This is really good. :)
Keep building the plot, don't worry about the smut.
huh. :huh: did I just say that?
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This is really good. :)
Keep building the plot, don't worry about the smut.
huh. :huh: did I just say that?
:biggrin: Love the new chapter and Michelle's comments definitely made me smile!! I think we would all love to have Lex as our boss!! :biggrin: Thanks for the update!! Can't wait to read more of this great story!! :worship2: :chlexsign4: :worship2:Quote:
Originally posted by Chimera0523@Dec 6 2004, 06:52 PM
Great story! If I were Chloe I would take the job. Come on, hot billionaire boss, what more could you want? Scratch that I could think of things that I'd like to do with the hot billionaire boss. :devil: Keep up the great work.
~Michelle
Author's note: Okay, we'll be getting to the smut soon, just tying up some details.
"Here, try this." Chloe looked up, Lex was coming toward her with a plate and a set of chopsticks. He held a seaweed-wrapped roll filled with rice and something she couldn't identify on sight. But that was the joy of sushi. She had her hands full of paperwork and he held the roll up to her lips. She automatically opened her mouth and he popped it in. She chewed thoughtfully for a second. It was slightly tangy, warm, and she could detect the flavor of sesame oil.
"Good, what is it?"
"Eel."
"Raw?"
"No, cooked. I only brought tuna and salmon raw. The rest of this stuff is either cooked or vegetarian."
"Okay, then I can deal." She swallowed and looked at the dish he held out.
"Got any wasabi and soy?" He opened a tiny, covered pot that held the greenish-black mixture. "Okay, the red one next." He skillfully dipped it into the sauce and fed it to her. This one she recognized as crabmeat. She put aside her paperwork and held out her hands for the plate and chopsticks. He handed them to her and went to get his own plate. She kicked a couple of cushions across the room and sat on one, he joined her on the other and they ate the sushi and drank Ozeki, a popular brand of Saki.
"Any questions regarding the proposal?" Lex asked. "I'd be happy to answer them either on or off the record." Chloe swallowed her mouthful of wine and tongued a piece of rice stuck between her teeth before answering.
"Where are the properties that you're offering for housing?"
"Well, I only own five buildings inside the city, but if you prefer to commute, I can probably arrange something."
"In the city is fine," she said. "I left my car in Smallville because I hated driving in the city when it was quicker to use public transportation."
"A good idea, but most of your work will be done out of the office, you won't keep regular business hours, I'll be pretty busy at the office and you'd be bored."
"It mentions something about social functions, do you need a date at the company Christmas party?"
"No, not a date, but If you think you can do it, I'd like you to meet and get to know a lot of my people and their families. I don't have the time to know them as well as I need. When we travel you may need to act as an escort for the same reasons. You speak French, right?"
"Rusty, but yeah, I took it in highschool and college. Lana and I used to practice before she went to Paris. But I think I understand it better than I speak it anyway."
"Good, to be honest I'll need your ears at social functions more than anything."
"Do you want me to spy for you?"
"Industrial espionage is not what I'm asking. I have others to do that for me." He grinned and she smiled back. "But you're good at weeding through bullshit and hearing what isn't being said. I can't trust all of my people to be completely honest with me Everyone has an agenda."
"What about my agenda?"
"I don't doubt your ability to decieve, Chloe, but that's why I wrote in the clause at the bottom." She nodded thoughtfully. "I need you to be more than just an occasional sounding board for my guilt. Your brain would be going to waste just telling me I'm a bad person. If you want to consider it spying, I can live with that, but I need to understand what my employees are doing. Who's pregnant, who's divorcing, who's cheating on whom, and who's unhappy."
"So you know where they stand with you?"
"Partially, but if someone is unhappy, my first action is to try and change that. I'd rather my people were happy working for me instead of scared."
"Then you're already doing better than your father."
"So what do you think?" He nodded to the last page of the contract where she was to sign."
"Didn't you say something about chocolate?" Chloe batted her eyelashes at him. "Deals can always be sweeter." Lex laughed at her and went back to the fridge where he removed the paper sack and reached inside. He removed a gold box with a big ribbon on it. Her eyes widened as he brought it closer.
"Now I know they're not Swiss, but I heard a rumor that these were your favorites." He handed her the box and she opened it with gusto. Rather than the regular assortment that Godiva Chocolates usually sold, it was a collection of her favorite individual chocolates. She looked up at him in surprise.
"How did you know which ones were my favorites?" He shrugged. "No, really. You've always got inside information on me; my shoe size, my work habits, my salary, and my favorite chocolates." Instead of eating, she set the box aside. "Tell me how you know these things, and if you smile smugly and say that you have your ways, I'll tear up the contract and find my own job."
"If I wanted to, I could keep you from working anywhere in the city." The words came out before he could stop them. Chloe didn't back down.
"If you'll remember, your father made it impossible for my dad to get a job, I've little doubt of your abilities in that respect. Just so you know, I'll never work for someone who bullies me again."
"I have a private detective look into the affairs of everyone I plan to hire. Your salary was easy to obtain along with the financial records of the company when my lawyers started the takeover. The detective asked a few questions here and there with your co-workers, very discreetly and non-intrusively. He also followed you around in order to get some of your habits."
"Why not just ask me?" Her bright gaze was compelling. He decided to tell her the truth.
"Most women find it impressive and flattering when a man takes so much interest in her." He shrugged. "I was hoping you might be impressed as well."
"Lex, I am more knowledgeable than most when it comes to the things you're capable of doing. I'd have been more impressed if you'd done the stalking yourself. Anyone with the money to hire a detective can get that information. Hell, I have a hacker friend who could get all of that by breaking into your credit card history."
"Point taken."
"Not toally." She shifted up to her knees. "Leave my personal life alone. I want my friends and lovers not to be interfered with. Is that clear?"
"Crystal."
"Now, just a few more questions about the job."
"Shoot."
"Are you going to call on me and tell me when you want a Jimminy Crickett? Or do you want me to make my own calls?" He tilted his head thoughtfully. "Are you just going to be showing up at my place or summoning me like you had been before?"
"Do you trust me?"
"About as much as I trust most men."
"Then I'll show up at your place from time to time or summon you at the beginning, but you'll get to know me as a co-worker and figure out when to say something."
"Okay, now I do think I should be present at the office if in no other capacity then to see and be seen by employees. If they get used to me, there is less of a mystery and they'll open up more." Before Lex could answer, she continued. "I want to take a look at your apartments today if possible before I make my final decision."
"Agreed on both parts."
"Alright, is there anything you want to clear up with me?"
"Not right now, but I'm sure we'll figure it out as we go."
"Okay. How bout the apartments?"
"I'll have my driver take you and call the managers to let them know that you'll be coming and to let you in. Just let the manager know which one you'll want. When they mention rent, don't be surprised; they won't know I'm paying it."
"Just as well, I'd rather not be thought of as your mistress."
"People will say it anyway when they see us together."
"I can deal."
"I can date."
"Me too."
*
Lex took his leave and Chloe put on her shoes and coat. She didn't know where Lex had gone, but the limo waiting outside was empty. The driver touched his cap politely and opened the door for her. She had grabbed a tablet of paper and a pen to jot down notes. When they reached the first building, Chloe was a little overwhelmed by its size. She was shown three different apartments, the only empty ones in the building. Each was plushly carpeted and had stainless kitchens. They were all very contemporary, very beautiful, and really not her style.
The next building was slightly smaller and closer to the business district. It also had a couple of smaller shops nearby that gave it a neighborhood feel. The building was brick and there was only one aparmtent open. It was slightly smaller than the others with hardwood floors, high ceilings, updated plumbing but a more classic feel to it. The bathroom was cozy with a large, porcelain bathtub. She liked it a lot. It was obviusly new, but the claw-feet and high sides appealed to her in a victorian way. The windows were enormous and held a view of the shops and part of one of the parks. It was on the corner and she knew that this would be the place she'd choose. She saw the other places just in case, but eventually called the manager of the brick building and told him that she wanted that apartment. She called Lex next and told him that she'd need a check to give the landlord.
"Let me guess, the brick building near the boutiques?"
"You know me too well."
"I had to give you options or it wouldn't look as good to you." He laughed a little. "I'm glad you picked that one, you'll like the manager and the tennants are mostly quiet."
"I forgot to ask, does it allow pets?"
"Yeah, with an extra deposit, but I'll take care of that too. Are you thinking of getting a cat?"
"No, a dog. Looks like this job might give me time for one. I'll just have to make certain that I can have someone look after it when we're traveling."
"I can hire someone to walk him or her."
"I'll just get Clark to do it. He's good with animals."
"What about Lois?"
"Not so much. She is too high strung, and they can sense that." She paused.
"Should I bring the papers by the office? Or would you rather I not make an appearance there just yet."
"The Baxters are here right now so it probably wouldn't be the best time, but seal the papers in the envelope and give them to my driver. I'll wire the money directly into your account so you can write a check for the first month's rent and deposit and all that."
*is waiting for smut*
Good progression. :)
Lex isn't going to interfere with Chloe's personal life? Ha.
This'll be interesting to see.
More please. :biggrin:
i am loving this. :wub:
Hope :chlexsign4:
i like the plot, so now that the few loose ends were tied up... :biggrin:
randa
So Chloe accepted. Good for her. Hmmm… I wonder how much apartments in downtown Metropolis would cost. I eagerly await your next post. :biggrin:
~Michelle
It's cute how Lex knew which apartment Chloe would pick!! Now he just needs to get her a dog!! That would be sweet!! :biggrin: Thanks for the update!! I can't wait until Lex and Chloe's relationship becomes exclusive!! :yay: :chlexsign3: :yay:
Exactly what I was going to say!Quote:
Originally posted by autumngold@Dec 7 2004, 03:04 AM
It's cute how Lex knew which apartment Chloe would pick!! Now he just needs to get her a dog!! That would be sweet!! :biggrin: Thanks for the update!! I can't wait until Lex and Chloe's relationship becomes exclusive!! :yay: :chlexsign3: :yay:
Wonderful chapter! :yay: :worship2: :yay: