Chapter 8

• Chloe POV
• Driving the Audi home is like a dream. I have never had such a nice car. It has everything. I cannot believe Mr. Arden gave me this car. I open the sunroof and let my blonde hair blow in the wind as I drive. I feel happy and normal for once. I do not think I have stopped smiling since I pulled out of the Arden Firm. I could get used to this much happiness. I deserve to be happy and content.
• I pull into the log cabin and park my car. It makes my car look like it is ready for the junkyard. I get out, lock my car and go into the house. Joelene is finishing up for the day and is making her way out as I come into the house.
• "You must be heading home for the day," I say as I meet her at the door. She looks exhausted.
• "I am finally. Cane had a few extra things he wanted me to do today, so it took a little longer than usual," Joelene says.
• "I hope he is not a pain in the ass, too much," I say to her as I make my way into the kitchen.
• "Not today, but somedays he is a pain. I got to go. I have to get home to my kids," Joelene says.
• "See you in the morning," I say. Joelene is out the door quickly, with no time for too much talk when she is so tired.
• I walk through the immaculate house to my bedroom. I have to find something to wear tonight and get ready. I am not as nervous about dinner with Axel as I was when he asked. I wonder why he is showing such an interest in me. Maybe he is like this with all his new employees, but considering his reputation, I will be careful with what I say, do and wear tonight.
• I pick through my closet and look through the boxes I have not unpacked yet. I dread when everything gets here. I may need a day or two to unpack everything. Maybe Joelene could help me on my off day. I do not want to take her away from her kids, but I will need help. I am not going to ask Cane; he has already done enough for me.
• I grab a long black skirt with a slit up the side and a chiffon blouse to wear for the night. It will be sexy, but not too sexy. Well, maybe it will not be too sexy. I rummage through the boxes and find a pair of earrings and a necklace to wear. Now I need shoes. My black heels will be perfect. I lay everything out on the bed.
• I go into the bathroom to shower. I am not washing my long hair, and it will take too long to dry. I plug in my straightening iron. I will straighten all my curls and wear my hair down, sleek and sexy.
• I step into the shower. I am happy. It feels good to feel wanted and appreciated. I hope Axel is not a dick tonight. That would ruin my entire day. Perhaps, Axel really does only want to get to know me. No need to worry over it now; I will soon know his intentions with me.
• I step out of the shower and towel off with the big fluffy towel, then wrap it around my body. I lay out my makeup and start doing my face. I do more makeup than I wore to work and then begin straightening my hair.
• I finish my hair, touch up a few places on my makeup, and go into the bedroom to slip into my clothes. As I am slipping on my matching bra and panties, I hear someone loudly coming in the front door. Cane should be at work. I open the bedroom door and look out. It is Cane.
• I close the bedroom door and continue getting ready. I can hear Cane fussing; he is upset. I finish getting ready while Cane has some sort of fit in the kitchen. I ignore it the best I can. I have got good at neglecting male temper tantrums over the years. The men at Capital knew how to have a fit when I called them out, so this is nothing new to me.
• I emerge from the bedroom, ready for my dinner with Axel. Cane looks at me disapprovingly. "Where are you going?" Cane asks.
• "Dinner, brother. Why are you home? I thought you worked late," I inquire.
• Cane rolls his eyes. "There are some problems at work. Something in accounting that trickled down to my department, so Mr. Arden sent us all home for the day. Do you know what is going on?" Cane asks me.
• "I have no idea. I am still in traingin. It was only my first day, Cane. Nobody tells the new girl anything," I say.
• "Hmm, so who are you going to dinner with dressed like that?" Cane asks in a tone that makes my blood boil.
• "What is going on with you? Why are you so mean?" I ask him.
• Cane shakes his head. "Sorry. I am upset, and I need a beer. I will be in a better mood when you get back, Chloe," Cane says.
• "Good, I do not like this version of you," I say. I hug my Cane and then go back to grab my purse and cell phone.
• I look down at my phone, and I have several messages from Mr. Arden.
• *Heads Up I sent Marketing home for the day. Sorry. I will explain at dinner*
• I scroll to the following message.
• *I am on my way a little early. I hope you do not mind. I look forward to seeing you*
• Okay, he might be looking for something more than business. Next Message.
• *Be there in five minutes*
• He sent that five minutes ago. I put my phone in my purse and go into the kitchen to tell Cane I am leaving. Cane is opening his second beer.
• "Your date is here, Chloe. Do not get involved with Axel. He is a nice guy, but he is not for you," Cane says.
• "I am not. It is just business," I say.
• Cane shakes his head. "Yeah, make sure he knows that. He has more women than I can keep up with at once," Cane says.
• "Do not worry. I assure you that I have no intentions of getting involved with anyone anytime soon," I say.
• Cane is guzzling his beer as I walk to the front door. I look back to see him getting a third beer. What the hell is going on with him? I hope he is not involved with the theft at work. That would crush me.
• Mr. Arden steps out of the car and walks toward me. "You look beautiful," he says.
• "Thank you," I say. I almost blush. He takes my hand and walks me to the passenger side. He opens my door for me—such a gentleman. I look up to see Cane standing on the porch watching us. He waves and goes back into the house.
• Mr. Arden gets into the car and backs out of the driveway. I expected us to have a driver, but this is nice. Now, we can talk and get to know one another, but not in a romantic way. I am curious about him and all the rumors. I am also curious why he is showing an interest in me.
• "So, Mr. Arden, where are you taking me tonight?" I ask him.
• "Axel, please call me Axel. Mr. Arden is my father. I am taking you to a small restaurant in town. It is not too fancy, but I think you will like it," Axel says.
• He keeps glancing over at me as he drives. I look down and realize the slit has completely exposed my legs almost to my hip. I quickly cover my legs, and he smiles like a child caught in the candy jar. "Sorry, I could not help it," Axel says.
• I do not scold, but I think about telling him that is a no-no. Of course, I am the one that dressed in a skirt that shows so much. So, I guess I cannot fuss at him.
• Axel pulls in front of the restaurant on main street. It is a lot fancier than he said it was going to be. The valet comes up and opens his door, and takes his keys. I wait for him to open my door. He takes my hand and helps me out of the car.
• When we get to the door, a young man opens the door and addresses him immediately by name. I wonder if this is where he brings all his women. We are seated immediately in a private area of the restaurant. He keeps looking at me. I am waiting for him to start drooling.
• "Tell me about you, Axel," I say. He laughs.
• "I thought this was a night for me to get to know you," Axel says.
• "No, No. If I have to tell you all my secrets, then you have to tell me yours," I say.
• A waiter comes up and interrupts. "The usual Mr. Arden?" the waiter asks.
• "Yes, make it two and bring us a bottle of wine," Axel says.
• I lean forward. "How do you know that I want the same thing you want?" I ask him.
• "I am sorry, I am used to being in charge," Axel says.
• "I see," I say.
• A woman walks up and stands beside the table. "Mr. Arden, will the two of you be going to the club tonight?" she asks.
• "No, Rebecca, I do not think we will be going to the club tonight," Axel says. He is a little shaken by her question, which piques my interest.
• "What club? I might want to go," I say. The woman, Rebecca, looks at me oddly.
• "It is a dom/sub club. It is downstairs. You both are welcome to join, watch, or whatever your heart desires," she says. She smiles at me, thinking she spooked me, then walks away.
• "So, Axel, is that why you brought me here? You want to take me downstairs and spank me?" I ask him.
• Axel looks embarrassed for a moment. "I do go down there sometimes, and I have taken a few ladies down there, but that is not why I brought you here," he says.
• "From what I hear, you have broken a lot of hearts," I say.
• Axel shakes his head. "Do not believe everything you hear about me. Yes, I have hooked up with my fair share of women, but I have always been upfront and honest with everyone I have dated. I am a wolf, and my wolf tells me when I meet the women for me," Axel says.
• "What about love?" I ask.
• "When a wolf meets their mate, they fall in love instantly. It is hard on someone, especially if their mate is unaware that the other person is hopeless in love with them," Axel says. He is so serious.
• "Doesn't the other wolf know?" I ask.
• "Not if they are only part wolf. I guess not," Axel says.
• The waiter comes back with our bottle of wine. Perfect timing because I am starting to think that maybe he thinks I am his mate. He is looking at me, staring at me, and almost looking like he longs for me. The waiter pours our wine, and Axel does not take his eyes off of me.
• "Have you found your mate?" I ask him.
• Axel looks me in the eyes and almost growls. "Yes, I have, and it is driving me crazy," Axel says.
• "What is it like?" I ask him.
• Axel moves closer to me. He puts his arm around me and pulls me close to him. "It is like wanting to consume the other person. I ache for her and want to do everything for that person. I want to be with her all the time, and she is completely unaware of how special she is to me," Axel whispers in my ear. His words send a chill over my body. Now I know he is talking about me. I turn to him and lean into him. I kiss his lips softly, and it is instant. I feel something tingling all over my body.
• "Maybe you should tell her," I say softly.
• "Maybe I will," Axel says as he leans in and kisses me.