Derek
She looked at me very confused, not understanding what I meant. There is no woman more clueless than her, and I thought Gabriela was the only one who didn't understand hints, and Jane has surpassed her. Although I don't fully believe in that innocence, she must be like others who pretend not to understand and then suddenly grow claws, horns, and a devil's tail out of nowhere. The rest of the dinner was in complete silence. I didn't dare to speak either, why was I suddenly saying all those words to her, if I don't even like the way she breathes. It's like that old, hard bread that I can't swallow even with water. What the hell am I doing speaking in double entendre? Maybe it's the change she has had in these last few days that has caught my attention. She looks good, very good. I won't deny that. And that's what I want to believe.
"Do you think the partners have taken too long to arrive?" she asked, looking at the time on her phone. "It's past six, Mr. Cooper. Are you sure the meeting was today? I don't remember seeing a scheduled appointment in the agenda."
"Some businessmen are not serious when it comes to important business," he scrutinized me with his gaze, but didn't say anything. We finished eating and as soon as we were done, I took her home.
Jane's house is in the most dangerous part of Chicago. Upon arrival, I stopped in front of a two-story house that looked run-down. I don't know how she manages to live in a place like this. Now I understand the words she said to me about moving forward. Maybe that's why she puts up with my unnecessary paperwork at the office.
"Thank you for bringing me, Mr. Cooper. Tomorrow I will contact the partners, from which company?" she asked. "And I will file a complaint about lack of responsibility and commitment towards you."
I raised an eyebrow. If she calls, she will surely find out that I lied to her about the business dinner, which I said took place in the boardroom.
"Don't worry about it, Wilson. I will call those irresponsible people myself," I smiled. "Allow me to accompany you to the door, this place doesn't look safe at all."
"It's not as dangerous as it looks."
She unbuckled the seatbelt around her body before getting out of the car. I accompanied her to the front door of the house and didn't know what else to say, for the first time. What the hell am I doing, I don't recognize myself at all. Not even with the women I usually go out with have I been like this. Jane said goodbye in the same, or even more, uncomfortable way that I am.
The night felt longer, even longer than it has been for the past few years. Since I was appointed president of the company that is part of a family legacy, I haven't had a life of my own. I have dedicated myself to pushing forward the Cooper brand; an exclusive, elegant, and sophisticated clothing brand focused on all types of women, created by my parents together, and now completely mine. As a child, my world revolved around threads, silks, sketches, and sewing machines. Many said it wasn't a career for a man like me, but my passion for creating, making, and shaping the curves of a woman into a dress cannot be described in words. Designing is my whole life. I will never regret following in my parents' footsteps. Every time the fashion collections are about to be shown to the public, the stress, fatigue, and hard work that it entails put me in a bad mood. The models for this collection are already at the hotel where the event will take place.
"Turn around and get back into position, Jenny. You're too tense. It's like you've forgotten how to model," I exclaimed irritably. Months of long rehearsals and now, on the day of the presentation, they forget how to move on stage.
"Yes, sir," she sighed. Many don't tolerate being corrected, but I like perfection.
"Cindy, make sure they follow the proper order. I'll check on Jane in the hall," I nodded. I practically have to multiply myself to be with everyone at the same time.
There are only five hours left until the opening of the collection, and the food area has been a bit delayed. Jane was very focused in the lounge, making sure that the lights, chairs, tables, and everything in it were in perfect condition. I watched her from afar, her white legs moving quickly from side to side, meticulously arranging the decorations on the center of the tables. After all, an efficient woman has emerged from that raccoon I saw the first time. Now she is familiar with all the duties of the office. Her gaze brought me back to reality, and with a closed-lipped smile, she approached the threshold where I was contemplating her.
"How's everything going, Wilson?" she no longer makes that annoyed gesture when I call her that.
"Everything is in order here, Mr. Cooper. The sound and lighting guys are finishing setting up all the equipment. Do you need me to help you with anything else?" I asked.
"As a matter of fact, I need you to take care of the kitchen. According to what I've been informed, the food is delayed. Remind me to cancel the services with the restaurant. We can't afford such an expensive service. Once you're done, get ready, and I'll wait for you behind the curtain to start the event," she said.
"Count on it, Mr. Cooper. I'll go right away," she seems very excited, and I don't understand the reason. I wish I could be like that, but the accumulated stress from the past six months doesn't allow me to be. Not entirely.
Once I confirmed that everything was ready for the opening of the lounge, I went to Mariela to change clothes.
"Handsome and successful as always, my love," my mother said, coming to my side. I've been waiting for Jane for two damn minutes, and that clown is nowhere to be found. I'll have to give her a memo for this. Who does she think she is to arrive whenever she wants? "You look in a bad mood, son. Relax a little, my love. You look like you're going to kill someone instead of presenting a fashion collection."
I sighed, looking at the time on my wristwatch. Where the hell is that raccoon now?
"I have a raccoon with two good points that is putting me in a bad mood, mom."
"What?" she furrowed her brow. I hadn't even noticed the words I had just said. "What raccoon are you talking about? Are there those things here?" I was about to answer when her voice sounded behind me.
"I apologize for the delay, Mr. Cooper..."
Any word of complaint vanished from my lips when I saw her. My heart skipped a beat in a very strange way; that expression of shame, fear, innocence, and... beauty, sent a chill through my body. Where has my ugly raccoon gone? This is not my secretary, of course not. Her eyes looked at me with a shine that I couldn't decipher. Of all the words in the world to describe the beauty of a person or object, only one came to mind; dazzling... yes, I have been dazzled by the woman in front of me.
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