The Sweetest Temptation
Chapter 247: Fuming

Chapter 247: Fuming

Matteo’s face froze in awe as he watched her walk in. Wearing an orange and black long-sleeved vintage shirt which had a V-neck spaced between that stopped right at the middle, where her cleavage was, and a pair of fitted suede black pants and boot heels, she looked every bit the boss lady who had taken her time to get ready because of some special date.

The client probably noticed him ogling because he also turned to see who it was. Without a care in the world, she walked toward where they were seated, and like a remote controlled dummy, the man got to his feet and held out his hand like a noble man in regency days about to take a dance. She took it with a bright, confident smile that belied her usual demeanor, and as though he was never there with them, Matteo became left out while they introduced themselves.

"Good morning sir, how are you doing?" she said, clutching his firm grasp just as hard as she rounded into the table where Matteo was.

"Oh I’m doing great, ma’am. I must say, you look every bit the boss queen." He complimented, throwing his freed hand forward with a snap as he returned back into his seat.

"She’s my assistant," Matteo chimed in, finally getting the chance to do so.

"Oh, my goodness sir, you don’t spare any bit of money when it comes to making sure the people around you look good. Especially Ms. Assistant right here."

"Stella, sir, my name is Stella." She added with a slightly affirmative tone, turning to acknowledge Matteo who paid her no heed.

"Stella, a lovely pleasure to be graced with such a divine sight so early, even..." Gerald continued but was interrupted by the sudden grunting sound of Matteo clearing his throat.

"Oh, my apologies, Mr. Quinn, I got carried away. Let’s resume our discussion, shall we?" he added as he leaned even further into his seat. For someone that had caught the reprimanding gaze of Matteo without mercy, he seemed so at ease in his skin. It made her wonder when she would ever get to that point herself – and she suddenly wanted this sort of friend who would hype her up in the way that he had just done.

From the study of her side eyes, she could tell that Matteo was sulking. And the reason for it was clear – but then, she wondered how it was that he was so blind not to be able to tell that what she had done was in respect of him.

The entire meeting went by with him fuming at seat’s edge because the excessively chivalrous man would somehow state most of his sentences while somehow bringing Stella into the picture and making her state her opinion.

***

"Thank you so much Sir, we will discuss further when you’re ready to proceed with the project." Matteo got to his feet and shook the client’s hand firmly. "Of course, I will be much obliged to show up, especially if miss Stella will be there." He referenced once again, turning to where she sat to give her a curt bow.

"I shall take my leave, my lady. It’s clear that your boss does not want me here anymore. Any moment longer, and I fear I shall lose my head." He added with a laugh as he turned toward the exit of the restaurant. Matteo wanted to laugh it all off, but his mood was too sullied for rational thinking at this point.

When it was sure that the man had stepped out into the curb and will not be returning, Matteo sprang to his feet without sparing Stella another glance and made his way toward the elevator. Stella also got to her feet and followed closely behind him. By now, she was getting used to his cold reception. So, she would not let a little fume from someone who did not have a clear mind toward her, to hurt her.

Once she had made that decision, it was much easier for her to step into the elevator beside him, and let the door close without her heart jumping right out of her chest.

But that’s what we all wish for right... that we could somehow get over the one that we have feelings for. She thought to herself with an exasperated sigh, stepping to the side with subtle movements, try not to give the hint that she’s trying to make a distance between them. She leaned against the wall of the elevator, hoping that it would ease her anxiety, but the slippery surface did not do anything to support her fidgeting.

She pushed off and began to tap her feet anxiously, stealing glances of him with each chance she had. She wondered what had pissed him off during the entire encounter with the client. She had not intended for all of it to happen, she surely did not intend to make him furious – but that did not also mean that she was going to sit back and ignore his genuine friendliness.

His aura was very addictive, maybe for her, because it had been way too long since she’d had someone make her feel so special. Matteo did make her feel special, but one other side of him just took every effect that his good riddance once had and even more.

Once again, she sighed and turned to steal a glance at him, but when she did, she met his eyes. She jerked her gaze away swiftly, backing him completely. He had also been looking at her. How long had he been looking at her?

Get your shit together, Stella. Someone looking at you doesn’t mean anything. She chastised herself inwardly. Having affirmed the thought, she inhaled and exhaled deeply and turned to face him, leaning her back against the slippery surface. The position was not so bad, as it reduced the amount of friction that her cloth had with the surface. And as she had expected, Matteo was doing the same. And so they were both facing each other.

How long is this ride going to take?