Second Chance

Chapter 5

New York is so beautiful at night.
Especially when you look at it from the 25th floor.

I love heights, it's my peace to watch the whole city. It helps me think. That's why both my home and office are on the top floors.

Thinking about the Berger project, my mind thoughts drift to a particular someone with deep blue eyes.

I've to agree, Aaron West was nothing  I've expected him to be.
He was not arrogant, not a self centered bastard, and neither he was blank about business. In fact he was really good at it. I expected him to asshole, playboy types although that might me true.

But a stranger thing happened today.
When my hand touched his, that made something change inside.

Like I've found the my missing piece. Like his hand was made for mine.

Stop Rachel. Why the hell are you thinking like this. Remember your promise. NEVER LET A GUY IN YOUR LIFE.

After what Nathan did to me, I can't risk my heart again. It'll be unbearable this time.

Okay, so I'm going to ignore Aaron from now onwards.

And with that thought, I went to sleep.

Rest of the week went in a blur. With the new project, it was quite busy and I didn't have any time to think about Aaron, not that I'm complaining.

Tomorrow morning me and Aaron are going to Paris for signing the deal. I said him that we'll travel separately but due to his constant insistence, I agreed for traveling with him. Not that I'm complaining this this either.

Due to the extra work, this week was pretty tiring and I'm exhausted.
Its friday today and I can't wait to get back home to my bed.

I buzzed my intercom,"Lisa, do I have any other meeting today?"

"Ma'am you just have one with the board of directors. You've to inform them about the Berger project."

Right, I haven't informed any employee about it because I wanted to wait till all things become official. But now that I'm leaving tomorrow morning to sign the deal, it's time for them to know.

I sigh," When is the meeting scheduled?"

"Actually ma'am, they're waiting for you."

I sigh again, this time more frustratedly.

I take my purse, phone and car keys and leave my office.

As soon as I enter the conference room, the mutterings die down.
Don't judge me, I'm not a strict boss but still I like to maintain professionalism.

"Good evening everyone! Sorry I kept you waiting."

"Good evening ma'am!", they say in unison.

"I've summoned you all here today because I'd like to inform you that the Berger project that we've been working on for all so many months is finally being official. I'm flying to Paris tomorrow to sign the deal."

"That's great!"
"Congratulations!"

"Wait guys, there's more.", I stop them," The Berger's agreed for this project with a condition that Watsons and Wests will merge. So this project will be done with the collaboration of the two companies."

"That'll be great for both the companies Ms Watson.", Roger Green commented.

"Yeah Rachel, this calls for a celebration. What do you think guys?", Zaara, another board member asked.

Everyone agreed for the party but I stopped them again," Wait! We'll party but after we successfully complete this project and hand the Bergers their fully constructed hotels."

Everyone nodded in agreement.

" So get your asses back to work guys because there's more hardwork, more late nights, and if your spouses leave you, trust me you're better off!", I said with a glint of mischief in my eyes.

The board room erupted with laughter.

But what I said was no joke to me. I followed that mantra. This was reason of my success, no man, no love, no relationship, no sorrow, no distraction.

I've tasted love and learnt that it only weakens people and in my life, there is no space for weakness.

And that's the reason I want to keep my distance from Aaron  because the butterflies he makes me feel is something I can't afford. I can't lose control, especially not when I'm on top of my career.

After this meeting, I head home, straight to my bed. Thinking that I'll be spending the next to two in Paris, with Aaron is making me nervous.

God, please make sure that nothing happens!