Tempting my CEO

Chapter 4 - Mutual attraction.

Hudson

Avalyn and I had arrived back at the office.

“I will see you very soon, Avalyn,” I smile, giving her arm a gentle squeeze.

“Yes,” She replies shyly.

She was blushing again. She does that a lot. I don’t know if it is a thing she does or just something she does around me. I enjoyed our time together at the coffee house. She is a sweet person.

I said a quick goodbye to her before heading to Kate’s office. I wanted to talk to her about Avalyn writing the article about me. I knocked on her door and waited for her to tell me to come in.

“I have those reports for you,” She smiles. Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

“Thank you,” I reply, “Can I talk to you about something?” I add.

Kate nodded and told me to take a seat.

“What is on your mind?” she asks.

“I would like you to give Avalyn a chance to write the article about me and do my interview,” I said.

“Taken a liking to Avalyn, Hudson?” she smirks.

“Not like that,” I laugh.

That was sort of a lie. I have taken a liking to her in more ways than I should.

“You sure about that?” Kate giggles.

“It is forbidden! So if it were like that, it wouldn’t matter, and please do not think I am giving her special treatment because of what you believe, because that isn’t it,” I said.

It was true. I didn’t want to give Avalyn this chance because I think she is too shy to ask for it herself.

“I wouldn’t think that because I know you,” Kate smile.

“I am putting her forward for it because I don’t think she is ready to ask you herself,” I said, “I don’t expect you to just hand it to her. Even just ask her to write a piece for you, and you can judge it yourself. If you are impressed, then she can do my interview,” I added.

Kate thought for a moment.

“Yes, ask her to write me something, an example of the kind of articles we use in the magazine, but I want her to push her limits,” Kate smiles, “She needs to find more confidence,” she adds.

“What do you suggest?” I ask.

This was still Kate’s magazine, and I want her to be the one to choose.

“I am not sure. I will have a think and talk to her later,” Kate states, “But, if it isn’t good enough, then I will need to tell her,” She added.

“I know, thank you,” I reply.

I chatted with Kate, and we looked through the reports. The magazine seems to get more popular every day. I know that was down to Kate, she has done a great job and broke boundaries, but it has worked. It was one of the most popular magazines in the US and Canada.

“Keep up the good work, Kate,” I smile.

“I will try my best,” She replies.

I arranged to come back at the beginning of next week. That way, I will know what is happening with Avalyn when it comes to the article. I went back over to Avalyn’s desk.

“Hey,” I said.

“Hello again,” She giggles, looking up at me.

I crouch next to her desk.

“Kate is going to call you into her office to ask you to write an article so she can see your writing skills, and she will decide if you are doing my interview,” I said brightly.

“Really? Thank you so much,” Avalyn gushes.

“You are welcome, well I need to head out, but I will see you soon,” I smile.

“It was nice to meet you, Sir,” She whispers.

“It was my pleasure,” I said.

I said goodbye and headed for the elevator but stopped before going on. I stilled for a moment and then turned to go back to her desk. I took one of my business cards out and jotted my personal number down on the back. I set it on her desk.

“Give me a call if you need any help or advise,” I said.

“Um, thanks,” She said nervously.

“Or just for the sake of it,” I said, “See you soon, beautiful,” I added in a whisper.

Avalyn looked a little taken back when I said that. I gave her a wink before walking away, smirking to myself. I probably shouldn’t have done that, but I couldn’t help myself. No one needs to know. And I

don’t even know if she will contact me. I hope she does, but if she chooses not to, I will understand that too.

Avalyn watched after me until I got into the elevator. I smirked at her, giving her a wave as the doors closed over. I could try to fight my attraction to her, and I probably should, but she was too damn beautiful. I know the interest is mutual, which makes it more challenging.

I have not once gone after anyone that works for our company, and that includes all departments. My parents would kill me if they knew Avalyn had piqued my interest. I will keep that to myself. Maybe it is a moment of weakness, and tomorrow it will be gone.

I didn’t have much to do today, so it was home time for me. I would need to go to headquarters tomorrow, but today I would find something else to occupy myself. I will try to keep Avalyn out of my head.

***

I had just sat down for dinner, and my phone beeps. I looked at the screen and saw an unknown number. I was hoping it was Avalyn, but it may not be. I opened the text to read it.

Hey! It is Avalyn. I spoke to Kate, but I don’t think I will be able to give her what she needs.

It was Avalyn! I smiled at the thought.

Hudson: Good evening, Miss Avalyn! And why not? What did she ask you to write?

Avalyn: Because what she has asked me to write isn’t something I know much about.

Hudson: She did say she wanted to take you out of your comfort zone. What is the topic?

Avalyn: This is way out of my comfort zone! It is to do with, um, sex.

Hudson: And sex makes you uncomfortable?

Avalyn: I wouldn’t call it uncomfortable.

Hudson: Then what is the issue?

Avalyn: I don’t think I should be talking about these things with you. It isn’t very professional of me. Sorry I bothered you. I will speak to someone else.

Hudson: It is my magazine, well one, so it is work-related. You don’t need to be uncomfortable talking about this with me. We are both adults, Avalyn, and it is to help you.

I waited for her to reply, but she didn’t. I didn’t text after that because I don’t want to push. Yes, Kate said she would push her limits, but I didn’t think it would be this. I am sure if Avalyn puts her mind to it, she can do it, no matter what it is.

I sighed and returned to eating my dinner before it gets cold. I will call her tomorrow and see if she has worked it out, and if not, I can try and advise her, as long as it doesn’t make her feel uneasy.

I was glad to have her number now. Maybe we can text back and forth and become “friends” there is nothing in the company policies that says we can’t be friends if that is what she wants. She may want to keep it professional and nothing more.

I will find out.