Chocolate Angel

Chapter 1

From the moment Brandon Wells entered the conference room he knew for some reason his life would never be the same. Sitting next to his cousin, Sasha Williams, was his business prospect, who had the most beautiful mocha face he had ever laid eyes on. Beautiful brown eyes set below a short pixie cut that highlighted high cheekbones, luscious lips, and long lashes.

He took the seat directly across from her to get a better view.
“Before we get started, I want to introduce my new CFO. This is Bridgett Mathews; she’s just moved back from New York,” Sasha proudly explained. “During my maternity leave and after, she will be my contact person.”As Sasha continued with her introductions, Brandon kept his eye on the chocolate beauty sitting across from him. There was something very familiar about her. But he couldn’t recall meeting her before. He never forgot a beautiful face, but for the life of him, he couldn’t figure it out.

“Bridgett, this is Brandon Wells—he’s the CEO of Wells Circle Cosmetics, and my cousin.”
He wasn’t prepared for the sound of her familiar voice.
“It’s nice meeting you; it’s nice meeting you all.” Her voice immediately entered his system and coated like warm cocoa throughout his body. He had never felt anything like it. Seconds passed before he was able to get his mouth and tongue to cooperate.

First Impressions and Wells Circle Cosmetics was getting ready to finalize a marketing deal which would use two of the world’s top models—his brother, Christopher Wells of First Impressions, and his sister-in-law, Braylen Wells, to promote its new fragrance.

For the past ten years, Wells Circle had been trying to reach the cosmetics industry at the top of the world. Generations of Wells had tried, but competing with companies such as Johnson & Johnson and Amway had not been easy. But now Wells Circle has something that the other companies doesn’t have—Braylen and Chris Wells.

Braylen and Chris were two of the most sought after models in the world, and the marketing campaign that both companies had put together was sure to skyrocket Wells Circle Cosmetics straight to the top, making both parties billions of dollars over a span of five years.

Brandon and his marketing team had strategized a magnificent plan, but at the moment, he couldn’t think what that plan actually was. The beauty sitting across from him had captivated his senses. If it hadn’t of been for Braylen kicking him underneath the table, he wouldn’t have known what the hell was going on. At that moment, all he could think about was pouring hot fudge over her body and licking…

“Brandon, did you want to add anything?” asked Sasha. He was glad that only Braylen had noticed his transfixed moment. It was as if time had stopped and the room had become infused with sexual tension, something Brandon could admit he’d never felt before.
He looked in Braylen’s direction, trying to remember if that feeling had crossed over him when he’d met her, but couldn’t recall. If he had ever felt anything as powerful as the surge of electric charges going through him at this moment, it would have been with Braylen.

Braylen had been the only girl he was ever seriously interested in, but she had been in love with his brother since she was ten years old. Of course, he hadn’t known that then, and she had no idea he and Chris were even brothers. She had lost touch with Chris Wells years before ever meeting Brandon, but still, it hadn’t been easy to soften his heartbreak. “No, everything looks good to me,” he replied.

*  *  *

For a moment, breathing had become a serious chore for Bridgett. She had been on the job a little over two weeks, rearranging schedules and organizing everything from daily planners to corporate meetings. It had been easygoing from the first, but that was before she looked into the honey-colored eyes staring at her from across the table. She couldn’t take her eyes off him, although she’d tried to. The feeling that came over her was uncanny. She had never seen him before, but something magnetic was pulling her toward him.

He had to be the sexiest man she had ever seen, standing over six feet tall with broad shoulders, a chiseled jaw, and the sweetest looking lips she had ever seen. Though he had just walked into the room, she was having a hard time not going across the table and running her fingertips across those lips and touching the well-defined chest that she could definitely see through the expensive designer button down shirt he wore.
She could imagine vividly his lips on her…everywhere, from her lips to the crevice of her breasts, to other body parts that no man had ever ventured.

The surprising thing though, was that she had never had this reaction to any man before, including her former fiancé and friend. She had definitely not had this reaction with Ronnie, so what was so different about this gorgeous baby-faced man sitting across from her? She was so lost in thought that she missed the initial introduction. She quickly regained her thoughts and took the time to look over the notes she’d prepared for the meeting in hopes of not looking like an idiot. But of course, she had.

Was he one of the models that would be advertised for the Wells Circle campaign or … She glanced over the paperwork and contracts she had prepared and narrowed it down to three names—Christopher Wells, Jr., Mark Tisdale III, or CEO Brandon Wells. She had done her research on First Impressions and knew that Christopher was the supermodel, but this sexy as sin man sitting across from her couldn’t have been Brandon Wells even though he had a striking resemblance to Christopher Wells. Maybe Christopher’s younger brother, but CEO? No way! He couldn’t have been any older than twenty-five or twenty-six years old.

“Bridgett, how does my schedule look for a meeting with Wells Circle in the next five or ten days?” Sasha asked.
Bridgett was still trying to gather her wits as conversation went back and forth between the two companies.

“Wow,” she thought aloud.

“What was that, Bridgett?” asked Sasha.

“Oh, I was just saying that for the next few days you are mostly tied up. You have meetings all day Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Monday isn’t usually a good day for everyone,” she replied, still trying to gather her thoughts.

“I agree with Ms. Mathews. Mondays are definitely not good for me.” The very familiar voice of Brandon Wells replied. At that moment, her focus was back on the man across from her. She was wondering where in the world she had heard that voice before. It was so familiar…but she couldn’t place the face and she knew there was no way she would have ever forgotten a face like that. “How are Fridays for you?” Brandon asked.

“Brandon, why do you need to be here? This is between us and marketing. Are you implying that you don’t trust my work?” asked Sasha.

“I’m hands on with everything, Sasha, and I would prefer to check in from time to time to see how things are going. You as well don’t need to be at the meeting, so why are we making plans around your already hectic schedule? Next Friday is good for me, Ms. Mathews, anytime…”


*  *  *

“Mr. Wells, you have to fly out next Friday. Would Thursday be better?” Brandon looked to his assistant, completed irritated. He knew his schedule with or without an assistant. He had already made up his mind that his plans could always be changed and in this situation, he was definitely looking forward to changing his plans. His meeting in Chicago wasn’t to take place until Saturday afternoon. He was meeting with another company with plans of expanding. But at the moment, he could care less. He wanted to make the lovely Ms. Mathews his next big business deal. Shoot, she could definitely be the new face for Wells Cosmetics. Damn Chicago, he thought. There was something very familiar about her and he intended to find out what.
Twenty minutes after the meeting ended, Brandon couldn’t help but formerly introduce himself to the beautiful Bridget Mathews. “Ms. Mathews…”

“Bridget, please…”

“Bridget…I’m Brandon Wells and want to welcome you to Tower City Florida. I understand that you went to school here, so again, welcome back. I know Sasha is happy to have you. If there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to call.” He placed a card in her hand and the moment contact was made, he felt something he had never felt before—a desire to know more than just her cup size. A wanting, a desire…it was as though a connection of some sort had been made; it was like a piece of him had reconnected and was now totally turned on.

“Mr. Wells, Sasha needs to see you before you leave.”

“Tell her I’ll be right in.” He hadn’t released her hand or taken his eyes off her; he couldn’t.

“Brandon, you ready?” asked Chris. “Ms. Mathews…it was a pleasure meeting you,” he said as he brought her hand to his lips.

“Mr. Wells…the pleasure is all mine.”
Hours later, as Brandon sat in his office, he still hadn’t been able to get the chocolate beauty off his mind. It was just something about her; something other than her face, her voice…

“Mr. Wells, your sister-in-law is here.”
Brandon already knew that he would more than likely get a visit from his sister-in-law, Braylen Wells. After what she witnessed today in the conference room, there was no doubt in his mind that the little matchmaking brain of hers would immediately start working. Braylen had been trying to set him up with every acquaintance she knew—models, business executives, and even college students. Brandon hadn’t needed any help getting a date. In fact, his little black book had tripled since his big brother, Christopher, had tied the knot almost five years ago.

Braylen was one woman Brandon always felt had gotten away from him. As she came into his office dressed in her pencil skirt, low-cut white blouse, and four-inch heels, she was still beautiful. She took a seat in the plush leather chair in front of his mahogany desk, crossing her long legs, tilting her head to the side and narrowing her brown eyes at him with her intuition kicking up three notches.

He couldn’t help the blush that spread across his cheeks. He already knew that she had picked up on his immediate attraction to the sexy chocolate angel, Bridgett Mathews. Braylen and Brandon had become more than in-laws; they were best friends, and she knew Brandon almost better than he knew himself. “What do I owe the pleasure of my beautiful sister-in-law’s visit this glorious afternoon? It’s before lunchtime, so I assume this must be really important. What can I help you with?”

“Oh, don’t be coy with me, Big Boi!”  Big Boi was the name that had been given to him as a child. “You know exactly why I’m here—your reaction to Bridgett Mathews. So, are you going to ask her out? Are you…”

“Let me stop you right there, Bray. No, I am not going to ask her out. I just thought I knew her from somewhere, that’s all. She works for Sasha, who I hired to work for me, which means Ms. Mathews works for me also. I don’t mix business with pleasure.”

“Big Boi., you’re kidding me, right? Sandra, Micah, Tatyanna, Ashia, Stephanie, Tina, Deona, Michelle, Darlean, and that snob Danielle—weren’t they all secretaries of yours?”

“That was much different and you know it. Besides, you already know how that ended…they no longer work here. Mrs. Wells, before you go and get carried away, Ms. Mathews is a Chief Financial Officer to Sasha Williams; that’s like mixing oil and water. You already know how she is, especially when it comes to me.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that she’s out of the question.”

“Has she called complaining already?”

“I thought I knew her from somewhere; that’s it. So she doesn’t have to worry.”. This job was too important for him to get involved with Ms. Mathews but not getting involved was easier said than done.

*  *  *

Bridgett Mathews arrived home later that evening in an antsy mood. She had spent the last two weeks getting reacquainted with TC Florida and getting into a new routine. She had yet to let her best friend of almost fifteen years know that she had returned to TC. She had worked nonstop for the last ten days rearranging files, balancing budgets, and making her boss’ day-to-day operations stress free. At present, she was handling two jobs at the same time…sort-of. She was hired as the Chief Financial Officer of First Impressions, but in Sasha Williams’ absence, she would be acting Chief Operating Officer.
Today she had almost screwed everything up. She was readily prepared for the corporate meeting this morning with Wells Circle Marketing Department. She had done all the research, prepared all the notes and even gone over the contracts between both parties.

But what she wasn’t prepared for was the immediate electric charge she felt when Brandon Wells came into the room. The man was hella sexy. She’d been around fine men before; even famous ones—rappers, actors, singers and what have you, and none had ever made her react like that before. She had an instant ache in her lower juncture. Her palms were sweaty and at times, she was at a loss for words. Worst of all, she felt as though she’d known him already. Why? Her immediate attraction was like a fire had been set to her ass. She had spilled water on some very important papers, almost tripped on the edge of the table, and if that wasn’t bad enough, she was slurring some of her words. You would have thought she hadn’t gone over the information and prepared it herself.

It was a little past seven when she was finally able to sit down and relax. Her plans for the next few days were to finish unpacking, visit her Alma Mater Legacy State University (LSU), and surprise her best friend, Serenity Cole.

Her phone rang and she answered, “Hello.”

“I know there is no way possible that my best friend who is like a sister to me could not have moved back to town without calling, texting, writing, Facebooking, or whatever! She wouldn’t do me like that, and to top it all off, she didn’t even give me her new phone number.” So much for surprises, Bridget thought as she held the phone to her ear and listened as she took the brutal cussing out that she already knew was coming.

“Serenity.” Serenity was still talking and Bridget couldn’t even get a word in. So she patiently waited as she took the cup of coffee and headed toward her in-floor tub to relax and let go of her hectic two weeks.

“Can I get a word in now, Mrs. Wilson?” Bridgett and Serenity met when they were in middle school playing volleyball. The two of them, along with Brittani, had grown thick as thieves as the years went on. If you saw one, you saw the other. Serenity’s family was like her own and she missed that closeness, that bond that they all shared with one another.

Serenity had married her college coach and had a house full of kids, six to be exact. But she still maintained a successful married life and business. She was also known practically all over the world. A celebrity that started at Legacy State (LSU). She should have figured that Serenity would find out sooner than she would be able to tell her. Bridgett was surprised no one had noticed her return to TC Florida yet. She too was popular in these parts, but had managed to keep a low profile. So who in the world told Serenity? If Serenity knew, then it was only a matter of time…

“I’m assuming you already know where I live, and that you, and more than likely Kenya and Britt, are at my door, right?”

“Just me, so open the damn door!”
It didn’t take much to rile up Serenity ‘Sonny’ Wilson. In fact, all it took was for her to miss out on any vital information regarding someone else’s business. Bridgett loved her as though she were her sister born from the same mother, so she waited patiently as Sonny’s wrath continued. Bridgett blanked out a little after “…why didn’t you…”

Her thoughts were still on the handsome man that she would be working with. She knew that there was no way she could get involved with him, but no one said anything about not fantasizing about him. There was just something about what that voice of his did to her. It was as though she fell asleep listening to it. She had to remember that she was here to do a job and nothing else. Not that she wanted to be in a relationship. No, that was far from what she wanted, but just like any other hot-blooded female, she had needs. And she knew that he definitely was the type of man that could fulfill them. It was going to be a struggle to work with the handsome, young CEO.

“Earth to Bridgett!”
Bridgett smiled as she sat her cup of coffee down and tightly wrapped her robe around her. Sonny finally stepped over the threshold and quickly pulled her into a hug while tears fell down both of their cheeks.

“I’ve missed you too, Sonny,” she said. While still gathering themselves, Bridgett thought about all the fun she’d had while living here in TC Florida and everything that she knew she had already missed; the practices, the parties, the sleepovers, the Sunday dinners, the beach, volleyball…

“Girl…so tell me what’s going on. Why did I have to hear everything from Sasha?” Bridgett took a deep breath before she even attempted to explain. Things in her life over the past five years had been hell. They both took a seat in the living room. “Bridgett, you have only a couch in here,” Sonny stated, while looking around, noticing that she still had boxes unpacked.

“I know; my furniture is coming tomorrow.”

“So okay, I’m glad you’re back, but why didn’t you tell me? And I hear you’re working with First Impressions…Chief Financial Officer, wow!” she said as she tightened her hold.

“Where is Kenya and Britt? And I’m just balancing numbers…that sort of thing, no big deal.”

“Whatever; that’s big time and I haven’t told them yet. I knew something was wrong…so spill it.”

“Nothing’s really wrong. Sasha and I met in New York and she offered me a job. You know I’ve always wanted to work behind the scenes of a top talent agency so I jumped at the chance.”

“Bridgett…is everything okay?” There was no use not telling Sonny everything. The way Bridgett had departed left so much to the imagination. Sonny was her best friend and there was no need to keep anything from her. She would find out anyway.

“Well, as you know, Logan and I are just friends. He moved to Atlanta a few years ago.”

“Yeah, you told me that you two had called off your engagement. Honestly, Bridge…I love Logan like a step-brother, but you two just…didn’t really fit. It was like watching OJ trying to fit the glove on his hand. I’m glad you’re still friends though. So what happened after that? Bring me up to speed. I haven’t seen you in at least a year and you know that broke my heart. You have a lot of explaining to do.”

“I know, Sonny, I know. And for the record, I missed you guys like crazy. How’s coach and the kids and…”

“Don’t go there.” Bridgett really didn’t want to talk about what she had gone through the pass two and a half years. She didn’t even want to think about it. She hoped, no, she prayed that Ronnie stayed locked up. He didn’t know where she had gone and if everything worked out, she would be moving her mother and her sister here to TC Florida within the next month.

“Sonny, I’m here…and that’s all that matters. I’ve been through a lot and I really want to put all that behind me. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“Is everything okay?”

“It is now, sweetie, it is now.” “So, tell me how was your first day…well, your first two weeks?” Bridgett smiled, grateful for the change in subject.

“Things are going pretty well. You probably already know Sasha gave me a sign-on bonus, and hired a realtor—that’s how I found this place. I love it. How could I not! My backyard is the beach. It’s big enough for me and mom and small enough for just me, if I can’t convince her to move here.”

“Well, take me around, show me the place.” Bridgett gave Sonny the grand tour of the stylish, Mediterranean home with soaring ceilings and walls of windows. The place was beautiful.

“I have plans for this place. There are five bedrooms…this is the master suite here. Right now, I don’t have any furniture, but it’s coming. I plan to have a four-poster cherry oak king size bed. I’ve always dreamed of a really big bed, you know. I have my own bathroom.”

“This fireplace is gorgeous and the view…wow, Bridge.”

“So, you think I made a good choice?”

“Good choice, hell yeah. But will Destiny be living on campus?”
“I’m not sure. I would rather she stay here so I can keep an eye on her, but she wants to stay on campus.” Destiny was Bridgett’s little sister.

“Oh, wait until she sees this place; I doubt if she’s going to want to stay on campus.” Bridgett’s new home was situated in the suburb of TC Florida, Pacific Heights, which was a small tight-knit community not too far from the LSU campus. It was where the rich of the rich lived. Not that Bridgett was rich by any means; far from it, as a matter of fact. But she worked for one of the top talent agencies in the world. She had signed off on a six-figure contract that would guarantee her employment for the next five years. With the sign-on bonus that First Impressions had given her, she had enough money to put down on her new home, paid the first three months of mortgage, and enough to buy furniture and a new vehicle.

“I love it, Bridge. It’s absolutely wonderful. So, tell me, did you meet CJ yet?”

“Who? Chris Wells?”
“Yes, who else?” Sonny asked.

“Yes, I met quite a few people. We had a meeting today with Wells Circle and I had the chance to finally meet Chris and Braylen. I’d missed them the first week because they were out on shoots. I hear their son is modeling too. What a talented family.”

“So, you’ve met Brandon.”

“Mr. Wells, the CEO of Wells Circle? Yes, I met him, too,” Bridgett replied as she took another sip of the coffee which had lost its luster.

“Yes, Brandon. You know, they’re like family to us. Brandon was pretty young when we were in college and CJ chose modeling over college. He’s been married for five years now. Braylen is a sweetheart. She’s down to earth and really good for CJ.” As Sonny continued giving her the details on the super family, she couldn’t help wonder what Brandon’s story was. There was just something about him that she knew would keep her up at night.

“How old is Brandon?” She had to ask and she hoped like hell she didn’t sound as though she was fishing too deep for information.

“He’s about twenty-five, I think; maybe twenty-six; very smart guy. He took over his father’s company before graduating college and their profits shot through the roof. He’s a genius. His father was good at what he did for Wells Circle and the cosmetic industry, but Brandon just took it to a whole other level. Don’t be surprised if he’s fighting to get you over to his company as the CFO.” What did she mean by that, Bridgett thought? Sonny must have saw the confused look on her face. “I don’t mean it that way. He’s been through at least six or seven executives in the past year or so. It’s a wonder this last one has stayed as long as she has. And just so you know, Sasha and Brandon don’t get along. They are always at each other’s throats.”

“I wouldn’t dream of coming between the two of them; you know that’s not my style. I like working for Sasha and I appreciate the opportunity that she’s given me. You make it seem like Mr. Wells is a cutthroat businessman.” It was more of an inquiry than it was a statement.

“All I know is that Sasha and Brandon…though family, they are always interested in cutting each other’s throats. So just be aware, that’s all I’m saying. Brandon is a sweetheart, but he’s all about his business. He’s been known to be a bit of a cut-throat…but within good reason. He’s very well-respected and loved by all in this town. Women are always all over him, but he’s been known to not have had any serious relationships since that night.”

“What’s ‘that night’?”

“Well, I can only tell you what I know…you’re my girl so I don’t consider this gossip. This stays here. He and his brother were in love with the same woman. She had been missing in action for quite some time and Brandon had no idea that the two of them even knew each other until the night of the Benefit. The way I heard it was that they were not an item, but Brandon had been really taken with her, and CJ stole her right from under his nose.”

“If that’s so, then maybe she wasn’t the one for him…no one can be stolen, Sonny. You, of all people, should know that.”

“Yes, of course I do, and that’s not what I’m saying…all I’m saying is that’s the way he felt. CJ hasn’t always been the goody two-shoes he is now, and trust me, he would be the first to admit it. He was hurting inside, I get that, but Braylen was caught in the middle. Till this day, Brandon has blamed Sasha for not telling him that Braylen and CJ had been in love with each other since elementary school. He felt that Sasha knew everything, even who Braylen was.”

“Oh yeah, I’ve heard that story before. I read it in a magazine interview the couple had done. That is one helluva love story. But how does that involve Mr. Wells?”

“Girl, please call him Brandon.”

“Well, its Mr. Wells to me. I have to work with him. Now go ahead, tell me.”

“While Brandon was in college, he met Braylen. He liked her from the first and he didn’t know that she even knew his brother. In fact, it was all a big miss communication problem. Braylen had moved away and lost touch, gotten pregnant and hadn’t even known that CJ was modeling. She was just being who she is, friendly and sociable. She had never stopped loving CJ and had no intention of getting involved with Brandon or anyone for that matter. You had to be there…Dorian and I were at the Benefit dinner and Brandon was there with Braylen. She hadn’t seen CJ in years, she was just accompanying Brandon. When CJ arrived and realized who she was, all hell broke loose. Braylen was trying to tell Brandon, but she never got a chance to explain. So she tried to leave because it was just too much and her, but she and CJ ran into each other. Brandon caught them kissing and knocked him flat on his ass.”

“Security was everywhere and his father was pissed. Brandon accidentally pushed Braylen and she got hurt. She had to be rushed to the hospital. Brandon was heartbroken and he and Chris didn’t speak to each other for weeks. That was a long time ago, but I think sometimes it bothers him. Now, women are just throwing themselves at him. They are the best of friends though and he and his brother’s relationship has been repaired. They’re closer than ever. But he just can’t seem to forgive Sasha. I have my suspicions too, but it’s none of my business. Enough about them. How’s your mom and is Destiny ready for volleyball?”
Bridgett wanted to know more about Brandon. At this point, she was even more intrigued by the young CEO. “They’re fine; mom is still mom. She doesn’t want to move and she doesn’t really want Destiny to go far. Destiny is all ready to go, but I don’t know if she’s ready for LSU. You remember how we were and I’ve been following them; Bryce has kept the tradition going. They’ve made the final four every year.” Bryce was Serenity’s big sister and the head volleyball coach at Legacy State University.

Bridgett and Sonny talked for over three hours; it was almost midnight when Sonny finally left. Bridgett enjoyed her company, but with the hours she had put in the past two weeks, she was seriously beat. Sonny had promised to come over the weekend to help her finish unpacking, but Bridgett didn’t count on it.

*  *  *

Bridgett’s body tensed when she stood with Sasha awaiting their table at the restaurant. It was an eerie feeling, but deep down inside, she already knew why…Brandon Wells.

“Mr. Wells, are you all dining together?” asked the maître d’. She had to turn around and while doing so, she wondered if he felt the same air thickening between them. Her body seemed to respond to his presence in a way she wasn’t familiar with.

“Ms. Mathews, it’s nice seeing you again. Sasha.”

“Bridgett I’ll be right back.” Bridgett was left standing there with Brandon as Sasha went to the ladies room. Sasha was seven months pregnant and the pregnancy was starting to really get to her. This would be her first pregnancy and it seemed that the baby had camped out on her bladder.

“How is everything coming along?” Brandon asked as he took her hand to his lips. The contact made her all warm and tingly inside. He kept his eyes on her, and didn’t let go of her hand. “Why do I feel like I know you?”

“I’m not sure, Mr. Wells. I guess I just have one of those faces.” He smiled, which showed one gorgeous dimple. To hide the blush that she knew was coming, she turned to look at the picture hanging on the wall.

“I guess you do,” he replied in a low, husky voice that sent shivers up and down her spine. She had no idea why the sound of the familiar voice could do that to her. She had never been this attuned to any man, even the one she was engaged to.

“Brandon, darling, is our table ready?” While the unknown woman walked up draping her arm around him, he never released her hand. She immediately felt uncomfortable, but his hold continued.

“Bridget, this is Olivia. She’s the CEO of Desire Cosmetics. Olivia this is Bridgett Mathews, who is the CFO at First Impressions.”
Bridgett extended her hand to greet the woman, but she was slow to return the gesture. Brandon glanced over at the woman at his side and Bridgett had a feeling that he didn’t appreciate the woman’s slow reaction. She extended her hand and plastered on a fake smile. “It’s nice meeting you.”

“So, you never answered my question. How is the job going?” She didn’t know whether or not she should answer his question or excuse herself and just wait at the bar. The woman at his side was clearly annoyed with the exchange. Was this his girlfriend, Bridget wondered?

“Um, everything’s going quite well. I’m still getting used to the flow of things.” Brandon smiled and her heart stopped. Olivia noticed the exchange, but Brandon ignored her. Where the hell was Sasha? What was taking her so long?

Brandon hadn’t taken his eyes off her. “Excuse me, excuse me. Aren’t you Bridgett Mathews?”
I smiled and replied, “Yes, I am.” She already knew why the woman had questioned her. She saw the teenager standing next to her, grinning.

“Can we get a picture?”

“Sure.” The woman handed the camera to the maître d’ and he shot the picture of the three of them.

“Thanks, this means a lot.” Bridget smiled politely and shook both their hands before they walked off.

“Popular, aye?” he teased.

“I played volleyball in college while I was here.”

“Is that right?”

“Brandon, our table is ready? Can we go now?”

“I’ll see you later, Bridget Mathews.” She watched as Brandon Wells escorted his date to their table. Within minutes, Sasha and I were being escorted as well. It was an exclusive Italian restaurant. Bridgett hated Italian food…well, besides spaghetti and shrimp pasta.
During the meeting, Bridgett couldn’t focus. Brandon’s table was just across the room from where she and Sasha sat with two business associates from another company. The purpose of this meeting was for Bridgett to get to know all the other networking companies which she would be working with. “Ms. Mathews, is everything all right?”

“Yes, I’m sorry, please continue.” They were discussing the workings of another up and coming project. This assignment would send Christopher Wells back to France for a photo shoot. Chris wasn’t too keen on going and leaving his wife behind. They were there to renegotiate dates and times. Sasha was the founder and CEO of First Impressions but she was very hands-on. In the past few years, First Impressions had grown at least 50% from when it first started.

Bridget’s job as CFO was to basically make sure the business was running, to increase profits, to maintain business relationships; she was responsible for arranging meetings, and soliciting new clients. There was so much work to be done and so far, she has been on top of it. She started with rearranging schedules and planners and now, a few weeks later, for the second time, she was meeting with one of the company’s top clients. Was she nervous? Not really. How could she be? Her thoughts were still on the handsome CEO of Wells Circle, sitting not too far from her with a blonde Barbie doll at his side. “Bridgett will be able to assist you. I will be on maternity leave and unable to travel. Everything will be left in her hands.”
Mr. Gurish looked over to Bridgett as if asking if she would be able to handle such a task. Reading his mind, she responded, “Mr. Gurish, I’m more than capable. I assure you that in Ms. Williams’ absence, business will run as usual. You won’t be disappointed.”

“I highly doubt that I will be disappointed. I’m looking forward to working with you.”


Bridgett smiled and continued taking notes as Sasha and Mr. Gurish continued discussing business. She didn’t have a lot of experience, but she knew a creep when she saw one. The smirk on his face further acknowledged the mental note that she was right.