Chapter Six - When did I become such a damn perv?

Gabe

I was frustrated by the end of the meeting. Why? Because of Aubrey. I saw the eyes rolls and the annoyance on her face when I said certain things. Yes, we discussed work in the meeting, everyone seems to know what they are doing, including Aubrey, but her attitude sucks! I could get her ass fired if she wasn’t so damn good.

“I think that will do for today,” I said.

Everyone nodded and started gathering their things.

“Except you, Aubrey, I need a word,” I said, looking at her.

“Yes, Sir,” Aubrey replies.

Kay and Darren headed out, leaving us to talk.

“I would appreciate if you dropped the attitude, Miss Winters,” I said firmly, “If you weren’t as good at your job, I would get your ass fired,” I added.

“Yes, I am good at what I do,” She said.

She didn’t even mention anything about me, saying I could fire her.

“That is all you have to say?” I voice, folding my arms.

“Yes, Sir, what else do you expect from me?” She asks.

“An apology would be nice,” I reply firmly.

“Do I get one in return because your attitude towards me isn’t exactly the best?” She replies, hand on her hip.

I was trying my best to stay professional, but her feistiness was starting to get to me, in a way it shouldn’t be. There was something kind of sexy about her not doing as I tell her.

“I don’t need to apologise. I own this damn company,” I said, frustrated.

“And? Respect goes both ways, Mr Hunter,” Aubrey announces.

I took a few step forwards, stepping in closer to her. There was only a matter of inches between us. I soon got distracted by the scent of perfume and what I am assuming is her shampoo. She smells incredible.

“Respect needs to be earned, Miss Winters,” I said, standing my ground.

“Yes, it does,” She replied.

I went to respond, but no words came out. I had found my attention has gone to her eyes. She has what I call come to bed eyes. All she needs to do is look at a man a certain way, and he would be hers.

“Is there a reason you are staring at me?” She asked.

Her speaking those words to me soon snapped me out of the trance I had gone into.

“I was not staring,” I said, pulling myself together.

“Yes, you were,”

I swear I see a smirk playing on her lips when she said that.

“No, you can leave now,” I bark, abruptly stepping back from her.

“Yes, Sir,” Aubrey smirks before walking out.

What the hell? I was supposed to be lecturing her, not checking her out, and getting thoughts about her that I shouldn’t be getting. I groan in frustration, pulling at my hair.

I have not ever met anyone like her, and that is not a good thing! I should get out of here. I gathered my things and headed out. I headed for home because I had a few things I need to get done, and then later, a visit to the gym sounds good. I need a good work out. It is the best thing for me when I am tense or stressed out, well, more boxing than working out on equipment.

                                                    ***

I had been at the gym for two hours and was feeling better for it. I was de-stressed, that was for sure. Even my boxing instructor said I seemed more tense than usual. I knew it was a lot to do with working on this project. I don’t want to mess it up. I can’t mess it up. My last stop of the night was a sauna and a jacuzzi to help relax all the muscles I used.

I like this time of night. It is quieter than any other time. I headed to the locker room, getting myself changed into my swimming shorts and grabbing my towel before heading out to the jacuzzi. I was glad there was no one else in it. There is something very awkward about it sharing it with a stranger.

I climbed in, sinking into the water. I relaxed back against the wall and closed my eyes. I sighed, feeling my entire body feeling the benefits of the water.

“You have to be joking!” I hear a familiar voice groan.

No, this can’t be happening. Aubrey can’t be here. I slowly open my eyes, and there she was. She was standing, hand on her hip and glaring at me. The glaring wasn’t what was grabbing my attention.

I found my eyes roaming over her bikini-clad body. Damn! Her body was incredible. I licked my lips, admiring the gorgeous view, including the rose tattoo she had on her hip. That wasn’t there the last time.

“Miss Winters, what are you doing here?” I ask, finally making eye contact with her.

“What does it look like?” She questions, shaking her head.

“I know why you are here, but I mean, I didn’t know you came here. I haven’t seen you before,” I reply.

“I only joined a couple of weeks ago,” She shrugs.

“Good choice, this place is great,” I smile.

Aubrey looks at me, a confused look on her face. I know why because when I saw her earlier today, my attitude towards her was very different.

“Curious, are you done perving on me? Can I come in now?” She spoke.

“Um, sure,” I said, rubbing the back of my neck.

I could debate that I wasn’t perving on her, but what would be the point in that? I didn’t do an excellent job of hiding that I was checking her out. Aubrey rolls her eyes and climbs into the hot tub with me.

She misses the last step, stumbling. I reached out, grabbing her before she fell, but in doing that, I had pulled her into me, closer than I meant to.

“Easy, sweetness,” I laugh.

“Thanks, boss, I am a klutz,” She giggles.

“Technically, I am not your boss,” I laugh, “But, you are welcome,” I added.

I kept a hold of her until she sat down, next to me and safely.

“Have you been here long?” Aubrey asks, “I mean tonight?” She adds.

“A couple of hours, you?” I reply.

“Not long. I planned on doing a workout, and then I arrived here and decided I couldn’t be assed, so I went for a quick swim and then came in here,” She smiles.

“I don’t blame you,” I chuckle.

The conversation seemed to flow easily after that. It was strange because, again, we were out of work and seemed to be getting along. It was all a little strange.

“I am heading for the sauna. See you Monday, Gabe,” Aubrey announces.

“I think I will join if that is alright?” I suggest.

Aubrey nods and smiles before climbing out. I stole a glance of her ass, which looked good, even better in the light. When did I become such a damn perv?

“If you continue staring at my ass, you will not be joining me in the sauna, Mr Hunter,” She said, looking over her shoulder at me.

“Sorry,” I reply, hanging my head in shame for a moment.

Aubrey laughs loudly before walking away. I take a moment to get myself together and climb out, following her.

I hope the remainder of this night doesn’t continue like this. I need to keep my eyes to myself. I don’t want to make things awkward between us at the office. We are at each other enough; without adding that to the mix, that would be a disaster.