Is this destiny?

~ Seattle ~

Sophia spent most of the afternoon in her office, discussing potential deal with two men.

Two men came to Orion Enterprise with a goal to acquire financing for their projects and to use facilities of Orion Enterprise. Seeing that the meeting is dragging much more than planned, Sophia got her assistant Leah to book a dinner so that they can finish their talk there. She didn't want to meet with them next day, they didn't make her comfortable.

Sophia does not have a very good opinion about two men, but their idea seemed promising at first. However, the longer they talked the more flaws she found.

Sophia wanted to make sure she is not rejecting them just because of her personal opinion, she needs to make decision based on what is best for the company. At the same time, she didn't want to go with these two men out for dinner without company of someone she trusts. She decided to call Felix to join for dinner. He can fill up both roles, second opinion of someone who is knowledgeable in the area as well as a pleasant company of someone she trusts.

Sophia's secretary entered her office, "CEO Hill, Director Martin is here."

"Let him in", Sophia responded, stood up, straightened her skirt and walked to the door to welcome him.

Felix entered and Sophia inhaled more than necessary when she saw him looking dashing in his business suit. It took her a second to steady her breathing and talk to him in her usual cold tone which she used while working. "I hope it's not a problem for you to join on such a short notice."

When Felix heard Sophia talk like this, he understood that it's something related to business.

Sophia continued, "We are discussing this product, and if it will be a good fit for us. I will appreciate if you can spare time to discuss it with us and share your opinion. It will be over dinner."

"No problem. It will be my pleasure." Felix smiled while looking at Sophia with eyes full of admiration.

He wanted to pull her toward him and hold her tightly, but he reminded himself that they are at work, and it would not be appropriate.

Two men were not happy to hear that Felix is joining, but they didn't have a choice. They greeted Felix and exchanged few pleasantries before heading out for dinner.

Felix immediately noticed that they are not looking at Sophia in a respectful manner. They were ogling at her, and he assumed a protective stance. 'I would give them a piece of my mind, but it seems that Sophia is still considering to collaborate with them...'

During dinner, Felix asked them about their project ideas, and they shared their points and answered Felix's questions, while Sophia mostly listened. She already covered these topics with them, and she hoped that Felix might find some additional information.

At some point Sophia got a phone call and excused herself to take the call in the hallway because the live music was loud. Two men looked after her departing back, and as soon as she was out of sight, two men turned to Felix.

"Are you hitting that?", one man asked.

Felix frowned. "What kind of a question is that?"

"We are just curious if we can get a piece of her…" Other man lecherously smiled.

Felix was outraged by their sexist remark. "Is that the way you should behave?"

"Come on, we are all men here..." First man commented. "With such an attractive boss, don't tell me that you didn't think about getting busy with her? She is too pretty to be the Boss… she would do better warming up my bed..." He creepily laughed.

Felix was fuming, his fist was clenched, ready to punch the unruly men, when Sophia returned.

She saw that Felix does not look very stable and placed her hand on his thigh under the table, to signal him to calm down. Sophia does not know what happened, but she could guess. She noticed creepy looks men gave her, and it would not be the first time that someone demeaned her capabilities just because she is an attractive female.

Felix kept his hand under the table, and covered Sophia's hand with his. That touch helped him calm down, and it let her know that she is not alone. That she can rely on him.

The restaurant had a live music and a dance floor. The man who wanted Sophia to warm his bed asked her, "Would you like to dance?"

Sophia glanced at him, and then looked at Felix. "Yes, I would love to."

Felix smiled and stood up at the same time the man did.

Man was confused when he saw that Felix extended his hand, palm up toward Sophia, and she took it. When he saw Felix and Sophia walking to the dance floor, his face fell with realization that she didn't say yes to him.

As they danced, Felix held Sophia close to him. "I wish to punch them in the face. Both of them." He was obviously agitated.

"Was it that bad?" Sophia was intrigued seeing how Felix is upset. She did her best to keep her voice calm, and not to let him know that this kind of behavior is upsetting her.

"You don't look upset..." Felix was surprised by Sophia's indifference.

"I'm used to it." She smiled to cover her lie.

Felix was saddened to hear that. He was not sure how can she be used to it, but her indifference told him that this is something that happens often.

Sophia approached Felix and kissed him on the lips.

He was surprised that she kissed him. "I thought this is business."

"Only if I'm considering a deal with them." She leaned her head on his shoulder and enjoyed dancing while Felix held her tightly.

Felix was relieved that she will not work with these two scumbags. "Can I hit them now?"