All I had to do was drop the file off at Calvin's office, then head upstairs to return the books before I got in trouble for them. Once I had that done, I could text my sister to bring a spare set of shoes with her to the restaurant and I would be on my way to dinner. There was less than ten minutes left in my workday- what could happen in ten minutes that could ruin things further?
The stack of books was heavier than I had expected, and the file kept trying to slip off as I tried to open the door without dropping anything, but I was determined to get out of here on time. I finally caught the door handle and swung it open as hard as I could. I rushed out without looking so the door wouldn't slam shut on me before I could escape.
I should have looked, because instead of an empty hallway in front of me, there was a person. All I saw was his white dress shirt before I nearly barreled into him. I shrieked and nearly threw my hands up in the air in surprise. Luckily, I managed to keep the books in my arms despite my shock, but the file resting on top was not so lucky. It opened, sending the papers inside fluttering to the ground like snow.
“I am so sorry,” I said quickly as I set my books down on the ground and began scrambling to pick up the pieces of paper. I was just glad I had managed not to injure either of us. “I wasn't looking where I was going, and-”
“It was my fault,” the man assured me, handing me the file folder. He was down on one knee, helping me pick up the fallen reports. I looked up at him to see the most amazing hazel eyes I had ever seen in my life. Green, gold, brown, and just a touch of blue swirled together like granite under green water. Hair the color of honey with just a slight curl accented the colors of his eyes. He was smiling at me, and the smile in addition to those eyes made my heart skip a beat.
I tried not to stare, but he was possibly the most handsome man I had ever met in real life. His features were strong and bold, but chiseled and sophisticated. High cheekbones contrasted nicely with a strong, almost crooked nose. I wondered if he had broken it at some point in his life. It added character and mystery. He was simply breathtaking.
It took me a moment of staring before I took the folder from him. “Thanks,” I managed to get out. I could feel my cheeks starting to burn so I looked down at his shoes instead of his face. They were expensive shoes. His gray dress pants were of high quality too, as was the cream-colored button-up shirt he was wearing. After working with incredibly high paid lawyers, I had learned to appreciate quality. His clothing was expensive, but practical. I had seen similar outfits on high paid personal assistants.
The body underneath those clothes was what really captured my attention. His broad shoulders and the muscles of his arms screamed that he enjoyed some sort of physical activity. Boxing maybe? That would certainly explain the nose. He didn't have a tie, so I figured he must be someone's assistant. Clients typically stayed up on the sixteenth floor and sent their assistants down to the Dungeon.
“Did I knock your shoes off?” he asked. I nearly dropped the file.
“What?” I gasped, feeling incredibly flustered. I hoped he thought the blush searing across my cheeks was from nearly running him over and not the way he was making my heart pitter-patter and my brain think dirty thoughts about him knocking my shoes off.
“You aren't wearing shoes,” he explained. He had a deep voice that was easy to listen to.
“Oh, right!” I laughed nervously. I always had a hard time around handsome men. I never could tell what they were thinking. “I broke a heel earlier today, so I left them under my desk. I didn't think I'd run into anyone today.”
He chuckled at my unintentional pun and handed me the last loose piece of paper. My hand accidentally brushed against his, sending a thrill straight up my arm and directly into my heart. I glanced up at his face, hoping to see the same reaction but he was already rising to his feet.
I quickly counted and organized the pages in the file to make sure they were all still there. For once I was actually glad Alexa had skimped on her work; it meant I had less to pick up. I turned to pick up the books, but the man already had them in his arms.
“Let me,” he said, smiling at my confused expression.
“You really don't have to do that. I can get them,” I replied, feeling incredibly self conscious as I rose from the floor. Only teenagers from the 1950's offered to carry a girl's books. “Besides, I was the one who ran into you.”
“Then how about a trade?” he offered, keeping the books close to him so I couldn't take them. His eyes held a secret mirth, as though he knew exactly what I was thinking and found it amusing. “I'll carry the books for you if you'll show me how to get out of here.”
“What?” I was saying that a lot to this man, but he had me thoroughly flustered.
“I'll carry the books for you if you show me the way to the main elevators,” he explained. “That's why I was coming to your office. I've been wandering around looking for the way out when I saw the light on in there.”
“The exit's actually just around the corner and to the right,” I said, pointing down the hallway helpfully. “People are always getti
ng lost down here. Someone really should have walked you out.”
He flashed me a heart-stopping grin. I suddenly wished I hadn't just told him where the exit was. I should know better than to tell good looking men who want to carry my books how to escape from me.
“Then why don't you walk me out once we've delivered these?” he asked, ignoring my directions. For whatever reason, he wanted to carry my books. Maybe he just felt bad about nearly running me over.
“Okay,” I said, tucking a stray strand of hair behind my ear. “I have to drop this file off at my boss's office before we take the books upstairs. You sure? You really don't have to.”
“I'm sure,” he told me, the corners of his mouth moving up toward another grin. “I'm waiting for my ride, and I would rather spend the time carrying your books than waiting in the lobby.”
“It's over this way,” I said, leading the way down the hall. I could feel him walking beside me, far enough away to be polite, but close enough that I was very aware of his presence. Plus, he smelled amazing. It was a clean, light scent that reminded me more of soap than cologne. The short walk to Calvin's office was not nearly long enough.
I knocked smartly on the door and Calvin answered. He had loosened his tie and looked overworked. His flat brown hair needed a trim and he looked pale as the afternoon light faded and the harsh florescent lights were all that was left. He glared at me with dark eyes as I handed him the file.
“Here's the discovery file from Alexa,” I informed him. He snatched it from me and began going over it.
“Lena, this was supposed to be with me an hour ago. Kathryn's on my ass for this. You need to do your job.” He glared at me, wanting to say more but noticing the man standing behind me. He wasn't about to make a scene in front of someone who could be a potential client. “We've talked about this.”
“She just sent me the message to give it to you five minutes ago. I can show it to you if you'd like.” I tried to keep my voice calm and even, though it was difficult. I wanted to snarl and snap that this was Alexa's fault and not mine, but I knew book-holding-man could hear every word and I didn't want to sound petulant in front of him.