The Lost One (Lost Series Book 1) (7 page)

At the bottom is his number. My stomach does a flip and I do a little
jiggy dance in the street, not caring who sees me.
He wants to take me out!
I clutch the note to my chest and feel scared. He is one of those classy kinds of guys with lots of money. I’m not that kind of person. Maybe he is after one thing; my stomach plummets at the thought. S
orry, bucko, that ain’t goin’ to happen.
Shoving the note back in my bag, I drive home to rest up for my big day tomorrow.

His fingers tangle through my hair, and my body presses against his. His lips hungrily devouring mine. I open my mouth, allowing his tongue to wander freely. I open my eyes, taking in Corban’s handsome face, his eyes blazing with hunger. Crushing his lips to mine once again, our hands busy touching every inch of each other’s bodies, memorising each other’s curves and features. We can’t get enough of each other. My body reacts to his touch, electrifying. It feels so good…

I bolt upright, taking in my surroundings. I’m in my bed all hot and now frustrated. My skin is clammy with sweat built up underneath my hairline. I check the time.
Ugh, five a.m,
too early, but what a dream! That’s going to be on my mind all day; the thought of him so close sets my pulse racing. As much as I love these thoughts, it’s not really what I want running through my head on my first day of work.

I didn’t contact
Corban. I don’t want him to think I’m desperate; perhaps I will message him before work.

I told Flick about my run in with
Corban. She told me I should just call and ask him out. If he went through all the trouble of sneaking the note in my bag, he is obviously interested. What I’m wondering is when did he write the note since we had just run into each other? Maybe he planned it…
HA! That’s wishful thinking.

I’ve begun typing him a message numerous times, with each effort resulting in me deleting it and throwing my phone to the opposite end of the couch. But it felt like my phone was sitting there staring at me, waiting for me to pick it up and just send the bloody message. I was having a battle with myself most of the night over it. My heart telling me to suck it up and do it, and my head telling me no, keep your heart safe; he will only hurt you.

Lying in bed now thinking about him sets my nerves on edge. I replay our
special
kissing moment in my mind. I kick my legs under my blanket in frustration at how Corban has consumed my thoughts lately. He has captured me in his net and tangled my heart in it. I mean he is just another guy…
Isn’t he?
I wonder if he feels the same way.

He is very attractive and probably has every girl from here to Australia trying to claw her way into his bed. I’m sure he isn’t one to turn them down, and I am not going to be one of those girls. I will not jump to his beck and call; that’s just not in my nature. Looking at the time, I see it’s five thirty
a.m..

“Oh, man, I am so not a morning person,” I say to no one in particular. These thoughts aren’t very good to be thinking about at this time of the morning. I roll over, trying to clear my mind of all thoughts
Corban; sleep finally closing in on me once again.

****

I cannot decide what to wear; it’s frustrating! I spent the money yesterday for awesome new outfits, and now I can’t decide. I look at myself in the mirror for what seems like the hundredth time this morning. I’m wearing a white, button up blouse with a black pencil skirt and black heels, very professional I think, but I don’t want to be Plain Jane.

Stripping for the second time, I pick up the caramel dress, another of yesterday’s purchases. Slipping into it, it fits perfectly. It’s nice and snug, showing off all the right curves, but not coming across as over the top. I put the black skinny belt that came with it around my waist. It looks
perfect, professional and definitely not boring. Putting my black, open toe heels on, I do a little spin in front of the mirror, smiling at my reflection, happy with my choice.

I’m contemplating messaging
Corban today. I’m still undecided on what to do or even say for that matter.
Oh, well, here goes!
I reach for my phone, selecting his number I saved in there the night before. There is constant pounding in my chest. I can hear the pulsing in my ears and my hands tremble as I type the message.

Me: Hey,
Corban, Melodi here. Sorry I didn’t message sooner. Well, today I start my new job. Hopefully, it all goes smoothly. Hope you have a good day. Talk to you later. Oh, and ahh, by the way, I had a pretty HOT dream about you last night. I look forward to seeing you again someday soon.

Throwing my phone in my bag, I make my way to the bathroom, and apply a small amount of makeup. Fifteen minutes later, I’m happy with some foundation, blush, mascara, eyeliner, and light pink lip-gloss, simple but nice. Checking the time, it’s eight. I stare at my phone with the hopes of a reply, only to be let down. I get my bag, keys, and a banana. Yep, breakfast on the run and I’m ready to face the world. I would seriously h
ate to be late on my first day.

Arriving at Case Constructions, the jittery bug kicks in. I go straight to the reception desk in the lobby and ask for Helen. It isn’t long before she steps off the elevator
.

“Good morning,
Melodi,” she greets me with a warming smile that calms me a little.

“Good morning, I was worried I was going to be late with this crazy traffic.” I return her warm smile,
nervously.

“Yes, it can get pretty bad around here, but if you think you will be late at any time, please call and let us know.” I nod as she leads the way to the elevator, swiping an ID card, and pressing the button. “Now, I will take you to the HR floor to get all the paperwork filled out and get your security checks done. I will then take you to meet Mr Andrews, CEO of Case Constructions.
”

“Sounds good,”
I reply

The elevator door opens to a large office space with desks arranged in cubicles. Everyone is busy answering calls or having a catch up with fellow work mates. They don’t even stop or freak out when Helen walks in. She just smiles and greets them.
Wow, this place is so friendly.
People greet me and congratulate me on the job.

“Everyone is so welcoming,” I say as we reach a large office with glass walls and blinds covering those walls, but they are open,
looking out into the office.

“Yes, we strive for a happy work place here at Case Constructions. So long as you don’t slack off for too long, we don’t mind. But if it goes on for too long, we will tell you to get back to work,” she laughs.

I couldn’t have gotten luckier, but I guess this is the HR floor, so who knows what the floor I will be working on will be like. “Please, take a seat,” she invites, gesturing toward a chair.

“Okay,
Melodi, let’s get started. Here we have all your paperwork for your security check,” she says, handing me the folder. I open it to take a look. Wow, talk about drowned in paperwork. “And here is all the payroll paperwork. Just fill these out throughout the day. I will come collect them later.”

“Sure, no worries.”
I think my first day is going to be swimming in paperwork as well as trying to learn the job. I inwardly nod to myself and get ready to knuckle in and do the work.

“Okay, great, let’s go show you around a little more where you will be working and the lunch rooms.” She stands, leading the way back to the elevator. I’m introduced to more people; they love my accent and ask twenty questions about Australia.

Helen shows me around for the next hour. There are so many floors; I reckon I could get lost, but so long as I know what floor I am to work on, it will be okay.

We walk back into the elevator and Helen swipes her card and
hits the twentieth floor button. Wow, top floor.

“This last stop will be where you will work from,” she says with a smile. I can see she enjoys her job. The elevator comes to a stop once again. I step out,
taking in my surroundings.

Another open office space, but not as busy looking as the HR floor.
There is a large reception desk to my right. A young woman sits there typing away and taking calls. She looks up when she hears the door and greets us with a vibrant smile, which makes me feel totally comfortable.

“Good morning, Helen. H
ow are you?”

“Hello, Rachel, I am good thanks.
Just showing Melodi around. She is Mr Andrews’ new Personal Assistant.”

“Nice to meet you,
Melodi. I’m Rachel as you may have guessed,” she says with a little laugh. “Mr Andrews is just on a phone call right now. I’m sure he won’t be too long. I am so glad to have someone up here to talk to, especially when Mr Andrews is away for meetings.”

“Nice to meet you.
”

“
Ooo! An Aussie girl! I love you already! We are going to get along great,” she squeals excitedly. I giggle at her outburst. It amazes me how they love the Aussie accent.

Helen steps closer to the desk. “It looks as though he is off the phone. Does he have any appointments anyti
me soon?” she questions Rachel.

“Nope, he is free until about one.
”

“Okay, great. Thanks, Rachel. I’m sure I can count on you to help
Melodi out and show her what to do?”

“Yep, not a problem since I have been doing both jobs for a while,” she answers, giving a cheeky grin toward Helen who shakes her head
.

“And I’m sure he really appreciates all the time and effort you have put into doing both jobs.
”

“Yeah, I know. Lucky I love my job.” She smiles, about to say something else, but the phone rings and she instantly jumps into professional mode. “Just go through,” she says qui
ckly before answering the call.

Helen leads the way through where there is an office with its door closed and a desk to the left, which I guess will be my future work spot. I can hear a faint male voice coming from behind the closed door.
Helen knocks and waits.

“Come in,” I hear a young male voice call from the opposite side of the door. My heart rate kicks up a notch and I begin to feel the electricity flow through my body.
That voice sounds so familiar.

Helen opens the door and walks in. I follow, seeing the back of a young man standing in front of the window. The current flowing through me won’t subside and there is only one person who I’ve met recently wh
o has had this kind of effect on me. He turns around and it’s as if the air has been kicked out of my lungs.

Mr Andrews is
Corban. My new boss!

FRIGGEN HELL!!!
My mind is screaming at me. I can’t believe this! I seriously want to run from the room and hide. How embarrassing! The message I sent comes to mind; my stomach drops to ground floor and my face warms up with embarrassment.
Trust me to go for the only guy who has drawn my interest in years, and he turns out to be my boss! Just my luck!

“Good Morning, Helen,” he greets her with one of his oh, so sexy smiles, which immediately makes my heart melt and legs feel weak. His eyes find mine, and with that melting smile, my senses are ignited and every inch of my body is fully aware of him. It craves his touch. My lips even tingle at the thought of my lips against his again.

“Good morning, Mr Andrews,” she greets, not noticing the electricity in the room or the stunned look on my face. “I want to introduce you to Melodi White, your new Personal Assistant. Melodi, this is Mr Andrews, CEO of Case Constructions.”

I don’t know what to do. I can’t bring myself to move. I just stare, my eyes not leaving his. I’m sure the shock is evident on my face. He looks edible. I could stand here admiring all his sexiness all day. He’s in another suit, but doesn’t have his suit jacket on this time, and every curve and toned muscle is defined through the tightness of his shirt. I check that my mouth isn’t hanging open. I quickly mentally slap myself out of my
state of admiration.

He walks toward me. I can’t help but look him up and down. By the time I come back up to his face, he is right in front of me, extending his hand. “Good morning,
Melodi. Thank you for accepting the job.”

Taking his hand, a current of warmth spreads through me. My steamy dream is fresh in mind, causing me to think of his hands hungrily caressing my entire body. Ugh! I just want to jump him. STOP!
Mental slap once again!
I can’t think like this with him standing right in front of me, his gaze fixed on me, looking over my body. I wonder if he feels what I’m currently experiencing with him so close to me.

“Good morning,” I breathlessly respond, finally finding my voice. My mind is reeling and my heart hasn’t stopped pounding;
I’m not sure if it will either.

Until Helen speaks, I had totally forgotten she was still in the room; it’s as if she faded out and my focus was entirely him.
Corban is still standing in front of me. “Okay, Melodi, I will leave you with Rachel and she will get you set up,” she interrupts my trance and walks back to Rachel’s desk. I know I should be following, but my legs feel too heavy, as though I have concrete blocks attached to them. Then I feel it…
his
hand on my lower back, gently push me to follow Helen.