The Forever Plan Read online

  Noticing the time on my dashboard clock, I shriek and jump from my car. I’ve let time get away from me with my thoughts. Grabbing everything I need and making a quick dash across the tarmacked car park, my small heels click loudly with every rushed step I take.

  By the time I make it to my corner office I’m a sweaty mess, I can’t believe I was nearly late. I pride myself on my tardiness and strict work ethic. Passing Hayley my assistant, she goes to say something, but I just carry straight on. This is not how I wanted to start my week at all. I dump everything onto my desk, place my hands onto the glass and take some deep breaths. It’s just a small blip, I can recover from this. Shaking my head, I stand straight and look up to find Hayley standing in my doorway with a takeaway coffee cup in her hand.

  “I brought this for you, I thought you might need it.” She says, holding out her hand with the cup in.

  “Thank you so much, you’re right I do need it.” I give her a smile showing her how grateful I am for her thoughtfulness.

  “What’s today's plan of action?” I ask as I take the cup from her and take a sip of the wonderful caramel latte, she’s so kindly got for me.

  “Just the usual. The start of the week meeting and Jack wants to know how you’re getting on with the storyboards for that department store campaign you started last week.”

  ‘Fabulous.’ I say under my breath. Lucky for me I’ve already done the boards for them, I just need to present them.

  “Tell Jack, I’ll be into see him after the meeting.”

  “Will do.”

  Leaving me to it, I finish my coffee then spray on some deodorant. The last thing I need is to go into that meeting smelling like I just crawled out of someone’s wheelie bin.

  By eleven, I’m in my zone drawing up plans for another client when Josie pops her head around my door.

  “You ready? Meetings about to start and I hear there’s something big going on.”

  Always one to feed off the office gossip is our Josie.

  “Yeah, I’m coming just let me grab my shit.”

  Closing my office door behind me, I start to get a waft of a familiar smell. A smell I got up close and personal with Saturday night. Before my thoughts start to run away with me, I shake my head and realise I’m being silly. He’s not the only man to wear the aftershave he had on.

  “So, what do you think it is?” Josie asks me.

  I turn to her, but carry on walking.

  “What are you talking about woman?”

  “The rumour that's been going around all morning about some big top notch wanting to do business with us.” She’s quite persistent, she knows what she’s talking about.

  Rumour? I haven’t heard anything.

  “You really don’t know do you?”

  “Nope. Sorry, I don’t. I was late this morning and ever since I’ve had my head stuck in a project.”

  We get to the conference room with her shaking her head at me, causing her to laugh at my confusion.

  “Don’t worry, you’ll soon find out.”

  Oh boy don’t I just.

  I walk into the room and stop dead on the spot, causing Josie to crash into the back of me. The folder I was holding comes barrelling out of my arms.

  No. No fucking way.

  There standing bold as brass in my conference room is none other than Dylan.

  The Dylan...

  Chapter Ten

  Dylan

  Once I found out where Serena worked there was no stopping me. I was determined to do what was necessary to see Serena Davenport again - no holds barred. Going as far as hounding the shit out of Jack all day yesterday, and on a Sunday as well. I don’t think he was too happy with me, but I didn’t give a shit. Eventually I convinced him that what I was proposing would benefit both of our companies. In the end he relented, just like I knew he would.

  Since I’ve arrived here at Boston Atomic Advertising this morning, I’ve been fussed over and faffed around by the women in the office. Fuck me the next thing you know they’ll be dropping to their knees in front of me and bowing like I’m some kind of God. Smiling politely, I take the coffee from the young assistant and take a sip. I almost spit it out all over her, it’s that bad but somehow, I force it down my throat with a grimace. I don't mind cheaper coffee, but not when it tastes like it’s been dredged from the rancid pits of the sewers.

  So, I’m a coffee snob, sue me…

  “Have you got other coffee?”

  “I... I’m afraid not.”

  Sighing I turn back to the trolley with the teas and coffees on and pour another sachet of sugar in, sweetening it up, hoping it helps. Taking a small sip, I let it hit my taste buds and decide it’s not great, but I suppose it’ll do for now.

  The chatter of women and men alike is loud in the conference room, but the only voice I don't hear is hers. Maybe that’s because the music was so loud on Saturday night, that I never had the pleasure of hearing it clearly. Risking another sip, I turn around and lean against the unit that’s sitting against the wall and face the room. My one arm is splayed across my torso and the shitty coffee in my other hand.

  I scan through the employees as they walk through the door, then like a calling card I see her red hair before I see her face. She looks deep in thought while she chats to a colleague. She turns her head in my direction and stops dead in her tracks. The girl she was talking to collides with her back-shunting Serena forward. What do I do? Smile. The smug bastard that I am, I do just that, I use my best smile on her. The poor woman looks like she’s seen a ghost.

  Tipping my cup back I drain the last dregs from the bottom. Completely regretting that I did it at all and remove the tang of the coffee from my lips. She still hasn’t moved and the girl behind her is trying to get her to. I think I need to take action.

  “Please come in and grab yourselves a tea or coffee.” If you dare, I think to myself, “And take a seat.”

  I swing my arm in the direction of the cups as Jack waltzes in the room, late as ever, and pissing me off. It’s not hard to be punctual.

  “Serena, are you okay love? You a look a little peaky.” Jack asks her.

  My narrowed eyes zone in on his hands on her arms.

  “I’m fine.” She answers Jack quietly, but I hear her. I hear the sweet sound of her voice, it’s one I may not forget anytime soon.

  “Would you like to come and sit down over here Miss….”

  “Davenport, but it’s Ms.” She puts me straight on her marital status right away.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Or would you rather I call you Serena?”

  “Ms Davenport will be fine.

  “Alright. Ms Davenport, would you like to sit over here, where the window is open, it may make you feel better….”

  Suddenly she finds her fight, her sass. “I’m fine here thank you… “Mr?”

  “Proctor. Dylan Proctor.” I hold out my hand for her to take. With her eyes widening, she chews on the inside of her cheek. Maybe she does that when she’s nervous or maybe it’s because she’s just realised who I am.

  Taking my hand in her smaller one, we shake politely; she tries hard to hide the slight tremor in her hand, but I felt it. I don’t react to it though, I’ll let her have this.

  Jack sidles up to me taking my attention reluctantly away from Serena.

  “She’s the best we’ve got,” Jack states, “I’m really proud of her, she’s a little bulldog when it comes to business.”

  “Is that right. Well, I hope that’s true.” I answer turning to him.

  Jack turns to the front of the boardroom and addresses his employees.

  “Okay, so I’m sure you’ve all heard of Dylan Proctor from Proctor Advertising. This man built his company from the ground up. He’s a huge celebrity in the advertising business, but today he’s here with a proposal. So, without further ado I’m going to hand you over to Mr Proctor.”

  I don't really need the claps in the room, but I s
uppose they’re always good for the ego. I know all the hard work was worth it.

  I wait for the raised chatter to die down before I speak.

  “Thank you, Jack, for the warm welcome. Right then, down to business. As I’m sure you’re all aware I’m looking to branch out, not for self-gain of course, but to help other advertising companies get the help that I never had. So, I’m recruiting two executives, one from here and one from another company to bid for my attention I suppose…. the winner will get the account, where we will sign a five-year contract. As a bonus, I’ll be putting a large pot of money into that company to help them grow.”

  The chatter in the room rises again, feeling impatient I carry on.

  “I won’t keep you much longer I promise. I know you all have work to do so here it is… After much research and deliberation, the person to represent Boston Atomic will be Serena Davenport.”

  Her head snaps up as she looks up at me, her eyes going so big I think they’re going to pop out of their sockets.

  All her colleagues are quick to congratulate her. Crowding her as they show their appreciation, the ladies are hugging her and the men kissing her on the cheek.

  We’ll be having none of that.

  I quieten down the room again and conclude the meeting, asking Serena to stay back so we can have a private meeting.

  “Dylan take as long as you need.” Jack says as he shakes my hand.

  “Thanks Jack, oh and thank you for your assistance in this.”

  “Anytime, Dylan.” Jack smiles as he closes the door behind him leaving just us.

  I don’t need to look to know that Serena is staring at me. I can feel the lasers burning into my skin as I walk to the coffee urn.

  “Why didn’t you tell me who you were on Saturday night?” She asks twisting to face me.

  “Would you like coffee?”

  “No thank you.”

  “I don’t blame you to be honest.” I turn my nose up at the thought of drinking another cup, so I take a seat next to Serena instead. I try to hide my attraction while we talk shop, but I can’t because I’ve only set this up to get her. I can’t let her know that though.

  “How did you find me?”

  “It’s wasn't hard.” I smirk at her.

  “You didn't answer my question, why didn’t you tell me who you were?”

  Sighing I ask, “Would it have made a difference when you were leaving me hanging with just your taste on my lips?”

  “Not a chance…” She breathes.

  “Exactly my point, Ms Davenport.”

  Leaning back in her chair, she crosses her arms across her chest. My hungry gaze moving straight to her breasts. Standing from the chair I push my hands into my pockets, this way it’ll stop me from pulling her to me and kissing her again.

  “Okay. You’ll come up with a presentation and as I said you’ll be in competition. You have a week to come up with something and then we’ll meet back in my office.”

  “Now you want to talk business...?” She cuts in.

  “I apologise, I actually do have another meeting. So why don't we say this time next week in my office.”

  Serena nods her acceptance, stands from the chair, and holds out her hand to me. I shake it first, before lifting it to my lips and placing a small kiss to her knuckles. I watch the flush rise up her neck and into her cheeks.

  “Until next week. May the best person win.”

  Dropping her hand, I put my jacket straight, pick up my briefcase and head out of the room. Leaving Serena behind this time.

  Chapter Eleven

  Serena

  Dylan fucking Proctor!

  How did I not realise it was him on Saturday night?

  Because you drank your weight in gin, a voice at the back of my head reminds me.

  I was never supposed to see him again.

  This competition wasn’t part of my plan.

  Seeing him again wasn’t part of my plan.

  Who am I kidding?

  I didn’t have a fucking plan.

  I was just kidding myself when I thought I couldn’t think about him. He’s all I can think about. Only he’s riled me up. I would love nothing more than to give him a swift kick to the dick for just rocking up at my place of work. Demanding that I take part in this silly bloody thing. To the rest of the staff here he’s a god. no-one is better at him in this business. Only I know better. They all think this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I should be grateful. I would be if I didn’t think he’s done it with an ulterior motive. He’s come here making out he’s doing us a favour, when in reality I know it’s because I bruised his ego on Saturday night. If the stories are true, then Dylan Proctor is a shark in the advertising world and doesn’t like to lose. So, I can imagine him being the same in his personal life. I’m almost certain a woman has never said no to him either.

  I’m still in shock by it all. I tried to play it down the best I could, yet I failed miserably the minute our hands connected. It was like I had put my finger into a plug socket and the electric current was travelling all through my body. It was humming and it was all for him.

  He walked out of the conference room a good fifteen minutes ago. I’m still sitting in the same spot he left me in, staring out the door he walked through. I may be pissed at him, but it doesn’t mean I didn’t check out his arse as he left. By god that man can rock a suit. His trousers clung to the round globes of his ass in a spectacular fashion. I’m pretty sure a little drool even slipped out of my mouth.

  Snapping myself out of it, I slowly rise from my chair, lift my head high. I try my bloody hardest to show I’m not disturbed by the effect he’s had on me, as I walk on weak knees back to my office.

  It’s just after lunch and I’ve done bugger all work wise; I can’t concentrate for shit. Jack came to visit me not long after the meeting, just to inform me that as of tomorrow all my urgent clients will be passed over to Melanie, another executive. So, I can get on with my pitch for Dylan.

  Dylan.

  That man is causing me a headache. I don’t need this shit. I’m blaming Bonnie for all of it. It was her idea to go out at the weekend. It was her idea that I let my hair down. Yep. It’s totally all her fault. That bitch has got a lot to answer for. She’s having a right mouthful off me when I finish work. I can’t risk calling her whilst I’m still at work, you never know who’s eavesdropping in this place. One sniff of a scandal in this place and it will be spread around like wildfire in seconds.

  I’m doodling on my pad of paper I have in front of me; at least I can make it look like I’m doing something today. When there’s a knock on my door, looking up I see Hayley standing there with a megawatt smile on her face.

  “Erm, you’ve had something delivered Serena.” she informs me, making me look at her like a deer in headlights.

  A delivery? For me?

  “Are you sure it’s for me?”

  “Yep. It’s got your name written on it.”

  Slipping away from the door she disappears for a second, before returning with the biggest bouquet of flowers I’ve ever seen. It’s that big she can’t see over the top. Getting up from my desk, I meet her half way and take them from her. The weight of them making my arms go lax, causing me to nearly drop them.

  “Someone clearly wants your attention.” She so kindly points out the obvious.

  No shit sherlock, you don’t say.

  But who? That’s the million-dollar question right now.

  Placing them on my desk, I see a fuchsia pink envelope attached to a plastic stick, smack bang in the middle. Pinching it between my fingers, I carefully peel it open only to stop when I sense Hayley is still standing behind me. Clutching it to my chest, I look over my shoulder and stare at her.

  “Thank you, Hayley,” I say, making it abundantly clear that she can now leave and get back to work. Hearing the door click shut behind her, I pull the small card from the envelope and instantly the wind is knoc
ked out of me. There in perfectly neat handwriting are words that I would never expect…

  Serena…

  Just so you know, I can still feel you on my lips and your taste is still lingering in my mouth.

  D xx

  A gasp leaves my mouth and my hand goes to my mouth as I reread the words on the card. He can’t be serious; he’s just playing me to get me to bend to his will.

  Well I may be shocked by his words and my body might have just gone on high alert for him, but I’m a strong woman. I won’t be bending in any shape or form for that man. If he wants a quick fuck, he can go find some floozy. Or more preferably he can go and fuck himself.

  Chapter Twelve

  Dylan

  Once I’m back in my extensive office, I sit back in my large leather chair and think back on the mornings events. Not a bad morning if I do say so myself. Swivelling around, I turn and face the full-length window looking out into the bright sunny day. Right now, the weather matches my mood.

  Once I’d cemented my deal of recruiting Serena, I set up her competition. Another rising star on the up for his company and is a direct competitor with Boston.

  This should be interesting…

  Of course, there’s only going to be one winner and that’s me.

  With a smug grin I pick up the phone and ring through to my assistant.

  “Sandy, ring the florists and order the biggest bouquet you possibly can and have it sent to Serena Davenport at Boston Atomic Advertising, would you?”

  “Of course, Mr Proctor. Any particular colours?”

  “No just tell them to make it bright.” I add in the message I want on the card to Sandy and make sure she writes it down.

  “Did you get all that?”

  “Yes sir.”

  “Thanks.”

  Placing the receiver down, I wonder where all this is coming from. I’m a ruthless businessman I don’t chase women, so why is she so different? I don’t have any answers for myself at all. I’ve felt attracted to women before, but the pull I have for Serena is on another level.