss by his first name." I shook my head, feeling suddenly all hot. Parker was a sexy name. If I closed my eyes I could picture myself moaning his name while he f.ucked me. But I kept my eyes open instead, I'd indulge in that fantasy later.
His frown stayed in place. "If I'm your boss I should decide how you call me." He retorted and I got the feeling he was a man he never took no as answer. "And Mr Trenton makes me feel old."
"You can call me Sophie." I said back and bit down on my lip, getting giddy with no reason at all. "But I'm not going to call you Parker, Mr Trenton."
“It goes both ways Miss Knight. If you won’t call me Parker I’m not going to call you Sophie.” Mr Trenton watched as my teeth tugged my lower lip slightly and I shrugged.
“Maybe when we get to knowing each other better.” I smiled as the waitress came over with the check which he took instantly. “You don’t have-“
“I’m charging it to the company don’t worry.” He smirked but I loved the gesture.
I laughed. "That’s the same as charging it to you.” I replied.
“Is it? Hmm. The downside of being CEO I guess.” He grinned and I did with him. “I didn’t ask you if you wanted dessert.”
“I’m going to get an extra girly latte on the way back to work instead.”
“What will make it extra girly?” He asked, amused by god knew what.
“Whipped cream and extra mocha?” I told him even if it sounded like a question.
“I like mocha. I’m not a girl.” He pointed out.
“No you’re definitely not. Okay I should say an extra sweet latte. But I am surprised. You look like you take your coffee black.”
He shook his head. “I take his coffee any way I can get it.”
I laughed, thinking that I'd take him any way I could get him instead. “As do most of us.” I smiled wide. “Thank you for lunch. And for the opportunity to work with you. I’m….truly honored. And excited.”
He smiled. Sigh, his smile. “I’m glad. I’ll set up a meeting for some time next week. I’d really like the building started as soon as possible. I’m not a very patient man.”
“That doesn’t surprise me.” I grinned. “I look forward to it Mr. Trenton.” I reached out to shake his hand and he took it again, looking deep into my eyes, hypnotizing me.
“I do too.”