All mistakes are only mine. I am aware the chapters are short, but I don't have much time to write really and the chapters I do write are mainly done in the bus on my way to work or back home so please just ignore some little mistakes (and I am sure there are and will be some). This one is a tease as well, so stick with the story and see what happens next!
It took him whole two minutes to send her a message with more information about their meeting. "Your office. Tomorrow at 3pm."
Of course, he wasn't talking about her office. He was talking about her former office, about the one she worked in while they were still good. Or at least she hoped so. Coming to her actual office would be a bit hard, considering the fact that security is not really letting anyone in who doesn't have an appointment. When she first came there she had absolutely no idea why they were so paranoid, but in time she found out that some of the patients are prisoners and that they were visiting some of the best psychiatrists in the state. Luckily, she never got any of those patients, which was pretty odd cause it seemed like she was a magnet for troubles.
"Bring the wine."
"Are you making this a date, love? Cuz I wouldn't mind."
"No. I just don't think I'd come out of a meeting with you sane if I didn't have something to drink."
"True. I'll get your favorite."
Tomorrow had come fast. She spent the whole morning trying to look good, but not too good. She wanted desperately to ignore the feeling that was rising inside her chest, but it was stronger than her. Every time she'd think about their meeting her heart would start beating faster and cause some odd warmth in her stomach.
It wasn't like that. It was never like that between them. They always had this little game going on between them, this flirt that never died, even now, through the messages. Are you making this a date, love? It was dangerous. Cal was dangerous for her. He was a territory unknown, a man of many secrets and many talents, nothing like men she was used to having in her life.
In the end, she decided a white suit would do. It was a bit tight for her taste, but she bought it because it fit her perfectly. She preferred skirts and blouses, but for this occasion she decided to sacrifice comfort and go for good looks.
Her makeup was light as usual, she never liked it too much. She put on mascara and light lipstick, so you could barely notice she even had any makeup on. Her hair was straight, though probably a bit shorter than he remembered it - shoulder length.
His breathing stopped while his heart raced. He expected her to look good, just to make him regret losing her, but he never expected her to look freaking amazing. He failed in an attempt to raise his lower jaw, so for a couple of seconds he just let it hang there, until he felt he could move again. Never did a woman leave him so… Powerless. Yes, that was the word – powerless. Because she could see when he was lying, she knew his secrets, she knew how to deal with him when he was a pain in the ass (which was pretty much all the time), but most important of all, she knew how to calm him down even when he felt like a raging dog.
"Cal." Her voice was soft, as always, but she had changed over the past year and he was glad because of it. She seemed stronger. At least her shake of the hand was firm and even a bit painful. Or maybe that was just intentional, just a squeeze to hurt him.
"Oy, love, you look better than ever." It caused the blush creep up her neck and to her cheeks almost immediately and her lips curved up into a small, traitorous smile.
"You look good as well."
"I brought the rose."
"Also, how do you even know what my favorite wine is?" There was suspicion in Gillian's voice and he could hear it loud and clear.
"Oh, I just peeked into your desk after you left. It was still there, just half a glass left. It's good, though a bit sweet for my taste."
"I never forgot a bottle of wine, Cal." She passed by him, touching his shoulder with hers in the process. She kept walking until she reached her old office, still untouched. The pleasant but unwanted feeling of warmth in her chest came back again. He didn't move a single thing.
Wrapping a hand around the knob, she felt like she was going to fall apart. She knew he had her the moment he called. She came here knowing that she will accept his offer, but under her own conditions this time.
"Shall we? You asked to meet because you wanted to offer me a position. Let's have an interview then."