I poured the steaming hot coffee into my cup adding just the right amount of creamer. Inhaling the sweet aroma I took a sip.

Mmm, just the way I like it.

The lobby café was filled with laughter and conversations. I usually didn't have to get my own coffee but my assistant Mia had requested off to visit family. She deserved it, I would just have to fend for myself for a week.

Right as I was about to take another sip I felt someone come up beside me. My jaw stiffened as I set the cup down.

"Good morning Sunshine. Did you get your beauty sleep?" Alexander grinned.

Crossing my arms over my chest. "Don't even get any ideas about Scarlett."

"Well, Good Morning to you too, and you'll be pleased because she's not my type."

I picked up my cup "Anything with legs and boobs is your type. I don't care who you do as long as it's not Scarlett."

Before he could muster up a response I had already taken off. I had been meaning to talk to him about Scarlett ever since I saw the two laughing in her office. Just the sight of it made my fists clench.

Alexander was a nice guy but was also a womanizer. Scarlett would just be another conquest to him until he got what he wanted. I didn't know why I cared, I had never meddled into who Alex flirted with before. Maybe, I cared because she seemed like a nice woman. Plus, every woman deserved to be treated with respect, especially in a work environment.

"Elias what is your deal with Scarlett and you can cut through the bullshit and tell me the truth," Alexander growled. If I didn't tell him I knew he would just persist like a fly searching for food.

"We shared a kiss before she was hired here, now drop it."

"Elias instead of threatening me, why you don't just ask her out like a normal person would?"

I closed my eyes and inhaled a deep breath. Of course, Alexander would think that was a great idea. Alexander was impulsive. Always acting instead of thinking.

I, on the other hand, am calculated. I weighed through my options and the consequences of them. I was clearly drawn in by her. But my mere sexual attraction for the woman wasn't enough to act on it. It would be unfair to put her in that position.

Alexander rested his hand on his chin "Ahh, I see. You don't know if you want to fuck her, date her or both."

I gritted my teeth no longer wanting to entertain him. "Alexander, I don't need your crude statements. What I need is for you to finish the proposals for the Stefani's today."

"I'm on it bossy pants, might I suggest that we take Scarlett out to El Mar to celebrate her coming on to the team?"

He returned my nod with a big grin and exited without saying another word. I didn't see the harm of it plus I really did want her to feel welcomed to the team. She had already made my life much easier by organizing countless files and other tedious tasks. Once I got through my daily meetings, I would ask her.
                                                                                         ****
                                             
I stood by the door contemplating if I should just walk in.

I decided a knock would suffice.

"One second," she said sweetly.

I heard rumbling of papers and a loud bang. I swiftly walked in and saw her on the floor rubbing her head. I bent over and examined her head for any bleeding. She sat still, not muttering a single word. Placing my hand over her shoulders I lifted her back to her feet.

"I went to pick up my pen and I lifted my head forgetting I was under my desk," she said as she rubbed her cheek. "What can I help you with Mr. Castellano?

I tried hard not to let a smile escape "Alexander and I, wanted to invite you to dinner to celebrate your arrival to our team."

She bit her lip " uhh, okay, what time, place, what should I wear- "

"I will pick you up at six." Stopping her before she rambled on endlessly. Guessing that's something she did when she was nervous.

Her mouth opened but nothing escaped it. I wouldn't have offered if the restaurant's location was not in a secluded area. The last thing I would want is for her to get lost in the city.

"But you don't know where I live? She said with an alarmed voice.

"Text me the address, and the restaurant dress policy is business casual."

I grabbed her phone from her desk and entered my number "Now, you have my number. I'll see you tonight Ms. Delacruz."

She was silent as I strode out her office. How could she laugh with Alexander all day long but with me she would tense up like a statue? Was I that intimidating? It bothered me more than I liked. I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable with my presence.

Three hours before dinner would give me enough time to go home and shower. I was relieved that I lived close to the office. It took me about 15 minutes to arrive home with light traffic. A smile escaped, with the text from Scarlett letting me know her address. My smile faded when I realized she lived in the Redbrook Beach Area. That was easily a 42-minute drive from here with rush hour impending it could take even longer.

I turned the knob of the shower, stripping off my slacks and dress shirt before hopping in. "Fuck that's cold."

Quickly adjusted the water to a hotter temperature. Washing and rinsing as fast as I could. I wrapped the towel around my waist and proceeded to my closet.

I dried my body and put on my Calvin Klein underwear. It took a second before I figured what suit to wear. Nothing different, just my usual Black slacks and white collared dress shirt except this one had black small dots over it. I snapped the suspenders on to my slacks and tied a knot on my grey tie. Folding my black suit jacket over my arm, I sent Scarlett a text letting her know I was on my way.

With my other hand, I got a small amount of gel and caressed it through my hair. I rummaged through my bathroom drawer and sprayed on the first cologne I found. I set my home alarm as I started the ignition, it was crucial to find my next location fast.

My eyes lit up when I found exactly what I was looking for. I pulled into the empty parking lot. As I exited my vehicle, I was blinded by the California sun.

Entering the small shop, I was immediately bombarded with the aroma of varied scents erupting from the flowers. Every corner of the small shop was filled with assortments, all differing from color, shape, and type. What kind of flowers did women even like?

I squinted my eyes, wondering the difference between a Floribunda rose and Grandiflora rose? Which one would Scarlett prefer? Or would she like a different type of flower other than roses? Certain, I was making this more complex than needed, I snatched the phone from my pocket. I typed forcibly through the screen "rose's women like- " My body turned to the young woman as she approached me laughing softly.

"Seems like you need some help there, buddy?"

"Is it that obvious?" putting back my phone in my pocket.

The woman gave me a big smile and pointed her small finger. " I think you can never go wrong with roses, they are simple, beautiful and just the color of the rose displays a hidden message. For example, Red means passion, love, romance."

I gave the florist a smile "I'll take two dozen of the finest red roses."

The woman's eyebrow knitted together at my request."She is one lucky woman, a thoughtful man is hard to come by".

It was a struggle putting the roses in the car. I had never personally bought a woman flowers before. My assistant Mia had always handled these type of things for me. But for some reason today, I wanted to be the one to personally pick out the flowers. Obliviously, I thought it was the norm to order two dozen roses.

I glared at the time displayed on the car dashboard 4:25. Fück. I gripped the steering wheel as I pressed down on the gas pedal. I would have to risk getting a speeding ticket.
                                                                                              ****                                                            
Big palm trees aligned along the road as I entered the small beach city. Thanks to the several accidents on the highway I had about ten till six. I turned left from the main intersection into the small suburb where Scarlett's home was located. The suburb was filled with newly developed homes until I saw one that stuck out like a sore thumb. It was a fairly new home but the landscape had been completely abandoned. My heart steadied, this was Scarlett's home.

I held the roses behind my back as I walked towards the entrance. Inhaling a deep breath, I rang the doorbell.

"I guess only the boss can show up late?" Scarlett chuckled with an irresistible smile, the smile faded as she looked down on her dress. "Is what I'm wearing okay?"

Shit, she must have caught me looking. It was hard not to. I forced my eyes to look elsewhere, not needing any temptation. I was her boss, admiring her beauty would be wildly inappropriate. The small glance was enough to capture that she looked absolutely stunning. Scarlett in a fitted black lace dress with her long brown hair flowing freely in loose curls was a sight I never wanted to forget.

I cleared my throat "Yes, you look great," Bringing my hand forward "These are for you."

She squinted her eyes while tilting her head. "Really, what for?"

"A token of appreciation for your hard work this past week," I said dryly wishing she would just accept the kind gesture without question.

"Oh, well thank you, Grandiflora roses were my mom's favorite." She inhaled the scent, waving her hand for me to enter. "Please come in, I'm going to put these in a vase." She pointed to the leather couch. "I'll be quick, I promise."

As she walked off I tried my hardest not to stare at her ass. I always had been prideful that I had self-control especially when it came to women. But, in her presence, everything I thought about myself was in question.  I sunk onto the couch, frustrated with myself.

"And you are?" I heard a man's voice from behind me.

I stood and extended my hand "Elias Castellano".

"Dad, please don't embarrass me in front of my boss!" Scarlett yelled from the kitchen.

The man rolled his eyes at Scarlett's demand. "Would you like a shot of Don Julio?"

Scarlett exited the kitchen and glared at me then at the door.

"Maybe another time, We have dinner reservations tonight." I gave him a firm handshake "It was nice to meet you Ms. Delacruz."

He looked at me then back at Scarlett "Well, at least this man has manners, unlike the boy you dated before."

I wondered if the boy he was talking about was the same one Scarlett had told me about in the club. Who could be this foolish to let a woman like Scarlett go? His damn loss. Scarlett shot her dad a deadly glare before she gently pulled my hand to follow her out.

"You like what you see?" clearly amused at the sight of Scarlett smiling at my Maserati. She didn't seem like the type to care about cars. Then again I didn't know much about her.

I tossed the keys, "Here."

"What are you crazy, I can't drive?" Her voice slightly heightened.

"You don't know how to drive?" I teased.

"That's not what I mea- You know what, fine I'll drive but don't say I didn't warn you!" She stuck out her tongue as she settled on to the driver's seat.

What possessed me to let her drive? Maybe, I wanted to see her satisfaction as she drove or maybe I had a death wish. She gripped the steering wheel and put her foot on the pedal with her dress slightly hiking up.

"Ok, Scarlett you're going to drive off slow until you get the hang of –"

She floored the gas pedal, the tires peeled against the pavement. She laughed uncontrollably hitting the steering wheel.

I think I would have been displeased if this had been someone else. Yeah, I would be more than displeased.

She looked in my direction and gave the cutest innocent face with her bottom lip going downwards. "Oops, sorry didn't mean to do that."

I shook my head as I smirked, "Behave, mujer attrevida ."

For the rest of the drive, Scarlett drove exactly at speed limit, not a digit over. I was completely at ease with her driving. At times I even caught myself falling asleep. Just to open my eyes and find her with a permanent smile plastered on her face.

I opened the driver door and placed my palm on her back as we headed towards the restaurant's entrance. The "El Mar" restaurant waitress was already familiar with me. We had held some meetings here before because we liked the privacy the restaurant offered.

The waitress seated us at the usual secluded room void of the loud upbeat music from the main lobby. The waitress set a bottle of Chateau Lafite in ice.

"You're favorite wine Mr. Castellano, Do you need a minute to look at the menu? The woman blushed as she smiled.

I gave her nod and she quietly exited the room. My eyes turned to Scarlett as she looked at the menu like it was in a foreign language. Her eyebrows furrowed as she tapped her finger over her mouth.

"Everything okay?" I asked, curious about her actions.

"Yes, of course, it's just that-"

She looked down at my vibrating slacks, I gave her a look to keep talking but she persisted on me answering the call.

I let out a deep sigh and rubbed my hand over my eyes. I clicked the screen to end the call. I needed a minute to collect my composure before I continued.

"Alexander can't make it to dinner, his cat died," I said trying to hide the anger in my voice.

Alexander didn't have a cat. He could barely keep from laughing as he muttered the idiotic excuse. I should have known Alexander was up to something. I also should have never told him about me and Scarlett. I'm sure now, he would spend his time playing matchmaker. I didn't have the heart to tell her that Alexander was lying. She looked at me with genuine sadness. I swear Alexander would pay for this.

"That's so unfortunate." Her voice low, that I could barely hear it.

"Yeah, I'm sure He will be fine, what were you going to say before I answered the call?"

She rubbed the back of her neck "It's that I- I all the food on the menu is seafood...I'm deadly allergic."

I put some bills on the table. "Well how about we take off from here and go somewhere else?"

"No Elias, it's okay I promise. I can just drink some wine or something "

I pulled her hand to follow me to the exit. "Come, I insist."

Tonight was supposed to be a simple dinner with colleagues. I couldn't just take her back home. I felt horrible, she was fully dressed and had wasted her evening. The least I could do is take her somewhere to eat but for the life of me couldn't think of any upscale restaurants that didn't require reservations.

I guess I could take her to this little restaurant at the pier. It wasn't  upscale in any sense but service and food were impeccable.

"I'm going to take you to this Mexican restaurant by the pier. Sound good?

She gave me a quick nod as she put on her seatbelt.                                                                        

                                                                                            ****

We were completely overdressed for the restaurant which really was a small shack located across the beach. We received nothing but stares and whispers as we walked in. Scarlett seemed bothered by unwanted attention. So I had suggested we eat the food on the gazebo that was located on the beach. She gave me a look of relief and accepted the offer with no hesitation.

The sun glistened on the ocean beautifully. The sound of the ocean waves crashing and seagulls chirping was all we heard. The smell of the rich spices mixed with the salty air. I wiped the sand off the wooden seat before she sat. Pouring her a glass of red, thankful that the restaurant staff had kindly let us borrow wine glasses.

We occasionally exchanged glances but did not speak as we enjoyed our food. Scarlett's eyes sparkled with the sun and her cheeks were a hint of pink with the heat. No words were needed to be said, and I enjoyed that. Usually, silence was uncomfortable but with her, it was nice, peaceful.

We both watched the sunset on the horizon. I decided to break the silence and ask about how work was going. She answered the question then somehow rambled on for about an hour about other things that didn't pertain to anything about work. I listened attentively to everything she said. She finally took a pause and looked up at the sky then back to me.

"Thank you for taking me here. I haven't been to this beach- since my mother died." Tears flowed through her eyes "I'm sorry I'm such a buzz kill." She put her face in her hands and lowered her head.

I instantly felt hot, I had first taken her to a place where she was allergic to all the food then just to take her to a place that reminded of her dead mother. My intentions were to have her smile not cry. The sight of her crying made my heart sink to the floor.

Noticing the goosebumps on her skin I put my suit coat around her. Bending my knees, I cupped her face I wanted to see her eyes. "I know how you feel I lost my mother too. I wish I could tell you things get easier but they don't. You just learn how to live with it somehow. "

She wiped the tears from her face "I'm sorry about your mother Elias. I shouldn't have brought this up we were having such a great dinner. I never thought little things like weeds in flowerbeds or coming to the beach could bring me to tears. It's like everything I see is a constant reminder of what I lost."

I tucked the loose strand of hair behind her ear "With time everything heals, you will still feel a void but it gets better. Don't worry, the night is not over yet."

I stayed silent most of the time. I knew she just wanted someone to listen to her. She somehow managed to get on topics as random as zombies, TV series, and people who thought the earth was flat. There was never a dull moment, to say the least.

The night was now pitch dark and waves were slowly crashing. I looked at my watch to see it was already past midnight. How the hell did time fly that fast? I felt guilty for having her out this late but also felt sad that the night was coming to an end. She continued to talk the rest of the way home, I had somehow brought up Game of Thrones and she had a lot to say about that.

"I had fun tonight Elias." Her body came closer to me as If she was going to hug me but instead she extended her hand out in a fist.

Did she want me to fist bump me?

Her cheeks burned red and she quickly moved her hand to her hair.

I chuckled, "I had a fun tonight too, Goodbye Scarlett."

I turned the ignition on about to pull off until I saw Scarlett's purse on the floor board. I grabbed it and ran to the door my heart quickening with each step. As I rang the doorbell, my thoughts ran wild.

"Thanks, I swear my daughter would lose her head if it wasn't attached to her." Scarlett's dad laughed as he slammed the door shut.

I raked my fingers through my hair. That was not the ending I envisioned. To be honest, I don't know what I envisioned. It's not like I could have kissed her. Being with an employee was strictly against what I believed in. I prided myself on professionalism and nothing about a relationship with an employee screamed professionalism. It screamed of unnecessary risks and messes that could be avoided. Our kiss before did nothing to help my situation. I had gotten a taste of her and I wanted more. But it was a want that I would make sure wouldn't be fulfilled.

A part of me had expected, even hoped that when I got to know Scarlett I would feel nothing. But her aura was hard not to like, it attracted me even more to her. She was charismatic, authentic and with no ulterior motive or secret agenda. A moth to a flame.

For the first time in my life, I felt like I was not in control.