Mr Possessive

Skyla

I stand nervously in a crowded room, hiding in the corner, trying to keep my anxiety under control as my best friend Kelsey mingles with everyone. I don’t do well in large social gatherings. I would rather be reading a good book at home—my safe place. Kelsey’s date cancelled last minute, and I didn’t want her to come alone. Tonight is important to her. She just got promoted after fearing she was going to lose her job due to many changes being made within the company. This event is for the company to celebrate and get to know the new members of the team. Plus, I am only here for the summer, visiting, so I want to make the most of my time with my best friend.

I sip on my soda water. I am not much of a drinker, only on special occasions. Maybe one right now would help relax me. I glance around, looking for one of the waiting staff with a tray because I don’t want to go to the crowded bar. I couldn’t see anyone, so soda water it is.

Suddenly, I feel like someone is looking at me. I lift my head and confirm it. A man is watching me closely. He is dressed in a black suit, his dark brown hair slicked back perfectly. He is at least a few inches taller than my 5’7 stature. He is very handsome. I don’t understand why he is staring at me. I feel my cheeks heat and quickly turn away from his gaze.

“Hey, are you okay?” Kelsey asks, appearing in front of me, “Yes, I am fine.” I smile.

“Will you please come talk to folks with me?” she asks hopefully. I nod, even if it is the last the last thing I want to do, but she will worry about me if I continue to hide in the corner, and I don’t want her doing that.

Kelsey smiles, taking my hand in hers and leading us to a small group. She introduces me to everyone. I smile and politely say hello. I let them chat amongst themselves, staying silent.

“Are you all having a good night?” A voice asks, making me look up, and the man who seemed to be staring at me was standing, “Yes, sir, we are. Are you?” Kelsey smiles.

“Please, outside of the office, there is no need to call me, sir. It is Brandon.” He laughs, “Sorry, boss.” She laughs. Wait, he is her boss? Oh my, how does she work around him every day? If it were me, I would be a flustered mess constantly.

He turns his attention to me, “I don’t believe we have met.”, “Brandon, this is Skyla, my best friend who is here for the summer, visiting from Scotland,” “Skyla, my boss, Brandon.” She smiles.

He steps in closer to me, and I feel myself become completely weak to the knees when my eyes notice his deep blue ones. He offers his hand to me, which I take, “It is nice to meet you, Miss Skyla.” His voice is deep and husky. I bite down on my lower lip to stop myself from moaning, “Um, hello. You too.” I stammer out.

I see his lips turn up into a smirk. Oh God, could I make a fool of myself any worse? I felt the heat rise on my face again, breaking eye contact with him because I couldn’t handle him looking at me. He holds onto my hand longer than needed before letting it go, “Well, I will let you get back to what you are doing. Enjoy the rest of your night, everyone.” He smiles, walking away.

I let out a loud breath I didn’t realise I was holding in. I don’t know what happened, men don’t usually have such an effect on me. Then again, not many men approach me.

“You look a little flushed, you alright?” Kelsey whispers, smirking at me, “Um, yes, fine.” I pull myself together.

She lets out a small chuckle, “he has the same effect on most when they first meet him.” Thank God I am not the only one. I reach over, taking her glass of wine straight from her hand, gulping it down, “Or maybe not.” She adds, cocking her brow at me.

I roll my eyes and shake my head, the both of us laughing. Kelsey turns her attention back to the group. I feel a familiar pair of eyes on me and turn my head slightly in Brandon’s direction. He motioned me to come over, but I shook my head, drawing my attention away from him. There is no chance I am going over to him.

“Kelsey, I will be back soon. I need some fresh air.”, “Do you want me to come with you?” she asks. I smile and shake my head.

I head through the hotel, where the event is being held in one of the party rooms and straight out of the entrance. I shiver as the cool air tickles the skin of my arms. I should have put my coat on before coming out here. Too late now. I move away from where other people are, resting my back on a wall. I close my eyes, draw in a deep breath and exhale. It makes me feel a little more relaxed.

“You shouldn’t be out here alone.” I jump at the sound of a man’s voice. I quickly open my eyes in a panic, “Brandon.” I squeak out. Where did he even come from?

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to make you jump. Why are you out here by yourself?” there is a firmness in his tone when he asks, “I needed some air.” I chew on the inside of my cheek nervously.

He fell silent as he looked me over. I suddenly become extremely self-conscious, wrapping my arms around myself. Brandon steps in closer to me, trapping me between him and the wall. He takes hold of my arms, pulling them away from my body, “Why are you covering up?” he questions softly, “Because I don’t like people looking at me the way you were.” My words are shaky.

Brandon closes the space between us. My breath catches in my throat as the closeness, “Why not?” How is it any of his business? “Because…” I trail off, not saying anymore.

He reaches in, stroking the stray hairs away from my face. I gasp as his finger brushes my cheek, “You shouldn’t hide from the world. You have no reason to.”

“I should head back in.” I quickly dip under his arms, rushing inside. I had to get away from him. I don’t like how I feel around him. It is all strange. I wanted to go home, but I won’t because I am here for my best friend.

I head straight for the bar. I need a damn drink to calm myself. It didn’t seem as busy now, so the bartender didn’t take long to come to me, “What can I get you, gorgeous.” he asks, winking at me.

I am about to answer, but before I can, “She will have a glass of champagne. Scotch for me.” I knew it was Brandon, but he sounds annoyed when he says it, his hand landing on the small of my back, “Sure, sir.” The barman replies, seeming to quickly back off.

I fling myself around quickly, “How do you even know that is what I wanted?” I place my hand on my hip, tapping my foot, “Would you rather I not have come over and let the barman continue hitting you?”

“Not the point! But it is none of your business either way.” I huff. Brandon laughs, “You are cute when you are trying to be mad.” A smug look covers his face.

I glare at him, rolling my eyes and turn my back to him. The guy comes with our drinks, and I reach for mine, but Brandon takes both, “I will give it to you if you come to join me.” he says, “Or I can order another one and not sit with you.”

What is going on with me? I was nervous and shy not ten minutes ago now, I seem to have developed an attitude problem.

“No, you will come with me.” he responds firmly, and I went to tell him no, but he gave me a stern look. I sigh and nod. I had a feeling if I disagreed, he wouldn’t leave me alone for the rest of the night. I don’t understand his interest in me.

He places his hand on my back, guiding us away from the bar and towards a table. Kelsey watches us as we go, a smile on her lips, one I don’t think I like. I hope she doesn’t think I am hooking up with him or something.

“Ladies first,” he says. I slide in, and he slides in next to me, his thigh against mine. He finally handed me my drink, and I took a long swig of it, “Question, why are you sitting with me?” I may as well get straight to the point. I am not in the mood for games, and I have no time for them. They aren’t worth it.

“Because I want to. Do you have a problem with it? I know you are attracted to me. You gave it away the second I said hello to you.” He answers confidently.

“I am not!” my voice is high because I am lying, “You shouldn’t lie, kitten, it isn’t nice, and you are terrible at it.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes. He is right, though. I suck at lying, “And don’t roll your eyes at me.” the sternness is back in his voice. What makes him think he can tell me what to do? “I will do as I please.” I cross my arms over my chest.

“Are you always so bratty?” he laughs, “I am not bratty. You are just bossy.”

“I wouldn’t call it bossy, more honest.” He smirks, “Whatever.” I take another drink of my champagne. I feel my anxiety creeping up on me. I think my moments of confidence have gone and been used up for the night. My leg starts to bounce up and down.

He places his hand on my knee. I shudder and turn to him, “Relax, sweetness.” He smiles, “Sorry, I am not the best in social situations, especially ones involving men.”

“I noticed. You have been hiding in the corner most of the night. It seems like you would rather be somewhere else.” Am I really so obvious? “I would rather be at home with a good book, but I wanted to be here to support my best friend.” Since we met when we were only six back home in Scotland, she has always had my back, so it is only fair I have her when she needs me.

“I am sure Kelsey appreciates it.” he smiles, “Yes. I should probably get back to my friend.” It is better for me to put a distance between us.

“Or you can stay right here with me, away from everyone else. Kelsey seems fine.” He encourages, “I will probably be going home soon, anyway.” I told Kelsey I wasn’t staying all night, which she was okay with.

“If you want to escape the crowds, we can go somewhere else, like the other bar in the hotel. I passed it on the way back in, and it seems empty.” He suggests.

“No, thank you.” I answer, “If you change your mind, give me a call.” He went into his suit pocket, took a business card out and scribbled his personal number on it and handed it to me, “I will be expecting your call, Miss Skyla.” He says confidently before walking away.

I sat there, staring at the card. What the hell just happened? Is he expecting me to reach out? I will not be doing that. I will toss the card in the bin when I arrive back home because there is no point in keeping it. It is no use to me. I sigh, heading back over to join Kelsey, “Explain, please.” She says simple, “Nothing to explain.” I shrug. Kelsey looks at me, wriggling her brow.

She obviously doesn’t believe me, but I don’t want to discuss it here while he is still in the room, “We can talk later, okay?” I say, and she nods. There isn’t much to tell, but I will share what happened.

I just hope he keeps his distance for the rest of the night. I will stay another hour, head back to Kelsey’s place, and maybe work on my book. I am here not only to see my best friend but also because I have a book to write, and I couldn’t find inspiration back home. My publisher is expecting a few chapters from me, and I need to do it because I have already been paid my advance since my first book was such a success. Though, I can worry about my chapters tomorrow. Right now, I need to get through the next hour. A part of me wanted another drink, but I talked myself out of it.

I shouldn’t let Brandon get under my skin because I won’t see him again after tonight.