Chapter 23: Her Decision

Carson didn’t know what to say. He was thinking of a way to dodge her statement when Avery suddenly laughed. “Why are you so scared? I was just kidding!”

But she wasn’t. She meant every word she said but when she saw his scared and confused expression, she didn’t want to hear him reject her. Not anymore.

“But, what about the deal?”

She turned back to her computer as she continued working. “I’ll tell you when I want my reward. But not now.” He knew something was up but he decided not to comment anymore. He then went back to his seat.

It was already late at night when Carson finished working. He still had to prepare for a meeting tomorrow when he turned to Avery. She was busy typing as well. “Avery?”

She stopped and turned to him. Ever since their last conversation, there was an awkward silence between them. Avery tried to think of a way to start a topic but there was nothing. Everything suddenly became uncomfortable.

“Yes?”

“It’s getting late, aren’t you going home?"

“You don’t need me anymore?”

He paused. Ever since he rejected her, everything she said seemed to have double meanings. He had enough of these. He stood up and walked directly at her. Avery didn’t seem to bother and continued her work. When Carson reached her, he pulled her seat and faced it to him

Her eyes widen in his sudden act. “What are you doing?”

His expression was confusing. It was similar with his expression when he pinned her to the wall but there was no lust this time. “Stop playing mind games with me.”

Avery smirked and pulled his collar, making their faces inches apart. “But you liked it, don’t you? You enjoy me teasing you. You enjoy everything. Stop acting all nice.”

He frowned. “What are you trying to say?” She grabbed his hand and put it on her chest. “You’ve always wanted to do this, right? Go ahead. Have my body.”

He moved away almost immediately. “I don’t know what those guys did to you but I am not like them, Avery.” She laughed as she crossed her legs, revealing some skin.

“What are you talking about?”

“I saw what Ran did to you. You were abused by people so you think I’d do the same. But I’m not.”
She rolled her eyes and shaked her head. “My dear Carson, you barely know me.” She then stood up and walked to him. “Stop acting like you’re protecting me from something when you pinned me in that wall the other day.”

She was about to walk way when he grabbed her wrist. His grip was a bit strong, making her turn to him. “I’m sorry if I wanted you so badly that day. But I swear, I would never do anything like that to you ever again.”

Avery moved her arm away to let go of his grip. She didn’t say anything and just left the room. Everything was a mess. The more she moved closer to him, the more he pulled away. Just when she thought she already had him, things just got worse.

She frowned as she walked out. She left her things in the office and she didn’t know how she could go home. She couldn’t think of any plan left. Carson was different. His self-control was too strong. He cannot be swayed by her charms, her intelligence, her beauty, and even her body. Was she really wasting her time?

Lee Technology had a rooftop garden. Avery heard from the other employees that they would see Carson there alone but now she was sure that he wouldn’t be there so she decided to go there alone. The garden was simple. There were flowers around and some benches.

She decided to sit on one of the benches by the shade. The view showed the beauty of the city at night. It was peaceful and Avery liked it every much. She could go here anytime she wanted to. The garden was supposed to help her calm down but her mind was clouded.

She then got her phone from her pocket. Avery then dialed a number that was answered immediately. “I didn’t expect that you would make a decision so easily.”

Avery took a deep breath, “Let’s meet".

Avery couldn’t lose. If this was the only solution she could think of to still win this, she would grasp it. She head to the restaurant, exactly where they met awhile ago.

As expected, Ji was there waiting for her. She took up all her courage and entered the restaurant. He watched as she sat in front of him. He was smiling widely at her.

“So what made you decide to agree with my deal? Having a hard time getting Carson on your own.”

“I just want to make sure of something.”

Ji raised his eyebrow, “What is it?”

She frowned, “No one should know about this deal.” He suddenly laughed. “Are you afraid of losing Carson’s trust?” She smirked, “I don’t work with anybody and I want to keep it that way.”

Ji nodded. “I start working your way to the event. But you gotta use your charms. All of this would be a waste if Carson won’t fall for you.”

But that worried Avery. Carson would never fall for her and by now she was sure of that.

When Avery went back to the office, Carson was still there. But his head was on the table and it looked like that he was sleeping. She slowly walked to his side and looked at him at peace.

His hair was a bit messy and his lips was parted a bit. His features were perfect and his skin was as smooth as a baby. She didn’t know why but she found herself leaning closely to him until they were already inches apart.

She could feel her heart race and decided to turn back. She should follow her plan. She then decided to get her things and leave the room but what she didn’t hear was the word he said on his sleep.

“Avery.”