Chapter 6

"Stand back. Let's take a look at you."

Stephanie leant against the white ceramic sink and stared at her friend warily. Claire was standing with her hand on her hips while her eyes gave her the once over. Her tongue poked out the corner of her mouth. Stephanie could practically hear the wheels turning in her head. Her friend, God love her, considered herself an expert in all aspects of fashion. On hearing about her drink with Paul, Claire had decided that she had needed her advice. She had to admit she was slightly worried. The last time Claire had helped her out had been just before her first date with Ben. Her skirt had been so short it had resembled nothing more than a belt and the top she wore had been so minimal she had spent the better part of the night tucking her chest back in. But thankfully there wasn't much chance of a repeat performance this evening. It was nearly six and they were still at the office. Surely there wasn't much damage Claire could do here in the ladies bathroom.

"Black pencil skirt, shirt and heels. It's simple yet elegant."

"I'm elegant?" asked Stephanie, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Shhhh! Don't interrupt me while I'm thinking."

Stephanie's mouth twitched upwards as Claire pushed her glasses to the top of her head. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she stood directly in front of Stephanie. "We need a little more cleavage." Her manicured fingers unfastened a button on her shirt. She reached across into her bag which had been dumped on the ledge in front of them. She pulled out a red scarf and proceeded to tie it around her friend's neck.

"Now this is Gucci silk. I paid two hundred dollars for this. Lose it and I'll kill you."

Claire twirled her round towards the mirror and smiled at her over her shoulder. "Ta da! Well? What do you think?"

Stephanie frowned as she pondered over her reflection. Her hand reached up touching the scarf. Her fingers tugged at it uncomfortably. "I don't know. Don't you think it makes me look a bit air hostessish or something?"

She heard Claire snort with indignation. "Stephanie, you look nothing like a damn air hostess. This is the latest fashion. It's in all the magazines, you know."

"If you say so."

"I do say so. Now turn around."

Stephanie sighed as she shuffled round to face Claire. She was rummaging in her bag again. She smiled triumphantly as she pulled out a hair clip. "Pin up your hair and I'll find some lip gloss."

Stephanie reached up and gathered her chestnut strands together. Personally, she hated wearing her up but she wasn't about to argue with Claire. The woman was clearly on a mission. If she wanted to keep her head firmly attached to her body, it was in her best interests just to follow her instructions. She placed the clip in her hair as Claire began to apply the lip gloss.

"Stephanie, I am so excited. You are totally going to knock him dead." Claire reached up and began to pull a few strands of hair to frame Stephanie's face. She stepped back and smiled as she admired her handiwork. "Now all we need is the piece de resistance."

Stephanie's blue eyes went wide as her friend once again delved into her bag. She pulled out a pink floral bottle which she eyed up suspiciously. "What is that?"

Claire grinned almost manically as she removed the lid from the bottle. "This, my dear, is my secret weapon. Monyette Paris perfume. One sniff of this and he'll be putty in your hands."

Stephanie sniffed the air as Claire applied the perfume behind her ears and on her wrists. "That's gorgeous." she beamed.

"Rub your wrists together." said Claire as she bent over to the side and chuckling quietly to herself, she sprayed the perfume directly up Stephanie's skirt. "Just a final blast for luck."

Stephanie burst into laughter. "Claire, you are nuts."

"Well, you never know. A girl needs to be prepared for every eventuality."

"It's work related, remember. We're only having a drink to discuss Katie's party."

Claire snorted in disbelief as she picked up her bag. She licked her finger and absently wiped at a mark on the shiny black leather. "Katie finishes at five. You could have easily discussed it in his office." She slung the bag across her shoulder and grinned at her friend. "The man is clearly into you. He's found a perfect opportunity to get to know you a little better."

Stephanie shook her head adamantly as she turned to check her reflection in the mirror. She had to admit the person staring back at her wasn't all that bad. Her skin was glowing and for once, her hair didn't look a mess. She still wasn't sure about the scarf though. If one single person uttered the words trolley dolly in her direction, it was getting yanked off faster that you could say take off. "You're wrong Claire. Paul sees me as an employee, nothing more." She picked up her own bag from the ledge and followed Claire towards the door.

"Trust me, Steph, by tomorrow morning you'll be singing a different tune." Claire pushed open the door and stood aside to let Stephanie pass. She smiled at her widely. "My secret weapon is flawless, you know. By the end of the night, you'll be fighting off his advances."

Stephanie rolled her eyes as she made her way into the deserted corridor. Her heels clicked against the marble floor. Claire was obviously delusional. One spray of perfume didn't make her irresistible and not to a man who probably thought she was bordering on psychotic. Not to mention the fact that she constantly found herself in embarrassing situations every time she was within ten feet of the guy. Nope, there was no chance in hell Paul Levesque was even remotely interested in her. She was an employee helping him out. It was nothing more than that. But still she couldn't help the small bubbles of excitement forming in the pit of her stomach. A girl could always dream and what a dream it would be if those soft sweet lips of his found themselves firmly attached to hers.

"Right, I'm going to head home. My Mom is coming over tonight and the place is like a tip." said Claire. She pulled Stephanie into a hug and smiled at her. She slowly backed away towards the stairs. "Have a good time tonight and remember I want all the details in the morning."

"Goodnight Claire." Stephanie replied as she lifted her hand in a wave watching until she disappeared. Making her way back to the office, she sniffed at her wrist inhaling the floral scent.

"Oh, you are still here."

Stephanie groaned inwardly as Mandy's head popped up from her cubicle. Trust her to still be there when she was meeting Paul in a couple of minutes. Didn't the bitch have a home to go to? Then again, those huge nostrils of hers probably smelled gossip a mile off. She seemed to have built-in radar when it came to these sorts of things. If she found out they were going for a drink, the news would be all over the office by the time she'd even made it in the door tomorrow morning. Business related or not, Mandy the Mouth would have a field day with the news.

"Paul has been looking for you."

"Thanks." Stephanie forced a smile in her direction and made her way to her desk. The office was unusually quiet. No-one else was here. One of the things she loved about this place was the constant buzz of activity. But tonight she was more than happy to see that everyone had gone home. Well almost everyone. She scowled as she thought of Mandy. Dumping her bag on the floor, she switched off her computer. She felt a wave of relief as she turned round to see Mandy pull on her coat.

"My sister wears a scarf just like yours."

Stephanie raised her eyebrows fractionally as she placed a file in the cabinet. She heard a door close shut in the corridor behind her. Her blood began to beat in her ears as she realised it could be Paul.

"She works for United Airlines, you know. She's an air hostess."

Stephanie forcefully slammed the drawer shut as she tried to remain calm and resist the temptation to throttle her. As soon as the bitch was out that door, the scarf was coming off. To hell with Claire and her stupid fashion magazines. They obviously didn't know what they were talking about.

"Well goodnight, Stephanie."

"Goodnight." she called out as she pretended to be busy with the file in her hand. There would no doubt be a smug expression on her face. She wouldn't give her the satisfaction of even looking in her direction. The sound of Mandy's footsteps echoed down the corridor. Stephanie threw the file on her desk and began to untie the scarf from her neck.

"Fucking air hostess!" she muttered into the empty office. "I'll fucking air hostess her! Bitch!"

"I take it someone has been winding you up just now?"

Stephanie visibly jumped as his deep tone startled her. She spun round on her heel with the red scarf dangling from her hand. She swallowed thickly as Paul grinned in her direction. His brown eyes twinkled at her. She felt her heart begin to thump wildly against her rib cage.

"Although I have to say it wouldn't take a genius to figure out who it was." said Paul as he stuffed his hands into his trouser pockets. "You should spit in her coffee tomorrow. It might make you feel better."

Stephanie's lips tugged upwards into a smile. "Actually I'd rather slap her."

Paul tried to conceal a smile as he shook his head. "As your boss, I really shouldn't tolerate violence in the workplace. Spitting should be sufficient."

"In that case, I'll get straight on it first thing in the morning."

"Good. I always think it's important to have obedience from my staff." said Paul, smiling. His eyes scanned her desk. "So, are you ready to go or do you need more time?"

"No, I'm done." Stephanie replied as she grabbed her black coat from the back of her chair. She put it on and picked up her bag stuffing the red scarf inside.

"There's a bar just down the block. I thought we could go there."

Stephanie nodded her head as she followed him out of the office. She knew the place he meant and she knew it would be free from prying eyes. It was Monday night which meant no-one from the office would be there to see them. Although she would have gotten a smug sense of satisfaction to be seen walking in with Paul. He was the hot topic of conversation amongst the females in the building who practically drooled every time his name was mentioned.

"After you." said Paul as he stepped aside to let her down the marble staircase.

Stephanie smiled as she brushed past him silently cursing his need to be polite. She wouldn't have minded following him down the steps in the least. Any chance she could get to stare at the perfect ass of his. It looked so firm and squeezable. She bet it would fit nicely in her hands. As she went to push the heavy glass door, she felt Paul open it behind her. She tilted her head to mutter her thanks catching the intoxicating smell of his cologne. As usual, he smelled amazing. She wondered if he considered it his secret weapon because God knows, one sniff of him and she was putty in his hands.

As they made their way along the tree lined street, they talked casually about the office. Stephanie felt herself smiling as she walked beside Paul. Every person they passed, she found herself wanting to scream and point "Look I'm with him." Maybe even the people that passed them actually thought they looked good together. So good, in fact, that they thought they were a genuine couple. Okay, they weren't holding hands but they didn't need public displays of affection. No-one wanted to see people slobbering over one another in the street.

Stephanie hadn't noticed how cold it was outside until they walked into the bar. The heat instantly hit her, warming up her cheeks. She loosened her coat a little as she followed Paul to an empty table. Low music played from the jukebox in the corner. There were a number of people scattered around the large dimly lit room.

"Grab a seat and I'll go to the bar." said Paul as he pulled out a chair. Stephanie smiled at him gratefully as she removed her coat and placed it across the back of the seat. "What can I get you to drink?" he asked as she sat down at the small wooden table.

"Can I have a white wine?"

Paul nodded and she watched him make his way to the bar. She let out a calming breath as her stomach fluttered wildly. Christ, she was nervous which was ridiculous if you thought about it. They weren't on a date. It was just business for goodness sakes. But it was Paul and the man had the uncanny knack of getting her flustered and was it any wonder he did when he was standing there brushing his hand through his hair like that. She could only imagine what it actually felt like to run your fingers through those blonde strands. And his skin? God! Touching that would be incredible. His hand had been so soft that one time she had held it. What if the rest of his body was like that? It would be so firm too. That man was built. He was her idea of perfection. Stephanie sighed softly and glanced away. She rested her hands on the chipped table as she mentally chastised herself. She had to stop thinking like this otherwise she'd be liable to jump him the minute he got back. She'd never been attracted to anyone so badly in her life. He was driving her crazy. He had done since the moment they met on that train.

"Here we go. One white wine for the lady."

Stephanie lifted her head and smiled as Paul placed the glass down in front of her. Her blue eyes widened as she noticed her upturned palms. She quickly flipped them over and picked up her glass. Her body was sending out signals without her even realising. As she took a mouthful of wine, Paul sat in the seat across from her. He'd removed his suit jacket and his white shirt sleeves were rolled up. She found herself staring at his thick forearms. She still couldn't get over the size of them. They were definitely the biggest she had seen.

"So, have you had any thoughts about this party?"

The party. Shit. She'd forgotten about that. Of course it was the reason they were here but as she watched Paul sip his beer she realised it was the last thing on her mind. Her blue eyes seemed to be mesmerised by him. It was pretty pathetic really. Here she was, a grown woman, and she was getting giddy over the way his throat moved when he swallowed. She had to get a grip. She deliberately moved her eyes away. She had been staring at him for so long he probably thought she was bordering on creepy. She nervously cleared her throat as she placed down her glass of wine. "The party? Yes. I've had a few ideas."

"And?" he asked smiling as his long fingers picked at the label on his beer bottle.

Stephanie almost smiled but she bit down on her lip to stop herself. She'd once read that guys who picked at labels were sexually frustrated. Paul obviously wasn't getting any or if he was, he wasn't satisfied. There was something about that that pleased her somewhat. If he asked nicely, she'd be more than willing to help him out in that department.

"Are you going to share them with me?" he prompted.

Stephanie nodded her head as she mentally gave herself a shake. "Of course."

"Good."

"Where do you want me to start?"

Paul swallowed his drink and smiled. "Well, have you thought of where to hold it? The office? Somewhere else?"

"Actually I know the perfect place and Katie absolutely loves it." she replied as she proceeded to tell Paul her plans……………

The sky was black and scattered with stars when they left the train station. Stephanie shivered in the cold breeze and her fingers fumbled with the buttons on her coat. Her head was pleasantly buzzing. She'd had four glasses of wine and on an empty stomach. All she'd eaten all day was an apple first thing this morning. But as she glanced over at Paul, she realised food was the last thing on her mind. She'd had an amazing time tonight. After the first drink, they'd finished discussing the party. She had been pleasantly surprised when Paul had suggesting having another. She had thought he would be eager to leave and go home but a second drink had turned into four as they chatted to one another about everything and anything. He'd asked her questions about herself and had seemed genuinely interested as he listened to her answers. She'd discovered he had an older sister and went three or four times a week to the gym. He was so easy to talk to and really funny too. At one point her sides had hurt, she had laughed so hard. And now he was walking her home. His stop had been before hers but he had insisted on escorting her personally to her door. She smiled as they made their way along the busy street. The lights from the stores shone brightly on their faces.

"I'm just at the end of this road." said Stephanie as a car rumbled past them. Paul's shoulder brushed against hers. Stephanie's breath caught in her throat as she felt his hand. His chilled fingers brushed against hers sending a tingle of excitement down her spine. Slowly they entwined themselves around hers joining their hands together. She felt her heart race in her chest. She bit down on her lip in an attempt not to grin like an idiot. Neither one of them spoke as her heels clicked in time with his footsteps. Paul's grip was firm. She could feel his thumb lightly trace her own. His hand felt so soft and warm. He would be lucky to get it back because quite frankly she had no intentions of letting it go. But all too soon they had arrived at her doorstep and her stomach still bubbled with excitement as she stood in front of him, facing him.

"Well, this is me." she said as her blue eyes scanned his face. "Thank you for bringing me home."

"You're welcome." replied Paul, his husky tone sending a tingle down her spine. "I wouldn't be able to sleep tonight if I didn't know you got back safe." His thumb lightly traced her knuckle. His brown eyes pulled her in.

"Well I could have called you and saved you having another trip on the train."

Paul nodded as his hair blew in the breeze. "But secretly, I like the tube. Sometimes you come across some pretty interesting people." He winked at her. Stephanie swallowed thickly. "And besides, walking you home was a selfish ploy on my part."

"It was?" she asked and she licked her lips. Her heart was thumping wildly against her ribcage. She was so sure he was going to kiss her. God, she wanted him too so much.

"It was." said Paul as he placed her finger underneath her chin. "If I didn't walk you home, I wouldn't get to do this."

He leant forward and brushed his lips softly against hers. Stephanie let a sigh escape from her mouth as her eyes closed and she melted into his kiss. His lips felt so warm and they tasted faintly of beer. She could feel her body throb. Her head was starting to spin. It was a perfect first kiss. One she had never dreamt would actually happen. As Paul pulled slowly away, her eyelids fluttered open. Her mouth was still wet. She could still feel him on her lips.

"I should let you get inside. You'll freeze standing out here."

Stephanie nodded slowly. As well as feeling breathless, she'd lost the ability to speak. Or maybe she was just stopping herself from being tempted to ask Paul to stay. Not that there would be anything wrong with that if she did. It was normal behaviour to ask the man who walked you home if he wanted a cup of coffee. After all, it was common courtesy. And God, she wanted him to stay. She wanted him to stay with every fibre of her being. But she didn't want him to get the wrong impression and with everything that happened with Ben, she wasn't going to rush this, whatever this actually was.

"Goodnight Stephanie." said Paul as he gently let go of her hand, their fingertips grazing together.

"Goodnight Paul." she replied.

He smiled and turned around. She watched his massive frame make his way down the brightly lit street.

"If he looks back, he likes you." she whispered into the wind. She bit down on her lip anxiously as her blue eyes followed him. Her hand fumbled in her bag as she rummaged for her keys. "Come on, Paul. Look back just even once. That's all I'm asking." As her fingers wrapped around them, she saw him glance back in her direction. She casually waved at him while inside her heart had skipped a beat. She watched him until she knew he had safely disappeared around the corner before she began to jump around excitedly in front of the house. "Yes!" she cried as she punched her hand triumphantly in the air. Paul Levesque liked her. Maybe Lady Luck wasn't such a bitch after all.