Chapter 53: I Got You

Zenobia's POV

"LaTasha has dropped her suit against you," uncle Evan said as he entered my office. Jevan followed behind.

I quickly turned in their directions with widen eyes. "Huh?" I asked. Everyone present was looking at him now.

"The power of the Hollens. The girl knew she was lying. I knew she was lying. After a visit to the hospital with the family's attorney, she dropped her suit but is pressing charges against your bodyguard."

"Thank you so much Uncle Evan."

"A statement would be release to clear your name of all this nonsense. And I reckon you fire that stupid bodyguard," he finished.

"Already have."

"Good."

I heaved a sigh of relief and Tiffany gathered me into a hug.

"Zen, no matter if we may have parted ways in the employment field, or even cross the sea to another country, we're family. We'll always be here for you," Jevan said and he hugged me once Tiffany released her hold on me. Tears of happiness rolled down my cheeks.

"Thank you so much. Thank you everyone for all your help," I told him and everyone else around me. My father, the PR, my uncle and cousin made their exits and as Kyle was about to as well, I found myself stopping him.

"Tiff, can you please give us a moment?" I asked her.

"Certainly, boss," she said. She smiled at us and walked out the door.

~

"What a morning," he said.

"Kyle, thanks for dropping everything and coming over to me. It really does mean a lot to me. My mom always said that you get to know your real friends and love ones when you're in trouble or ill."

He looked at me so longingly before taking me into his arms. I missed this particular embrace and his signature fragrance. My eyes closed, causing an imagination to if I was dreaming. I felt his embrace tightened just right around my waist. My heart picked up pace right before I broke the hug.

~

Kyle's POV

She was relief when her uncle informed her that due to one of his tactics, the stalker dropped her thirsty lawsuit against Zenobia. I couldn't believe LaTasha. She had some nerves coming after Zenobia the way she did and I was hoping I'll never have to see her face ever again.

I informed my sister of what was taking place over text and she informed me that all ties would be cut with her in terms of friendship.

After everyone left Zenobia's office, I couldn't stop myself from reaching her and pulling her into my arms.

Her soft curls pressed against my face as her sweet perfume flood my nostrils.

Having her in my arms like this was a sense of belong. I slightly tighten my hold, dreading that I would eventually have to let her go any moment now. My heart raced and just as I felt himself getting aroused, she broke the hug.

Thank goodness.

"Apart from everything that happened, how have you been, Kyle, and what's new?"

"I'm doing good," I answered, "In a few months, I'll be the owner of a new home. It's no mansion like yours but it is a start and a relief off my pockets with renting."

"That's great. Congratulations."

"Thank you... And.." I paused as my phone started ringing. I looked at the screen and my boss' name popped up.

"It's my boss," I said.

"You should get it."

I answered. "LIVINGSTON! Where the hell are you!" my boss' voice rang out.

"I'm out of the office."

"I'm aware of where you aren't! Why aren't you back in your office by now?!"

"I took a day of absence from the office. I left the note on your computer."

"I didn't permit that!"

"But the contract stated I may have a day of absence in the case of an emergency and I did have an emergency, ma'am."

"Are you at the hospital, jail, grave? No, you're not. So it's not an emergency. You suggest you find your way back to this organization before you find yourself out of a job, boy!"

"I think I'm going to stay where I am. I quit!" I shouted and hung up the phone. I exhaled loudly and it felt like a weight off my shoulders.

"Kyle, did you just.. quit?"

"I can't stand my boss. She talks to me like I'm her child or her husband and I'm neither. I'll get another job. Several employers have contacted me recently and I may take up an offer."

"Or you can simply work here."

"Zen... I..."

"You don't have to answer right now, Kyle. But at least think about it. Things doesn't have to be as before. I understand clearly now. And I can be professional."

"You want me to work here?"

"Yes, why not?"

"As?"

"My assistant manager. You will work along with me in this department."

"Isn't Tiffany already your assistant manager?"

"She's a manager but she's managing the marketing division."

"I understand and thank you for offering the vacancy."

"I don't have to think about it though. I'll gladly accept being your assistant manager. Do you need anything from me?"

"Kyle.. What I need right now.. Is.." she said and stopped herself. Her locked eyes drew me in like if I was hypnotize and floating towards her.

We stood in front of each other. One could have raked and gathered the heat between us from our bodies. Closer, we came. I lowered my head towards her lips. Her lipgloss shinny and daring to get messed up.

There was a knock on the door and we leaped apart. We quickly concealed our bodies with our clothes before Zenobia got off her desk and went to the door.

She spoke briefly with Tiffany, closed in the door and it locked automatically.

"Thank goodness for automatic locks. She might have walked in on us," I said with a laugh.

"Umm.. Yeah."

"Hey, what's wrong?" I asked her.

"Tiffany just gave me word that two of our top investors have pulled out."

"Because of the crap with LaTasha?"

"That and more. They claimed that because business is new, they're having second thoughts about it and are no longer confident in Zen & Iff Co."

She was saddened by this. I thought about a way I could help her. Something I could do or say to cheer her up.

These things happen was a stupid thing to say.

You're making progress. This wasn't progress, this was a fail.

Then it dawned on me. "Hey, I can't get you two investors but what if I can get you a loyal one?" I asked her with a smile.

She looked up at me from her desk. "Who?"

"Aunt Jackie has been dying to get involve in a business, especially after her husband's passing. She's a widow millionaire and she's already familiar with you."

"Oh my gosh. Kyle. Oh my gosh. Please try to get on board with us," she lights up.

I called my aunt and Zenobia explained the business details to her. Before the conversation was even over, my aunt was onboard.

~

I spent the remainder of the day at Zen & Iff. Zenobia assigned me to the office across from hers. Best thing about it was I could see her while we were working.

Being her bodyguard didn't work out perfectly but I was hoping being her assistant manager would.

We just needed to keep our hands to ourselves.