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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Chapter 2 Pit Stop/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I woke up to the alarm on my phone going off. I reached for it on my nightstand - 715. I have exactly 45 minutes to finish packing and get ready for my flight to New York! Last night almost felt like a dream, but the reminder on my phone proved that was not the case./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I always loved big cities. I was originally from Chicago, but my parents moved to a small town to raise me./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Stretching I kicked off the covers of my bed, the last time I would do that here. No don't think about those things D, think of the positives. You always wanted a new start, no better way than to take on an amazing opportunity such as this./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I showered and styled my hair, lookin at the time - 7:45. I got dressed and put my bags in the living room by the front door. Addy was already sitting on the couch, waiting./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""No tears Addy, we did enough of that last night." I said as sat down next to her. I hadn't realized how much I was going to miss this girl. She had become a huge part of my life in such a short time./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She sniffed, "I know I am just gonna miss you so much but, you would be crazy not to go. Hell I would go if he had offered it to me. Go make your dreams come true." She hugged me close./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Thanks bestie, I'll call you and text you non stop, I promise." I replied hugging her back./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"There was a knock at the door, this was it. I opened the door to one of Mr. Donovan's guards standing there, the big burly one from the elevator. He was intense looking, "Ready to go Miss Smith?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I nodded my head and hugged Addy one last time before heading out the door. Big and burly put my bags in the trunk and opened the back door for me, I stepped into the black Range Rover, trying not to look back at the place I'd called home for 2 years. The ride through the city, to the airport was heavy-hearted as we passed Addy and mine's favorite haunts, the Casino, and the strip. Goodbye Las Vegas, hello New York./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The car stopped next to small private Jet. Of course Mr. Donovan would have his own plane, I was already reaping the benefits of Mr. Donovan's employment. As I stepped on I noticed a few more employees of Mr. Donovan's. A guy sitting, typing away on a laptop, a few more guards, and the man himself. How could someone make a plain button down look so damn good./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I took a seat in one of the long white leather chairs, a waitress walked over. "Champagne, Miss?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Uhm, no thanks I'm good." I replied getting more comfortable in my seat./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Hmm, I don't think I've ever met someone to turn down a $200 glass of Champagne before." His voice echoed through me, I seriously needed to get a hold of myself If I was going to work with him./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I shrugged back and said, "Never really cared for the stuff, now if you've got a nice glass of scotch back there, then I'm your girl." I opened up my book and began reading./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"A few paragraphs in and I felt the seat next to me fill. I looked up from the page, Mr. Donovan had moved to come sit next to me. Strange./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I noticed the glass he was holding, "Scotch for the Lady."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I smirked and grabbed the glass tasting the liquor. The warmth traveling down my throat and into my soul, Damn this was some good ass Scotch. "Are you implying that I'm a Lady, Mr. Donovan?'/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"His eyes light up with intrigue studying me, "Are you implying that you're not?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"This could be fun, I smiled and took another sip before returning to my book. I could hear the rush of air leave his body and a very silent, barely audible "Fuck."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Danie - 1, Mr. Donovan - 0/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I heard a very loud very angry Mr. Donovan. "What do you mean you have no idea what happened! Did I not leave you in charge for a reason, this is unacceptable, we will be meeting very soon. I hope when I see you next you have a better explanation than I DON'T KNOW!" He hung up the phone and shoved the device back in his pocket, his face like a complete statue. If it weren't for the yelling you probably wouldn't know anything was wrong, which some how made him that much more scary./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I stretched a little and sat up in my seat, looking down at the page where I left off. Mr. Scary came and sat next to me again. He was silent for few minutes before, "I am sorry Miss Smith.."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I didn't dare look at those eyes, "It's fine Mr. Donovan, business is business."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"He sighed, I looked up. His blue eyes staring at me intently, "No, Miss Smith, I am sorry because we are going to have to make a pit stop on the way to New York, I have something that came up in Chicago. If you would like I could send you ahead or you can stay while I take care of somethings in the city."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Was he joking? "If it's alright with you I would like to stay with you, I'm actually from Chicago and it would be nice to see the city again, even if it's only for a little bit." I hadn't been Home in such a long time, it would feel nice to see it again./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"He just nodded his head and went back to typing somethings on his phone./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"So here we are the city of Chicago. This one city was my home - the one place in my entire life I have ever felt a true connection. I was born here, grew up somewhere else, but this place has always been where my heart is. As I looked through the tented glass of the town car, I couldn't help but bask in the city skyline coming into view. I loved everything about this place, the smells, the sounds, everything about this city made my heart ache a little less./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I turned my attention back to the person sitting in the car next to me, He was starring at his phone but, I caught the settle glances my way, each time I felt a bolt of electricity jolt through me. I didn't know if it was being here, on my home turf, or the closeness of the car, or a combination of both, but there was definite static electricity in the air around us./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"We pulled up to a tall white bricked beauty of a building, The Waldorf hotel. Of course he could book a last minute room here without a care in the world. Just how rich was this man. I probably should have done some research on this guy before agreeing to fly halfway across the country with him. You only live once though, and I could handle myself./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The inside was just as or even more beautiful and rich as the outside. I was in awe, yet again. "Mack can you go get the room keys?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"So big brute had a name, Mack./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Yes Sir, I'll be right back."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"He nodded to Mack who walked toward the front desk while we waited by the elevators. There it was again that static as he turned his attention my way, "So how does it feel, to be back in the city?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I was taken aback I wasn't expecting him to be so nonchalant after his yelling fit in the plane a few hours prier. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before responding, "Honestly it feel like a breath of fresh air, Mr. Donovan." I opened my eyes to the most breathtaking blue irises starring into me, like he was searching for something, they were like clear windows into his depths as well though. A girl could get lost in those eyes./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I could get lost in those eyes. No. Danie snap out of it./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Myles" His voice broke the spell./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""What?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""You can call me Myles when we're not working. If you'd like." He said sheepishly./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""You can call me Danie, preferably over Miss Smith." I replied with a smile./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Danie it is."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Just then Mack came back with the room keys, breaking the static electricity./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The elevator ride felt like forever, my mind was reeling. Myles Donovan, that name suited him. It rolled off the tongue and demanded respect. It was one of those names you hear and you know its of importance. Myles./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She looked so effortlessly beautiful as she boarded my plane. What was I getting myself into? This could be a mistake, she was so damn distracting. Then She smiled and my mind said Fuck it. What ever happens is worth seeing that smile./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"But nothing was better when her eyes light up. "Scotch for the Lady?" I asked as I sat down next to her. Her head buried in a book, not a tablet or her phone, but an actual book. She looked so peaceful reading it too./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She looked up and her eyes were playful and a smirk broke out across that lovely angelic face, "Are you implying that I'm a Lady, Mr. Donovan?" Shit, the way she said my name sent a shiver down my body. Oh She's good./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Are you implying that you're not?" Two could play this game./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She smiled a sly little grin while taking a sip of the drink I made her and went back to reading. That devilish look on that angelic face was enough to render me useless. I let out a sigh, "Fuck" under my breath, she got me./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Miss Smith - 1, Me - 0/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"We grew into a comfortable silence as she continued to be enthralled in her book and I tried desperately to get some work done on my phone. As time went on her breath became slower and her book fell into her lap./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I looked over at the sleeping beauty and nearly had another heart attack, she had angled herself to where hear head rested on the armrest between us. I could see the peacefulness on her face and the rise and fall of that perfect chest. I gulped and forced myself to focus on the work at hand, rather than the sleeping beauty next to me./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Flash forward to the car ride as we pulled into the city limits. The way her eyes sparkled looking at the city landscape. I couldn't help but smile at her enjoyment. Who was this blonde beauty next to me and why is it every time she looks at me I feel a tingle run through my body./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"And now looking at her in the elevator ride up to our room at The Waldorf. Her natural beauty was something that would only get better with time, why was I thinking these thoughts? She is just your employee nothing more, if she knew what all you were involved in, she would never look at you the same. Maybe that was for the better. She was too perfect for a world like mine./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The elevator doors opened and we stepped off I went down the hall to where our suite was and unlocked it. I motioned her to step inside. She took a few cautious steps into room before she let out a, "holey fuck." I ginned at her cussing./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""This is our suite, there are bedrooms on either side the living room here and the small kitchen down that way, help yourself to anything you like." And I do mean anything, shit. I am not helping myself./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Her face said it all, she caught the innuendo, but she didn't say anything. She looked in both bedrooms and decided to take the one on the right. Which was curious, it was the smaller of the two, I would have figured she would have wanted the bigger one. Most girls would have, of course she's not most girls./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"After setting my stuff down in my room I headed back out into the living room. I found Her there, again reading her book. "My meeting isn't until tomorrow, why don't we go to Lou Malnati's for lunch?" Her face lit up with my suggestion. God I could watch her smile all day./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Hell yeah Deep dish pizza here I come!" she bolted off the coach and into her room to get ready. A few mins later she had on a light jacket and knee high boots and was heading for the door, "You ready?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""After you." I replied. She was almost bouncing the whole ride there. The excitement behind those eyes was magnificent. "So I was thinking, while I'm out dealing with some business, why don't you take Mack and the town car and go explore, since you're from here I know there's probably something you're dying to go do." I watched as the excitement grew and a smile broke out across her face./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""You wouldn't mind?" She asked nervously./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Not at all, one of us should be able to enjoy this trip. Go have fun." I thought she would be happy to see her home town, but there was a sadness in her eyes if only for a split second, but I caught it./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""That would be wonderful, thank you." She looked back out through the window. I would have to keep tabs with Mack tomorrow and make sure they didn't get into any harry situations./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Lunch was fantastic as always. I agreed with Danie, Chicago had some of the best food around. Between talking about the restaurant and what I expected out of her starting her new job, I told her she would be staying with me. She was cautious at first but I told her it's easier than finding a decently priced apartment close to where the restaurant was. Which was very much true, the price for condos or apartments in NY is outrageous. After that she seemed to be ok with the idea. I did not know what it was about this girl, I didn't want her out on the street somewhere in a bad neighborhood, having her stay with me was a bit selfish, but I am the Boss./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The next morning I woke up to the smell of coffee, my one addiction in this world. Make that one of my addictions, her smile was soon becoming something I longed to see. As I walked out into the common area, she was busy away typing on her laptop with a cup in her hand. I made my way over to the kitchen to pour myself a cup. That's when I noticed how red her eyes looked. Had she been crying? She was trying very hard to hide it, but I had made it a habit of noticing every detail about her./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She looked up from her computer to see who had walked into the room. I offered a slight smile in return. She gave a small one back, and her face seemed to lighten up just a little bit. I wasn't going to push what made her upset, I was her new boss not her friend, no matter how hard it was not to walk over there and pull her into my arms. I had to keep this professional if there was any hope of surviving./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She finished her cup of coffee and closed her laptop. Taking a deep breath she walked towards the kitchen counter to dispose of her cup and made her way back to her room. That was the last I saw of her that morning./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"As soon I got up this morning I called my mom in hopes of seeing her. After I left home, my parents had split up and my mom moved back to Illinois to be closer to her best friend and my God Mother, Lisa. The phone rang twice before being sent to voicemail, ouch. I left a message saying I was going to be in the city and thought maybe we could do lunch and to call me back. I knew she wouldn't but, I still made the effort. I texted my God Mother in hopes of at least seeing one person today./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I put the phone down and decided to get dressed. A few minutes later the screen light up. It was Lisa, "Hey hows it goi.."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Hey sorry I can't today me and your mom took a girls trip out of town, maybe next time?" Her voice sounded only a little apologetic./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"What was I thinking of course she would have Lisa call with an excuse not to see me, typical. It still stung though I hadn't seen any of my family in years, the only person who I talked to was Lisa and that was only so she could tell some excuse my mother made up. "Yeah that's fine." And I hung up. Tears ready to spill down my face. "No D you will not cry, you are going to have a fantastic day in the city you love and no one is gong to come in between that." I gave myself a mental pep talk in the bathroom mirror, wiped my eyes and headed to find some coffee./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I was in the middle of booking tickets for the Shed's aquarium when I heard his door open up. I willed myself to focus on my laptop. My eyes betrayed me however and I glanced up, He was staring at me with curious eyes, the smile playing on his lips made me smile in return./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I closed my laptop and disposed of my cup on the counter before walking back in my room. I got dressed in some ripped dark jeans, grey boots, and grey long sleeved blouse. I paired that with a maroon scarf and my black leather jacket and headed to find Mack./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The drive to Shed's was quiet but I enjoyed watching the city outside. We pulled up out front and Mack and me stepped out, "Not to overstep, but you are unusually quiet today Miss Smith."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I sighed, "You can call me Danie, Mack." and I kept walking up the steps./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I made my way over to the ticket counter, "Smith.."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Ah yes Miss Smith here are your tickets, is there anything else I can help you with?" She smiled./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Tickets? I looked down in the envelope, there were VIP tickets to the shows and special tour, "I think there's been a mistake.."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""You're boss called and reserved these for you Miss, have a nice day." Well alrighty then./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I spent the next three hours looking at everything. I watched my favorite Dolphin show and bought a souvenir in the gift shop. I didn't have any of the other ones I collected over the years anymore so I needed something to remember the occasion. I knew that after today I wasn't going to step foot in the city again, I don't think I could anymore. It was beginning to have the same haunt that Kansas had. Mack and me walked out the front of the building and I stopped to grab a Chicago Dog at one of the carts. I loved the smell of the lake and the slight breeze blowing in my face. We walked towards the waters edge and sat down to eat./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Hey Mack?" I asked turning toward my big brute of a companion today./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Yes, Danie?" He answered back, putting his phone in his pocket./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""What time do we have to be back by?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Boss said that we aren't leaving until tomorrow morning, so anytime you're ready."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I looked over to the fiery rides to Navy Pier, "You don't have a problem with boat rides do you?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Not at all Miss." He followed my gaze, "Wanting to take a trip over to the Pier?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""If you don't mind?" I said turning towards him./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"He smiled a genuine smile, "Lead the way."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"There wasn't anything too magnificent about Navy Pier, but the shops were nice and I needed new Cubbies gear. When I stepped back outside Mack was on the phone with someone. As I drew closer to him his conversation ended and he greeted me with a small smile. "Where to next?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I smiled back, wondering who he had been talking to. "Actually I am kind of thirsty, want to grab something and sit for a bit."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Sounds like a plan." Mack and me sat outside people watching and laughing at the tourists. Today had turned out to be a nice day. He pulled out his phone again checking it, "Mr. Donovan will be here shortly."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Oh, okay." My mind froze, did I hear him right? I must have because here He came walking up in all his glory, looking drop dead gorgeous in a white shirt and black sleek leather jacket that hung just right off his shoulders making him look devastatingly handsome./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"His face broke out in a smile when he caught me staring at him, I coughed and tried to hide how crazy he made my emotions. Mack saw the reaction and leaned over in my ear, "Now there's that smile." I had had it, my cheeks grew red and hid my face in my hands. He did not just say that. Dammit Mack I thought we were friends./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Also since when did my blush come back, I thought I had kicked that habit to the curb a long time ago. This man was messing me up inside and out./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Mr. Donovan walked over to our table and stood next to me waiting for me to look up, "How was you're day Miss Smith?" God the way he said my name made my whole body light up./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I took a few deep breathes before looking up into those blue pools he had for eyes, "Pretty good, how about yours?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"He looked down at me, his eyes playful. "My day was ok, but its getting better," Cue the damned blush again./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Was he implying that being here with me was making his day better, dear lord I was in trouble./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Have you ever been out to the light house?" he asked looking out over the water./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""No, never." I replied shrugging my shoulders./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Well what are we waiting for?" He asked lending his hand to help me up. I took it and stood up tripping a little. His strong arms catching me. I slowly looked up and damn I should not have, being this close. His face was inches from mine and he was intoxicating. He smelled like whiskey and something sweet. His face was hard to read, but his eyes, man his eyes were a window into another life. What seemed like an eternity his face broke out in a smile, "Eager are we Miss smith?" His voice was so low it was almost a growl./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Two could play at this game./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Chapter 2 Pit Stop/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I woke up to the alarm on my phone going off. I reached for it on my nightstand - 715. I have exactly 45 minutes to finish packing and get ready for my flight to New York! Last night almost felt like a dream, but the reminder on my phone proved that was not the case./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I always loved big cities. I was originally from Chicago, but my parents moved to a small town to raise me./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Stretching I kicked off the covers of my bed, the last time I would do that here. No don't think about those things D, think of the positives. You always wanted a new start, no better way than to take on an amazing opportunity such as this./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I showered and styled my hair, lookin at the time - 7:45. I got dressed and put my bags in the living room by the front door. Addy was already sitting on the couch, waiting./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""No tears Addy, we did enough of that last night." I said as sat down next to her. I hadn't realized how much I was going to miss this girl. She had become a huge part of my life in such a short time./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She sniffed, "I know I am just gonna miss you so much but, you would be crazy not to go. Hell I would go if he had offered it to me. Go make your dreams come true." She hugged me close./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Thanks bestie, I'll call you and text you non stop, I promise." I replied hugging her back./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"There was a knock at the door, this was it. I opened the door to one of Mr. Donovan's guards standing there, the big burly one from the elevator. He was intense looking, "Ready to go Miss Smith?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I nodded my head and hugged Addy one last time before heading out the door. Big and burly put my bags in the trunk and opened the back door for me, I stepped into the black Range Rover, trying not to look back at the place I'd called home for 2 years. The ride through the city, to the airport was heavy-hearted as we passed Addy and mine's favorite haunts, the Casino, and the strip. Goodbye Las Vegas, hello New York./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The car stopped next to small private Jet. Of course Mr. Donovan would have his own plane, I was already reaping the benefits of Mr. Donovan's employment. As I stepped on I noticed a few more employees of Mr. Donovan's. A guy sitting, typing away on a laptop, a few more guards, and the man himself. How could someone make a plain button down look so damn good./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I took a seat in one of the long white leather chairs, a waitress walked over. "Champagne, Miss?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Uhm, no thanks I'm good." I replied getting more comfortable in my seat./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Hmm, I don't think I've ever met someone to turn down a $200 glass of Champagne before." His voice echoed through me, I seriously needed to get a hold of myself If I was going to work with him./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I shrugged back and said, "Never really cared for the stuff, now if you've got a nice glass of scotch back there, then I'm your girl." I opened up my book and began reading./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"A few paragraphs in and I felt the seat next to me fill. I looked up from the page, Mr. Donovan had moved to come sit next to me. Strange./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I noticed the glass he was holding, "Scotch for the Lady."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I smirked and grabbed the glass tasting the liquor. The warmth traveling down my throat and into my soul, Damn this was some good ass Scotch. "Are you implying that I'm a Lady, Mr. Donovan?'/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"His eyes light up with intrigue studying me, "Are you implying that you're not?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"This could be fun, I smiled and took another sip before returning to my book. I could hear the rush of air leave his body and a very silent, barely audible "Fuck."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Danie - 1, Mr. Donovan - 0/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I must have fallen asleep because the next thing I knew I heard a very loud very angry Mr. Donovan. "What do you mean you have no idea what happened! Did I not leave you in charge for a reason, this is unacceptable, we will be meeting very soon. I hope when I see you next you have a better explanation than I DON'T KNOW!" He hung up the phone and shoved the device back in his pocket, his face like a complete statue. If it weren't for the yelling you probably wouldn't know anything was wrong, which some how made him that much more scary./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I stretched a little and sat up in my seat, looking down at the page where I left off. Mr. Scary came and sat next to me again. He was silent for few minutes before, "I am sorry Miss Smith.."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I didn't dare look at those eyes, "It's fine Mr. Donovan, business is business."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"He sighed, I looked up. His blue eyes staring at me intently, "No, Miss Smith, I am sorry because we are going to have to make a pit stop on the way to New York, I have something that came up in Chicago. If you would like I could send you ahead or you can stay while I take care of somethings in the city."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Was he joking? "If it's alright with you I would like to stay with you, I'm actually from Chicago and it would be nice to see the city again, even if it's only for a little bit." I hadn't been Home in such a long time, it would feel nice to see it again./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"He just nodded his head and went back to typing somethings on his phone./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"So here we are the city of Chicago. This one city was my home - the one place in my entire life I have ever felt a true connection. I was born here, grew up somewhere else, but this place has always been where my heart is. As I looked through the tented glass of the town car, I couldn't help but bask in the city skyline coming into view. I loved everything about this place, the smells, the sounds, everything about this city made my heart ache a little less./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I turned my attention back to the person sitting in the car next to me, He was starring at his phone but, I caught the settle glances my way, each time I felt a bolt of electricity jolt through me. I didn't know if it was being here, on my home turf, or the closeness of the car, or a combination of both, but there was definite static electricity in the air around us./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"We pulled up to a tall white bricked beauty of a building, The Waldorf hotel. Of course he could book a last minute room here without a care in the world. Just how rich was this man. I probably should have done some research on this guy before agreeing to fly halfway across the country with him. You only live once though, and I could handle myself./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The inside was just as or even more beautiful and rich as the outside. I was in awe, yet again. "Mack can you go get the room keys?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"So big brute had a name, Mack./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Yes Sir, I'll be right back."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"He nodded to Mack who walked toward the front desk while we waited by the elevators. There it was again that static as he turned his attention my way, "So how does it feel, to be back in the city?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I was taken aback I wasn't expecting him to be so nonchalant after his yelling fit in the plane a few hours prier. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before responding, "Honestly it feel like a breath of fresh air, Mr. Donovan." I opened my eyes to the most breathtaking blue irises starring into me, like he was searching for something, they were like clear windows into his depths as well though. A girl could get lost in those eyes./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I could get lost in those eyes. No. Danie snap out of it./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Myles" His voice broke the spell./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""What?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""You can call me Myles when we're not working. If you'd like." He said sheepishly./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""You can call me Danie, preferably over Miss Smith." I replied with a smile./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Danie it is."/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Just then Mack came back with the room keys, breaking the static electricity./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The elevator ride felt like forever, my mind was reeling. Myles Donovan, that name suited him. It rolled off the tongue and demanded respect. It was one of those names you hear and you know its of importance. Myles./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She looked so effortlessly beautiful as she boarded my plane. What was I getting myself into? This could be a mistake, she was so damn distracting. Then She smiled and my mind said Fuck it. What ever happens is worth seeing that smile./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"But nothing was better when her eyes light up. "Scotch for the Lady?" I asked as I sat down next to her. Her head buried in a book, not a tablet or her phone, but an actual book. She looked so peaceful reading it too./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She looked up and her eyes were playful and a smirk broke out across that lovely angelic face, "Are you implying that I'm a Lady, Mr. Donovan?" Shit, the way she said my name sent a shiver down my body. Oh She's good./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Are you implying that you're not?" Two could play this game./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She smiled a sly little grin while taking a sip of the drink I made her and went back to reading. That devilish look on that angelic face was enough to render me useless. I let out a sigh, "Fuck" under my breath, she got me./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Miss Smith - 1, Me - 0/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"We grew into a comfortable silence as she continued to be enthralled in her book and I tried desperately to get some work done on my phone. As time went on her breath became slower and her book fell into her lap./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I looked over at the sleeping beauty and nearly had another heart attack, she had angled herself to where hear head rested on the armrest between us. I could see the peacefulness on her face and the rise and fall of that perfect chest. I gulped and forced myself to focus on the work at hand, rather than the sleeping beauty next to me./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Flash forward to the car ride as we pulled into the city limits. The way her eyes sparkled looking at the city landscape. I couldn't help but smile at her enjoyment. Who was this blonde beauty next to me and why is it every time she looks at me I feel a tingle run through my body./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"And now looking at her in the elevator ride up to our room at The Waldorf. Her natural beauty was something that would only get better with time, why was I thinking these thoughts? She is just your employee nothing more, if she knew what all you were involved in, she would never look at you the same. Maybe that was for the better. She was too perfect for a world like mine./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The elevator doors opened and we stepped off I went down the hall to where our suite was and unlocked it. I motioned her to step inside. She took a few cautious steps into room before she let out a, "holey fuck." I ginned at her cussing./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""This is our suite, there are bedrooms on either side the living room here and the small kitchen down that way, help yourself to anything you like." And I do mean anything, shit. I am not helping myself./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Her face said it all, she caught the innuendo, but she didn't say anything. She looked in both bedrooms and decided to take the one on the right. Which was curious, it was the smaller of the two, I would have figured she would have wanted the bigger one. Most girls would have, of course she's not most girls./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"After setting my stuff down in my room I headed back out into the living room. I found Her there, again reading her book. "My meeting isn't until tomorrow, why don't we go to Lou Malnati's for lunch?" Her face lit up with my suggestion. God I could watch her smile all day./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Hell yeah Deep dish pizza here I come!" she bolted off the coach and into her room to get ready. A few mins later she had on a light jacket and knee high boots and was heading for the door, "You ready?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""After you." I replied. She was almost bouncing the whole ride there. The excitement behind those eyes was magnificent. "So I was thinking, while I'm out dealing with some business, why don't you take Mack and the town car and go explore, since you're from here I know there's probably something you're dying to go do." I watched as the excitement grew and a smile broke out across her face./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""You wouldn't mind?" She asked nervously./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Not at all, one of us should be able to enjoy this trip. Go have fun." I thought she would be happy to see her home town, but there was a sadness in her eyes if only for a split second, but I caught it./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""That would be wonderful, thank you." She looked back out through the window. I would have to keep tabs with Mack tomorrow and make sure they didn't get into any harry situations./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Lunch was fantastic as always. I agreed with Danie, Chicago had some of the best food around. Between talking about the restaurant and what I expected out of her starting her new job, I told her she would be staying with me. She was cautious at first but I told her it's easier than finding a decently priced apartment close to where the restaurant was. Which was very much true, the price for condos or apartments in NY is outrageous. After that she seemed to be ok with the idea. I did not know what it was about this girl, I didn't want her out on the street somewhere in a bad neighborhood, having her stay with me was a bit selfish, but I am the Boss./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The next morning I woke up to the smell of coffee, my one addiction in this world. Make that one of my addictions, her smile was soon becoming something I longed to see. As I walked out into the common area, she was busy away typing on her laptop with a cup in her hand. I made my way over to the kitchen to pour myself a cup. That's when I noticed how red her eyes looked. Had she been crying? She was trying very hard to hide it, but I had made it a habit of noticing every detail about her./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She looked up from her computer to see who had walked into the room. I offered a slight smile in return. She gave a small one back, and her face seemed to lighten up just a little bit. I wasn't going to push what made her upset, I was her new boss not her friend, no matter how hard it was not to walk over there and pull her into my arms. I had to keep this professional if there was any hope of surviving./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"She finished her cup of coffee and closed her laptop. Taking a deep breath she walked towards the kitchen counter to dispose of her cup and made her way back to her room. That was the last I saw of her that morning./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"As soon I got up this morning I called my mom in hopes of seeing her. After I left home, my parents had split up and my mom moved back to Illinois to be closer to her best friend and my God Mother, Lisa. The phone rang twice before being sent to voicemail, ouch. I left a message saying I was going to be in the city and thought maybe we could do lunch and to call me back. I knew she wouldn't but, I still made the effort. I texted my God Mother in hopes of at least seeing one person today./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I put the phone down and decided to get dressed. A few minutes later the screen light up. It was Lisa, "Hey hows it goi.."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Hey sorry I can't today me and your mom took a girls trip out of town, maybe next time?" Her voice sounded only a little apologetic./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"What was I thinking of course she would have Lisa call with an excuse not to see me, typical. It still stung though I hadn't seen any of my family in years, the only person who I talked to was Lisa and that was only so she could tell some excuse my mother made up. "Yeah that's fine." And I hung up. Tears ready to spill down my face. "No D you will not cry, you are going to have a fantastic day in the city you love and no one is gong to come in between that." I gave myself a mental pep talk in the bathroom mirror, wiped my eyes and headed to find some coffee./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I was in the middle of booking tickets for the Shed's aquarium when I heard his door open up. I willed myself to focus on my laptop. My eyes betrayed me however and I glanced up, He was staring at me with curious eyes, the smile playing on his lips made me smile in return./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I closed my laptop and disposed of my cup on the counter before walking back in my room. I got dressed in some ripped dark jeans, grey boots, and grey long sleeved blouse. I paired that with a maroon scarf and my black leather jacket and headed to find Mack./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"The drive to Shed's was quiet but I enjoyed watching the city outside. We pulled up out front and Mack and me stepped out, "Not to overstep, but you are unusually quiet today Miss Smith."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I sighed, "You can call me Danie, Mack." and I kept walking up the steps./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I made my way over to the ticket counter, "Smith.."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Ah yes Miss Smith here are your tickets, is there anything else I can help you with?" She smiled./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Tickets? I looked down in the envelope, there were VIP tickets to the shows and special tour, "I think there's been a mistake.."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""You're boss called and reserved these for you Miss, have a nice day." Well alrighty then./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I spent the next three hours looking at everything. I watched my favorite Dolphin show and bought a souvenir in the gift shop. I didn't have any of the other ones I collected over the years anymore so I needed something to remember the occasion. I knew that after today I wasn't going to step foot in the city again, I don't think I could anymore. It was beginning to have the same haunt that Kansas had. Mack and me walked out the front of the building and I stopped to grab a Chicago Dog at one of the carts. I loved the smell of the lake and the slight breeze blowing in my face. We walked towards the waters edge and sat down to eat./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Hey Mack?" I asked turning toward my big brute of a companion today./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Yes, Danie?" He answered back, putting his phone in his pocket./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""What time do we have to be back by?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Boss said that we aren't leaving until tomorrow morning, so anytime you're ready."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I looked over to the fiery rides to Navy Pier, "You don't have a problem with boat rides do you?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Not at all Miss." He followed my gaze, "Wanting to take a trip over to the Pier?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""If you don't mind?" I said turning towards him./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"He smiled a genuine smile, "Lead the way."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"There wasn't anything too magnificent about Navy Pier, but the shops were nice and I needed new Cubbies gear. When I stepped back outside Mack was on the phone with someone. As I drew closer to him his conversation ended and he greeted me with a small smile. "Where to next?"/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I smiled back, wondering who he had been talking to. "Actually I am kind of thirsty, want to grab something and sit for a bit."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Sounds like a plan." Mack and me sat outside people watching and laughing at the tourists. Today had turned out to be a nice day. He pulled out his phone again checking it, "Mr. Donovan will be here shortly."/p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Oh, okay." My mind froze, did I hear him right? I must have because here He came walking up in all his glory, looking drop dead gorgeous in a white shirt and black sleek leather jacket that hung just right off his shoulders making him look devastatingly handsome./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"His face broke out in a smile when he caught me staring at him, I coughed and tried to hide how crazy he made my emotions. Mack saw the reaction and leaned over in my ear, "Now there's that smile." I had had it, my cheeks grew red and hid my face in my hands. He did not just say that. Dammit Mack I thought we were friends./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Also since when did my blush come back, I thought I had kicked that habit to the curb a long time ago. This man was messing me up inside and out./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Mr. Donovan walked over to our table and stood next to me waiting for me to look up, "How was you're day Miss Smith?" God the way he said my name made my whole body light up./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"I took a few deep breathes before looking up into those blue pools he had for eyes, "Pretty good, how about yours?"/p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"He looked down at me, his eyes playful. "My day was ok, but its getting better," Cue the damned blush again./p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;" /p
p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Was he implying that being here with me was making his day better, dear lord I was in trouble./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Have you ever been out to the light house?" he asked looking out over the water./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""No, never." I replied shrugging my shoulders./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;""Well what are we waiting for?" He asked lending his hand to help me up. I took it and stood up tripping a little. His strong arms catching me. I slowly looked up and damn I should not have, being this close. His face was inches from mine and he was intoxicating. He smelled like whiskey and something sweet. His face was hard to read, but his eyes, man his eyes were a window into another life. What seemed like an eternity his face broke out in a smile, "Eager are we Miss smith?" His voice was so low it was almost a growl./p
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p style="margin: 0in; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 11.0pt;"Two could play at this game./p
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