reflection and see a strong woman that always had men wrapped around her little finger. I encourage myself to push all self-doubt aside and go back with my head high. When I come out of the restroom, I find Mr. Miller sitting alone, typing something on his Blackberry. I approach him and his eyes lift to meet mine.
“Are you all right?” Mr. Miller asks as he rises to his feet.
His intense eyes dig holes into mine, fierce with genuine concern that throws me off momentarily.
“No… I – I mean… Yes. Did they leave?” I look around.
“Yes, they couldn’t stay. Collins was very impressed by you, so was Ward.” His eyes sweep over my face for any sign of … what?
“Why? I haven’t said a word over dinner.” I ask perplexed.
“It’s not what you did or didn’t say, it’s your presence and company.”
“Great. I’m glad I made a good first impression.” I smile.
I was brooding and picking at my food, I wasn’t even paying attention to their conversation. How could have I made a good impression?
“Shall we?” Mr. Miller waves his hand at the staircase.
I nod and walk past him, down the stairs. As we walk past the bar, I hear someone calling my name, shouting it actually. I freeze in place. Mr. Miller bumps into my back since I stopped so abruptly, and then places his hands on my shoulders, effectively stopping me from flying forward.
He feels like a concrete wall slamming into you.
“Kate! Hey! Katherine? Is that you?”
I turn my head and my suspicion turns into reality.
“M – Mark?” my voice is low and astonished.
“Yeah! Hey kissa ! How you’ve been?” Mark tries to hug me, but stops midway as his eyes shifts to Mr. Miller’s hands that are resting on my shoulders then lift to Mr. Miller’s face. I stand immobilized.
What…?
Mark’s onyx eyes shift between Mr. Miller and me, his dirty blond hair is layered all around, a bit longer since the last time I saw him. His body is still the same, smooth tan skin, over rock hard muscles. Images of him flash before my eyes, while he was stark naked and exerting himself on top of me. I take deep breath and look at Mr. Miller, speechless and utterly uncomfortable.
Why am I so dumbstruck? I never just freeze like this. I should just introduce them.
But my tongue feels like lead, lying useless in my mouth.
“Eric Miller.” Mr. Miller finally speaks up, reaching out his hand to Mark.
“Mark Novak, you might know me as DJ Novak.” They shake hands.
“No, sorry, never heard of you before.” Mr. Miller says calmly.
Mark turns to me. “Your boyfriend?”
“My boss.” I manage to find my voice.
Mark evidently relaxes and smiles broadly.
“What are you doing here?” I ask.
“I’m spinning at the SoFi Lounge tomorrow night… actually, I’d love it if you’d come.”
Mark looks at Mr. Miller and adds, “Both of you… here are some V.I.P passes. I’ll give you some more, if you have more people with you.” Mark takes out four passes from the inner pocket of his blazer and hands them to me.
“Thank you.” I mutter and manage a tight smile.
Not going to happen.
A waitress comes up to Mark, and informs him his table is ready.
“It was great seeing you after all this time…” Mark’s eyes travel along my body. “I do hope you’ll come tomorrow. If you will, I’ll play your playlist… I still have it you know.” He winks at me.
My eyes widen.
My playlist? The one he used to play, while screwing my brains out? Is he kidding me?
“If we don’t have any meetings, we’ll definitely be there.” Mr. Miller says, successfully stopping me from answering. My mouth shuts and I nod in agreement with a small smile.
Didn’t think it was Mr. Miller’s thing, but I guess you never know.
“Eric, it was nice meeting you man.”
They nod to each other and Mark comes in to hug me. He crushes me into him and I lightly touch his back. He still smells divine
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