Picture Perfect

Chapter 2- Part 1

Preserving the illusion of perfection, Andrew dresses and grooms himself with care before heading to work. With his face cleanshaven, hair neatly styled, and his expensive suit perfectly pressed, he collects his briefcase and makes way toward the garage. His impeccable, shiny red sports car awaits him there; nothing else would possibly do for someone so hellbent on seeming flawless. Andrew cannot help but feel a tinge of sadness as he realizes that he may soon be exchanging his precious car for one more family-friendly.

Is it a punishment for the way he's lived his life thus far? Or perhaps it is simply a sacrifice he must make in order to achieve the picture of perfection he has worked so diligently for.

Perhaps it wouldn't be entirely unacceptable to keep the car. He would eventually also accept the responsibility of obtaining one better suited for his growing family. Andrew supposes that he'll have plenty of time to worry about that after Cora starts showing. For now, he'll enjoy driving his beloved red beast.

Shoving the thought aside, he gingerly places his briefcase on the passenger seat before beginning the trip into the city. Over the years, Andrew has learned to appreciate the hour-long commute to the office. He's optimistic that he will be exceptionally welcoming of it when he becomes a father. Chesterton certainly isn't an appropriate environment to raise a family. Not in Andrew Dalton's book, that is.

After parking in the extensive underground area reserved for his firm, he exits his vehicle carefully before taking the elevator to the seventh floor. The other people employed within Roscoe and Associates greet him warmly as he approaches. With a kind smile, Andrew politely returns the greetings to uphold his untainted image.

Andrew is considerably proud of his job as a hotshot lawyer for Chesterton's rich and famous. Possessing the firm's highest position, second to the founder, he feels satisfied with his profession. He is highly pleased with maintaining his solid track record. Acknowledging that not every client represented is innocent, Andrew chooses not to allow that idea to prevent him from delivering the best defense. He assumes that's why he earns the big bucks, though. While dedication and hard work likely aided in his rise to the top, one could almost declare that his padded bank account and significant connections take most of the credit. Regardless of how he accomplished such a feat, Andrew exudes confidence in his abilities. This quality makes him the most sought-after criminal defense attorney in the city.

Maria Ortiz lounges provocatively across Andrew's desk. While he is no stranger to the well-put-together brunette, it could assuredly tarnish his image if someone should happen upon the two in such a manner. Clearing his throat, Andrew is quick to remind his secretary that she should not perform such daring acts within the workplace. The severity of his expression has Maria hastily rearranging herself, avoiding the possibility of exposing her intentions. Although she gives little consideration to Andrew's marital status, she ceases her shameless flirtation anyway. The petite secretary is uncertain what he may do to her should their affair be revealed to the public.

Andrew looms over the dainty woman as he entraps her against the wall, his arms caging her in. Brown eyes look practically frightened as they peer up into his hazel ones, absorbing his threatening demeanor. A smug smirk tugs at the corners of his lips as he assesses the predicament he finds himself in. Seeing Maria in this way fills his chest with pride. Expressing his dominance over her so clearly ignites a flame within him that can only be extinguished with sensual pleasures. While being discovered with another woman in a public setting would destroy the impression he has so diligently worked for, Andrew has no qualms about seducing the tan-skinned beauty privately.

"Be a good girl and keep yourself in check while in the presence of others, and I may reward you," he mutters, voice husky against her ear. "There shall be no witnesses." As the words escape him, Andrew presses his hardening length against Maria's abdomen.

Upon noticing the rigid member, Maria's eyes grow wild with undeniable lust. She finds it rather unfortunate that Andrew has deemed intimate encounters prohibited from the office, as she's currently harboring an unquenchable appetite for him. Maria believes an interoffice tryst to be incredibly enticing right now. Before she can utter a response, her lover abruptly withdraws from her. Taking several steps back, he places enough distance between the pair to avoid suspicion should a coworker barge into the room. Maria's heart catches in her throat, along with her breath. Disappointment crashes through her body in waves. Even though she should be well acquainted with the feeling by now, she can't help but resent the entire situation.

One day she'll have Andrew Dalton to herself; she's sure of it. Damn the consequences.

Faking a smile, she straightens her attire, commanding herself not to glance in the direction of the man across the room. Jealousy momentarily surges through her stomach before she can once again attain control over her emotions. Maria will have to assert herself with Andrew later. Doing so within these walls could end their longstanding secret relations, which is the last thing she wants. For now, she will continue pretending to be unaffected by their circumstances.

"You have a lunch meeting at The Plaza today," informs Maria, her eyes locking with Andrew's. As their gazes linger, the inaudible message relayed between them appears to be understood by both individuals.

Andrew nods in affirmation but chooses not to answer verbally. Accepting his silent reply as the only acknowledgment she will receive, Maria carefully runs a hand over her hair before exiting the room, firmly closing the door behind her. Once out of view of her boss, Maria smiles to herself. Though she may not be able to sate her hunger at work, she will definitely be feasting on him at their scheduled lunch meeting. Releasing a pleased sigh, the secretary returns to her cubicle to await the banquet she will readily gorge herself on in that private suite.