His Curvy Architect

Despite her giving me her number, she was very good at ignoring my messages and calls.

I deserved it and knew that I should have listened to her.

Trying my best to give her the time she would need, I ended up being ignored for an entire week. Deciding to be more open-minded, I had put her insights to use and changed some things around. Putting my pride to the side, I wanted to see what her suggestions would bring in. It turns out, she was right. Too many customers were being turned away by multiple things. After adjusting my rules, I was slowly gaining profit.

Now I just needed to see her to let her know that I was an idiot and to beg for her forgiveness. How was I supposed to tell her if she continued to ignore me? I would have to do something about that.

Sitting in my office, I groaned softly as I stared down at the paperwork in front of me. Without even trying, she was a distraction. As much as I didn’t want to be bothered by what was happening between us, it didn’t matter. Knowing that I couldn’t let things end the way they did, I would have to fix this. I just needed to figure out how.

Searching around my desk, I pushed papers to the side. Where was it? I knew I put it somewhere. Pulling open drawers, I dug through my stuff until I could find what I was searching for. It was her business card. I had gotten a hold of it when trying desperately to find someone who could help me. After getting in contact with her, it lost it’s value to me. Not thinking that I would need it, I kind of just tossed it somewhere.

If only I would have known the importance of it.

Continuing to dig around, I managed to find it underneath some paperwork. Pulling it out, I looked at the number below her name. It was the one to her office. Turning towards my phone, I tapped in the number and held the phone to my ear. Hoping for the best, I listen to it ring as I hoped she’d pick up. After the fifth ring, my chest tightened.

She didn’t pick up. Was she not taking any calls at all? She was making it very difficult to fix this. Turning my attention back to the business card, I looked to see if there was any other ways I could contact her. I then noticed an address, presumably to her office. There was a glint of hope that squeeze at my heart as I thought of the chance of seeing her again. I doubted she would even want to see me, but I had to try.

Standing up from my desk, I grabbed my coat and car keys on the way out and left my office. Taking a glance around the kitchen, everything seemed to be in order. It was nice knowing that the people I hired could take care of things without me here.

“I’ll be back, take care of things while I’m gone.” I called to them, noticing slight surprise on their faces. I didn’t blame them, I never left the business to run itself without me, but this was different. Evelyn was special, I could sacrifice however much time was needed to get her back.

Getting in my car, I typed in the address that was printed on the business card into my GPS and headed straight for her office. I didn’t realize how close her office was all this time, it was a short drive over. Once I was in the small parking lot, I got out of my car and looked at the matching small building. Heading up to the door, I expected it to be locked. She had missed the call after all. But to my surprise, the door opened the moment I pulled.

Was she not taking clients? Or was she already busy with another job lined up? Did I forget that she was just as busy with her own job as I was with mine? I should have appreciated her taking the time out of her day to stop by and help me further with my restaurant. Why didn’t I realize that before I acted like an ass?

Deciding to think about how to fix this rather than think about the past, I stepped inside of the room. Looking around, I noticed the desk that was empty. On closer inspection, there was a small bell along with a note.

‘If needed assistance, ring bell.’

It was a simple instruction, and I wanted to make sure to get her attention. So rather than just ringing it once, I slapped my hand down against it a few times. Though I knew it would be annoying, it would be what was needed.

I waited for a moment, prepared to begin ringing it again. It was then that I heard her voice, though it was distant. Growing louder, she suddenly appeared through a door. Her face was flushed and her attention was everywhere. Once it landed on me, there was a sudden annoyance.

That was okay, I prepared for the worst. “We need to talk,” I urged her.

She looks ready to turn back and go back into whatever room she came from. “I’m pretty sure enough was said last time.” She didn’t want anything to do with me, this wasn’t good. I needed her to at least hear me out.

“I’m sorry,” I started quickly. Throughout the entire week without her, I had wanted to tell her at least that much. “I really fucked up, Evelyn.” I tried to keep her from leaving. “I came here to tell you that you were right, I should have listened to you.”

Her hand was on the doorknob, but she didn’t push it open. Instead, she sent a curious glance my way.

“I took what you said and changed the way things were. Sales are up by ten percent, it’s a start. I’m sure with a bit more direction, the business will be saved. Oh, and people love sitting out in the patio. Hell, I’ve even sat out there a time or two.”

I noticed that same hurt expression on her face that had burned in my memory from a week ago. “You wouldn’t even listen to me,” she started softly, her brows furrowing together. I hated seeing her like this, it made my chest hurt.

I wanted to approached her and wrap my arms around her, promising her that she never feel this way again. She needed her space though, I had to give it to her. “I’m an idiot, I realized how bad I fucked up.” I tried to explain to her.

There was a hesitation in her eye, she was probably struggling to actually believe me. After how I suddenly treated her, I didn’t blame her. She had the right to doubt me. But she didn’t understand how I felt about her. I never got the chance to tell her how crazy she made me feel from her presence alone. While now probably wasn’t the best time, I didn’t know if I would get another opportunity. I had to tell her.

“Evelyn, I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. But I can’t stand all this time we’ve been separated. It’s been a long time since a woman has shook me this bad.” Clearing my throat, I felt my chest tighten. I was never one to be good at expressing my feelings, but for her, I had to. “You’re special to me and I’m not ready to lose you.”

“Rhett…” My name fell from her lips and her hand did just the same from the door handle. Her attention was on me and her face was growing a pinkish color.

“I don’t want you to think that I’m talking out of my ass and am just trying anything to get you to forgive me,” I started as I sucked in a breath. My body felt stiff. “But I think that I’m in love with you.” I confessed to her before feeling a rush of weight fall off of my shoulders. Now that it was out in the open, nothing was keeping me back. She knew how I felt and if she really didn’t want anything else to do with me, I would have to accept that. Staring into her brown eyes, I could see the emotions running through them. I had suddenly thrown something huge her way and it was taking her a minute to process it.