Chapter 7. Aiden.

Sitting at my desk, I felt like hitting my head on it. I'd all but propositioned a complete stranger that I had quickly become obsessed with. I found my self willing her to reply, re-reading what little contact we have already had. I'm pathetic.

I've worked hard to build my billion dollar empire, I have several research facilities, labs and dispensaries, properties that range fom modest and affordable to luxurious and down right extravagant. I'm the director of several charities and own hotels and restaurants and yet here I am, losing my mind over a beautiful girl.

Apart from Warner Labs, everything I have bought and sold has been done so privately and anonymously. I value my privacy above all else. When you have an over abundance of wealth people expect or demand more of you. Keeping myself out of the spotlight, helps stave away the vultures and endless women wanting to become Mrs. Warner. 

Not that I don't want a wife, I just wish it was easier to find one that wanted me rather than my bank account. I crave passion, someone who will argue with me as fiercely as they will make love to me. A woman who has the power to have my insides churning with desire or bring me to my knees. Annalita Taylor is the first woman who has ignited a small spark of that passion in me, making me hopeful that it will burst into magnificent flames.

When she wrote that even as she typed she was sating her appetite I about lost my damned mind. Was she with someone and if so who? A friend, lover, boyfriend? I nearly blew it all by rushing over to her apartment and ripping the door off it's hinges to get to her.

Calming myself enough to finish reading her email, her playfulness brought my tormented insides some peace, surely she would not be so with a boyfriend there with her. That gave me hope that perhaps there wasn't a man involved at all, the mere thought of someone kissing her, loving her sent waves of jealousy rippling through me.

I sent back a reply immediately, not giving myself the chance to second guess myself. It was harder to conceal my meanings as a tulmult of emotion has settled in the pit of my stomach. I should have kept it light and fun, now I'm risking her thinking I'm just a some asshole trying to get into her pants...I am but still....I don't want her to know it yet.

Expecting an email back with a 'I don't think so pal' response, I was pleasantly surprised that she still wanted the job. Surprised and relieved that I've completely ballsed it up. She mentioned about getting her address..oh shit. I'm gonna have to speak to the university quickly and probably make a sizeable donation so that they keep quiet.

Of course I already know where she lives. I bought that building and had it renovated just over four years ago. It was in an up and coming part of the city that is now thriving. The six apartments it housed all sold quickly. They were spacious and set at a reasonable price. I have my realtor handle everything so as not to be directly involved. I would assume the person who bought it has let it out and she is the one renting it.

I looked at the clock, it was after 8pm now. I was hoping to get out of the office hours ago but here I am still glued to my computer waiting to hear from her. I quickly gather my things and decide to go home before replying to her, even if she doesn't see it tonight.

The drive to the outskirts of the city took longer than normal or maybe it was just me. Was this road always so long and winding? I guess I never paid that much attention before, then again I'd never been in such a rush to get home before.

After what seemed like an eternity I pulled up to the gates and put my thumb to the scanner to let me in. It may not be up to Tony Stark's standard but it's not bad. Once opened, I drove my black Mercedes-benz S-class into the six car garage and hooked it up to the electrical charge point.

Rushing into my house through the garage entrance, I headed through to the kitchen. Setting my computer down on the granite topped island, I pulled open the fridge to find an ovenproof dish with shepherds pie in it and a bowl of mixed salad next to it, left by my motherly housekeeper Mrs. Hurst. 

If it wasn't for that wonderful woman, I'd probably never eat a home cooked meal, not because I can't, I just don't see the point in cooking just for me. Putting it in the oven to warm through, I almost jogged up the stairs to my bedroom, unbuttoning my shirt as I went, anxious to get back to my screen affair.

Stripping off the rest of my clothes, I stepped into the shower and turned it on. The inital icy blast stung my face and chest as it hit my skin but the tingle of pain soon gave way to soothing warmth, easing my muscles.

I grabbed the bottle of shower gel and squirted a generous dollop on my hand, lathering it up over my body before rinsing off and washing my hair. Remembering that I have yet to reply to Annalita and that the food that Mrs. Hurst kindly made may be at risk of burning if I dont move my ass, I quickly shut off the water, dry myself and pull on a pair of black lounge pants.

I don't bother with a shirt as I head back towards the mouth-watering aroma that was now filtering it's way through the bottom floor of my empty house. Removing the dish from the oven, I dish myself up a plate, add some salad and ten decide to pour myself a glass of wine.

Perching on a stool at the island, I fired up my laptop, willing it to load faster. I re-read the email for the umpteenth time then clicked reply.

My Annalita,

                I'm so very glad that you found the terms of time and place agreeable. I think you are going to be a perfect fit with your colleagues. It was inattentive of me to not ask you to submit your personal details to me, for the courier as he would indeed spend a long time searching for you.

               As for my dedication to ensuring the well-being my workforce, I acknowledge your concerns but want you to acknowledge that nothing would please me more that to see that you are well taken care of.

              I have taken your suggestion into consideration and will take your advice of seeing to my own well-being and when I do, I shall think of you...as you are the one who inspired me to do so.

              I am also looking forward to meeting you and once my thirst is well and truely quenched I shall indeed rest well.

Yours W.

Sitting back admiring my handiwork and sipping my wine, I smile. A deep, self satisfying smile as I think about how my beautiful kitten will respond.