Nathan Knight sat in the corner, partially hidden but keeping an unrestricted view of the woman that had occupied his thoughts since he first laid eyes upon her. And today was the third day straight he had watched her daily ritual. Fascinated was an understatement.

It was curious, almost bizarre that every day, she would take a seat in the same booth. Pull out a book to read six pages before a server would approach her table and without uttering a word set down the following items:

Two slices of brown malted bread.

Two slices of turkey.

A salad bowl and lastly an apple—a red apple.

The object of his interest would arrange the plate, cutlery to their precise spot, and then make quick work of creating her own sandwich. One step at a time, almost robotically but methodical and meticulous, never deviating. Her beautiful pouty lips silently moved. Counting?  He wasn't sure.

Sandwich prepared and cut into six identical parts, she picked up the apple. Rubbing it lovingly with her napkin—six times before slicing it into six precise slices.

Oblivious to the world around her, and always the same. He fought back a smile. She was adorable, cuteness wrapped up in a body that would have men falling to their knees to indulge in the pleasure only she could provide.

His phone vibrated. Faced down, he flipped it over to see it was Jaxon, his brother. With a silent groan, leaning back into his chair, he accepted the call, wondering to what he owed the pleasure of the call. He hadn't spoken with Jax for going on ten days, their disagreement still fresh in his mind. Perhaps he had come to his senses?

It didn't help matters that Jaxon was currently based in China, overseeing the opening of their new offices. Just to get this far had taken them three long months, China had been a tough cookie for Knight Communications to crack.

"Hey," his tone clipped, but felt guilty for directing his annoyance at his brother for interrupting the precious time he had to watch her. Keeping his attention solely on her, his brother voice barely registered. Deciding it was far more interesting to picture his fingers running through her soft curls as he led her closer to his hardened flesh, the parting of her plump lips...

"Nate!"

"Sorry, what?" Shifting in his seat, a rush of blood headed south.

"Where are you? The old man said you'd vanished?" challenged Jaxon.

Nathan restrained rolling his eyes as he adjusted his trousers. Their father didn't miss a trick. "A small eatery on sixth." Where apparently it was the norm to make your own sandwiches.

"Not your usual haunt." It truly wasn't. But rather than answer, he brushed off the thought and recalled the profound impact she'd instilled deep within him when their bodies had collided.

Three days before he had been so focused on his phone, he almost tumbled into the auburn-haired beauty in his line of sight. As she looked up and their eyes met, she had blinked, quickly averting her gaze, muttering an apology. An apology he should have been issuing. It had been his error.

Although on reflection it wasn't a mistake, it had been fate. Of that he was sure. Momentarily stunned, standing before him with her body rigid and glorious breasts thrust high, she sucked in a breath. Nathan couldn't retain his gaze from roaming down the length of her. At barely five and a half feet tall, she captivated him. And in that second, something bizarre occurred. The petite woman before him tapped into his protective instincts. And inflicted a huge unexpected boner onto his person!

Before he could react; she sidestepped him and fled their encounter. Shaking his head and before questioning his actions. He turned high tailing, ensuring he didn't lose sight of her in the bustling New York streets. Which was pretty damned hard to do - her being small amongst giants of passers by. He was almost out of breath, frantically looking for her as he came to a stop in front of the charming little eatery. He felt a pull of something he could not explain as he turned to gaze inside. His heart sang out as he saw her seated inside.

He too headed inside, but a little warning voice in his head told him not to approach her. So he didn't, ordering himself a coffee, he took up residence and watched.

True, stalker came to mind and now a voyeur as he surveyed her peculiar little rituals. Others might have thought it odd, crazy perhaps, but something pulled at his very essence. This was a woman he wanted to make his own.

"Hello earth to Nate. Are you listening?" inquired his brother, a tinge of irritation seeping through his tone.

Shaking his head, it was time to put the option on the table. Although niggling doubt told him it was too soon. "Still here. Listen Jaxon," he faltered momentarily before a rush of urgency took control. "I think I've found her."

Jaxon's silence was telling. His brother had happily gone to China to escape the pain of being in New York. "I'm not so sure I'm ready," he ushered quietly.

Nathan knew the betrayal of their ex, Nicole. Although he had never been a hundred percent invested in Nicole Millington-Ayres. The small things she said and did never sat right with him. But he'd trusted his brother.

Sadly, he hadn't been wrong and when her true colours had shone brighter than the midday sun. It had been rougher on his brother as he had offered his heart to that soulless woman. "When you see her brother, you'll change your mind. Believe me."

"Don't be too sure about that, Nate."

Battling a sigh with and an upsurge of irritation, it wasn't the time to convince him. "Let's not worry about that, I'll do the groundwork and if you're still not ready, we can call it quits." The lie didn't sit well with him. Knowing if the auburn-haired beauty agreed to be his, he would never call it quits. She did things to him that no other woman ever had. And he hadn't said two words to her yet. But even without knowing, he knew without a doubt she would be his perfect submissive. Something in her stunning grey eyes had told him as much.

Jaxon scoffed. "Don't hold your breath, brother."

"Listen, I gotta go. Later." Ending the call before Jaxon could bring his mood down.

Sliding his phone in his inside jacket pocket, he had decided. Today he would make his intentions clear. Acquire her name, number and arrange their first date.

Pushing himself up, his body couldn't mask its excitement. Approaching, he halted, expecting her to look up. His shadow falling across the table would have announced his presence.

Rayne offered no acknowledgment, instead turned her plate. Her lips silently counted.

Nathan didn't budge from his spot—this wasn't going to plan.

Aware of an authority still looming above her, the disquiet strumming through her veins was palpable. Nobody ever talked to her. What did this person want with her? He cleared his throat, desiring her attention. Had she done something wrong?

His heart pounded; words rushed without warning. "I wanted to apologise." What? Why say that? Why did she make him nervous? It was in his nature to be in control.

Rayne lifted her head to look at the person who was disrupting her schedule, putting her behind. It was 12:33pm.

It relieved Nathan she acknowledged him. Although the strange look in her eyes knocked him off kilter.

Rayne noted his size, he was enormous compared to her, over six feet tall to be sure. His existence signified one thing she struggled to manage... change. "Can I help you?" Ignoring his apology.

He shifted awkwardly, swallowing roughly, rubbing his finger against his thumb. Okaaay, you walked over here. Get on with it! "I bumped into you a few days ago, and I just wanted to apologise. I'm Nathan." Smooth, asshole.  What the hell was wrong with him?

She blinked three times before noticing his piercing green eyes. Her mind silenced. No counting. No thoughts. Just calm.

"May I?" Not waiting for a reply, he sat opposite.

Rayne wasn't sure if she answered as she watched the green-eyed man place himself in front of her, now smiling. His smile was disarming and although when she had briefly looked up thought him attractive, the longer she gazed she decided an upgrade to magnificent was more deserving. Her cheeks ripened under his intense regard.

Seconds ticked over to whole minutes. Rayne shifted uncomfortably in her seat, aware she needed to eat her sandwich. But time was quickly escaping. One more minute meant she wouldn't be able to finish her sandwich; left unfinished on her plate. That was unacceptable. Panic twisted and squeezed like a coiled spring. There was no time to eat and return to the office in time for her meeting with Miss Spruce. Mr Jenkins would be so disappointed if she were late.

No, No, No. Tardiness was not an option.

Forcing her attention away from her uneaten delight, she reached for her purse, quickly removing nine crisp dollars.

Nathan couldn't believe he was sat, mouth gaping like a fish as she primed to leave him. Panicked. "Hey, don't go. Please eat. I'm sorry I interrupted you." Stall her, you idiot!

Rayne shook her head, not allowing herself to look into his remarkable green eyes in fear she would stay and upset Mr Jenkins. "I'm sorry I have to leave. I have a prior engagement." Gripping her purse tightly she rose and left, taking the wind from his sails with her.

Dumbfounded, dazed. Having approached her with every intent of acquiring her name and number. He stared at the now vacant spot.  Fuck!  It was Friday. He would now have to wait until Monday. Many more expletives ravaged his thoughts.

~ ~ ~

Rayne returned to the office with less than a minute to spare. Her stomach grumbled, but there was no time to dwell on such small things.

"Ah, Rayne," Mr Jenkins greeted; relief clear in his warm smile. He turned to the woman sitting in the chair opposite him. "I would like to introduce you to Miss Spruce."  He pushed up from his chair.  "Miss Spruce, this is Miss Rayne Winters."

Rayne counted out five steps forward and one step back before holding out her hand to formally greet Miss Spruce.

Miss Spruce rose from her chair. She was head and shoulders above Rayne. "Miss Winters. It's a pleasure."

Rayne flinched; the domineering woman squeezed almost unpleasantly her hand. Her stern face did nothing to steady the budding ball of worry swirling around her insides. Thankful she hadn't eaten after all. Perhaps her encounter with the green-eyed man had been a blessing in disguise.

Mr Jenkins sensed the ever-increasing tension in the air. Rayne wasn't good with change, of that he was sure. But he had no other option. Today was his last day. In hindsight, he wished he had taken his unused holidays entitlement earlier rather than a week before his official retirement date.

He'd pondered cancelling, upsetting Mrs Jenkins, who he had vowed she would no longer have to share his time. "Miss Spruce, as I mentioned before Rayne returned. She is a dedicated employee and an asset to Knight Communications and a joy to work with. In all honesty, she has been my favourite employee in my twenty years of working here."

Miss Spruce's eyed narrowed on the tiny woman before her. She could see how Miss Winters would capture the attention of weak-minded males, feed their inherent need to protect and shelter her. And this female, although odd, had a distinct air of damsel in distress reeking from her petite frame.

Miss Spruce never understood the appeal of small, pathetic women. But no matter. She ran a tight ship and Miss Winters would need to work hard to gain her approval and respect. "Time will tell Mr Jenkins.  Monday. Nine am sharp, Miss Winters." With a brief nod to Mr Jenkins and a terse smile to Rayne, she exited without another word.

The tension slipped from Rayne's posture. Every fibre in her body desired to beg Mr Jenkins to stay. But she couldn't be that selfish. She did what it required. "I'll be fine, Mr Jenkins. I'm sure Miss Spruce and I will work well together." She turned and counted out the steps to her desk and sat.

He sighed, not at all relieved by her words.

~ ~ ~

One hour later Mr Jenkins stood before all his colleagues and peers in the boardroom on the thirty-fifth floor.

They rewarded him for his many years of service.  A 'thank you' plaque along with many other gifts from his coworkers and friends.  The presentation had been carried out by the big man, Mr James Knight himself, head of Knight Communications. Mrs Jenkins would no doubt proudly hang the plaque in his home office.

"So Frank, is Hilary excited about you finally retiring?" A firm slap to his back. A warm, open gesture, having been friends with James Knight for many years. But never had Mr Jenkins used his friendship to gain an advantage in work. His successes had always been his own.

Mr Jenkins groaned. "Hmm, enormously. She has planned with utmost vigor my first six months of freedom. It entails all the niggly jobs around the house, which she reminds me I might add—I have been avoiding." She wasn't wrong.

James laughed wholeheartedly. "Well, make sure you spare me some time on the golf course, old friend."

Mr Jenkins nodded. An idea sprang to mind. "Mr Knight, if I—"

"C'mon Frank, I think we can drop the professional titles. Just James."

Mr Jenkins relaxed. "Can I talk to you about something, James?" Momentarily distracted by Nathan, stood behind his father. A strange look sat upon his person, frustration perhaps.

"Shoot Frank."

Refocusing his attention. "I was hoping you could ask someone in Human Resources to keep an eye out for my junior accountant. My replacement is— let's say... very different to me and I'm worried she may—." He attempted to phrase it tactfully. "Unsettle her and it would be of detriment to the company to lose her. She is the most dedicated and efficient forensic accountant I've had the pleasure of working alongside."

"Why wasn't she recruited to your position?" James was a firm believer in promotion from within.

"Hmm, management." He shook his head. "She isn't ready for that step. She works better with problems; she would no doubt find that missing needle in the haystack."

James smiled at his acknowledgment before rubbing his chin. Accepting his friend's assessment, his decision was swift. "Tell you what, Frank. I'll do one better. I'll ask Nathan to pay a visit and make sure she is being well looked after."

A heavy weight was lifted from Mr Jenkins' shoulders as he held his hand out to his friend and soon to be former employer. "Thank you, James. Honestly the relief I feel. It's appreciated."

"Anytime Frank. If I may say, you seem quite attached."

It was true, having no children of his own, he thought of Rayne as a daughter. "I admit, I have become quite committed. She's someone you never forget."

James could hear the admiration in his friend's tone. "What's her name?"

Mr Jenkins smiled warmly. "Rayne—Rayne Winters."