A meeting with Laselie (CJ)

Leslie let out a groan of frustration, as she realized she had just misfiled most of the documents on her desk. Today was quickly turning into one of those days. From putting salt in her tea this morning to this new exploit into incompetence Leslie wanted...no she needed a cup of coffee. Possibly with alcohol added.

She wasn't going to give into the temptation of caffeine salvation however. No, Caleb would be bringing food, and the coffee would destroy her appetite. Though to be honest the thought of the man caused her stomach to twist anyways.

Grabbing a stack of folders out she began to reorganize them with a small huff agitation. She roughly sorted the files onto her desk while mentally berating herself.

It was ridiculous to let the man's relations with other women bother her. He was her client, emotions such as jealousy were unprofessional. Not to mention completely illogical. They had a business relationship, and neither of them would fit into the others life.

He was the distinguished gentleman of the party, and the bad boy with a tarnished heart of gold. His life was wild and free shenanigans.

She had put that life behind her a long time ago. Along with all the demon's that moaned and clawed at her memory...and nightmares. She wasn't the party girl anymore.

Jerking open one of the filing cabinets she mercilessly shoved a few of the folders into her proper place.

She was a professional woman now, and her life was perfect. It was tidy, organized, and perfectly most importantly controlled. In fact it was damn near sterile and that was how she liked it...wasn't it?

If she wanted male or female companionship she could have it any night. A sophisticated affair of seeing a: play, orchestra, or maybe an art show. Followed by a dinner in a nice restaurant with polite conversation, and if the mood was right...they would book an upscale hotel room for the night.

She had no intention on going to anyone's home for the night, and she sure as hell wasn't going to bring anyone into her home. Someone might get the wrong impression and think things were more than they were. She never wanted more. To her partners there may have been affection or even lust, but for her that was not the case. In fact as more time went on the encounters became more clinical. A matter of satisfying a basic need and nothing more. She would take her shower bid them a good evening and leave. Complete control and no mess, that was the way she liked it.

Although, if that really was the way she wanted things then why has it been months since she’s been with anyone. If she was happy with this then why did the thought of some blonde ring rat bimbo pawing Caleb's crotch set her blood to boil. It made her want to teach the little twit a few moves, most of which would break the girls arms. The blonde slut wasn't the worst of it though. Oh. No. There was now a mystery woman that Caleb cared enough about to set the blondes attempted affections to the side for.

A sudden pain in her hands made Leslie glance down at her hands. Only to see that she had been strangling an innocent contract.

Immediately she loosened her hold, and began to smooth the document out once more on the desk.

This was ridiculous and she needed to get a grip on her emotions they were dangerous, and she had no right to be upset. Besides the catalyst for this whole mess would be arriving at any moment.

With a sigh she pushed a section of her long mass of chestnut curls behind her shoulder, and stared at the painting that hung on the wall above her desk.

Afternoon sunlight dappled across the canvas setting swaths of colors to glow and shine in the rainy cityscape.

He was her client, and she would not fit into his life. She had her own life under complete control and that was the way she wanted it. Besides he had feelings for someone and it wasn't the blonde swaying her wares around like an hour thought.

Smoothing one hand down her royal blue business dress she forced her mind to clear, and smothered the pang of pain her thoughts produced.

She eased down into the comfort of her chair. Composed once more she was the model of a professional woman about to greet a client. All the necessary paperwork was in place, but just to be sure she scanned over a few papers.

Meanwhile outside “The Distinguished” Caleb James O’Donnell stood in front of Leslie Blackwell's office building. In his right hand was a bouquet of tulips and calla lily. What may have been a simple arrangement was made exquisite by the choice of colors. Some of the slender flowers were pure white tipped with light green or vibrant purple, while others were a purple so rich and deep they were nearly black. They were almost as beautiful and elegant as the woman he intended them for. He could have gotten her roses, but roses were so typical.

Weren’t they?

He looked down at the flowers, and ran a frustrated hand through his red hair. If he were honest with himself, and he typically was, the flowers were the least of his worries.

Leslie had probably seen or heard about the training sessions he had with Trixie, and everything that happened outside of it…

He cringed thinking about Leslie watching the blonde vixen's attempt at giving him a hand job under the table.

Was she upset with him? Did she even care? It wasn't like they were in a relationship. In fact worrying himself like this would likely seem ridiculous to some, but what she thought and felt mattered to him.

He wondered to himself if he should have drawn the line in the sand sooner, and not let Trixie take it so far. Or was he the one who was took it too far - did he really have to pull on Trixie’s thong when it was showing?

Caleb took a deep breath in and slowly exhaled before he entered the office building through the revolving doors. He made his way to the elevator noticing as he does that a lot of people seem to be looking at him. A bead of sweat poured down from the left side of his forehead. Caleb James O'Donnell, a deadman walking into Blackwell’s office.

Suddenly his collar felt rather tight was it getting hotter in here?

As he fixed his collar his mind turned to the first time he'd met the lovely Miss Blackwell.

He promised her that he would always be a model client, and he had done so despite (and partially because) his growing attraction for the woman. It would be easy if the attraction was purely physical, but it was more than that, and it only increased the more time he spent with her.

He was capable of deeper emotion despite what some may think. Sure he was an asshole inside the ring, and when the camera was around. That was mostly just his adrenaline kicking in, and the fact that the rest of the world didn't really need to know the man behind the wrestler. Behind his mask was much more to discover, if he allowed you the chance to know him.

CJ pressed the elevator button and stepped in as the doors opened. Just as he pressed the button people flooded into elevator. Today was turning into one of those days, and as a woman stepped on his foot for the second time he restrained an exasperated sigh. Instead he turned his focus to what he was going to say to Leslie.

The doors opened and CJ squeezed through masses, careful not to damage his delicate cargo. Finally near his destination he glanced down the hall, almost as if expecting fires to have started...maybe someone screaming in the background. There of course was none, so CJ continued to walk down the hallway. He was nervous enough that he could swear anyone could hear his heartbeat, but finally he stood in front of the office door that read Leslie Blackwell.

He it bad at this point there was no question of that. Why else would he turn away a fine piece of tail like Trixie. So, the question was how is he going to keep it on a professional
level, and more importantly how could he convince her that they shouldn't.

“Time to get this over with.” He opened the door to the office, which was completely silent. Now some may have found this serene, but all Caleb could think as he approached the receptionist was, oh shit this is the calm before the storm...

“How may I help you?” The pretty redhead said, as she lifted up her head to look at him.

“I have a meeting with Miss Blackwell at one o’clock today?” Caleb said, and cleared his throat and when his voice caught. You could see his adam’s apple move up and down. “Pardon me, I must be fighting of a cold.”

She needed sagely, before looking in the computer. “ That cold is just awful. Ahhh - Yes Mister O’Donnell. You are a few minutes early but let me see if Miss Blackwell is ready to take you now. Take a seat over there.” She pointed to the lobby area with about fifteen seats in it and none of them are being used.

Caleb took his seat while the receptionist was on the phone, but she might as well have been inaudible. For whatever she was saying was muffled by CJ’s own thoughts. After what felt like hours but could have only been moments the receptionist was calling his name. “Mister O’Donnell you can go in now as Miss Blackwell is ready for you.”

Caleb gripped the bouquet until his fingertips are red, as he slowly walked down the hallway. He had hoped to use these last few moments to come up with a game plan, but it appeared that Leslie had other plans. Their eyes locked as she made her way towards him. Their eyes locked from across the long hallway, and neither seemed willing to blink. Until they met in the center of the corridor, and Caleb handed her the bouquet.

“Here Miss Black-” Caleb stops himself suddenly as he realized they are now on a first name basis. “I mean Leslie these are for you.”

The look of surprise in her green eyes was adorable to him.

She tentatively took the flowers from him. Her look of surprise melting into one of warm delight. Her rare full smile took his breath away.

“How did you know these were my favorite?”

Caleb mentally shook himself at her question, and then congratulated himself on his choice.

“I didn't to be honest…I just picked what reminded me of you. And by the way, you are looking exquisite today.”

A light blush painted Leslie's cheekbones fetchingly.

“Thank you Caleb, that is one of the nicest things that someone had ever said. What's the occasion?”

“No need for an occasion Leslie I just felt like I have been dropping the ball as your number one client. I haven’t really seen you recently so I wanted to bring you a token of my appreciation. Everything you have done for me has really helped my career. So thank you.”

Caleb smiles at Leslie and can not stop staring into her eyes.

“Oh, well you are very welcome.”

Of course he was just showing his appreciation. It was amazing how considerate the man was, especially considering the reputation he had. He truly earned the title of distinguished gentleman, at least where she was concerned.

“Let's go back to my office, and I will show you what's on the table for you today.”

A smile small smirk tugs at the corner of The Distinguished's mouth.

“Wait so you’re telling me you have a surprise for me inside your office Miss Blackwell?”

Was he flirting?

She looked over her shoulder at him curiously at his tongue and cheek comment. No, he was just teasing her.

“I believe I said that yes, and I hope you appreciate it. Munin has been in a difficult mood lately. Meaning that even though she was all for a proposition, she made me work for it.”

She opened the door to her office, and stood to the side for Caleb to enter.

As Caleb enters the office he stands in the middle of the office as he watches Leslie walk by. Hoping she didn’t catch him look at her.

“Munin is going to do great things for Pure Amusement Wrestling I feel. So what is this surprise Leslie? My birthday isn’t until another September so you really didn’t have to get me anything.”

Caleb looked around the office to see what type of gift box or bag she may have for him. He notices nothing, but an amused smile on Leslie's face.

“How would you like to own a nightclub in Pure Amusement.”

The question seems to be the last thing Caleb was expecting. For a moment he seemed almost speechless, but soon Leslie could see the wheels turning. Caleb rested his right hand on his chin while deep in thought.

Leslie watched him with a small smile, and feasted against the front of her desk. at him while she sits at the front of the desk. She was happy that he was giving this thought before jumping in. After a few moments though she forced herself to look away. You couldn't be professional and want to smooth away the thought lines from your client at the same time.

“Are there any rules for this nightclub? Also I don’t know the first thing about running a nightclub would you know anyone who would be willing to be a silent partner if I said yes…”

“Munin would likely appoint someone to manage the club. The club was Orton's place until recently, he hosted unsanctioned cage fighting in the club. Munin would like to reopen the club, and have it host sanctioned fights. You would choose who you wanted for small booked fights, and how you would go about taking signups...etc.”

She pushed off the desk, and rounded it to retrieve blueprints and pictures of the club. After a moment's hesitation she approached his side, and held up the papers for his examination.

“Munin would want you to have a heavy hand in the reopening: choosing the exterior design, picking out a menu, music, and planing out the cage matches. She seems to be pretty open minded with the rules, but you will need to discuss them with her. As for a silent partner I would say that it depends on who you have in mind.”

As Leslie was talking Caleb caught himself staring at her from time to time. Every time he looked away he was drawn back in by Leslie’s beauty.

“That’s good to hear. I will stop by sometime next week to see what needs to be remodeled. I did have someone in mind but …”

Caleb stood from his chair with an exasperated chuckle, and began to walk towards Leslie.

“What about … YOU - Leslie you would be the perfect partner to make this nightclub successful again. I do not know the first thing about interior designing and decorating stuff. Looking around the office I can tell you have an eye for it.”

Leslie's eyes widened slightly as he approached her, and unconsciously nibbled at her full bottom lip. She already had a bit of a full plate, but she could delegate some of that to others. At least until she helped get the club running properly, and she could easily choose a manager from her own firm.

“I could do that. Does this mean you want to sign papers now, or would you like time to consider the offer?”

As Caleb gets closer to Leslie you could feel the tension of potential passion between the two, but neither of them were ready to make the first move…not just yet. Instead Caleb continued to approach the young Brunette, with all caution one would give to a skittish animal. Blue eyes admiring the golden highlights in her rich chestnut hair, and the ivory paleness of her skin, before meeting her forest green eyes. He had always been a bit partial to the color green , and he could only blame the Irish in him. Though for the life of him he couldn't think of anyone finding them any less bewitching.

“I do not need time. You have not steered me wrong and I believe in you. If you think this will be a great idea for me than let’s do it.”

With a smile a bit weaker than she would have liked, Leslie scooted her way further behind her desk. The object between them a welcome barrier from his sudden intensity, and her uncharacteristic nervousness.

“It's settled then, here are the papers you will be signing. I have tagged each spot to make things as easy as possible.”

After setting the stack before him she took her seat, and watched carefully as he returned to his own. They sat in silence as he signed, and Leslie wished to all that was holy that she had some form of sound to distract her. Unwelcome thoughts clawed their way through her carefully constructed walls in the silence. Leaving holes for unwelcome thoughts such as Caleb's mystery woman to slip through.

Suddenly her stomach twisted and her mouth was moving before she could stop it.

“By the way will you be needing additional tickets for the upcoming show. I'm sure we could arrange for the best seating if you have a...special guest.”

Caleb looked up from signing the papers as a smile came across his face.

“Well there is this one girl I would like to invite but she is always busy. Plus I don't wanna cross…”

As Caleb paused mid sentence you could see Leslie’s nevers stretching tight as a high wire. She felt sick and was absolutely sure that this was one of the stupidest things she had ever done. What foolhardy glimmer of hope had led her to ask such a question. She just had to know if there actually was a mystery woman...and now she knew.

“.. That line. Heck I don't even know if she is interested in me on a personal level.”

As Caleb put his head back down and continued to sign his documents. He flipped a few pages before finding the new tab that said sign here.

Leslie watched him mutinously, was he actually looking for dating advice? She already managed his professional life…

“I'm not sure why you would show so much caution with this. Isn't blazing boldly forward with a take no prisoners attitude typically your thing?"

“That is only in the ring. Outside of the ring I am a distinguished gentleman! How about I show you sometime?”

Did Caleb just ask Leslie out on a date? Is this the woman he has been crushing on hard the last few weeks? Did Leslie feel the same way?

“Wait...what?”

Caleb hesitated at first, wondering if Leslie heard him, he lifted up his head from signing the documents.

“All done. I asked if you would like to put the theory to the test. I am not this big bad asshole at all times. I’d like to take you out on a date?”

Caleb took a big gulp as, his adam’s apple moving up and down. He patiently waits for an answer from Leslie as a bead of sweat ran down the left side of his face.

Leslie for her part was in slight shock. She understood the words he was saying, but for some reason they did not compute.

“I don't think you are an asshole…Why would you ask me out on a date?”

“Why not? Sorry did I pass the line?”

Caleb stood up from his chair and has a look in his eyes like he overstepped the lines with his manager by asking her that question.

“No actually you didn't. I just didn't think I was your type. Don’t get me wrong I know I am attractive in my own way, but I would think I'm a bit cold for your taste.”

“I don’t see a cold woman. I see a woman who is protected on the outside just because she doesn’t want to get hurt. You have a hard exterior, but I have gut feeling you have another side I have never seen before.”

For the first time in a while she felt the stirrings of recklessness, and it was exhilarating.

A small smile tugged at the edge of her mouth, and her eyes sparkled slightly. This could be messy, Caleb wasn't a polished weak spined partner to be placed back into a box when she was ready to distance herself. Getting involved with Caleb was gambling with disaster, but with a little bit of Irish luck maybe…

She shook her head with a chuckle, her curls falling artfully at her shoulders.

No, she was getting carried away. All he wanted was a date, and it wouldn't take long for him to find out that the warmth had been ruthlessly snuffed out of her a long time ago.

The mental lid was slammed on that box before the thought could go much further. For once she would let herself enjoy the moment.

“Gut feeling hmm? Alright, where would you like to go?”

“Anywhere you would like to go. Anytime. Ladies choice...“

“Well...since we are done with the paperwork. How about we go take a walk and see where we end up for lunch.”

“Sounds good to me. I hope we don't get into too much trouble on this walk. Me without a plan can be a dangerous thing at times.”

She smirks at him while gathering her coat.

“You are talking to someone who acted as Munin's assistant. That woman breaths trouble, don't let her sweet looks fool you. She has turned running over people's vehicles with a monster truck into a past time. Not to mention the time she managed to start a tea room fight.”

Leslie's smiled took on a hint of wicked amusement.

“To be fair that one was both impressive and entertaining.”

“I guess I have some big shoes to fill then. Hope I don't disappoint such a beautiful lady like yourself.”

Caleb looked into Leslie's eyes, and smiled as she tried her best to hide a slight blush.

“Somehow I doubt that you could ever disappoint when it comes to excitement.”

Read more: officialpurepro.boards.net/thread/373/leslie-blackwell#ixzz45D8knMZ9