I slowly forced myself to breath while pacing back and forth in Cain's, now closed off office. I just couldn't believe it. I continued to wear a hole in his floor, only stopping briefly to look at him sitting against his desk with a look of amusement on his face. Then I would shake my head and continue for a few more minutes. Then stopping again to pinch myself hard. Just to check. Maybe I was still in bed and this was a dream. When that hurt, I just shook my head and continued. Only stopping when I heard him stand and walk towards me, making me slowly turn in his direction.
"That hard to believe it's me". He stated stopping directly in front of me. I just shook my head in disbelief.
"Actually …. Yes… it is. Why?" I just couldn't fathom it. He chuckled, giving me a courtesy wave towards one of the lounges that occupied the room, along with a coffee table and large wooden oak desk and skyscraper views of the city. Dropping my arms from where I had them pressed almost painfully over my chest, I moved towards the location he wanted me to sit. Sitting I watched carefully as he moved to sit on the opposite lounge facing me. I was still in disbelief, yer he had grown up a lot, his body looked chiseled now under his business suit. He had taken of his dark blue jacket upon entering the room, leaving his suit pants that had to have been custom made, because they looked like they were created just for him, they hugged him well, leaving very little to the imagination. He wore a greyish styled long sleeve collared shirt over the rest of him, with a royal blue tie. Tucked in nicely with a golden belt buckle showing. I still couldn't believe it. His face was so much more grown up, he almost did resemble a Greek god, as Casey put it. It was hard to believe that the guy that left me seven years ago was this being now. I blinked at that last thought. Thats right, he left me to become this. I guess its not something I could have helped him to become, so why does he need me now.
I took a deep breath and flung my walls up, turning on my business attitude. I crossed my arms back over my chest and placed my left leg over me opposite knee on the couch. Sitting up straighter as I looked Cain square in the face.
"Why have I been chosen for this position when I never applied for it. I have my reasons for not wanting the position and would like to refuse this advancement". I watched his face as I spoke, he nodded slightly, a look of amusement on his face.
"That could be an option, but I wouldn't recommend it. I chose you for this position because of your qualifications, your expertise is exactly what I am looking for in an assistant, the fact that we have history is just a bonus. Don't you think?" I raise an eyebrow at his statement, then shake my head in disagreement.
"This may be convenient for you, but not only do I have my own projects to complete".
"Those will be handled as soon as I call your manager Sarah in, she will hand your workload out". My eye twitches in annoyance.
"I also have my own commitments here, that I wish to not be inconvenienced with. I have a life here, and I would much rather stay then galavant all over the country and states". He nods in understanding, then stands up to slowly move around the room. I could almost see the cogs turning in thought. I was curious, what was he doing. I eyed him warily, this was definitely new behaviour.
"That is understandable, being away from home for three months would definitely be considered a inconvenience, despite the promotions and benefits that would await you on your return. This is a major stepping stone of your career. It shouldn't be an inconvenience". He was looking out the window, no doubt smirking. I bit my lip, I can't believe he was playing this card. This was turning out to be an unfair fight, he still knows me more than I know him at this point. He continues.
"If you reject this position, you are going to leave me and this project at a disadvantage. I haven't got the time to choose another candidate that even remotely has the qualifications that you have and I also have the plane booked and ready to leave tomorrow morning. This would be a great loss for the business". I face palmed, trying to take a deep breath. Yes this is bothering me, I hated to feel like I was the cause of stuff ups, especially business related ones. I have a tendency to dwell on these mistakes if I am the cause, and here he is guilt tripping me. What an a****le. He's definitely changed, he's gotten better at it. I shake me head, my voice dropping and laced with annoyance. Boss or not.
"That may be the case sir". I emphasised the phrase. "But I am still unable to accompany you, since we have history, you of all people should know that I am unable to get on a plane, I haven't in the past eleven years. What makes you think you can get me on a plane now?" I watched his reflection in the window as he seemed to consider my words. Then he turned and wondered over sitting on the armrest of the couch I was on. I eyed him warily.
"I never said it would be easy, but between the two of us, I believe we could work out a solution. This is a once in a life time opportunity that I would recommend you take, but in the end the choice is still up to you. I just don't suggest you take to long making the right decision". I turn to look him in the face, there was something in that last statement, he sure as hell wasn't begging, yet at the same time it almost felt like a slight threat.
"Do I have anything to truely loose from rejecting this offer?" I state, curious to that last statement. He simply just shrugs. His mind seemed to be ticking.
"It would simply put you at a disadvantage to advance further in your career. Your superiors may believe your not capable of doing your job correctly, and start withholding work from you. This also leaves you at a disadvantage when there are cut backs. Your colleagues may even disrespect you, for having the opportunity to do something they wanted but disregarded the project. I'm unsure of the disadvantages. I just wouldn't want you to loose anything from rejecting this opportunity". I blinked, almost wanting to laugh at the sentiment. He had a ring of truth to his words. This industry could be that way inclined, and god knows the amount of work I have put in to get to the position I'm at now. But at this stage if it meant staying here or going on a plane, I'd possibly be more inclined to just quit my job then get on one of those death traps. I sigh, positioning to stand up. Cain watched me with interest.
"You have valid points Mr.Serdon, so if thats the case I'm willing to give you my verbal resignation now, and I'll deliver my written resignation to Sarah within the hour". I turned on my heels and prepared to exit. But was stopped by a hand on the door, making it impossible to open it. I froze, realising that his body was very close to mine. His breath close to my ear. I could almost hear my heart beating in my ears.
"Please reconsider?" I blinked, it wasn't the fanciest thing he had said today, yet its the first time I felt any emotion from him since being reunited. I slowly turn to look up at him, realising again that he must have grown more, or I shrunk. Since he stood a good head or more above me now. He stood up straighter, turning his face away from me, while running a hand through his hair. I just eyed him, what was his reasoning.
"I know its been a long time, trust me, I understand your concern. This project is a big opportunity and I really need someone I can trust to help me. This is why I chose you from the beginning. For this to be a success, I need you by my side for this one". He turned to face me, his blue eyes showing sincerity. "This is important and I really could use your help with it. Please Tiffany". My heart skipped. This a**. I rubbed my hands over my face, how have I not gotten a resistance up to this mans charms after seven f****ng years. He gave me a slight smile, which made me just shake my head and step off to his side, heading back to my original seat.
"You better bl**dy brief me on this then before I change my bl**dy mind. You just better know that this is strictly business, understand". He showed a pearly white smile, as he slowly turned towards me. Taking his original seat on the opposite couch and reaching for his office phone. Pressing a button, we listened to the dial tone, then Sarah's bubbly voice answered.
"Yes sir, are you ready for me to do the change over now". Cain chuckled, before answering.
"Yes thank you Sarah". She agreed before hanging up. Cain looked at me then. As he gave me another sided smirk.
"Well the briefing goes a bit like this…."