Throwing her hands in the air Brooke exclaims, "Come on Eric. Successful Maxine?? Gorgeous, big tits, blonde haired, blue eyed Maxine practically threw herself at you and you turned her down." She was ranting now as she paced across the kitchen, "You're Eric Matthews star MLB player. You've dated super models and other athletes. Hell you dated Dayton Clark for Christ sakes! I'm just an ex personal assistant. Trying to start up my own agency and make a name for myself." Slumping against the back of the couch she stares at floor whispering, "All anyone is going to see when they look at us is a hot shot player who took pity on the woman who saved his ass. I don't want anyone's pity. Especially yours."
Wood creaks beneath Eric's feet as he saunters over to Brooke. Crooking a finger under her chin he lifts her downcast face to look at him, "Dammit Brooke did anything about that kiss say I pitied you? Cause if it did I'm gonna have to try a lot harder this time."
Just like that his mouth swoops down to claim Brooke's. This time his lips are rough as they crush against hers. His hands latch onto her hips thrusting her body up against his. The hard member of his body pressing against her stomach leaves no lingering doubts about his desire for her.
When his kisses stop Eric's grip tightens around her waist. A silent order for her to not move. "Do you want to know why I was at Maxine's office so early that day," he breathed into her hair as he placed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Yes," Brooke lets out on a breath.
"I came to see you." Now Brooke's the one whose confused. Smoothing out the crinkles on her forehead Eric continues on, "You honestly didn't think I was just now starting to notice you did you?" Eric chuckles as the lines on her forehead deepen, "Well I didn't. In fact I'd been working up the courage for sometime to ask you out. See I didn't think a nice sophisticated young girl like yourself would be interested in an older man who had a reputation for being a playboy. Maxine showed up at the office first. She thought the flowers I had where for her. When I told her they where for you she became jealous and then angry. That's when she hit on me. She resorted to black mail when I didn't respond to her advances."
Tenderly he strokes Brooke's cheeks with the back of his hand, "I understand if you don't want to ruin your reputation. I know who I am as well as my own reputation. But Brooke please don't think for one minute that what I feel for you is pity. Because baby it's the exact opposite of that."
Brooke's throat warbles at the raw emotion written all over Eric's face and lacing his voice, "If anything I admire you. You quite your job to save my career, sacrificed your time to help with my contract. Baby I can't begin to express my gratitude for what you've done." Gripping both sides of Brooke's face Eric stares deep into her eyes, "Excuse my language but I don't give a fuck what anyone thinks about you and me so long as there is a you and me."
Finding her voice Once again Brooke manages to squeak out, "What about our working relationship? What happens if you decide you don't want me," she gestures rather awkwardly, "that way anymore. How does that effect our business?"
Quirking an eyebrow Eric snaps back, "What makes you think I'm looking at this," he motions between the two of them, "as ever ending?"
There was no way in hell Eric wanted her. Not in the romantic since at least. And Brooke wasn't a one night stand kind of woman. Even if it was with the hottest thing this side of the Mississippi.
Pushing Eric back Brooke sighs, "Look Eric I like you. You're a really nice guy and I'm beyond excited to be working together. Which is why I can't let a one night stand ruin it."
Eric groans, "Brooke you're not listening to me-"
Brooke cuts him off, "Yes I am. Right now you're caught up in the moment. Come tomorrow you'll remember who I am. If I let this go any further we'll both regret it." Heading for the stairs she whispers "Goodnight Mr. Matthews."
As she retreats back up the stairs she makes a bee line for the guest room not catching Eric's whispered response "Goodnight Brooke."
The following morning Brooke wakes up refreshed and feeling better then she has all week. Sleeping in a bed tends to do that to a person. Stretching she revels in the feel of soft cotton and a fluffy dawn comforter. If only she could stay in this peaceful bubble forever. Alas she cannot.
After last nights little fiasco she decided that today she was finding her an apartment. She needn't furnish it all at once. Besides it's not like she ever had company over. A bed and some basic appliances would do for now. Then after a few paychecks she could buy some more furnishings and décor.
Not having any distractions at home might be nice. It'd allow her to focus more on finding new clients.
First things first she needed to change into her clothes. Since her car was back at the restaurant she'd have to settle for last nights clothes. Getting up she started for the bedroom door when she spotted her suitcase and gym bag sitting by the dresser.
Had Eric gone to get her car? No... Yet here was her suitcase and gym bag. She hadn't grabbed them out of the car last night neither had Eric. Hmmm. Well at least she wouldn't have to go back to the restaurant wearing the same outfit. She cringed at the thought of Dayton or Maxine seeing her take the walk of shame.
Rummaging through her suitcase she snatches out a pair of jeans and a jersey. Swiping up her gym bag she heads for the bathroom. A quick shower and some foundation and mascara has her ready to face the day. More importantly the awkward morning after scene that awaits her downstairs.