Chapter 9 A TERRIBLE HOSTESS
I slipped through the closed door, releasing a sigh of perplexity. Why was my boss acting so strangely? What could have caused this abrupt change in his attitude towards me?
“I will confront him!” I muttered, determined.
“Are you aware that I can see your shadow under the door, Mrs. Elisabeth?” Patrik's voice sounded firm from the other side. “It's unpleasant to keep visitors waiting.”
“You're not a visitor; you seem more like an intruder!” I retorted, feeling the stress grow, before heading to the bath.
I let the water run over my body, trying to understand the inconvenient presence that had taken over the room. Years of work passed through my mind, but there were no signs of such changes. One day before, he was the same arrogant CEO yet exemplary in his work, and the next day, he became a flirt determined to drive me crazy.
“And to excite...” I sighed, admitting that I had been betrayed by my own imagination. Memories of his bold touches invaded my thoughts, and, biting my lip, I refused to continue. “This is not right; after all, he is my boss!”
I slid my hands over my body in a delicious caress, closing my eyes and allowing my mind to play with the memories. Moans escaped as I reached the sensitive spot, but I resisted the temptation.
“What am I doing?” I clenched my fists, irritated, and stepped out of the bath with firm steps.
I put on a familiar lace pajama, as it was my house, and I wouldn't change my way of dressing because of the CEO's intrusive behavior. As I left the room, I came face to-face with him, already bathed, with a towel around his waist, displaying his sculpted body. I bit my lip, irritated by the attraction I felt.
“Looking doesn't offend, Mrs. Elisabeth, but I prefer when you taste!” Patrik teased me, raising his eyes in my direction.
“Why the hell are you half-naked in my office?” I rubbed my temples, realizing I was losing my composure.
“Well, I don't have clothes in your house... Yours,” He looked me up and down with a bold smile. “Although attractive, it wouldn't fit my body well.”
“Mr. Patrik, I'm being serious...” I sighed again.
In a long stride, he pulled me close to his seductive body, lifting my chin and leaving me stunned by his actions.
“Me too, Mrs. Lis... Don't worry, Greg went to get comfortable clothes.” Tracing his finger from my face to my neck, gently squeezing, Patrik's eyes landed on my lips. “You have very beautiful features, did you know?”
“I believe it would be more appropriate if you were in your house, where your clothes are.” I cleared my throat, trying to compose myself. I tried to take a step back, but he didn't let go of me. “Mr. Patrik!”
“You didn't answer my question.” He narrowed his eyes, questioning, taking his hand off my neck and wrapping it around my waist, pulling me closer.
“It didn't sound like a question... I know you're used to complimenting and flirting with many women. Your last girlfriends were models. However, I'm not like them, Mr. Patrik and I have no romantic interest in you.” I kept my eyes steady on his. “With all due respect!”
“That's why I consider you such a fascinating woman, Mrs. Lis.” Smiling charmingly, Patrik lifted my chin, brushing our lips.
“Fascinating?” I asked, confused. “I'm not prey for you to play with!”
I tried to push him in vain, but I was surprised when Patrik enveloped our lips in a deep kiss. I shuddered with the intensity, biting my lower lip. He sighed as we separated.
“Who says I'm playing?” He kept his serious gaze fixed on mine.
“Why are you acting so differently? Has something changed?” I stared at him, still in his arms, raising my hand to touch his face, but stopped before touching him. “You can't stay in my apartment.”
“Haven't we had this discussion already?” Raising his eyebrows, Patrik maintained a playful look.
“I'm serious; I pay rent and I'll pay you!” I turned my impatient face away.
“How many men have you brought to your apartment?” I turned back with wide eyes in his direction.
“MR. PATRIK!” I pushed him hard, stepping away. “Let's eat before the food you brought gets cold.”
“I'm the first one here, aren't I?” He smiled amusedly. “I like the feeling of being the first.”
“With all due respect, Mr. Patrik shut up!” I rolled my eyes as I opened the food, finding shrimp pasta. “How?”
“When you're a rich man, they even make lobster for takeout, if you ask.” He winked at me. “What are we studying today?”
“I'm going to study about arch construction; you should learn about good manners and not invading other people's apartments,” I shrugged.
“Your sense of humor is charming...” Patrik approached, picking up the food. “I have a better idea.”
Poking my nose, he pulled me to the sofa, bringing the food with us and sitting next to me.
“Let's rehearse a scene for you to write about!” Smiling, he placed a pillow over the towel around his waist, catching my attention. “Mrs. Lis, my eyes are up here.”
He pointed upwards provocatively. I adjusted my posture, cleared my throat, and tried to ignore him.
“Rehearse?” I continued, hoping Greg would arrive before interrupting the CEO's ideas.
“Well, you're a future writer, aren't you?” Patrik smiled, ignoring my attempt to change the subject. “And there's nothing better than experiencing a scene to describe it more authentically.”
I rolled my eyes, not believing the absurd proposal he was making.
“I don't need to experience absurd scenes to write; thank you,” I replied, trying to maintain my composure.
“But the touches of reality I provided improved your novel, didn't they?” Patrik raised an eyebrow, challenging. “Come on, don't be shy.”
He began to act as if we were on an improvised stage, using the pillow as a comic prop.
“Mrs. Lis, imagine I'm the mysterious character who invades the protagonist's apartment,” he said, striking a theatrical pose.
“That's ridiculous, and you did invade my apartment!” I murmured, crossing my arms.
“Not in the way your mind would like,” he teased before continuing. “Imagine the tension, the surprise, and the chemistry in the air.” Patrik continued, ignoring my lack of enthusiasm.
I decided to play along, not because I agreed with his crazy idea, but to end it quickly.
“Alright, Mr. Patrik. Go ahead with your dramatic invasion, and I'll react as my protagonist would,” I took a deep breath, preparing for what was to come.
Patrik, with a triumphant smile, began to “invade” my space, circling the room as if he were a skillful thief. The pillow attached to his waist swayed ridiculously, but he was so engrossed in the scene that he seemed not to care.