We were the only ones in the elevator that morning, and he intimidated me. But, I hid it well. I held my head high and displayed none of the nervousness that was tying my stomach in knots.
"Good morning, how are you?" I asked.
"Fine, and you?" He glanced my way, distractedly, still fumbling through the documents he held in his hands. I could tell he wasn't really interested in my response, so I merely smiled and waited while the elevator continued on its course. "Damn!" he muttered.
"Is something wrong?" I asked, glancing at him curiously. Then, noticing his paperwork, I grinned. It seemed I would have the upper hand in this conversation.
"Nothing you could help me with." He had no patience at all. Plus, he wasn't used to being addressed in such a familiar manner by someone so low on the professional totem pole.
"Oh, really? If it's a problem with those documents in hand, I reported the calculation error to the database control guys yesterday."
He looked at me with renewed interest. And even though his comment earlier had me on the defense, I knew I couldn't afford not to be civil. He was the owner of our business, wealthy, attractive, powerful, and currently unmarried. Plus, I was breathless just being near him. He had an aura of danger that piqued my interest.
"Explain the error to me, please." I think that was the first moment he noticed that I was an attractive female.
The elevator stopped and the doors opened. He motioned for me to follow him. I took an indecisive step, "I really have to be in my office in a few minutes. My boss is a stickler for punctuality."
"No problem. I'm sure he'll understand. So come with me, please." How could I argue with that?
I had to hurry to keep up with his long strides. His frustration was still evident as he told his secretary, "Please call down and tellβ¦" he looked at me.
"Mr. Staton," I quickly filled in.
"Please tell Mr. Staton that I haveβ¦" he looked at me again.
"Karen Beasley."
"Let him know that Ms. Beasley is with me."
Then we went into his office, and I proceeded to dazzle him by pointing out the overlooked but important calculation details. He asked me to accompany him for a drink that afternoon. And that is how it all began. He admitted to me once that it was the confidence I had portrayed on the day we met that caught his attention. I've never told him that it was all an act.
And now, even though he and I have been dating for well over a year, I have never seen him totally lose control. In his profession, he has never answered to anyone. Everyone, from upper management to mailroom personnel, caters to his every whim. He is always the one in charge. That is what I wanted to change.
I quickly scanned the room making sure I had left no evidence of my being there in plain view. I knew he'd smell my cologne lingering in the air. But the heady scent of my particular brand only helped to create the mood I wanted to achieve. I was extremely nervous, but somehow I knew my performance today was detrimental to our relationship. Our sexual life had always satisfied me, yet I wanted more. I wanted unpredictable. I needed to control him. For once, I wanted to see him beg. I wanted to see him aching for me.