“Hello?” He said groggily.

“Trey?” 

He sat up straight when he heard her voice over the phone.

“Oh u-uh hey.” he said uncertainly.

“You must be wondering why i’m calling.” she said nervously. “I just wanted to tell you…” she paused. “I’m going to do it. I-i’m going to do the test.”

He sat and listened to her without interruption. His heart flipped at her declaration and he forced his mouth into movement. 

“I’m glad you decided to do it. When exactly would you like for it to happen?”

“Well, i was thinking of doing it today. I’d like to get it over with. But, i never thought of what you would’ve had planned for today.”

He had planned to have a day with Melanie and just enjoy each other’s company. It was rare when they both had an entire day to themselves. However, this was also something that could haunt him for a lifetime and he just had to know. 

“It’s no problem. I’ll pick you up-“

“No it’s fine i’ll drive.”

“Helen, you’ll be a nervous wreck i’m sure. It’s best if i drive you.” 

He couldn’t comprehend why he was so adamant on driving her, but in his head he felt it was best.

She sighed and agreed. He cut off the call and sat against the headboard in deep thought. He had barely noticed Melanie walk into the room. She noticed him leaning against the headboard looking as if he was worried. She straddled him and he looked startled. She furrowed her eyebrows at him.

“You okay babe?” she asked as she gave him a peck on the lips.

She was clad only in a T-shirt that was obviously too big for her, but it was something she usually wore whenever she was spending the day with Tremaine. He simply nodded his head at her and she was unconvinced, however, she didn’t pursue it. He took a deep breath and tapped her thigh indicating for her to move. She knew something was wrong and she couldn’t understand why he was keeping it from her. She watched as he moved to grab his things for a shower.

“Where are you going?” she asked with her voice filled with concern.

“Oh, i was just gonna go look at the Barbershop again.” 

The new branch for his Barbershop, “King Kut”, was currently in construction and he would often drop by to view the progress. She shrugged it off, because she was nowhere interested in walking around, surveying an unfinished building. 

                                        ****

She came back upstairs with a huge bag of chips, munching on the few that were already in her mouth. He couldn’t help but smile. Melanie could be stuck up, but when it came to food she never held back. She grinned at him and kept stuffing her face as she plopped down onto the bed. 

“Aiite babe, i’m bout to head out.” he said as he came and pecked her on the lips.

He licked his lips as he tasted the ingredients of what she was eating. She smiled and told him goodbye.

She felt a vibration underneath her body and she shifted to find that she had been laying on his phone. She was about to call after him when she realised the name flashing on it. She wanted give him his privacy, but the lawyer in her needed to know. She read the incoming message and her heart sank. 

“I’m really glad you could come meet me today Trey. You really are a great guy.”

She wasn’t angry, she was hurt. Not hurt because he was obviously going to meet a woman, because that could mean anything. But, he lied about where he was going and that made it suspicious. She dropped his phone back on the bed and sat in deep thought. Trey came running back into the room and she looked back up at him with lost eyes. She handed him his phone, because it was obvious that was why he had returned. Not because he felt the need to confess where he had actually been heading. He furrowed his brow when he saw the look in her eye. She had quickly masked it and he had wondered if it was only his conscience playing games with him.

His heart felt heavy for lying to Melanie like that, but he couldn’t tell her just yet about everything happening in his life. He needed to be certain about it. He knew it was a large amount of information being withheld from his girlfriend, but he couldn’t afford anything risking his relationship. 

“Keri, could you come in here for a minute?” 

“Uh, yeah.” 

He hadn’t seen her all day and what he had to tell her almost slipped his mind. Today had been extra hectic and everybody had been busy about their business. He heard a knock on the door and called for her to enter. He was leaning against his desk going over colour choices for the newest article. He put it aside and looked up at her. He smiled as she entered his office. He hadn’t seen her getting dressed this morning, so seeing her took his breath away. As usual she was well groomed and all he could think about was taking her out of those clothes.

She moved closer to him in her pumps that accentuated those long legs that he loved so much. She moved to him and he drew her in by her waist. He wasted no time in claiming her lips for a kiss. It felt like he hadn’t seen her in months, because she hadn’t stayed at his house, or him at hers the previous nights. His body was craving hers and he felt the familiar rush of blood to his groin whenever he was in the same vicinity as her. He broke of the kiss and she licked her lips and smiled.

“Somebody missed me.” she said and he grinned.

He moved his head to the crook of her neck and inhaled her scent. He kissed the pulse at the base of her neck and he felt her slight shiver.

“Mm, Michael, i’m sure that’s not what you called me in here for.” 

He felt her smile as she said it. He kissed her again and moved away.

“You’re right. I called you to talk about you getting another job.” he forced out.

It still made his throat bitter when he talked about it. Every time he said it, it felt like she was slowly slipping away from him. She turned to him as he walked around his desk to his leather chair.

“What about it?” she asked.

“Well i may have gotten you one.” 

She raised her eyebrows at his statement. The only reason he had been looking for a job for her, was because he wanted to make sure he knew her employer. In the short amount of time of him and Keri were becoming acquainted he had become very protective of her. He knew she was the one and had already confessed that he loved her. Which was why he would be doing something very special tonight. His stomach flipped at the thought and he felt his palms get sweaty. He had never felt like this about a woman in years. It was as if he was a teenager about to ask his girl crush to the school dance. 

“You don’t have to take it. You’d just go for the interview and see if you like the place and the employer.” he added.

She took a moment to consider it then answered, “Okay. So what’s their name and what do they do?”

“Well his name is Christopher Brown. He’s an amazing Architect with a budding business called Breeze Designs. He actually designed this very building.” 

Keri was impressed by that admission. Michael’s company had always captured her admiration and the thought of maybe working for the person behind it would be a great experience. She continued to mull it over in her mind until she came to a conclusion.

“Okay i’ll do it. When will the interview be?”

“Tomorrow. If that’s okay with you.”

She agreed and came to sit on his lap. She knew he had been tense about the new issue, but especially because she would be leaving for a new job. She wanted to reassure him that he would not be losing her. He had surprised her the day he had told her he loved her and she had been surprised in herself to know she had felt the same way. Since then their hearts had become much stronger. But, Michael still had his doubts and she couldn’t blame him. She placed a light kiss on his cheek and allowed him to hold her. 

Michael had chosen Christopher because he had known him for years. He trusted him and knew Keri would be in good hands. 

“Is everything okay June?” he asked when his secretary walked into his office.

“A Mister Ealy is here to see you.”

“Oh! Yeah. Send him in for me.” he said with a smile.

A moment later he watched as Michael stepped into the room. Always looking calm and collected with a business like demeanour. He got up and shook his hand firmly.

“Christopher.” 

“Michael. It’s been a while.” 

He smiled and said, “Sure has.”

“What can i do for you?” Christopher asked as he took his seat once more and Michael leaned against his desk.

“Remember the lady i was telling you about for the Personal Assistant job?” 

Oh yeah i do. Is she here?” 

“Well yes, she’s right outside.”

“Well then bring her in. I’d like to find out if she’s the right fit for me.” 

Michael nodded and eased away from the desk. He went to the door and called for Keri to come in.

“Christopher, this is Keri Hilson. I think she’d be perfect for your assistant.” 

Legs stepped into the office and he thought he heard music in the background for her. She stepped in as if she was a model for fashion week. She had legs that seemed to carry on to the ends of the earth and they glowed with a natural radiance. Her skirt fit her as if they made it on her. The pumps she wore made her legs seem even more glorious. His eyes rose to her blouse and he witnessed her fitting curves. He finally lifted his gaze to her face. She had amazing amber eyes that seemed as if they changed with her mood. She wore a captivating smile on her face and he couldn’t help the smile that formed on his face as he rose to shake her hand. 

Her skin felt so soft against his and he held her hand a little while longer than he should have. Keri was surprised to find that Christopher Brown was so young. To own such a successful business at such a young age was a huge accomplishment and her admiration for him grew even more. She noticed him hold her hand longer than he should and how he held her smile. She blushed slightly and ran her hand across her skirt when he finally let her hand go. 

“Have a seat please.”

He noticed Michael’s glare and realised what was going on here. Michael and Keri seemed to be an item. He had noticed the possessive hand he had had on her waist and his present attitude confirmed his assumptions. Michael had noticed the appreciative glances Keri had received from the male employees when they had arrived at Breeze. it put him on edge even more on whether it was a good idea to have her switch work places.

He quickly switched into business mode to ease the tension in the mood. Keri was still smiling which means she had been oblivious to what was transpiring between the two men. Eventually, Michael had reluctantly left so he could begin the interview with Keri. She had had to rub his arm reassuringly to get him through the door. Christopher noticed the little gesture and felt something in his gut. Once again Michael felt the usual feeling of loss when he exited the office. 

Michael had nothing to worry about where him and Keri were concerned because Leona was enough for him. Leona. He felt the familiar flutter that came along with thoughts of her. He shifted in his seat and got down to business.

                                           ****

They rose once again to shake hands. 

“Well i’ll call you about my decision.” he said with a smile that she returned.

“I look forward to it.” 

And with that she stepped out of his office. He couldn’t help but watch the sway of her hips. He knew she was perfect for the job, but it was also dangerous. Having a gorgeous woman as a Personal Assistant can cause for many fights with the girlfriend and also for rumours in the work place. However, no matter the negative implications, they could not thwart his decision to give her the job. This would prove to be an interesting work experience.