Romantic Promises (Alluring Promises Series, #2) (21 page)

The smile left my face as I felt his hot breath on my lobe, just like when he danced with me at the wedding. My breathing became heavy as I longingly watched him walk away from me. He glanced back, smirking and gave me a wink. I swallowed and tried to get myself together, embarrassed that he caught me staring.

He sauntered up to the woman at the counter, who smiled adoringly at him. I watched her eyes graze over Matt’s forearms that were placed on the counter and quickly back up to his eyes, pretending to have total focus on what he was saying. He pulled out his wallet and handed her a card, flashing that sexy smile of his. He’s used to always getting his way, I’m sure.

She took his card and began typing as she continually glanced back to Matt, who spoke to her the entire time. I shook my head knowing he was getting whatever he was asking for. He smiled back at her and slipped her his business card. I took note of that. Her eyes lit up and she nodded her head profusely. Matt turned and began walking back to me, smiling. I glanced over his shoulder at the attendant who was watching him walk away, practically drooling.

He stood in front of me and handed me a boarding pass as he cocked his head to the side with that half smile. I took the pass and glanced at the new seating arrangement. I jerked my head back up at him, surprised but smiling. “First class?”

He didn’t respond as he picked up his bags and slung them over his shoulder. “Come on, let’s go get to our seats,” he said as he nodded toward the gate.

After we took our seats and the flight attendant asked for our drink order, Matt smiled over at me. “Ever been in first class before?”

I nodded, thankful he was able to upgrade us, but not wanting to give him the satisfaction of actually impressing me, as I’m sure was the purpose of what he did. “Yes, actually a lot when I was younger. But since I started working, I haven’t been. Companies won’t pay for the upgrade.”

He wiggled his eyebrows. “Mmm, well when you’re outside sales, you travel a lot and build up the points. Perk of the job.”

“Well, thank you. Did you have to use a lot of points for my upgrade?”

He gave me a twisted smirk, but I noticed he avoided my eyes. “Nah, not much at all.” My smile dropped.

“You promised her a date, didn’t you?” His smile confirmed it. “Well, who did you tell her I was?” I huffed, exasperated that he can just get a date barely even trying. Is there anything that doesn’t come easy to this guy?

He chuckled, “Umm, my coworker, of course. I didn’t want to lie,” he pointed out, as if it should be obvious he wouldn’t lie to get a date.

I rolled my eyes as the flight attendant brought our drinks. Luckily, the perk of first class calmed me down a little and brought a smile back to my face.

I wanted to make small conversation since I wanted to keep it comfortable between us. “So, is Kara excited about her new sales position?” I asked, since Monday she was going to start her new sales job and Matt was going to get his new admin then too. I couldn’t wait for that to happen. I smiled just thinking about my own personal joke.

“Yeah, actually she’s very excited. She wasn’t too keen on the idea at first, but the more I discussed it with her, the more she wanted to do it.”

“So you sold her on it?” I asked teasingly, hoping to try to keep it light between us.

His eyes sparkled as he smiled in response. “Yeah, I guess you could say that.”

After landing and arriving at our hotel, we started heading towards our rooms. At the elevator I was stopped by Robert Laurent and became immediately nervous. Robert, or Bob as he had insisted I call him, was my mentor from when I first graduated. Bob is a Chief Operations Officer at a company that I hoped to be hired by at some point and was also a keynote speaker at this seminar. He is also a huge influence in the HR field and could really help further my career. I introduced Matt quickly and then turned back to Bob.

Bob, who was probably about ten years older than me, was dressed in jeans instead of a suit I usually see him in. His brown eyes were bright as he smiled at me and touched my arm. He’s always been a “toucher” and I couldn’t help but note the extra squeeze he gave my arm.

“Vanessa, I’ll see you at the welcome reception. I’d really like to discuss some things with you,” he said, his voice filled with excitement.

“Of course Bob, I look forward to it,” I said with a smile. I really was interested in what he might wish to discuss with me. I began to wonder if he had any advice for me since I had confided in him on the phone that I constantly felt like I was butting heads with Mr. Buchanan. Or maybe Bob knew of a possible new job opening.

After Bob walked away Matt leaned in to me and lowered his voice, “You doing alright? You seem kind of nervous.”

“Well, this conference is kind of a big deal to me. Two of my mentors are here, as well as several other key people that could help further my career if I decide to leave for a larger company.”

Matt looked at me thoughtfully. “Huh, I had no idea you would want to leave the company.”

I swallowed, not sure if Matt was the type to run and tell Mr. Buchanan this tidbit of information. Nervously I explained, “Umm, well, I don’t, but you never know when an opportunity might arise to further your career.” I glanced around and then started to blab, “Bob helped me obtain interviews at several huge companies. This one I was able to acquire on my own, but I’m hoping if I show how well I do at this company, I can be hired by one of the larger firms, higher up.” And just like that I was mad at myself for providing so much information to Matt. “I mean, you know, later on down the road,” I tried to back track. “Not soon or anything,” I quickly added, hoping that might smooth over how I ran my mouth just now.

Matt nodded as we stepped into the elevator, not commenting to what I just said. Hopefully, I convinced him I wasn’t planning on leaving anytime soon. We arrived at our floor and began to walk to our rooms.

As luck would have it, our rooms were located across from each other. Matt teased, “Just like home.” Of course, why wouldn’t it be since everywhere I turn, Matt is right there?

I sighed as I put my key card in the door and quipped, “Yep.”

An hour later we were headed down to the welcome banquet in business casual attire. Wearing pants and a nice top, I made sure to wear heels that were high enough so Matt didn’t tower over me like usual. I was trying to squelch the inferior feeling I was having, but being with Matt at a business function, seemed to make me nervous. Not that he would get my job or something. Just that…I don’t know, he garners so much attention and I was slightly nervous I wouldn’t be able to speak with the people I wanted to without Matt being their focus.

We both stood at the entrance as I tried to stifle those silly feelings and at the same time searched a sea of people, looking for a familiar face.

“Do you know anyone here?” Matt asked out of the corner of his mouth.

“I know a lot, but I just don’t see anyone yet,” I responded as I continued to search the crowd. I started walking in a little further in an attempt to see anyone I knew. Matt stuck by my side, which seemed odd. I thought with his charisma and charm, he would take off wanting to meet and chat with new business contacts, especially with the female attendees.

A warm familiar person walked towards us. I smiled as Bob approached us, dressed in nicer clothes than he wore earlier. I noted that he was always such a handsome man. I loved how he always spoke of his wife and children so lovingly.

“Bob, long time, no see,” I joked nervously. Bob was such a large influence in the direction I’ve taken with my career. I had a huge admiration for him.

A warm smile lit up his face. “You too, Vanessa,” Bob told me as he clasped my shoulder.

Of course I wished at that moment that Matt would go mingle, but for some reason he seemed to want to stick by my side. Bob briefly shook Matt’s hand since they met earlier at the elevators and briefly exchanged pleasantries.

Bob turned to me and lowered his voice. “I’d actually like to discuss a few things before the seminar is finished, if you have some time.”

Eagerly, I responded, “of course that would be great. Please let me know when you’re available.”

“I’m actually available after this banquet, if you’d like. We could meet at the bar.”

“That sounds great. Thank you, I’d like that,” I told him sincerely. Thoughts of job propositions danced in my head. A corporation that would welcome my changes and wouldn’t argue with my new ideas would be really nice. Bob nodded his head and gave Matt a brief smile before turning to walk off.

Matt leaned in and whispered, “He wants to fuck you.” The smile dropped from my face and I was immediately agitated by his comment.

Defensively I argued, “He does not. He’s my mentor and hopefully has some leads on larger companies that are hiring.” I rolled my eyes at his comment, knowing that’s more likely all Matt wants to do with the women here.

Matt shrugged, “Okay, don’t believe me. Let me know what he says tonight.” His gaze became serious. “You have my cell number in case you need it, right?”

I pinched my brows together and threw him a disgusted look. “What on earth would I need your cell number for? We live across from each other, work together and now our hotel rooms are right across from each other. I can’t seem to get away from you,” I snapped, angry that he was making it seem that Bob was some skirt chaser, like him.

Matt chuckled and threw me a small smile. “Do you want me to go mingle?”

Frustrated, I blurted out, “Yes,
that
would be great.”

He shrugged and replied, “Okay, I’ll see you in a bit.”

He started to walk off as I called out to him, “More like — I’ll see you in the morning.”

Matt stopped and turned around, walking back to me. He gave me a frustrated look and pressed his lips together.

“Look, if that Bob guy starts something with you and you need me, call me,” He directed me as he handed me his business card. I rolled my eyes again and huffed as I took it, stuffing it in my pocket.

“Fine. Thank you,” I blurted as sarcastic as possible knowing he was wrong about Bob. I had known Bob for a very long time and he has never come on to me, so Matt’s odd assessment just rubbed me the wrong way.

I watched Matt walk away and sure enough he started to mingle with some female attendees. I watched as the blonde woman smiled seductively and placed her hair behind her ear, then the other blonde woman touched his arm. Why that irked me like it did, I couldn’t explain. Not to mention, I had just sent him away so I could also mingle. I turned and ran right into Evelyn.

“Vanessa! How are you enjoying the event?” Evelyn asked excitedly. Her beautiful dark hair was pulled back into a chignon and her expensive suit made me feel horribly inadequate. I’ve always admired how she dressed so professional and constantly managed to look so beautiful.

I smiled at her, pushing down my insecurities and responded, “Very well, thank you. I just ran into Bob.”

“Oh good. He asked about you earlier and we discussed the new policies you had asked about. How are those going, by the way?”

“Well, actually the employees took very well to most of them. Well, except the no dating policy. I’ve had several inquiries, but I explained it was more about our concern about an officer dating a subordinate and using that against them. That usually helps them understand the reason for the policy,” I explained feeling much better about myself since we were discussing business.

“Good, I’m glad to hear that. I’m glad you’re attending this seminar. Leadership is always a valuable tool to use as you climb higher.”

“I meant to ask you about that. I’ve been at this company for two months. I enjoy it; however, Mr. Buchanan has told me that I won’t be eligible for officership for another four months. I understand that, but I am curious as to how I should approach the conversation with him.”

Evelyn and I continued to discuss my issue until Bob went up to the lectern to welcome everyone and thanked us for attending the seminar. Several people — several I wanted to meet, came up to Bob after his welcome speech. Evelyn nodded her head for me to follow her towards Bob. As we approached him, he smiled brightly and welcomed me into the group, introducing me to each of them.

One person, who would be speaking tomorrow, was the president of a company I was keeping a watch on. I knew his HR person and also knew she was pregnant. She had expressed her desire the last time we spoke of becoming a stay at home mom. I tried my best to make contact with him and keep in the loop of the conversation, adding my two cents in without sounding like a know-it-all. At least the comments I made to the conversation were taken very well. I felt extremely confident that I at least made a great impression.

After the reception was finished, Bob took me by the elbow, leading me out of the banquet hall and towards the bar area. I was annoyed that I had any trepidation because of what Matt said earlier to me. Bob had always been there for any question I had and I always valued his opinions and advice.

He showed me to a high top table towards the back of the room. The waitress came over just as Bob was taking his seat. I ordered my Merlot and he ordered a scotch on the rocks.

We began to discuss my future options and I let him know my plans and hopes for my future, both with this company and moving on to the next company. He advised me to stay at this company close to a year, if possible. I let him know I was concerned that I would miss the opportunity to move on to the company I really had my eye on.