Chapter 23
I expected to grab some attention, but I never expected every woman in this office to go gaga over me. They all stared as I walked from the elevators through the office space to where Cici's secretary peeked at me over the counter behind which she sat. Her glasses slid down her nose and she pushed them back up. If Cici wasn't going to respond to any calls or texts I would just make her listen to me. It had been days, more than a week actually, and she was elusive as fuck. Besides, I was her biggest client and she couldn't ignore me at work.
"Hello, Mr. Pratt. I don't have you on the schedule for a meeting." The woman looked intimidated, as if by means of telepathy I'd crush her or something. Her lip quivered, hands fidgeting with a paperclip.
"Uh, no. This isn't a business call," I said lifting the bouquet of flowers I'd purchased for Cici. It was a smattering of daisies of different colors--a throwback to the corsage she wore in high school on prom night when I didn't take her. I thought it a fitting apology seeing as I was trying to reverse the mistakes of my past.
"Sir, she's on a call with a client. I'm not sure she can take a personal break right now."
I leaned over the counter with my elbows firmly propped in front of me and cocked my head. "I have invested in a ten-million-dollar contract with this firm, and I am requesting to see my account manager. Are you refusing to help me? Should I call Mr. York personally?"
The secretary's face blanched and she shook her head. "Uh, no sir. I apologize, Mr. Pratt. I just don't think--"
"I don't think you understand Ms..." I waited and she provided her name hastily.
"Julie."
"Julie... I don't think you understand that I am going in that office whether you buzz me in or not." I narrowed my eyes at her and she nodded again, rising to scurry to the door. My bet was this woman would let an armed gunman into Cici's office if he got a little assertive--not a great fit for Cici in my opinion.
"Thank you," I said as I followed her.
The door swung open to reveal Cici seated behind her desk on a phone call as Julie had indicated. Her cheeks flushed as I gripped the bouquet in both hands in front of myself. Julie vanished but left the door open in her haste and I didn't bother shutting it. Once Cici was in my field of vision there was nothing else I wanted more than to be close to her. I had fucked shit up and it was time to make it right.
"Uh, I have to go, Mr. Jordan... Yes, thank you. Yes, I'll call you tomorrow." She glowered at me. "Mhmm, okay. M-bye." Cici stood as she put the receiver back in the cradle and pressed her fingertips into her desk. She wore a form-fitting green skirt and sleeveless silk blouse. The way it dangled in front gave me a glimpse of her cleavage but I wasn't interested in checking her out and getting turned on. My intent here was innocent as can be.
"Cici, I..." I took a step forward, holding the flowers out. She merely stared at me. She was so beautiful, both inside and out, and I had never taken the time to appreciate the internal beauty of a strong woman who was successful and intelligent. I could have kicked myself for being so selfish and insecure around her.
"What do you want, Drew? We don't have a meeting today."
"This is personal." I walked closer, hearing a few voices in the hallway. I knew they were watching, whispering about us. I didn't care. I'd get on my face on national television and tell the world what a jerk I'd been to her. She straightened as I approached the desk and offered the flowers. For a moment she just stared at them, then she took them and dropped them directly into the trash bin.
I knew she would be upset with me still. Otherwise she'd have answered my calls. But to throw them away right in front of me? For a moment I wanted to react, to shout and tell her what a bitch she was being when I was trying to apologize, but I realized that was the Drew that hurt her. He was the one who she was angry with and I needed to show her that I wasn't that guy anymore. Even though I was really hurt by that.
"I can see you're still upset. I'm so sorry. I have been calling and messaging. You haven't picked up or responded. I just needed to know that you heard and understood my apology. I was very insensitive and hurtful. I didn't take your feelings into account on any level. I was selfish and rude, and I want to make things better. I want you to--"
"Mr. Pratt, unless you have some sort of business here, I suggest you leave. We did not have a meeting. Is there something the matter with your paperwork? Are your team members not performing?"
"Cici, please..." I reached out a hand and she backed away. It was then that I noticed the fatigue around her eyes. Fine lines and puffy bags indicated she was tired, maybe not hydrating well. Cici always took care of herself. This wasn't normal.