Billionaire Stole My Panties

CHAPTER 5.

He stood closely behind me as we walked out of the elevator. The entire department stopped and stared for a moment before getting back to work. 

The walls are pale yellow and white tiles floors. Management Department had a pretty basic set up decor-wise with those old fashioned cubicles. We stand in a wide space between the two columns of cubicles. The partitions of the cubicles formed a continuous T going down the room. In each T there were two workers separated by the long part of the T. Each T mate had an ample amount of space to move around in. At the back of the room to the far left corner was a pinewood floating staircase with black spray-painted steel shooting from the ceiling that lead to the balcony above.

The balcony was half the size of the room and was where the workers had their lunch. It was like a café seating area up there. To the far right of the downstairs was the desk of the Managing Editor.

When I turned to Joel I was surprised to see him inspecting the front row of the cubicle on the right. I walked over him when I got there Felix Montgomery, Managing Editor, showed up smiling." Mr. Pereira, I'm Felix Montgomery." Felix said with a hand outstretched to Joel. Joel looked over his shoulder at him, he straightened to shake Felix's hand. Joel smiled back at him. I've heard rumors about Felix and none of them were good. Let's just say many women had quit because of him. Mr. Pereira tried to call those women but most never answered and a few that did told him they left for personal reasons. That was a month ago, no one has quit since then though. Mr. Pereira and I had a theory but we need those women to come forward if our theory is correct. Felix's eyes shifted to me." Ms. Cabrera." He said. His eyes were blue-grey. Very handsome man in his mid-thirties. His chestnut brown hair cut low at the side and medium length middle flipped over to the right. His nose is large and hooked, his lips small and cute. He's 6'3 and almost as muscular as Joel. He wore a sky shirt with a black vest over it and black trousers. I smiled stiffly at him." Good morning, Mr. Montgomery." I said. His eyes flickered back to Joel. 

"What do I own the pleasure of having the both of you two in my department?" Felix questioned smiling brightly at us. 

"Ms. Cabrera is just showing me around," Joel replied. 

"Really?" Felix said now grinning at me." You don't mind if I join do you, I know this department like the back of my hand?" 

I was about to say no we're good but Joel said." We're good thanks we won't be staying long." Joel glances at me." Nice meeting you—um...Graham." My eyes widened as I looked at Joel when back at Felix. Felix kept his smile.

"Montgomery. Felix Montgomery." Felix said.

"Yeah...sorry I'm not very good with names. Enjoy the rest of you're day Philip." Joel said. I almost burst out laughing when he said, Philip. I pretended to rub my nose.

"No, it's Felix." Felix corrected.

"Huh?" Joel said confused.

"Felix is my name." Felix cornered. 

"Oh I'll get it eventually. Let's go Ms. Cabrera." Joel said walking down the cubicles. I flashed a smile at Felix then tried to catch up to Joel. We walked up the floating stairs. Joel's stopped by the wooden rail looking down at everyone. I stood beside him. We watched Felix as he talked to a woman in a bright orange suit, she nervously played with her hands and he talked to her. She flinches when he touched her shoulder." Stay away from that man." He says suddenly.

"Hm?" I said. I heard what he said but it didn't register in my brain. All I could focus on was how the woman was reacting to Felix. My blood was boiling. I hated what I was seeing. If he's doing what I think he's doing we need to get rid of him asap.

"That guy from earlier...stay away from him."  He said pulling me out of my thoughts. I looked at him.

"You know?" I asked. He nodded.

"Yeah, dad told me and Joelle last night. I plan to sit down everyone in this department, separately, and hopefully, I can gather enough proof to put him away. So until then stay away from him." He told me. Trust me you won't catch me anywhere near him whether you told me to or not 

"I will."

He glanced at me then turned his attention back to downstairs." Truth be told—I didn't need a tour—I've been coming here since I was in diapers...nothing much has changed." He stated turning to me. Psh! Like no duh Aubrey of course he doesn't need a tour.

I turned to him." Then why agree to the tour?" I asked frowning.

"You didn't really ask if I wanted a tour, hun." He said smiling. My heart fluttered." You just took charge so I followed. I think it was going rather well until that guy ruined it...I didn't like the way he was looking at you." 

"How was he looking at me?" I asked. Joel smile fades, his face became emotionless. We stayed there staring at each other in silence.

 "Let's go, hun." He suddenly said walking back downstairs. I watched his back confused.

-

We ending up continuing the tour when Joel saw print stripping on the wall beside the elevator. As I was giving him a full tour of Spectrum minus the underground parking lot and lobby, as we went to the various departments he'd stop to inspect the infrastructure and decor. He was a real estate agent before this. Joel and Jules, his older brother by five years, are CEO's of Anarch Listings, owners of the Anarch Plazas in New York, Miami, and Philadelphia, many other complexes across America, and a small scale hotel in the Hamptons. I couldn't even begin to imagine the kind of money they're racking in. I was like holy crap when he told me.

Anyway, when we finally got to the office Joel told me he had nothing for me to do but he wasn't going to let me leave early so I'd have to find something productive to do and he wasn't planning on stressing himself out on his first day. I sat at his desk reading the morning newspaper, it was either this or rearranged my desk. My desk is now in his office, the reason for that is because he didn't want me out there by myself. It was kinda a mental brow raise but I didn't say anything. Joel's playing golf on his father's Wii." I just had an idea," he said, I looked over at him. He was preparing to take his shot. 

"What is it?"

"I was thinking about doing some remodeling," he said as he took his shot then cursed when he missed the hole," the place looks 'great' and all but there are so many things in this building that's such a sore and worst of all the questionable staff." He says he turning to look at me. I didn't meet his gaze but I agreed with him. He's right the place needs a makeover and I'm curious to see how he'd work his magic. There's a couple of people I wouldn't mind not seeing anymore.

"Yeah. That's probably a good idea." 

He chuckled." Glad we can come to an agreement." He said. We smiled at each other as he placed the controller on the table and walked over. My heart fluttered. I looked away and got back to the paper. Um...why am I so attracted to him? Especially now that I know he isn't this arrogant and brazen man....all the time. He's actually decent to be around and such a gentleman. I couldn't help but be attracted. I shouldn't be but I am. I think if we didn't meet yesterday it wouldn't be this bad but maybe it would get this far at some point, right? 

My skin began to prickle. I dropped the paper onto my lap. I jumped when I realize he was sitting on the edge of the desk, hovering over me. I swallowed the whole continent of Asia. You're not helping my situation, Joel. I really don't need this right now. He just sat there staring like its the most natural thing in the world. I shifted uncomfortably. I jumped when his thumb lifted my face to his, gently stroking my cheek. I love how warm his hand is. I bite my lip. His eyes grew dark, his stare intense. Why do all the wrong things feel so right? My hands gripping the hem of my pants to keep them from trying to touch him. Oh, boy was it a task. I wanted to run my fingers through his hair while I stared into his eyes.

His face was like staring into heaven, his teal eyes looked almost a shade greener under the shadow of his long lashes. He slowly dipped his head and ever so slowly his eyes began to closed. Our lips touched softly. I felt my senses slowly dissipating. My fingers twitching. I knew if I didn't end this soon things will escalate it a lot further than it should. When I remembered who we were I cleared my throat, cutting the moment short. I blinked rapidly trying to get my thoughts in order. How does he keep me wanting him like this? By one look and a brush of the lips. This is insane. There's something I need to know....desperately. 

"Please tell me you didn't make me your assistant just to have s*x with me." I forced out. Please say no. I would be crushed if that really is his intention. I mean he seems so nice...a bit too brazen but nice. I didn't want anything to ruin that image I had of him. He pressed his lips together but never moved from his position. His eyes searching my face.

"Then tell me you didn't accept the position, to seduce me." He countered with an icy stare. I pulled away quickly. I sat back, irritated. The f**k? I would never.

"I didn't!" I spat. He folded his arms across his chest, frowning.

"Then why were you flirting?" He questioned. I scoffed.

"You started it!" I spat again. I stood up clenching my fists at my side. I was close enough to smell his cherry chapstick. I returned his icy stare.

"But if you didn't like it, you would've have stopped me and said you're uncomfortable or that it's inappropriate for the workplace." He prompted. s**t, he got me there. The flirting felt casual but it was the stares that got me on the tiptoes. It was like he was ready to devour me." You were uncomfortable, weren't you?" I nodded slowly. In reality, I wasn't. Something flashed across his face. Hurt perhaps? 

"Well, I apologize, Ms. Cabrera." He said, in the most sincerest voice. 

"It's ok." I started," you're right... I should've said something." He nodded, moving away" I'm sorry for letting it get this far." 

"No need to apologize....at least we know where we stand." He said. I nodded. 

"Wouldn't be too much to ask to you put my desk back outside of your door?" I asked.

"Considered it done." He said, he smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. 

-

On my lunch break, Joey picked me up to check out an apartment he found for me in West Midtown. It's perfect, furnished, and small just the way I wanted it to be. Joey and I went back to his place to get my things and brought groceries for my new apartment. He helped me unpack. Afterward, he took me back to work almost three hours after my break ended.

Joel rewarded my tardiness with the task of correcting grammatical errors in an article about comfort foods, and he said and I quote, 'I don't want to so here you go'. When I was close to finishing, he gave me two more articles, this time with a smile. I couldn't help but feel like I'm being punished rejecting him earlier. Do you Joel, you being petty is only turning me off! Jackass.

It took me 5 hours to finish due to the fact that I had a bit of Carpal Tunnel. I finished around ten minutes pass 8.  I was sitting at my desk rubbing my stiff neck. I printed the last paper before my whole body crashed at the edge of the table. Where's a red bull when you need one? It's time to go home and I hate taking the bus this late but it has to be done. I looked over my shoulder at Joel's office. He hasn't left yet which was actually perfect. Maybe I can ask for a ride. No, you should just go now before it gets any later. The last thing you need is another episode of Scandal or something. Besides if he ends up somehow touch me the way he did earlier I don't think I'd stop him...I mean it's just us here, everyone except the janitors and security guards, probably left hours ago. 

Picture this; me walking into his office to find him standing at the window, looking down at the city. The only light source was the city lights shining in, giving his office this romantic feel. I'd stand beside him looking down at the city and he says 'beautiful isn't?' And I reply 'yes'. He'd turning to me then takes my hand and spins me into him, smirking. With my hands on his chest, I'd look into his eyes and—what am I saying! Aubrey stop this now. I blushed. What's wrong with me? I don't need this—any of this. Aubrey, none of this can happen so get it out of your naughty mind. 

I got up and I put the articles into separate folders. I  held them close to my chest as I talked towards his door. Taking a deep breath, I knocked." It's open!" He answered. I slowly opened it and our eyes met immediately. My heart skipped. Oh, f**k it's his office is literally almost like I imagined it. The lights were dimmed, the a/c temperature was just right and the city glowing behind him as he got out of his chair. He looked tired....from being petty I guess. He put on his jacket, eyes never leaving mine. He's ready to leave perfect! 

"What's up, Ms. Cabrera?" He asked while I was watched at his muscles flex under his shirt. Is it wrong for me to want him to give me his jacket just so he could take it off me and everything else along with it? I bit my lip at that thought." Are you ok?" I snapped out of my dirty thoughts and nodded. What's wrong with me!? I just got out of a bad relationship and here I am lusting after my boss. Again! You're out of control, Aubrey!

"I wanted to give you this," I said, walking towards him and giving him the folders. He took it and threw it on the table. I watched him unbuttoned the top buttons of his shirt then loosened his tie. I tore my eyes away from him.

"Is it ok if I looked at it in the morning?" He asked. Picking up his briefcase from beneath his desk. I nodded. 

"Yeah...sure,"  I answered. I turned on my heel and walked out while he turned off his lights. I closed the door behind me, letting out a harsh breath. It's getting way too hard to control myself. I shook my head and walked to my desk. I grabbed my stuff before heading towards the elevator. 

"Hold it!" He yelled after me once I got inside. I pressed the button and he slides in. We stood in our own little corner, me on the right and him on the left. It would have been extremely quiet if it wasn't for the elevator music. Naughty Girl was playing. Oh my gosh, why? I know I'm naughty stop rubbing it in.

The elevator dinged and he let me go first. I mouthed a thank you and walked out. Halfway to the front door, he ran in front of me to open it. What a gentleman. I smiled at him in the dim light but I don't think he noticed." My car is this way." He said taking my hand, pulling me towards his car. My heart fluttered. I guess his brazen side is back. He was parked on the curb. He unlocked the car and opened the door for me. He stares at me, watching as I climbed inside. We made eye contact for a brief moment as he closed the door. I looked away. His car seemed brand new and smelled like apple greens and his cologne. He hopped in a minute later then turns on the engine. 

He pulls onto the main road. I glanced at him as he drove, he had one hand on the wheel and the other in his mouth, biting the side of his thumb." That's a bad habit, you know." I stated. He glanced at me briefly and smiled before dropping his hand to his lap. 

"Yeah, I know," he said," old habits die hard." He added. I nodded, looking out the window. "You don't mind me getting take-out before I take you home, do you?" I shook my head. He pulled up into TGI Fridays and got out. I jumped when he opened my door. I slowly got out and followed him to the entrance with his hand placed at the small of my back.

-

We stood inline side by side. I was looking over my shoulder, watching a bunch of women in the booth to our right, staring at Joel like he was some forbidden dessert. I felt a pang of... I don't know.... no... it's not jealousy. It couldn't be, right? He placed his hand on my shoulder to get my attention." Hot wings?" He asked placing his hand at the small of my back ushering me to the cashier.

"Yeah, thanks," I replied. He smiled at the cashier.

Her cheeks reddened. Oh, not you too. She's blonde and very pretty. Her name tag said, Carly." Goodnight." He said." Can I have two servings of bbq wings one with coleslaw and..." Joel looks down at me." What side and drink do you want, hun?" 

"Seasoned fries and a Sprite thanks," I replied.

Joel turned his attention back to Carly." I'll just have a water. To go please." He told her. She nodded and typed it.  Joel hands her his credit card, she hands him the card machine and he pushed in his pin. When she gives him his card we sat in a booth nearby.  We sat beside each other, in silence until he took my hand and examined my nails." I like this color on you." He said pointing at my pastel pink painted index finger. He sat back in his chair and draped his arms over my chair.

"Really?" I asked. He nods looking down at me, smirking. I blushed. 

"How was your first day?" I asked changing the subject. He shrugged.

"It was pretty....interesting." 

I turned in my chair to get a better look at him." How so?" I asked.

"For one I wasn't expecting to see you again." He replied. Honestly, I didn't expect to see you either.

"Is that a good thing or a bad thing?" 

"It was a good surprise." He said shrugging," seeing you kinda....made my day." My heart fluttered.

"Even if after I rejected you twice?" I questioned laughing. He chuckled.

"Yeah, that was definitely very eye-opening—I'm not going to lie." He said smiling. 

"You're not used to be rejected then."

"It's not that....it's the fact I thought you were giving me the go-ahead then to find out you weren't. That was what got me." He stated." Both times."

"I'm sorry—"

"Don't be, it's fine." He says. We stared into each other's eyes. I wanted to run my fingers through his hair, I needed to feel how soft it is. We snapped out of our trace when our food came. 

-

We walked to the car. I give him my address before we pulled out onto the road. We drove in silence. It took ten minutes to get to my apartment." This is it right here." I told him before he passed it. He looked around before unlocking the door. I shifted in my seat to look at him. He stared back. Eyes beckoning me to lean over and kiss the life out of him. I kid you not...I almost did." Thanks for the ride and wings." He smiled.

"No problem. Have a good night." He said, reaching for my wings from the backseat and my drink from the cup holder. I flashed him a quick smile. He opened his mouth to say something but stops himself. Honestly, I wanted to know. Part of me knew he wanted to come inside but then again maybe he didn't. The question was if he asked....would I say yes? I honestly didn't know the answer to that question and the timing isn't right to let a man into my life. I unbuckled my seatbelt and got out.

"You too, Joel," I told him before closing the door. I stared up at my apartment building, it's 6 stories, rectangular and bricked walled. I walked up the steps then went inside. I smiled at the security guard, who sat inches from the door, as I walked passed him. He nodded. Inside had bamboo floors, beige walls with a wooden door on both sides, and a bamboo staircase in the center of the room, a small crystal chandelier above my head. My place was on the third floor. 3b.  

I walked as quickly as I could up the upstairs. When I got to my door, I unlocked the door and went inside then locked the door. My place had bamboo floors, powder blue walls. I through the doorway ahead of me to the living room, the kitchen is to the left. The living room has two little grey couches with yellow and white throw pillows, a contemporary bamboo coffee table with glass on the side, sitting on a grey, square rug. A 40-inch tv sitting on a bigger version of the coffee table and beside the tv was a vase of pink orchids Joey brought me. The kitchen had everything stainless steel except the island. The island was white and made a semicircle with three stools. One grey and two white.

I kicked off my shoes, then stripped down to my underwear. I took my clothes off the floor and tossed them to my hamper in my bedroom then went to the kitchen and ate my wings. I cleaned up then went to my bedroom. 

My room was white with bamboo floors, a double bed with thick cobalt blue sheets, and blue and white striped pillows in the middle of the room. A wooden dressing table to my right, and to my left my closet and bathroom door.  I took out a cami and yellow baggy underwear to sleep in out of my dresser before heading to the bathroom. My bathroom wasn't anything special. It was small and kinda cramped. Just a shower, toilet, and sink. I stripped down and took a shower. Right after a nice warm shower, I went straight to bed.