Competing for Love

like getting out of bed. Why did men always think a woman owed them? She had worked for him at one point but never asked for favors or special trea

had taken an hour-long shower the night before to get any trace of

ed made her feel humiliated. She didn't like making anyone see her as a damsel

ad available this high up. She had two bedrooms with two and a half bathrooms. She converted

ng the fireplace. The floors were light grey wood, so she had large white rugs placed sporad

een blouse. After putting on light makeup, straightening her hair, and ge

large bright red rug and throw pillows to counter the grey and black. There was a nice-sized t

ances and a six-burner gas stove, but Natalia didn't cook, so she thought it was wasted on her. She had a s

ter of seconds. Her car was waiting for her when she got outside. The drivers were professional and knew not to make small

ough the door, many of her staff were already busy at work. She had twenty employees, and they all respected her as a

you get any leads?" Patrice ask

er from the beginning when it was just the two of them working

at?" She asked as

company to discuss, then attacked me." Natalia took a deep bre

mething like that? Did you call the police?"

as stopped before he could do anything more than grab my arm.

y with something. What if he tries to do it again?" She knew P

t. Hopefully, that pain sticks with him fo

elp keep him off you

night." She didn't think she needed to

the east coast. Women throw themselves at him just to get him to look their way. Is he as handsome in

peaking of which, can you send this to the cle

ice asked, staring at

he jacket on my shoulders when he walked me outside. I forgot to take it off

rself?" Patrice asked with a raised eyebrow. If she didn't already

his office." Natalia turned back to her laptop to

he door, Aimee, the receptionist, was getting ready to knock. She was carrying an enormous bouquet

ee set the flowers on the corner of her desk as Nat

ey from?" Pa

top and handed it to Natalia. When she opened it, she smiled so

nickname, the ice queen. Let's talk about chang

trice asked as Nat conti

the small writing. She was wondering if

and Patrice exchanged a knowing smile. Many men had sent flowers to their bos

a put the small card on her desk and pointed to the door so they would

ness and comparing it to the research gathered. Her office phone was ringing, but it wasn't the main line;

ord." She answe

s heart started racing when she heard

ou get this number?" She asked, try

e after what that moron did. I'm sorry, and I hope he hasn't ruined your image of other men in this business."

mless. I have your suit jacket too. It's at the cleaners. I'll have someone bring it to you when it's ready." Natalia's heart was still thum

r two companies meet to see how we can collaborate in the future." Hayden held his breath, hop

meet in conference rooms. Why should I make an exception for

I'll even let you choose the restaurant if you want." He felt a sliver of hope, kno

her they were business-related or not. However, he had shown her compassion the ni

d I'll meet you there." Hayden wanted to pick her up, but being that it was a b

cell phone number and then sat at her desk in a daze. She quickly

he said in her

I leave. I'll give it to Hayden myself." Natalia watched as Patrice turne

m ear to ear. Maybe Nat would fina