As the elevator stops on floors, people get off and shift around in the car. She eventually moves to my side. Soon enough, we’re the only two people on the elevator.
“Exceptional, hm?” she asks, looking up at me.
“Would you prefer extraordinary or phenomenal?”
“I’d prefer whichever is the truth.”
“All of the above.”
The elevator stops on the top floor, and when the doors open, I hold my hand out for her to go first.
Michelle looks up, seeing me trailing in after Seraphine, and quickly glances at my office.
“Mr. Caldwell,” she says. “Good morning.”
“Good morning, Michelle.”
“Is everything okay, sir?”
“Of course. Why wouldn’t it be?”
“I just wanted to make sure is all. You’re usually here by now.”
“Just had a busy weekend. Needed some extra sleep.”
“Of course.” She smiles and gets back to her work. Seraphine had continued on, and is likely waiting at my office door, since it’s locked and she doesn’t have a key.
I let us in, and quickly shut the door behind us, dropping my briefcase on the floor and cupping Seraphine’s face, pressing her to the door so I can kiss her.
“You drive me crazy,” I say against her lips.
She smiles, then presses a hand to my chest, pushing me away. She has hardly any strength behind her, but I step back because she wants me to.
“Can we talk?”
Her words catch me off guard, but it’s the look on her face that concerns me.
“Of course.”
I pick up my briefcase and bring it to my desk. I lost myself and should have been in control. Especially while at the office. Though things were said in the heat of the moment on the boat yesterday, it doesn’t mean she is okay with them actually happening. Though I will do everything in my power to convince her so.
I go to the coffee station and start a pot of coffee. Before Seraphine started working for me, I would use the single serve option, but now that we both drink it, this is easier. I prepare each of our mugs, putting some of the caramel creamer she enjoys into hers. When they’re filled, I bring them over to my desk and take a seat, sliding hers toward her.
I take a small sip, then place my cup down.
“What do we need to talk about?” I ask.
“I had a lot to think about last night.”
I nod, urging her to continue.
“I’m not sure what is going on with us, and not that it needs a label or anything, but I think it’s only fair that I get a handle on this stuff with Harrison before anything else happens.”
“That’s fair.”
“Is it?” she asks, as if she isn’t sure herself.
“It is.” I nod. “I understand why you would want to do that, but can I ask you something without you being offended?”
