Chapter 41 - Sticky notes, late nights, and a side of croissants

**Lisa**

The next couple of days were the busiest I had ever had all my life and for some super weird reason, Damon found it amusing and I found his amusement infuriating.

My previously neat and soft bed that used to be a place of rest was now busier than a bee's hive. The new laptop and iPad Damon has gotten me were sprawled across, sticky notes everywhere, my notepad and pen were on another end and my phone was in my ear as I searched my bed frantically for my half-eaten croissant.

I eventually found it in my laptop when I brought it back to my lap.

Damon, on the other hand, was across the room, leaning against the window frame with his legs crossed. I wondered who he was talking to with his deep and authoritative voice. He has a naturally husky and annoying attractive voice.

He hung up and took a spot beside me.

“So, just to be clear,” I ask, “You, somehow expect me, someone who only balanced trays and danced round poles all her life, to by some miracle, run a billion dollar project, all by myself.”

“Stop panicking, Lisa. Who says you'll be all by yourself? Am I not right beside you right now? I'll be here with you every step on the way.”

“Oh,” I said in feigned realization, “So, you plan to micromanage.”

“I don't micromanage.” He corrected me.

“Okay, but you haven't actually taught me anything so far.” I whined.

“Well, that's because you haven't asked to learn, Lisa.” 

“Fine. Your imperial majesty, could you spare a little time to sprinkle a teeny-weeny dust of knowledge with your lowly but royal subject?” I asked sarcastically.

He hooked his head with laughter, “Oh my God! Lisa, that was so unnecessary but alright. Get ready for Fundraising 101.”

I pulled my notepad and pen into my lap for dramatic effect, “Aye, aye, captain.”

“So, first things first, you need to put things in perspective. We need money. And there are people that have the money we need. But how do we get it out of their pockets?”

“I’m not sure, maybe by making them happy.” I tried.

“Exactly. But it might involve some ass kissing.” I made a disgusted look. “Yeah, I know.” He said. That's why we need to put every single penny to good use. 

“To make it worth it.“ I added.

“Exactly, you're learning, Lisa. Really fast.” He commends.

“So, basically it's like stripping and waitressing combined but with a fancier name. Cuz I'm guessing diff individuals would have different needs. For some it'll be fame, some status, some media publicity, right?”

“That's it. And you need to give them a huge reason to invest in your cause.”

“Okay.”

He took my laptop and opened a folder, pointing, “See this? This is a list of our biggest donors. They have made donations for projects in the US but this is our first time in Paris. This would be their first donation to Paris too.”

“This is starting to feel more and more like a mathematics assignment.” I whined. I looked through the files on my laptop. Studying the names and donation history. When I reached the end of the list, I sighed and said, 

“I deserved a huge reward after this.”

“Like what?” He asked.

“I don't know, maybe the crown of Queen Elizabeth's head. This is more difficult than ruling a country.”

Damon laughed, “Okay, now you're exaggerating.”

“I'm dead serious.” I panned. “I don't think I deserve anything less than that.”

He nods without a word, as if he's actually taking me seriously.

“Yo, yo, I'm kidding.” You know that right?

He doesn't respond. Typical. 

“Alright. I think that's enough theory for today. I'll fire on with the practical. Thanks.” I say to him, feeling pumped up and a thousand times wiser.

“If you need anything, I'm right here.” Damon said reassuringly. He could be so sweet sometimes.

“I will.” I say although I don't plan to. I only took this up because I want him to rest some. 

I got started, working through emails, replying and drafting new ones. The work wasn't too difficult. I just had to give orders and supervise very closely to ensure they are done to the detail. I was in the middle of a team meeting when I saw Damon’s eye lids drifting close. I paused the meeting and cleared my bed so he could lay down comfortably. When the meeting ended, I watched him sleep for hours. It was new. He seemed so much at peace. 

I ordered Alfredo Pasta for myself and Damon for dinner while he was still sleeping. I noticed he likes Pasta. 

I was on a video call with Annie, telling her about my exciting new role when Damon's head popped into my camera feed. His head was on my neck and his eyes squinting as if the light from my screen was too bright for him, I reduce the brightness and he said,

“Hey.” Planting a kiss on my neck. “Hi, Ammie” he said with a frown and he left the room without a word.

“What was that?” Ammie asked in a girly voice.

“You sound like a horny blonde highschool cheerleader.”

“Shut up. Are you guys smut? Are you smexing?” She asked, wiggling her eyes.

“What the hell, Ammie. I'm pregnant and No! We aren't romantically attached.” I corrected.

“That’s not what it looked like. Oh my God, Lisa. A kiss on the neck. Let me Google what that means.,”

“You can't be serious.”

She clears her throat, not listening, “Neck kisses often signify sexual innuendos, sensual, intense lust or passion. It's often a prelude to more intimate acts.” 

“What! Where did you get that from?”

“From someone who actually says the truth. Google!”

“It's not a prelude to anything. He was sleepy, his eyes were barely open.”

“Yeah, right but he knew the way to your neck. It's a prelude to something, Lisa. Something that has either happened or is about to happen.” She affirmed.

I managed to change the subject and we talked about other things before we said our goodbyes. But I couldn't stop thinking about what Ammie had said. Was it really a prelude?

Was something coming?