A/N: I love reading your feedbacks so please feel free to continue to do so. ;)

Ch. 10

Heading towards the meeting, Lucas began explaining to Haley how he planned on enticing Stella Shields to join Mason Publishing. Haley listened to him attentively, amazed at his idea and more importantly, his motivation. The amount of respect she had for him continued to grow. She felt honored to be able to work for such an accomplished employer and decent human being.

When they walked into the meeting, Haley took her usual seat beside Lucas. When everyone sat down, Larry Mason spoke. "Good morning ladies and gentlemen," Mr. Mason looked confidently around the room.

Whatever else he said was lost to Haley because she was thoroughly inspecting him. This was the first time she'd seen him since her last encounter with his only son. She wasn't sure how a man could raise a son that turned out to be a reincarnated version of the devil. With that thought, she looked around the room to see if Kevin was there. To her relief he was not in attendance. Let's hope it says that way. Refocusing her attention back to the speaker, she wondered if the apple didn't fall far from the tree.

As her thoughts continued to wander, the meeting continued to proceed. Her mind was snapped back into reality when she felt heat course through her body. Turning to the origin of where she felt warmth, she noticed that Lucas was standing as he placed a steady hand on the back of her shoulder.

Bringing her eyes to meet his beautiful ones, he smiled, knowing her attention was on something else besides the meeting. He wondered what distracted her. Was it a man who caught her interest? Was he in this room? Quickly scanning the room, he realized it couldn't be someone in this company. No one was close to their age with the exception of Kevin. But she wouldn't be interested in a man like him would she? Not like he cared. It was just that she shouldn't be zoning out during an important meeting. It wouldn't present her in a positive light to the other important workers in the company. Hearing Mr. Mason clear his throat, he brought his attention back to the meeting.

Slightly embarrassed for his lack of focus, he pulled his gaze from the striking chocolate eyes and began, "Haley and I have the honor of persuading Miss Shields to join our wonderful company." After revealing his plan, he closed his speech by saying, "We won't rest until she signs the contract." Smiling he sat down.

"Wonderful Lucas. So..." turning towards his assistant who whispered Haley's name, Larry continued, "Haley, do you believe the plan will be a success?"

With wide eyes, Haley tried to say something, but nothing came out. All she could focus on was the curious pairs of eyes staring back at her, waiting for her to speak. Suddenly, she felt her body tremble as she felt her cold sweat trickle down her face. She couldn't hear anything but her own raspy breathing and accelerating heartbeats. Her mind was screaming at her to say "yes" but her mouth wouldn't listen.

As if she wasn't nervous enough, the object of her displeasure chose that moment to enter the room. He stood next to the doorway, leaning against the wall. His lethal undressing stare made her want to vomit, but she decided now would not be the best time. Becoming more nervous by the minute, she tried to take a deep breath, hoping that it would relieve her nerves. As she drew air, she felt a comforting hand her leg. Feeling the strength in him surge to her, she took a minute before managing to say, "Of course." Unfortunately, his hand continued to linger there, causing Haley heartbeat to quicken. Doesn't he know what his touch did to her? It was a distraction. An unwelcome one, or at least that was what she tried to make herself believe.

"Great! That's what I like to hear." Standing up, Mr. Mason stated, "I have complete faith that you two will make an excellent team. Now that we have conducted all the necessary business, this meeting is adjourned," before walking out the door. The younger Mason shot a venomous glare at Lucas before following his father out the door, explaining why he was late to the meeting.

Lucas wondered what he did this time to irritate the hell out of the rich brat. Deciding that it was a waste of time, he waited for everyone to leave the room before turning to Haley. "Are you okay?" Feeling the need to give her hand a gentle squeeze, he reached out before he saw Haley flinch slightly. That simple action made him regret his previous physical contact with her. If she pulled away from a hand contact, what about his placement of his hand on her soft thigh. Great Lucas, if you keep touching her, she might throw you a sexual harassment suit and with good reason. Touching a woman's legs without her consent is a major no no. What were you thinking?

"Why wouldn't I be?" Not realizing that she flinched when she thought she heard Kevin's voice outside, she prayed that he wasn't coming back into the room because he left something behind.

"Because all the colors in your face disappeared and you looked like you were about to puke." Or did you look pale after I touched you?

Ignoring his graphic comment, she gave him a reassuring smile. "What I meant was why wouldn't I be fine with you helping me." Overwhelmed with her stage fright and touched by Lucas' support, she gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Stunned by Haley's actions, Lucas remained silent for a moment because of the confusion. Did he imagine her flinching? She wouldn't kiss him if she didn't want any contact with him?

All these questions he asked himself quickly vanished as he saw Haley look at her entwined fingers. He treasured how adorable his assistant looked when her cheeks turn a soft shade of pink and she looks away when she became nervous.

Realizing what she just did, she was dismayed with herself. Trying to avoid any awkward silences, she said in a voice barely above a whisper, "Thanks for always coming to my rescue."

"You're welcome. I love playing the knight in shinning armor for my damsel in distress," he winked.

Upon hearing the word my, Haley looked up, causing Lucas to hastily change what he uttered, "I meant to say a damsel in distress. Anyways, let's get to work."

Standing up, he walked towards the door, waiting for Haley to follow him before they slowly strolled side by side to Lucas' office.