《Tempting my CEO》


 Chapter one - The beautiful stranger

    Chapter one - The beautiful stranger


    Avalyn


    I was grabbing a coffee with my best friend Abby before work. We worked with the same publication


    company. I work as the assistant to the Editor in Chief, it wasn¡¯t my dream job, but it was a start. I


    wanted to write for the magazine. I have grown up with this magazine, watched it grow and change. I


    have only been here a few months, though, so I don¡¯t want to ask for anything more just yet. Abby


    worked in the fashion department. She had been there for longer. It was her that put a good word in


    and helped me get the job.


    ¡°Are we going out this weekend?¡± Abby asked.


    ¡°Yes, we can go out on Saturday. That way, neither of us is working on Sunday.¡±


    It was only Tuesday, but Abby is a nner and a slight control freak. I just go with it.


    ¡°Yes, good idea,¡± Abby grins.


    We stepped forward, cing our orders and stepping aside to wait for our drinks. We had time to sit in


    and drink. Abby and I were earlier risers. We start at eight a.m. every morning, so we get up at six, and


    that gives us the time we need to get ready, have breakfast and then stop for a coffee. We need our


    coffee, or we get a little cranky.


    As Abby and I were chatting, I felt like someone was watching me. I slowly lift my head, looking around.


    It only takes a moment until I find who the eyes belong to. It was a very handsome looking man, maybe


    in his early thirties. He was close to six foot, at least. His hair is dark brown, sitting perfectly. He is in an


    expensive-looking suit, a suit that sculpted his body perfectly. I swear I was close to drooling. I couldn¡¯t


    see his eyes, but his eyes could see me because he was staring hard. He stood with a confident


    stance. You could tell he had confidence in himself, authority in a way.


    Why would he be looking at me? No, he must be looking at someone else. I looked at the people close


    by. Yes, he must be looking at someone else. I turned my attention back to him, and the beautiful man


    smiles at me. Oh God, that smile could melt your heart. I swallowed hard, smiling back. It was me he


    was looking at.


    ¡°Abby, a gorgeous man is looking in this direction, he seems to be looking at me, but I don¡¯t understand


    why,¡± I announce.


    Abby turns to where I was looking.


    ¡°He is looking at you. There is no doubt about that.¡±


    Abby smirks at me as she speaks these words.


    ¡°So, I am not imagining things?¡± I ask.


    Abby shook her head. I watch her face change. It goes from a smirk to her looking confused.


    ¡°How do I recognise him?¡±


    Abby was tapping her finger on her chin as she tried to work out who he was. I looked over at him


    again, but he didn¡¯t seem familiar to me. He had turned away now because he was moving down the


    line.


    ¡°Have you worked it out yet?¡± I question.


    ¡°Nope! But, damn, he is gorgeous. You should go say hello.¡±


    The same smirk from only moments ago hade back onto her lips. Abby was always trying to set


    me, encourage me. I wasn¡¯t the best when it came to men and dating. My ex put me off, men. We


    broke up about six months ago. He was a lying, cheating, selfish, pathetic excuse of a man. We were


    together for four years. He was my first serious rtionship, the first man I loved. Before him, I dated,


    had an odd rtionship here and there but nothing like I had with him. We met in College. I was


    twenty-one, and he was a couple of years older.


    ¡°No, that isn¡¯t happening,¡± I respond, my tone firm.


    ¡°Why not? It has been six months. It would be best if you moved on. It would help if you started dating


    again, getid, Avalyn,¡± Abby states.


    Abby¡¯s face softens because she knows how hard that break up was for me. I stayed with my ex, and


    when we broke up, he kept the apartment. I moved in with Abby.


    ¡°Abby, I don¡¯t want to make myself vulnerable like that again,¡± I sigh.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t, but you can still have a little fun,¡± She smiles.


    I turned my attention back to the beautiful stranger, but he wasn¡¯t there anymore. Even if he were, it


    wouldn¡¯t matter. Men like that don¡¯t go for girls like me. I wasn¡¯t anything special. Men like him go for


    women like him, gorgeous and confident.


    ¡°Oh well, he is away now,¡± I reply, shrugging.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Abby giggles.


    We grabbed our coffees, going to find a seat.


    ¡°I wonder what today will bring,¡± I smile.


    This text is ? N?velDrama/.Org.


    ¡°I still think you should speak to Kate,¡± Abby suggests.


    Kate was the Editor in Chief, my boss. She was a good boss. I liked her a lot. She treated her staff with


    respect and is only hard on them when she needs to be. She has been with the magazine for twenty


    plus years. Like me, she started as an assistant and worked her way up. It was her that took this


    magazine to a different level. She wasn¡¯t afraid to let the magazine talk about subjects that many other


    publications are scared to discuss. She was a strong woman, a great role model. She worked her ass


    off.


    ¡°It is too soon. I haven¡¯t been there long enough,¡±


    I will talk to her one day, but that wasn¡¯t today. Abby smiled, giving me a slight nod. She knew not to


    push me too much on the subject. Abby knew I would do it when I am ready.


    ¡°Come on. We should get on our way,¡± Abby suggests as we finish our coffee.


    ¡°Good idea, we don¡¯t want to bete,¡± I smile.


    We bin our trash and head out. The office was only about a ten-minute walk from here, so it wouldn¡¯t


    take us long. Abby was telling me about a new project she would be working on soon. The girl was


    amazing at what she did. And one day, she will have her ownpany and rule the world. She had so


    much talent, confidence and patience. I was looking forward to the day where she would take the


    fashion industry by storm.


    ¡°Meet you for lunch?¡± She asked as we headed inside.


    ¡°Always,¡± I smile.


    I worked on the tenth floor, while Abby worked on the twelfth floor, but we got the same lunch break


    and had lunch together every day.


    Abby and I get into the elevator, which is busy due to most people starting. My stop was first. I gave


    Abby a quick hug.


    ¡°Enjoy your day, babe,¡± She smiles, hugging back.


    ¡°You too,¡± I reply.


    I was looking forward to today. I loved my job. I don¡¯t dreading to work as a lot of people. I know to


    some that may sound ridiculous, but work doesn¡¯t need to be hell. Work is what you make it, just like


    everything else in life.


    When I arrived at my workspace everyone, there seems to be rushing around. What is going on? It isn¡¯t


    usually like this first thing. I make my way to my desk, sitting my things down.


    ¡°Avalyn, can youe in here, please?¡± Kate asks.


    She sounds panicked. I nod, rushing over.


    ¡°Is everything OK?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Mr Brady is visiting today, as in Hudson Brady,¡± She said.


    Hudson Brady was our CEO. I have never met him. I couldn¡¯t even tell you want the guy looks like, to


    be honest.


    ¡°What can I do?¡± I ask.


    ¡°Can you set one of the conference rooms up please,¡± She asks, ¡°And also grab coffees, and set my


    laptop in there for me? I will need you there too in case notes or that need to be taken,¡± She adds.


    ¡°I will get right on it. Anything else, just call me,¡± I reply.


    ¡°Thank you, you are a star, Avalyn,¡± She grins, ¡°I don¡¯t even know why he ising. Hopefully, it is not


    bad news,¡± She adds.


    ¡°I am sure it will be fine,¡± I respond brightly.


    I head off and get everything ready. It must be necessary if the CEO ising in personally. I got told


    he doesn¡¯t visit the office often. Hopefully, the reason will be a good one.


    It would be nice to have a chance to meet the CEO too. I hope he is a nice guy and not arrogant and


    rude like many men in charge, not just men; women can be terrible too.


    I am sure it will make the day interesting.

 Chapter 2 - The last person I expected to see

    Chapter 2 - Thest person I expected to see


    Hudson


    I made my way into the Brady publication building. We ran four different magazines out of this building,


    hence why it needs to be this big. Today though, I was heading up to the tenth floor to where Unique


    beauty magazine is based, well, one department of it, anyway. This was our biggest magazine out of


    the eight we own in total. I was the CEO of the media and publication part of ourpany. My four


    siblings are the same for other factors. Our family-owned a lot, from publications to hotels to art


    galleries, just to name a few.


    I headed to the elevator, pressing number 10. As I made my way up, the woman from the coffee shop


    came to mind. She was so beautiful. I was surprised she caught my eye instantly. She wasn¡¯t my usual


    type. I usually go for blondes, tall and slim. I know all women are beautiful in their own ways, but I had


    a specific kind, like most. However, the woman in the coffee shop was the opposite of my type. She


    was a few inches shorter than me, a brte and had gorgeous curves. There was a shyness about


    her too. The way she looked around, not seeming to believe I was looking at her, was cute. I


    recognised her from somewhere, from a brief encounter. I haven¡¯t spoken to her or anything, but her


    face was familiar.


    I got pulled out of my thoughts when the elevator dings, letting me know I had arrived. I pushed her to


    the back of my head and headed out, going to Kate¡¯s office. I found her pacing. She was nervous,


    especially since she doesn¡¯t know why I am here.


    ¡°Kate, will you please calm down? You have nothing to worry about,¡± Iugh.


    ¡°Oh, I am sorry, Mr Brady, I didn¡¯t see you there,¡± She replies, stilling.


    ¡°Kate, how many times do I have to tell you, call me Hudson,¡± Iugh, ¡°We have known each other a


    long time. You have known me for more than half of my life,¡± I added.


    ¡°Sorry, yes, Hudson,¡± Sheughs, ¡°So how can I help? Everything OK?¡± She adds.


    ¡°Yes, everything is fine, just need to discuss a few things with you, that is all, nothing to worry about,


    promise,¡± I smile.


    ¡°OK, then follow me,¡± She smiles, ¡°I have a conference room set up with coffee too,¡± She adds.


    I loved my coffee. I drink more coffee than anything else. I was addicted to it. I followed Kate to the


    conference room. Kate was informing me that her assistant would join us for the meeting. I hadn¡¯t had


    the chance to meet her new assistant yet.


    ¡°Avalyn can be a little shy with new people, so if she seems off, it isn¡¯t personal, just how she is,¡± Kate


    stated.


    Content is property of N?velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I will keep that in mine and try not to embarrass her,¡± I chuckle.


    Avalyn, that was an unusual name, beautiful though. I don¡¯t think I have ever met an Avalyn in my


    thirty-two years of living. We arrived at the conference room. I let Kate go in first. I was a gentleman


    that way. My mother would give me a p across the back of the head if I acted any other way. My


    parents raised me to treat women with respect and as equals. I learned a lot from my parents. They


    were incredible.


    I followed behind.


    ¡°Hudson, this is my assistant, Avalyn. Avalyn, our CEO, Mr Hudson Brady,¡± She said, introducing us.


    I looked up, and standing there was thest person I expected to see¡ªthe girl from the coffee shop.


    How strange is this? Maybe that¡¯s how I knew her face. Perhaps I saw her personnel file before our


    company hired her.


    When her eyes meet mine, a surprised look takes over her face, a blush rising on her already natural


    rosy cheeks.


    ¡°It is nice to meet you, Avalyn,¡± I smile, offering her my hand.


    I don¡¯t think she wants her boss to know about the little moment in the coffee shop. I don¡¯t wish for Kate


    knowing either because it is strictly forbidden, any of us getting involved with someone that works for


    thepany. It is a rule that I stick with because it could bring a lot of trouble if it goes wrong.


    ¡°It is nice to me you too, Sir,¡± She smiles, taking my hand.


    I feel her shudder slightly as our hands touched. I felt it too. There was like some sort of spark the


    moment our hands came in contact. I held it for longer than I needed.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I smile.


    Avalyn smiles back at me and quickly pulls her hand away from mine.


    ¡°There is fresh coffee there. Can I get you both one?¡± Avalyn asks.


    ¡°Nonsense, I will get them. Both of you sit down,¡± I smile.


    Avalyn didn¡¯t look too sure about it until Kate gave her a nod. The two of them sat down, and I went to


    get our coffee. I knew Kate¡¯s order, but not Avalyn¡¯s, until I asked. I made the three of them and took


    them over to the table.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± They said in sync.


    Avalyn got her iPad set up, setting it on the table.


    ¡°Right, I will get straight too,¡± I said, ¡°Firstly, I am here to check the numbers for thest few months for


    both sales and online. Second, my parents wanted us to discuss the fundraiser that will be happening


    in a couple of months,¡± I added.


    ¡°What idea do your parents have for this year?¡± Kate asked.


    ¡°My mother would love it if we have a masquerade ball for this year,¡± I smile, ¡°It is something we have


    never done,¡± I added.


    ¡°Oh, that will be fun,¡± Kate said excitedly.


    I had a feeling she would like that idea.


    ¡°Yes, my mother said you would love that idea,¡± Iugh, ¡°Andstly, my father has decided that he


    would like me to do an interview and photoshoot for this magazine. He is making us all do something


    like for thepanies because he wants people to know us better, remind them that this is a family-run


    business,¡± I added.


    I wasn¡¯t one for interviews and photoshoots. It wasn¡¯t my thing. I would rather keep myself hidden, but it


    is something my father would love for me too, so I will do it. That man has done so much for me. This is


    the least I can do for him.


    ¡°I will get my best people on it,¡± Kate smiles.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, giving her a quick nod.


    I went over everything with Kate, Avalyn taking notes the entire time. She was taking notes even when


    she didn¡¯t have to.


    ¡°Avalyn, what are your thoughts on the Masquerade ball?¡± I asked, looking at her.


    ¡°I think it is a great idea! Everyone can be who they want to be for the night, and it will be a great way


    to raise money for the chosen charity this year,¡± Avalyn gushes.


    ¡°Yes, we can all be whoever we want to me,¡± I said, smirking at her.


    ¡°Yes,¡± She whispered and turned away from me.


    ¡°I will get those reports for you. It may take an hour or so if you can hang around?¡± Kate asked.


    I told Kate that I would be sticking around for most of the day, which Kate was fine with. It would allow


    me to see what everyone was doing and maybe discuss the fundraiser more with Kate. A small part of


    me was also sticking around because of Avalyn. I know she should be a factor, but I couldn¡¯t help


    myself. It wasn¡¯t like I was doing anything wrong.


    I let the two of them go and get on with their work. I would busy myself until the report was ready. It


    would be good to be amongst everyone. I miss working like this. It has been a while since I


    have.

 Chapter 3 - Bad idea

    Chapter 3 - Bad idea


    Avalyn


    I was sitting at my desk, doing some work that Kate asked me to do. I was looking for some venue for


    the charity event, which to my surprise, Kate said I could attend. Yes, she said she might need me


    asionally throughout the night, but she also wants me to enjoy myself.


    Well, I was trying my best to work, but I was slightly distracted because Mr Brady was hanging around.


    I still can¡¯t believe that he was the one from the coffee shop. I am d I didn¡¯t go and say hello


    because that could have made things awkward. I don¡¯t need that at work. I know thepany has


    strict policies on dating for staff, especially staff getting involved with someone higher up than them. It


    isn¡¯t like we would start dating, that would never happen, but still, even the thought of it makes me feel


    guilty.


    I snapped myself out of it, getting back to work. I got lost in work until suddenly I felt someone lean over


    me. I turn my head to see who it was. I swallow hard when I see it is Mr Brady. He was very close to


    me, and he smells so good.


    ¡°Um, hello, Sir, can I help you with anything?¡± I stammer out.


    ¡°Are you looking at venues?¡± He asks, and I nod, ¡°Can I sit?¡± He added.


    ¡°Yes, sure,¡± I smile.


    If that means he isn¡¯t so close to me, then that is a good thing. He smiles, grabbing a chair and pulling


    it up next to me. He was still close, but not as close as he was only moments ago.


    ¡°What sort of venues are you looking at?¡± He asks.


    ¡°Ballrooms, hotels, old building and so on,¡± I smile.


    ¡°I think a ballroom in a hotel would be perfect. What do you think?¡± He asks.


    ¡°I think that would be a good choice, Sir,¡± I reply.


    ¡°Can you please stop calling me Sir or Mr Brady? That is what my father gets called,¡± He chuckles,


    ¡°Hudson will be fine, Avalyn,¡± He adds.


    He wants me to call him by his first name. Am I allowed to do that?


    ¡°Are you sure it is OK for me to call you that?¡± I whisper.


    ¡°Yes, I am sure,¡± He smiles, ¡°Avalyn, that is a beautiful name, very unique,¡± He added.


    Yes, it isn¡¯t a name I havee across before either. My parents couldn¡¯t decide between Ava and


    Lyn, so they decided to join them together. I liked that my name was different.


    ¡°Thank you. My parents couldn¡¯t choose between the two, so they put them together,¡± I giggle.


    ¡°Well, it is beautiful,¡± He smiles, ¡°A perfect fit for you,¡± He adds.


    What does that mean? Is he saying that I am beautiful like my name, or am I overthinking? He was


    looking at me, even after he stopped talking. I found myself looking back at him. I wanted to pull away,


    but I couldn¡¯t. I was finding myself getting lost in his hazel/green eyes.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, quickly turning away from him.


    I hear him sigh from next to me, but then we got back to looking at venues. I had to stop myself from


    stealing nces at the beautiful man. Though I wasn¡¯t the only one, he seemed to be doing the same


    to me. I had no clue what is going on.


    ¡°I think it is time we take a break and grab a coffee,¡± Hudson suggests twenty minutester.


    ¡°Um, I am not due my break yet,¡± I reply.


    ¡°I am sure Kate won¡¯t mind,¡± He shrugs.


    I wasn¡¯t due my break until twelve for lunch. It was only ten-thirty. I looked at Hudson nervously. He told


    me to stay put at my desk and disappeared into Kate¡¯s office. Oh God, what is he doing? I don¡¯t want


    Kate getting mad at me.


    I continue to flick through myputer to keep my mind distracted because I didn¡¯t want to know what


    was being said in Kate¡¯s office. I hope she doesn¡¯t think that something is going on between Hudson


    and me. That would be terrible. I wouldn¡¯t want Kate thinking I was like that.


    Hudson came back to my desk a few minutester.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go grab a coffee. I told Kate we would be working while we have coffee, but we won¡¯t be, not


    really,¡± He chuckles.


    I shook my head, snickering. I had a feeling Hudson was the type of man that can get what he wants


    easily.


    ¡°OK,¡± I smile.


    I grab my things, following him. I was expecting us to go for coffee in the building, but we went on the


    elevator, and he pressed the ground floor. There was no coffee ce on the ground floor.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± I question.


    ¡°The coffee shop we were both at this morning,¡± Hudson states.


    I just nod and follow his lead. I hope us hanging outside of the office wouldn¡¯t be weird.


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ***


    Hudson and I had ordered our coffee and found a seat. The ce was a little quieter than it was this


    morning. I was staring into my cup because I wasn¡¯t sure what to say to him.


    ¡°Tell me, Avalyn, what is your goals?¡± He asks.


    ¡°I aim to write for the magazine one day,¡± I reply softly.


    ¡°You do? Does Kate know this?¡± He asks, and I nod.


    ¡°She does. She saw on my resume that is what I did my degrees in English lit and journalism,¡± I smile.


    Hudson rested back on the seat, staring at me. He wasn¡¯t saying a word, but you could tell he was


    thinking about what, I do not know. I let him think without saying a word.


    ¡°How would you like a chance to write for the magazine?¡± He suggests.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think Kate is ready to let me do that,¡± I said.


    I don¡¯t know where he was going with this, but I was curious.


    ¡°I think she would if you asked. Kate started as an assistant to my mother, and my mother gave her a


    chance, and look where she is now,¡± He speaks, ¡°And I think she would give you a chance in the same


    way,¡± He added.


    I know how Kate got started. Mrs Brady took Kat under her wing, and it went from there. The moment


    Mrs Brady retired, she handed the reins to Kate as Editor-in-chief. I think it was terrific the chance Mrs


    Brady was willing to give her.


    ¡°I know, it was remarkable what your mother did for Kate, but I have only worked here for three months.


    I don¡¯t want to ask for anything just yet,¡± I respond.


    ¡°I have concluded that I want you to do my interview for the magazine,¡± He said brightly.


    What? He doesn¡¯t even know me or what I can do. I can¡¯t let him do that.


    ¡°No, I am sorry, I can¡¯t do that,¡± I said, shaking my head, ¡°There are people already hired for these


    things,¡± I added.


    Hudson reached across the table, resting his hand gently on top of mine. He looked me right in the eye.


    I had to bite hard on my cheek to stop a pathetic whimper from falling from my lips.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want them doing it. I want you to do, and Avalyn, I have a way of getting what I want,¡± He said


    confidently.


    A cheeky grin was ying on his lips when he said it. I opened my mouth to protest, but he gave me a


    firm look, and I found myself nodding.


    ¡°Kate may not like your suggestion,¡± I announce.


    ¡°Yes, she will. Kate and I have known each other for a long time. She knows me and knows if I am


    asking for you to do this, that means I see something in you,¡± He shrugs.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I smile.


    Just because they have known each other for a long time, that doesn¡¯t mean she will be willing to let


    her assistant do such an important piece of writing. I had a feeling there was no point in arguing with


    him about it. I will let it be. Kate can make a choice.


    I sighed, my attention falling on my coffee. I couldn¡¯t take his eyes burning into me right now. I knew


    being alone with him wasn¡¯t a good idea. I will head back to the office as soon as I


    can.

 Chapter 4 - Mutual attraction.

    Chapter 4 - Mutual attraction.


    Hudson


    Avalyn and I had arrived back at the office.


    ¡°I will see you very soon, Avalyn,¡± I smile, giving her arm a gentle squeeze.


    ¡°Yes,¡± She replies shyly.


    She was blushing again. She does that a lot. I don¡¯t know if it is a thing she does or just something she


    does around me. I enjoyed our time together at the coffee house. She is a sweet person.


    I said a quick goodbye to her before heading to Kate¡¯s office. I wanted to talk to her about Avalyn


    writing the article about me. I knocked on her door and waited for her to tell me toe in.


    ¡°I have those reports for you,¡± She smiles.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I reply, ¡°Can I talk to you about something?¡± I add.


    Kate nodded and told me to take a seat.


    ¡°What is on your mind?¡± she asks.


    ¡°I would like you to give Avalyn a chance to write the article about me and do my interview,¡± I said.


    ¡°Taken a liking to Avalyn, Hudson?¡± she smirks.


    This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    ¡°Not like that,¡± Iugh.


    That was sort of a lie. I have taken a liking to her in more ways than I should.


    ¡°You sure about that?¡± Kate giggles.


    ¡°It is forbidden! So if it were like that, it wouldn¡¯t matter, and please do not think I am giving her special


    treatment because of what you believe, because that isn¡¯t it,¡± I said.


    It was true. I didn¡¯t want to give Avalyn this chance because I think she is too shy to ask for it herself.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t think that because I know you,¡± Kate smile.


    ¡°I am putting her forward for it because I don¡¯t think she is ready to ask you herself,¡± I said, ¡°I don¡¯t


    expect you to just hand it to her. Even just ask her to write a piece for you, and you can judge it


    yourself. If you are impressed, then she can do my interview,¡± I added.


    Kate thought for a moment.


    ¡°Yes, ask her to write me something, an example of the kind of articles we use in the magazine, but I


    want her to push her limits,¡± Kate smiles, ¡°She needs to find more confidence,¡± she adds.


    ¡°What do you suggest?¡± I ask.


    This was still Kate¡¯s magazine, and I want her to be the one to choose.


    ¡°I am not sure. I will have a think and talk to herter,¡± Kate states, ¡°But, if it isn¡¯t good enough, then I


    will need to tell her,¡± She added.


    ¡°I know, thank you,¡± I reply.


    I chatted with Kate, and we looked through the reports. The magazine seems to get more popr


    every day. I know that was down to Kate, she has done a great job and broke boundaries, but it has


    worked. It was one of the most popr magazines in the US and Canada.


    ¡°Keep up the good work, Kate,¡± I smile.


    ¡°I will try my best,¡± She replies.


    I arranged toe back at the beginning of next week. That way, I will know what is happening with


    Avalyn when ites to the article. I went back over to Avalyn¡¯s desk.


    ¡°Hey,¡± I said.


    ¡°Hello again,¡± She giggles, looking up at me.


    I crouch next to her desk.


    ¡°Kate is going to call you into her office to ask you to write an article so she can see your writing skills,


    and she will decide if you are doing my interview,¡± I said brightly.


    ¡°Really? Thank you so much,¡± Avalyn gushes.


    ¡°You are wee, well I need to head out, but I will see you soon,¡± I smile.


    ¡°It was nice to meet you, Sir,¡± She whispers.


    ¡°It was my pleasure,¡± I said.


    I said goodbye and headed for the elevator but stopped before going on. I stilled for a moment and


    then turned to go back to her desk. I took one of my business cards out and jotted my personal number


    down on the back. I set it on her desk.


    ¡°Give me a call if you need any help or advise,¡± I said.


    ¡°Um, thanks,¡± She said nervously.


    ¡°Or just for the sake of it,¡± I said, ¡°See you soon, beautiful,¡± I added in a whisper.


    Avalyn looked a little taken back when I said that. I gave her a wink before walking away, smirking to


    myself. I probably shouldn¡¯t have done that, but I couldn¡¯t help myself. No one needs to know. And I


    don¡¯t even know if she will contact me. I hope she does, but if she chooses not to, I will understand that


    too.


    Avalyn watched after me until I got into the elevator. I smirked at her, giving her a wave as the doors


    closed over. I could try to fight my attraction to her, and I probably should, but she was too damn


    beautiful. I know the interest is mutual, which makes it more challenging.


    I have not once gone after anyone that works for ourpany, and that includes all departments. My


    parents would kill me if they knew Avalyn had piqued my interest. I will keep that to myself. Maybe it is


    a moment of weakness, and tomorrow it will be gone.


    I didn¡¯t have much to do today, so it was home time for me. I would need to go to headquarters


    tomorrow, but today I would find something else to upy myself. I will try to keep Avalyn out of my


    head.


    ***


    I had just sat down for dinner, and my phone beeps. I looked at the screen and saw an unknown


    number. I was hoping it was Avalyn, but it may not be. I opened the text to read it.


    Hey! It is Avalyn. I spoke to Kate, but I don¡¯t think I will be able to give her what she needs.


    It was Avalyn! I smiled at the thought.


    Hudson: Good evening, Miss Avalyn! And why not? What did she ask you to write?


    Avalyn: Because what she has asked me to write isn¡¯t something I know much about.


    Hudson: She did say she wanted to take you out of yourfort zone. What is the topic?


    Avalyn: This is way out of myfort zone! It is to do with, um, sex.


    Hudson: And sex makes you ufortable?


    Avalyn: I wouldn¡¯t call it ufortable.


    Hudson: Then what is the issue?


    Avalyn: I don¡¯t think I should be talking about these things with you. It isn¡¯t very professional of me.


    Sorry I bothered you. I will speak to someone else.


    Hudson: It is my magazine, well one, so it is work-rted. You don¡¯t need to be ufortable talking


    about this with me. We are both adults, Avalyn, and it is to help you.


    I waited for her to reply, but she didn¡¯t. I didn¡¯t text after that because I don¡¯t want to push. Yes, Kate


    said she would push her limits, but I didn¡¯t think it would be this. I am sure if Avalyn puts her mind to it,


    she can do it, no matter what it is.


    I sighed and returned to eating my dinner before it gets cold. I will call her tomorrow and see if she has


    worked it out, and if not, I can try and advise her, as long as it doesn¡¯t make her feel uneasy.


    I was d to have her number now. Maybe we can text back and forth and be ¡°friends¡± there is


    nothing in thepany policies that says we can¡¯t be friends if that is what she wants. She may want


    to keep it professional and nothing more.


    I will find out.

 Chapter 6 - I shouldnt...

    Chapter 6 - I shouldn''t...


    Hudson


    I had arrived at the magazine, and the moment I stepped out of the elevator, I found my eyes going


    towards Avalyn¡¯s desk, but she wasn¡¯t there. Hmm, I wonder where she is. Maybe she is in Kate¡¯s


    office or doing something somewhere else in the building. My main reason foring here was to see


    Avalyn. I sighed, heading to Kate¡¯s office. I should have contacted her like I said I would, but my day


    got busy, and I didn¡¯t have the time.


    ¡°Hello again, Hudson,¡± She smiles.


    ¡°Good afternoon, Kate,¡± I smile back.


    ¡°I hate to do this, but I am expecting a call any minute. You could sit in if you like, or you can grab some


    food from our break room. I brought in home-baked chocte chip cookies,¡± She smiles.


    ¡°Oh, yes, I will go and do that. You make the best cookies, next to my mother,¡± I smile.


    Kateughed, knowing I would rush off to get some if there were any left. I headed to the break room


    and stepped in, but just as I was about to turn the corner to where the central part is, I hear a familiar


    voice talking.


    Avalyn.


    ¡°You should go for it. No one has to know,¡± I hear another voice giggle.


    ¡°No! He is the CEO, for crying out loud! Do you know how much trouble that could get me in? I could


    lose my job,¡± Avalyn said, ¡°And he isn¡¯t interested in someone like me, no matter if it seems like he is


    interested,¡± She added.


    I know I shouldn¡¯t be listening to their conversation, but I was curious now. Why does she sound so


    adamant that I wouldn¡¯t be interested in her? I think I have proven to her thest couple of days that I


    was interested. She did have a point. She could lose her job if she got involved with me.


    ¡°But you are attracted to him, right?¡± She asked.


    ¡°Obviously! Have you seen him? He is too damn good-looking for his own good,¡± Avalynughs.


    ¡°So, if he weren¡¯t the CEO, you would fuck him?¡± Her friend asked.


    ¡°Abby!¡± Avalyn gasps, ¡°But, yes, who wouldn¡¯t?¡± She added in.


    Hmm, this conversation is getting more interested by the second. I should probably stop listening and


    announce that I am there. I didn¡¯t need to hear her say she was attracted to me. I knew that anyway. I


    waited a moment, hoping they would change the subject. I am sure if I walk in when they are talking


    about me, it will make Avalyn get embarrassed.


    It only took a minute before they changed the subject. I walked in, acting like I didn¡¯t realise they were


    there and went to grab a coffee. I hear a couple of whispers.


    N?velDrama.Org holds ? this.


    ¡°Good afternoon Mr Brady,¡± I hear Abby say.


    I recognised Abby. I had met her a couple of times while I have been visiting here. I smirk to myself


    before slowly turning around.


    ¡°Oh, hellodies, I didn¡¯t see you there,¡± I smile.


    ¡°Hello again, Mr Brady,¡± Avalyn said softly, the redness rising on her cheeks.


    ¡°I am looking for cookies, is there any left?¡± I chuckle.


    ¡°Avalyn has thest one,¡± Abby said, ¡°I am sure she wouldn¡¯t mind sharing,¡± She added.


    ¡°No, it is alright,¡± I smile.


    I get my coffee, offering the girls one, but they already had one. I joined them where they were sitting,


    taking a seat next to Avalyn. I purposely moved my chair closer to hers.


    ¡°How are you, Sir?¡± Abby asked.


    ¡°Abby, please call me Hudson,¡± I smile, ¡°I am fine, thank you, how are you?¡± I added.


    Abby I and chatted back and forth, Avalyn not saying anything. I see her out the corner of my eye,


    breaking the cookie in half, and she slides half over to me.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I said, turning to her and smiling.


    She gave me a slight nod before breaking eye contact with me. Abby looked between us and then back


    at me, smirking. I knew what she was thinking. I think she has picked up that this attraction went both


    ways. I wink at Amy, and the smile on her lips grow.


    ¡°I better get back to work. It was good seeing you, Hudson,¡± Abby said, ¡°And Avalyn, I will see you


    later,¡± She adds.


    Abby gives Avalyn a quick hug, and we say our goodbyes to her before she leaves. I turn my full


    attention to Avalyn. She slowly turned to face me too. Neither of us spoke a word at first. Instead, we


    just let our eye contact do the talking. I found myself getting lost in her for a moment, her eyes. She


    was beautiful.


    ¡°Any luck with your article?¡± I question.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t tried again. I will give it another shot tonight,¡± She smiles.


    ¡°What is it about, exactly?¡± I ask curiously.


    ¡°Um, sex toys, and sex positions, but more, um, kinkier sex positions,¡± She said, her face and neck


    turning red.


    ¡°Not familiar with either?¡± I ask, and she shakes her head, ¡°I am sure you will find what you need with


    some researching,¡± I added.


    ¡°I am sure,¡± She said, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.


    I sensed she was ufortable talking about it, so I left it at that. If I weren¡¯t a gentleman and the


    CEO, I would offer to help her with it. By offer, I mean doing it. I enjoy both of those things with a


    partner, but I think that would be inappropriate.


    ¡°What do you have on for the rest of the afternoon?¡± I ask, changing the subject.


    ¡°I am going to Kate¡¯s office, and we are going to get nning the charity event,¡± She grins.


    ¡°Sounds fun. I may join you both,¡± I suggested.


    I am sure Kate will not mind if I did, and neither will Avalyn. We talked about the event, finishing up our


    coffee and eating the cookie before heading up to Kate¡¯s office. She was still on a call at the moment,


    so we took a seat at Avalyn¡¯s desk.


    ¡°Do you have any ns for tonight?¡± I question.


    I know what I am about to ask her is something I shouldn¡¯t be asking her, but I couldn¡¯t help it.


    ¡°Nope! A quiet night ahead,¡± She said.


    ¡°Will you join me for dinner?¡± I ask hopefully.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if that is such a good idea,¡± She whispers.


    No, it wasn¡¯t a good idea at all! But who needs to know? She cane to mine, and I will cook us


    dinner. That way, the risk of being caught won¡¯t be possible.


    ¡°It is only dinner, and no one needs to know,¡± I said, ¡°We can have it at my house,¡± I added.


    I watch as she thinks about it. I watch the emotions change on her face as she runs it all through her


    head. I was hoping she would say yes.


    ¡°Ok, but it stays between us because no matter how innocent this dinner is, it could be taken wrongly,


    and I could lose my job,¡± She said quietly.


    ¡°It can be our little secret. We can discuss detailster,¡± I smile.


    Avalyn nodded and didn¡¯t have a chance to say anything before Kate called us toe to her office.


    It was only dinner, well, that is what I will keep telling myself. I would use all my willpower not to kiss


    her, no matter how much I want to. No, I can¡¯t think about that.


    Right now, I had to concentrate on what I am supposed to be doing, not the things I shouldn¡¯t be


    doing.

 Chapter 7 - Dinner and drinks.

    Chapter 7 - Dinner and drinks.


    Avalyn


    Hudson and I just pulled up outside his ce. We hade straight from work to his. Thankfully, no


    one saw us together. I would rather have gone home to get changed first, but Hudson insisted I was


    fine, and we woulde straight here.


    I was nervous. I know I shouldn¡¯t be doing this, even if it is the only dinner. I should have said no when


    he asked.


    ¡°Avalyn, rx, please?¡± Hudson said.


    ¡°I am sorry, I can¡¯t help it,¡± I said.


    ¡°It is only dinner,¡± He said softly.


    We got out of the car, and he rested his hand on the small of my back as we headed into his ce. I


    shuddered the moment he touched me. I was hoping he didn¡¯t notice, but if he did, he didn¡¯t say


    anything. Tell me again why I agreed to this? I don¡¯t know if I trust myself around him. I swear he can


    turn me on just by looking at me a certain way. Pathetic right? It is a first for me, though. I don¡¯t think I


    have ever had a man affect me entirely as he does. I see the way he looks at me too.


    ¡°I know,¡± I stammered out.


    The moment we walked in, I pulled away from him. I looked around. The ce wasn¡¯t what I expected.


    It was evident it was a bachelor pad, but I was expecting something fancier. It was nice, though, and


    about three times the size of my ce.


    ¡°Make yourselffortable. Would you like a drink? Wine? Beer? Scotch? Water? Coffee?¡± He said,


    listing my options.


    ¡°A beer, please,¡± I smile.


    Maybe a drink will help calm my nerves. He nods, heading to the kitchen. I stand in the middle of the


    living room awkwardly. Do I sit down? Go through to the kitchen? I don¡¯t know, but he did state to make


    myselffortable. God, why do I need to be so awkward!


    ¡°Are you just going to stand there for the rest of the night?¡±


    I hear a chuckle from behind me. I turn to face him, and he was standing with an amused look on his


    lips, his very kissable looking lips. No, Avalyn, don¡¯t go there.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s sit down and have a drink, then I will start on dinner. Salmon, rice and veg, OK?¡± He


    smiles, and I nod.


    We head over to sit on the sofa, and he hands me my beer. I thank him, taking a drink, arge


    mouthful. I could feel him watching me. I slowly turned to face him. I was expecting him to pull away,


    but he never. Instead, he continued looking at him, and he had a look on his face that I couldn¡¯t work


    out.


    ¡°Hudson, why, why, are you looking at me like that?¡± I breathe out.


    ¡°Like what?¡± He responds.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. You have a look on your face that I can¡¯t work out,¡± I whisper.


    Hudson moved in closer to me, resting his hand on my knee. I swallow hard, biting on my lip to stop


    myself from moaning.


    ¡°Am I making you ufortable?¡± He questions.


    ¡°Not ufortable, no,¡± I reply honestly.


    ¡°Then why does it make you?¡± He asks.


    I can¡¯t turn around and tell him the truth. The truth is that I can¡¯t handle having him close to me,


    touching me, because each time he does, it makes me want him more.


    ¡°I, I, don¡¯t know,¡± I finally stutter out.


    I see a hint of a smirk on his lips. I don¡¯t think I need to tell him what is going on in my head, as I


    believe he can see right through me. He reached one hand up, his fingers brushing my cheek. A small


    whimper escapes from my lips. Damn it! His lips began inching closer to mine. Is he going to kiss me?


    Or am I imagining things?


    Suddenly his phone started ringing. He groans, pulling away.


    ¡°Sorry, I need to take this,¡± He said.


    I smile, and he heads into a different room to talk. I decided to get up from the sofa and walk around, at


    least that way when hees back then I can put a distance between us. I take a look at the photos,


    records, and art he had around the ce. I smiled seeing the family photos. They look like a happy


    family.


    ¡°Sorry, it was my mother, and if I didn¡¯t answer, she would call back


    Or worry,¡± He chuckles.


    ¡°It is quite alright,¡± I giggle, ¡°I know what mothers can be like because mine is the same,¡± I added.


    ¡°I will make a start on dinner before it gets anyter,¡± He smiles.


    ¡°Can I help?¡± I ask.


    ¡°No, but you cane through and keep mepany,¡± He replies brightly.


    ¡°Sure thing,¡± I state.


    I was thankful nothing got said about what happened before his phone rang. I am not sure what would


    have happened if it didn¡¯t. Would he have kissed me? Would I have let him kiss me? I don¡¯t know, but


    now, I will not find out because I don¡¯t want us to get into that position again.


    We headed to the kitchen, and Hudson got to prepping. I sat by and watched because that is what he


    insisted I do.


    ***


    Dinner had gone well; the food was incredible. He was a good cook. We were lounging on his sofa,


    eating doughnuts, and drinking beer. I had be a lot more rxed. It was probably the two beers


    and the ss of wine at dinner that has done that.


    ¡°Where did you learn how to cook?¡± I asked.


    ¡°My mother, she taught me everything she knows,¡± He smiles, ¡°And she is always saying, son, if you


    want to impress a woman, knowing how to cook her a good meal will help with that,¡± He added,


    laughing.


    ¡°I agree with her,¡± I state.


    Belongs to (N)?vel/Drama.Org.


    ¡°Me too! I swear if I don¡¯t find a woman to settle down within the next few years, my mother will end up


    finding one for me,¡± He chuckles.


    I am surprised he isn¡¯t already married. He has the total package going for him. He has a great


    personality, good looks. He is charming, hard-working, funny and sweet. I am sure he is good in bed


    too. Just call that a feeling.


    ¡°And is that what you want? A wife, or is that what your mother wants for you?¡±


    I was curious about what he wanted in life because not everyone wants the same things.


    ¡°I do want that, a wife and kids, but not for a few years yet,¡± He said, ¡°What about you?¡± He added.


    ¡°I want that too, but a good few years away yet,¡± I say.


    We talked a little more about that before changing the subject. I have enjoyed my time with him tonight.


    I haven¡¯tughed like this in a while. There was still tension in the air, especially from my side, but I was


    trying to ignore that.


    ¡°So, are you dating anyone at the moment?¡± Hudson asked.


    ¡°Um, no, not really, still recovering from myst rtionship,¡± I shrug.


    ¡°End badly?¡± He asks.


    ¡°Yes. We were together for four years, broke up six months ago because it turned out he was a lying,


    cheating, selfish son-of-a-bitch,¡± I hiss.


    I know it was six months ago, but these things take times to get over. And once someone breaks your


    trust like that, it is hard to start trusting again.


    ¡°I am sorry, Avalyn, that guy was an idiot, and you can deserve better,¡± He said.


    ¡°Thanks, but let¡¯s not talk about him or that,¡± I said.


    Hudson didn¡¯t argue with me on it. He nods and changes the subject.


    I am hoping the rest of my night here with him is as good as it has been.


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