UA
Chapter 7
Chloe awoke from a blissful night of rest, and for the first time in awhile she felt a rush of adrenaline. She rushed out of bed and hopped into the shower. She let the hot water glide across her flesh hoping to burn off the filth that had collected there the past couple years. She smiled, remembering the scene she had made last night when she had gotten off the phone with Mr. Black. First she had run around the small living room making up her own sort of rhythmic movements to a wild beat that played in her head. Once she had finally made it to Natalie's room she grabbed the small girl and twirled her around, smiling at her with unshed tears. Chloe sighed as she dropped Natalie off at school. Thank god Mimi and been as overjoyed as she had been herself to let her use her car this morning, and so she drove Mimi's car toward her new future. As she turned into the parking lot she noticed Belle park her car and get out slowly. Chloe walked up the walkway and entered the building. As she walked into the elevator Belle joined her.
Belle gave her a sweet smile and asked, "Nervous?" Chloe smiled back weakly at the sympathetic blonde. "Yeah.A lot" Chloe sighed, "My last job wasn't nearly as high strung as this one. I'm just praying I keep my guard up, and don't screw up."
"Oh, I'm sure you will do fine. You want to know something?" Belle asked with a raise of her brows. "There were dozens of others after this position, but Brady was adamant it had to be you. That definitely tells me he thinks you're capable of doing the job." Belle said as they walked briskly out of the elevator. "Well I was certainly surprised he called me. With the way that interview went I wouldn't be surprised if he accidentally called my number thinking I as someone else." Chloe replied jokingly but half-serious.
Right when she stepped in to the office, the fast pace setting was eating her up and she was desperately trying to calm her nerves before she met with Mr. Black. Belle smiled at the pretty woman in front of her as she led her into her office and left the door slightly ajar. Resting a gentle hand on Chloe's shoulder she replied, "You know.once you get to know Brady, you will see he is quite different than his public image. He does have a kind heart under that ice-cold wall he's built up, but don't let his guard fool you. You may think he's arrogant, but he deserves all the pride he has." Chloe listened to the young woman's words trying to believe that maybe there was more to Brady than met the eye.
"Um.Belle, If you don't mind me asking. How old is Mr.Black?" Chloe asked immediately wishing she hadn't. 'Why did I ask his age?' she asked herself. Belle cocked her head and smiled. "Well, he is 27" Belle answered with a tone like she had just found out a new secret. 'Hmm.Twenty-seven. That's only four years older than I am' Chloe thought.
"So..um..How long has Mr. Black worked here?" 'What the hell is the matter with you? Why are you asking all these questions? She's gonna think you're a stalker if you keep it up.' That inner voice warned. Belle moved around to sit at her desk. She answered her while looking over some papers. "Brady's been here since he was 21. Now that dad barely comes to the office anymore, usually out on vacation in the Caribbean or somewhere to that effect, so Brady basically had to learn the skills and take over." Taking a breath and completely forgetting whom she was talking to, Belle started in on her little tirade. "Many people see only the outside image of him and think he's just a kid who's taking daddy's credit, but I would like to show them how much time and effort Brady puts into this company day after day. After everyone goes home who is still here? Why Brady of course.I mean."
"Belle, I appreciate the accolade, but I fear the compliments are going to start to dwindle soon, and I would appreciate it if the whole office didn't hear your ranting about me. Got it?" He asked making himself known by coming fully into the office. Completely caught off guard by Brady's entrance Chloe watched the exchange of understanding between the two siblings, and then in one swift move he faced her. His eyes were like lasers and she almost flinched when he turned so fast. "Why hello Ms. Lane" he said dryly, and then in another swift move he turned back to Belle. "Belle would you please show Ms. Lane around so she can get used to the feel of everything, then send her in." And with that he turned and walked out of Belle's office.
Chloe stood there for a moment trying to comprehend what had just taken place. It you had blinked you would have missed it, but Chloe's eyes had been wide open. 'The nerve of that man to treat her like she wasn't even there. And what happened to the low silky tones she couldn't get out of her head the night before?'
Belle sighed and led Chloe around the office. After a long walk from every inch of the company floor, she was ready for breather and should have brought a notepad for all the things Belle had shown her. Actually on second thought a tape recorder would have been better. 'I doubt anyone would be able to write as fast as that girl talks' Chloe thought with a smile as she walked toward Brady's office. Once she reached the door, she quickly smoothed back her hair that was being restrained in a tight bun, and brushed down her suit. Taking a deep breath she put on a slight smile and walked in. Right when she walked over the threshold she stopped, suddenly feeling paralyzed by the clear crystal gaze that had been waiting for her arrival.
"Good morning Ms. Lane. I'm sure Belle has shown you around by now. I hope you haven't changed your mind." He stated with a slight smirk to his usually set mouth. "No Mr. Black I have not changed my mind. I took the job and promised I would stay." She said raising her chin.
"Do you always keep your promises Ms. Lane?" He asked smiling inwardly at the sight of a brilliant blush rise to her cheeks. "Yes.I do", she said as smoothly as she could. 'Get it together Chloe' she warned herself. "Well then, I have no doubt that we will work together marvelously." He replied airily as he stood and came closer to her. Chloe's eyes widened at the site of his full form coming at her. Her eyes slowed the image down as she could see him in slow motion come at her, so close he was right next to her neck. So close she could breathe in his scent, as he lips neared hers. 'Whoa! Chloe stop! Get back to reality!' her inner voice screamed and successfully brought her out of her little mind trip. She shook her head and eyed Brady as he looked at her curiously, sitting his muscular form on the edge of the desk casually. "Well, Ms. Lane first and foremost I would like to welcome you to Basic Black." The tone cut through her like a knife showing utterly no emotion what so ever.
"As your time here progresses you will soon find out what I like and don't like. Oh, and before we go too far let me lay out some of the ground rules you will need to follow." Chloe blinked her wide eyes as she tried to pay attention rather than not stare at his lips as they move gracefully with every word he said. "First of all" he started. Chloe's eyes snapped up to meet his, afraid she had been caught staring, but his face was till expressionless. She almost hoped he had in fact caught her, then maybe she could have seen something behind that wall. "I expect.no I demand absolute loyalty for those close to me. You will now enter the world of Basic Black and with this comes the knowledge of confidential information that pertains to business aspects as well as my personal life. Total and utter honesty and truth, anything less is just not acceptable."
She took the motioning of his hand as her cue to sit down and she made a mental note to thank god for that. If she had to sit and be pinned under his gaze like a predator getting ready to pounce on his prey, she was afraid she would have done something she was sure to be nothing less than embarrassing. Her stomach was doing flip-flops and she was certain her face had taken a liking to the shade of pink. 'Here she is sitting innocently in that large chair staring up at me with those beautiful blue eyes, like was about to attack her, which wasn't an idea taken out of consideration' he thought to himself.
"Yes, Mr. Black I fully understand what is expected" she responded having to break his stare just to answer smoothly. "Brady" he said gently. "What?" she asked, not confused by the statement, but by the fact she just wanted to hear that tone in his voice again. "When you walk through that door Chloe, my name is Brady. You are the eyes and the ears of this company for me, so there is no need to be formal within these walls." He said, his tone for the first time taking on the slightest essence of softness, as he stared into her eyes.
Chloe awoke from a blissful night of rest, and for the first time in awhile she felt a rush of adrenaline. She rushed out of bed and hopped into the shower. She let the hot water glide across her flesh hoping to burn off the filth that had collected there the past couple years. She smiled, remembering the scene she had made last night when she had gotten off the phone with Mr. Black. First she had run around the small living room making up her own sort of rhythmic movements to a wild beat that played in her head. Once she had finally made it to Natalie's room she grabbed the small girl and twirled her around, smiling at her with unshed tears. Chloe sighed as she dropped Natalie off at school. Thank god Mimi and been as overjoyed as she had been herself to let her use her car this morning, and so she drove Mimi's car toward her new future. As she turned into the parking lot she noticed Belle park her car and get out slowly. Chloe walked up the walkway and entered the building. As she walked into the elevator Belle joined her.
Belle gave her a sweet smile and asked, "Nervous?" Chloe smiled back weakly at the sympathetic blonde. "Yeah.A lot" Chloe sighed, "My last job wasn't nearly as high strung as this one. I'm just praying I keep my guard up, and don't screw up."
"Oh, I'm sure you will do fine. You want to know something?" Belle asked with a raise of her brows. "There were dozens of others after this position, but Brady was adamant it had to be you. That definitely tells me he thinks you're capable of doing the job." Belle said as they walked briskly out of the elevator. "Well I was certainly surprised he called me. With the way that interview went I wouldn't be surprised if he accidentally called my number thinking I as someone else." Chloe replied jokingly but half-serious.
Right when she stepped in to the office, the fast pace setting was eating her up and she was desperately trying to calm her nerves before she met with Mr. Black. Belle smiled at the pretty woman in front of her as she led her into her office and left the door slightly ajar. Resting a gentle hand on Chloe's shoulder she replied, "You know.once you get to know Brady, you will see he is quite different than his public image. He does have a kind heart under that ice-cold wall he's built up, but don't let his guard fool you. You may think he's arrogant, but he deserves all the pride he has." Chloe listened to the young woman's words trying to believe that maybe there was more to Brady than met the eye.
"Um.Belle, If you don't mind me asking. How old is Mr.Black?" Chloe asked immediately wishing she hadn't. 'Why did I ask his age?' she asked herself. Belle cocked her head and smiled. "Well, he is 27" Belle answered with a tone like she had just found out a new secret. 'Hmm.Twenty-seven. That's only four years older than I am' Chloe thought.
"So..um..How long has Mr. Black worked here?" 'What the hell is the matter with you? Why are you asking all these questions? She's gonna think you're a stalker if you keep it up.' That inner voice warned. Belle moved around to sit at her desk. She answered her while looking over some papers. "Brady's been here since he was 21. Now that dad barely comes to the office anymore, usually out on vacation in the Caribbean or somewhere to that effect, so Brady basically had to learn the skills and take over." Taking a breath and completely forgetting whom she was talking to, Belle started in on her little tirade. "Many people see only the outside image of him and think he's just a kid who's taking daddy's credit, but I would like to show them how much time and effort Brady puts into this company day after day. After everyone goes home who is still here? Why Brady of course.I mean."
"Belle, I appreciate the accolade, but I fear the compliments are going to start to dwindle soon, and I would appreciate it if the whole office didn't hear your ranting about me. Got it?" He asked making himself known by coming fully into the office. Completely caught off guard by Brady's entrance Chloe watched the exchange of understanding between the two siblings, and then in one swift move he faced her. His eyes were like lasers and she almost flinched when he turned so fast. "Why hello Ms. Lane" he said dryly, and then in another swift move he turned back to Belle. "Belle would you please show Ms. Lane around so she can get used to the feel of everything, then send her in." And with that he turned and walked out of Belle's office.
Chloe stood there for a moment trying to comprehend what had just taken place. It you had blinked you would have missed it, but Chloe's eyes had been wide open. 'The nerve of that man to treat her like she wasn't even there. And what happened to the low silky tones she couldn't get out of her head the night before?'
Belle sighed and led Chloe around the office. After a long walk from every inch of the company floor, she was ready for breather and should have brought a notepad for all the things Belle had shown her. Actually on second thought a tape recorder would have been better. 'I doubt anyone would be able to write as fast as that girl talks' Chloe thought with a smile as she walked toward Brady's office. Once she reached the door, she quickly smoothed back her hair that was being restrained in a tight bun, and brushed down her suit. Taking a deep breath she put on a slight smile and walked in. Right when she walked over the threshold she stopped, suddenly feeling paralyzed by the clear crystal gaze that had been waiting for her arrival.
"Good morning Ms. Lane. I'm sure Belle has shown you around by now. I hope you haven't changed your mind." He stated with a slight smirk to his usually set mouth. "No Mr. Black I have not changed my mind. I took the job and promised I would stay." She said raising her chin.
"Do you always keep your promises Ms. Lane?" He asked smiling inwardly at the sight of a brilliant blush rise to her cheeks. "Yes.I do", she said as smoothly as she could. 'Get it together Chloe' she warned herself. "Well then, I have no doubt that we will work together marvelously." He replied airily as he stood and came closer to her. Chloe's eyes widened at the site of his full form coming at her. Her eyes slowed the image down as she could see him in slow motion come at her, so close he was right next to her neck. So close she could breathe in his scent, as he lips neared hers. 'Whoa! Chloe stop! Get back to reality!' her inner voice screamed and successfully brought her out of her little mind trip. She shook her head and eyed Brady as he looked at her curiously, sitting his muscular form on the edge of the desk casually. "Well, Ms. Lane first and foremost I would like to welcome you to Basic Black." The tone cut through her like a knife showing utterly no emotion what so ever.
"As your time here progresses you will soon find out what I like and don't like. Oh, and before we go too far let me lay out some of the ground rules you will need to follow." Chloe blinked her wide eyes as she tried to pay attention rather than not stare at his lips as they move gracefully with every word he said. "First of all" he started. Chloe's eyes snapped up to meet his, afraid she had been caught staring, but his face was till expressionless. She almost hoped he had in fact caught her, then maybe she could have seen something behind that wall. "I expect.no I demand absolute loyalty for those close to me. You will now enter the world of Basic Black and with this comes the knowledge of confidential information that pertains to business aspects as well as my personal life. Total and utter honesty and truth, anything less is just not acceptable."
She took the motioning of his hand as her cue to sit down and she made a mental note to thank god for that. If she had to sit and be pinned under his gaze like a predator getting ready to pounce on his prey, she was afraid she would have done something she was sure to be nothing less than embarrassing. Her stomach was doing flip-flops and she was certain her face had taken a liking to the shade of pink. 'Here she is sitting innocently in that large chair staring up at me with those beautiful blue eyes, like was about to attack her, which wasn't an idea taken out of consideration' he thought to himself.
"Yes, Mr. Black I fully understand what is expected" she responded having to break his stare just to answer smoothly. "Brady" he said gently. "What?" she asked, not confused by the statement, but by the fact she just wanted to hear that tone in his voice again. "When you walk through that door Chloe, my name is Brady. You are the eyes and the ears of this company for me, so there is no need to be formal within these walls." He said, his tone for the first time taking on the slightest essence of softness, as he stared into her eyes.