Rising From the Ashes

Off to Work We Go

Monday came along faster than I expected it to. On my first day at work, Xavier introduced me to Jax, my new bodyguard. I was hesitant to meet him at first, and a bit nervous. It didn't help that when we first met I was extremely intimidated by him. He towered over Xavier's 6ft 6in frame. He was extremely well built. It looked like he could kill someone just by looking at them wrong. He was wearing a tight black t-shirt, and ripped black jeans. Arms crossed along his muscled body. From the visible skin showing, he had two full sleeve tattoos, interlaced with random scars. Just one look at him made me feel so much smaller. Predicting my discomfort, Xavier led us to a private conference room outside his office. He had some work to do, but wanted us to get to know each other, so I could feel more comfortable with him. Over the next two hours, I was lost in conversation with Jax. After I began to lower my walls, he turned out to be a really fun guy. I've never had a friend before, but Jax and I quickly connected. He was easy to talk to, and while we both had dramatically different upbringings, I was able to connect with him.

Jax and I were in the middle of a conversation when I look over to see Xavier leaning against the door frame.

"How long have you been there?"

Xavier shrugs as he walks into the board room.

"Long enough. I'm glad that the two of you're getting along well."

I smile up at him. Xavier walks around, placing his hands along the back of my chair, in a possessive like manner.

I eye him suspiciously, and decide to play with him a bit.

"So what were you two talking about?"

Before Jax has an opportunity to say anything, I immediately speak up.

"Jax was asking me out on a date."

I quickly eye Jax, hoping that he will go with me on this. A small smile erupting from my face, one only Jax would be able to see.

Xavier immediately chokes, and gasps.

"What?"

"Ya, he was thinking maybe Friday. Would that be ok? I figured since I'm off that day anyways, we could just spend the day together."

I take a moment to look up at Xavier. Who is looking at Jax with daggers in his eyes. I try not to laugh, when to my amazement, Jax continues.

"I thought we could go to the beach, maybe even a movie, and a nice candlelit supper. Then I thought that we could go to my place later."

I feel Xavier's grip on my chair tighten. It feels at any moment my chair may break from the intensity.

I stand up, and sit on Jax's lap, and lean in like I'm about to kiss him. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Xavier turn red. His whole body is twitching. It looks like at any moment, smoke will be coming off his head. 

Before taking it any further, we both begin to laugh.

"What?!" Xavier yells, agitation in his voice.

"What's so funny?!" He yells once more.

I walk over to him, and wrap my arms around his waist in a friendly manner. 

"Down boy. We were just joking. And potentially provoking you."

Xavier raises a brow as he turns his glance from Jax, to me.

"Wait... so none of that is true? You're not going out on a date with him?"

"God no. I just wanted to see you squirm."

Xavier raises a brow at me mischievously. 

"Come on.. dating me couldn't be that bad. I'm a real gem." Jax replies, faking hurt.

Instead of replying, both Xavier and I burst out laughing.

"What? I'm!" Jax replies, this time looking a bit hurt.

"You may be something. But I wouldn't say 'a gem'." Xavier retorts, trying hard not to laugh. Xavier pulls me closer to him, relief washing over him.

"Lex.. don't you think I would be a great boyfriend?" Jax says, hurt appearing across his face.

"Yes, Jax. I think you would make a great boyfriend."

This time Xavier stiffens as he continues to hold me. Pulling me close to him, as though he doesn't want Jax to get any closer.

I look up at Xavier, and smile. 

"Don't worry, I don't plan on making him my boyfriend."

With that, Xavier sighs a breath of relief. 

"Yet, anyways." I say, finishing my sentence.

Xavier immediately cranes his neck to look at me. I begin to laugh once more, pulling him closer to me. Just the feeling of his body next to mine is sending sparks throughout me. I feel a sense of calm when I'm with him. I can't explain it. Only that whenever he touches me, I feel relaxed. Almost as if we belonged together. The hug doesn't feel romantic, rather comforting. I feel safe whenever I'm with him.

Xavier begins to walk over to Jax, in a dominating demeanour. I pull him close to me, and have him focus on me.

"So what did you come here for anyways?"

"Right. I wanted to show you around the office."

"Oh ok. Let's go then." I say, a big smile spread across my face. 

Xavier smiles back, then reaches down to grab my hand. I let him take it as he guides me throughout the halls of his office building. Jax follows behind.

We spend the next hour going in and out of offices, as Xavier introduces me to all of his co-workers. I rolled my eyes, as many of his female staff members would send me dirty looks when they saw Xavier hold my hand. 

Xavier had just finished introducing me to his secretary Janessa, one of Xavier's coworkers approach him.

"Sir, can I talk with you for just a moment? It's about the Coldwell account."

Xavier looks over to me, almost as if apologizing. I can see unease wash over him. I can tell that he wants to talk to him, but doesn't want to leave my side. It's endearing, however I know what's more important.

I gently push Xavier towards the man.

"Go, I will have Jax take me to your office, and we can meet there once you're done."

"Are you sure? It's not a big deal, I can always talk with him later."

"Yes. I'm fine. Now go."

Xavier smiles, then walks over to the man. Together they head to what I can only assume is the man's office. I watch him turn into the office, and close the door.

I turn back to look at Jax, motioning that we can head to Xavier's office.

Before we walk away, Jenessa calls out.

"Slut!" She yells, so only I can hear.

I stop in my tracks, and walk back to her desk. I see Jax watching behind me, but I pay him no attention.

"What was that?"

"You heard me." She says, a devilish smirk appearing across her overly glossed lips.

"What was your name again?"

"Jenessa."

"That's right. Vanessa."

"It's Jenessa."

"Like I said. Vanessa. Now turn around and go back to your work."

"Are you brainless as well as a slut? I thought the boss had higher standards."

"The only slut I see, is the one sitting in front of me. That is willing to spread her legs for anyone willing to give her attention. The one thing you may not have realized is that Xavier is not interested in you. He likes real ones. Not fake plastic ones, like yourself."

"You b***h! What would you know about what Xavier likes or doesn't like? You're just his toy of the day."

"Well Vanessa..."

"It's Janessa!" She nearly screams at me.

"I may not know exactly what girls he may or may not like. But since we're living together, I'm sure to find out."

I smirk as I turn away to walk with Jax towards the elevator that he has open for me.

"Have a good day Vanessa." I say waving arrogantly at her as the elevator doors close.

I hear Janessa moan in frustration, as the doors close tight.

I burst out laughing. I hold myself, as I slowly calm down from the confrontation.

"That was amazing." Jax says to me.

"I've never liked that girl. She's always trying to get herself in Xavier's pants. The only one   oblivious to it, is Xavier."

"You mean he's never been tempted?"

"By her? Hell no."

"To be honest, I've never heard him talk about liking anyone, or ever seen him with a girl."

"Really? But he's so..." I find my words die in my mouth, not wanting to become vulnerable. However Jax catches me. I watch as he raises a knowing brow in my direction.

"He's so what? Available... Attractive.. Successful... Well built?"

The corner of my lips curl into a slight smile.

"He's all of those things, and so much more."

Jax doesn't respond, only smiles at me, as we continue to the top floor of the building.

When we reach the top floor, Jax ushers me in the direction of Xavier's office.

My mouth immediately drops to the floor, when we stand in front of Xavier's office. I slowly walk in side a luxurious office. His office takes up over half of the top floor. His main office space is an open concept room. There is a breakfast bar on the left, complete with a full kitchen and dining area. On the right is a living area, and in the middle is a large desk. I continue to look around, when I see workout equipment towards the back. They are faced towards the window, with computer screens on top, so he can workout and do his work at the same time. That's not even everything. Jax motions me to follow him, and we go through a door at the back of the room. He opens the door, and I can't believe my eyes. There is a complete bedroom suite with walk in closet, including a ensuite bathroom.

"This is like a second house."

Jax nods.

"That was his intention. None of us even know why he built that house. He never really stays there. When he bought this office building, he had this floor redesigned so that he could stay here. He found staying here was more productive than having to go back home."

"So he lives here?"

"For the most part yes. All of us know that if we need to find him, then he's probably in his office. He has everything he needs here, that he rarely has to leave."

I walk back into the living room area, and sit on one of his couches. I look out the window to his impressive view.

"I can see why he likes it up here. The view is spectacular."

"I agree." Xavier says.

I turn around to see Xavier standing in the doorway, looking in my direction.

After a moment, Xavier walks into his office briskly towards my direction.

"I'm so sorry I had to leave like that. Did I miss anything?"

Jax immediately smirks.

"Just a lovely conversation with Vanessa."

Xavier scrunches his brow in curiosity. Then looks over to Jax, who just smiles back.

Xavier lets out a sly smile, then walks over to me.

"There's one more thing I forgot to show you."

"What's that?"

"Your office." 

Xavier immediately spins on his heel, and turns to walk out of the room. I grab his wrist, stopping him.

"Wait. What do you mean my office?" I ask.

Xavier simply wraps his hand along the small of my back, and pulls me with him. We walk next door, to another stunning office. Not nearly as over the top as his. I actually like this one better. The room is simple, yet modern. There are even some steampunk features. It portrays a kind of warm warehouse vibe. There is a pine ceiling, with exposed pipes, that have been painted black. There is a feature fireplace in the all white brick wall. The back wall is a black and rose gold mural. The floor is a simple white tile, with a large and fuzzy area rug in the middle. A gorgeous black desk sits centre of the room. 

I don't know why, but I feel like crying. This room is truly amazing. I could never have pictured an office as amazing as this. Everything in the office is pristine. It's as though it's never been used before.

"So what do you think?" Xavier says, bringing me out of my trance.

"It's spectacular. By why all of this? Surely someone else deserves this office, more than I do. I don't even know what I will be doing. I'm only your assistant. Don't you have someone under you that deserves this office more than I do?"

"The only one deserving of this office, is the woman I had it designed for."

"Well shouldn't she be here?"

"She's here. In fact she's standing here right now."

"Wait what?"

I turn my attention from scanning the room, back to Xavier.

"This office was designed for you."

"But I thought my job was only temporary. Why would I need such a glamorous office?"

"I've always felt that we are inspired by the places around us. I want you to be happy. If that means, no longer working for me, then so be it. I will only ever be happy, when you're happy."

I smile. No one has ever just wanted me to be happy. For the first time, I forget about any insecurities, and let myself be happy in this moment.

"There's just a few more things I want to show you."

"First things first, I want you to take off your shoes."

"Why?"

"You'll see."

I shrug, but does as he asks. I cringe as I think about the cold tile floor. I can even feel a shiver coming on, as I think about my bare feet on the cold floor. I remove my shoes, and step on the floor.

"It's heated!" I shout out.

Xavier simply laughs, then grabs my hand, as he guides me to my desk. 

I run my feet through the carpet on the way to my desk. The carpet is so soft, I almost want to lie on it.

Xavier sits me down in the chair, and I watch how he reaches over, and presses a button on the desk, and immediately the back wall changes to a different mural. 

My eyes go wide when I see the mural change to a more marble look. 

"You can customize the wall to anything you want. The wall is connected to the computer system, so you can have anything you want on the wall."

Xavier presses another button, and now my computer screen is on the wall. My eyes go wide.

"You can use this function if you need to look at different screens at the same time. You can also interact with the wall."

Xavier walks over to the wall, and touches on top of where the mail icon is. Immediately, the mail application opens. He closes it shortly after, and opens up another application.

"This is one of my favourites." 

The wall goes white. Xavier walks back to my desk, and grabs a marker. He then turns back to the wall, and begins writing. The wall has become a giant white board. 

"Anything you write on here, will be stored in your computer under notes. Also, your system is completely bluetooth enabled."

Xavier walks behind my desk, and pulls out a tablet, an ear piece, and a keyboard.

"Which ever you choose to use, all will work with the wall. Anything you do on the tablet or computer will also happen on the other devices. With your ear piece, you can say what you want, and the keyboard can be used if you find it easier to type instead."

"I don't know what to say. I never knew technology like this existed."

"It doesn't."

I look at Xavier with a confused glance.

"I mean, it doesn't for the rest of the world. This was one of the first designs I created, that started this company. You are one out of ten that actually have it."

"Now, there's just a couple more things I want to show you, then you can get to work."

I nod my head, and wait for what he plans on showing me next.

Xavier presses a button near the underside of my desk. Immediately all the lights turn off, and the ceiling lights up like the night sky. Tiny little lights appear on the ceiling. It looks like stars, there is even a shooting star.

"I can't believe you did all of this for me. This must've cost you a fortune."

"Money really means nothing to me. The only true happiness is seeing that smile on your face. Now that is worth more, than anything money could ever buy."

I smile at Xavier's words. It truly means a lot that he did all of this for me. I wrap my hands around him, and thank him.

"What's the last thing you want to show me?"

Xavier reaches for my hand, and walks towards the side of the wall. He moves my hand up, to touch the wall. Immediately the wall disappears, and we can walk directly into Xavier's office.

My eyes go wide. My mind feels like it's frozen. I can't even comprehend anymore. Everything in this office is amazing. But more than that, I see how amazing Xavier truly is. All of this technology that no one has even thought of before, is all here. I can see why he went into this field. If anything, I think he dominates the tech industry.