The lunch was quite simply awkward.

Alexander didn't really comment much on what Sam had said and for that I was incredibly grateful.

Though I knew that a conversation would be making an appearance soon, I would do everything in my power to prolong it as much as I could.

I still could not believe how unabashed Sam was about everything, he didn't even try to be subtle in his advances towards me.

It seemed like he was more interested in making me angry or to get a reaction out of me than he was in the real reason this lunch was held, to invest in Alexander's company.

I kept silent throughout the whole thing and I could tell Alexander was getting antsy about my change in behaviour.

The lunch was nearly done and my food was still untouched which was surprising since I never wasted food.

I just kept pushing my food to the side with my fork but never once did I look up from my plate to the person across me.

By now Alexander's arm had slightly slid from the back of my chair down to my shoulders and I didn't mind one bit.

I actually sought comfort in the warmth that emitted from his suit clad arm.

Peeking a glance at Alexander I could see still how tensed he was. Ever since Sam had stepped foot into the room Alexander's shoulders had gotten stiff and even his posture seemed unrelaxed.

He must be having a busy day ahead of him or something.

Finally the waiter comes back and asks us if we need anything and we all shake our head before he goes to pick up our plates.

Alexander looks down at me and gestures to my still full plate but I just shake my head and whisper out a "I'm not hungry".

When it is finally time to leave I almost fall out of the chair in a hurry to get out of that god forsaken mans sight.

Alexander and Sam shake hands once again before Sam turns towards me with a devilish smirk on his face.

I much prefer when Alexander gives me that look.

I am stunned as Sam takes my hand in his and places a soft lingering kiss on the back of it.

Disgust fills me as all I want to do is curl my hand into a fist and sock him one right in the face but somehow I manage to restrain myself.

Alexander and Sam say one last goodbye.

As they shake hands I can't help but to see the strained smile on Alexander's face.

Sam strides ahead of us and walks out first while I wait for Alexander who is once again on his phone.

Putting it away, he motions for me to go ahead.

Grabbing my handbag I take a step but stop short when Alexander's warm palm presses against my back.

He pushes me ever so slightly to continue walking as he guides me through the restaurant all the way to the car.

********

Striding into his office I timidly enter behind him.

The whole car ride back had been completely silent except for the light shaking of my leg, a habit I had acquired since a young age that occurred whenever I was nervous.

I knew it looked ridiculous, me sitting there with my leg moving up and down but I couldn't control it no matter how hard I tried.

Luckily for me Alexander didn't seem to notice and if he had, he didn't call me out on it.

And now here I stood as he paced back and forth while I stayed next to the door, ready to flee at any chance I got.

I had a feeling that the conversation I so badly wanted to prolong would be coming sooner than I had anticipated.

Looking up at me sharply he says "What the hell was that?"

"What was what?" I say innocently.

"Don't play coy with me Nora. I wanted to have a decent lunch where I could land an investment from one of the biggest companies there is and all the both of you cared about was flirting with each other".

My mouth drops open as my cheeks burn at the accusation.

"Don't pin this on me, I did nothing" I say in indignation.

"Exactly, you just sat there" he says.

What the hell does he mean by that, what else was I supposed to do?

Searching for words to say, my mind comes up blank as he approaches me.

He ventures into my personal space once again.

He had gotten a bad habit of that.

"What is going on between you two" he says with a clenched jaw.

"What? Nothing's been going on" I say incredulously.

"Well clearly something had" he says looking me in the eyes.

Memories come rushing at me and I try so hard to push them back while at the same time I try to blink away the tears.

Gritting my teeth together I see surprise flash through his eyes at my sudden display of emotion.

"Nothing happened and even if I did why the hell would I tell you. It doesn't even concern you".

Smirking at me, he comes even closer making me look up at him as he was a head taller than me.

"Because I can fire you right here right now and you wouldn't be able to do a thing about it".

Not knowing where this new found confidence comes from I do not question it and simply embrace it.

Squaring up at him I look him dead in the eyes and say "but you won't".

Smirking, Alexander leans impeccably close to me. His lips right above mine, nearly touching.

"You're right" he whispers and then brushes his lips against the corner of my mouth before pressing a firm kiss on the spot.

I stand there, stunned, not knowing what to do as he walks over to his desk and sits down while opening his laptop.

With one last smirk my way he motions me out the office, taking his advice I rush out into the hallway closing the door behind me as I stand in the hallway my back to the door.

Why had I enjoyed that?

-------------