I sifted through some papers as I tried to ignore his presence. I felt his eyes wandering around the room as he waited for me to speak.
I also couldn't ignore the cute little boy who sat next to him. His eyes locked on me. I could feel his intense gaze. The boy was small for his age, but he seemed very mature. He should be five now.
I sighed, " Well, Mr. Donovan, your finances are impeccable. I don't see why you need me."
"Lou, can you wait outside? Daddy needs to talk to Ms. White about something very important," Mr. Donovan said, his eyes serious.
I shifted in my seat, hoping the child would refuse. I did not need to reignite that little fire we had three years ago. But to my disappointment, the child obeyed and walked out of the office. Closing the door after him.
Mr. Donovan cleared his throat and looked at me, " I'm not here to talk about my finances, I'm here to pursue you, Ms. White." He said lowly, fixing his suit. His gaze didn't waver as I internally freaked out.
I gulped and looked around. " I think that's a little inappropriate, Mr. Donovan."
"You're a woman, I'm a man. What's unfitting?" He smiled, leaning forward. I gulped again. I forgot how handsome he was.
No.
"It doesn't work like that, Mr. Donov--" I started.
"Louis, call me Louis," He cut in.
I frowned, pressing my lips together, " It doesn't work like that, Mr. Donovan. I'm a different woman now. More responsibilities..." I said, leaning back, his intimidating presence choking me.
"You want to know something? You never said you didn't find me attractive...that you didn't like me...or that you didn't like me as a person," He smirked, which irritated me.
"I don't like you," I said. I was different.
"Really? Prove it. Go on a date with me, if by the end you don't want to continue...I will respect that. But I at least want a chance," Mr. Donovan frowned, his playfulness gone.
Which made me feel a bit guilty. I would be lying if I said I wasn't attracted to Mr. Donovan.
He was handsome...I shook my head, clearing my head.
"No?" He asked, seeming disappointed.
"No! I mean, yes, I mean...I need time," I called, raising my hands at the misinterpretation.
I felt a heat crawling up my neck in embarrassment. I put my face into my hands and covered my cheeks.
"This is so weird," I called, looking at him.
His eyes were amused, but he remained silent. He looked over at the door.
"Give it a thought," he called, meeting my gaze once more.
I gulped and nodded. "I will."
I watched as he stood, his stature confident. His eyes met mine once more before the young boy returned. A pout on his lips. I almost smiled; he was so adorable. But I refrained.
This was a serious situation.
***
I had a Chance.
That's all I need. I let her go once, but I know what I want now. I can focus on my joys now that I've gotten used to being a father.
My phone buzzed and I looked down. I rolled my eyes, "Papa wants to talk to you," I called, handing the phone the Lou.
His eyes lit up, and he grabbed the phone, sliding the green button. "Papa!"
"Mmhmm, daddy went to visit a lady this afternoon. About finances," Lou said, annoyed.
My Father has been involved with Lou since I introduced them. He was surprisingly receptive to Lou and immediately took him in.
"Her name? Why Papa?" Lou frowned. Not happy.
I gritted my teeth; my father had no business asking that question.
"Oh, Ms. White, I think. She seemed nice," Lou muttered, looking up at me. His eyes were sceptical.
I averted my gaze.
"Here, Papa said he wants to talk to you," Lou said, putting the phone back in my hands.
"Hello?" I hummed, already knowing where this conversation was going.
"Just say it, I have good taste. Three years later, and you're going back to get the girl that got away?!" My father teased, chuckling under his breath
"So mature, Dad," I said, rolling my eyes.
"On a serious note, do you plan on telling Lou about Amanda. I think he should have a warning... Considering..." My Father said, lowering his tone.
"Dad, all I have is a Chance. Nothing's guaranteed, I don't want to put," I paused, looking at Lou, "...him under that kind of stress."
I unlocked the car, and Lou climbed into the back. I buckled him in.
"I have to go, I'll see you later tonight? It's pizza night," I called, and saw Lou's eyes light up.
"Yep, I'll bring the chips," my dad called.
"Alright, bye."
"Bye."
I sighed as I put my phone away, "I love you, Lou, always know that." I said sincerly.
"I love you to daddy, she would be so happy," he responded, his eyes drooping sadly.
Oh Lou.