I didn’t know why I had agreed to the relationship. Last night, it had sounded fun. Just play around, go on a few casual dates, enjoy her company, and get it out of my system.
She ran into my office, panting as she placed the files on my desk. Her chest heaved as she gasped for breath; a lock of hair had slipped out of her bun, and she stood in front of me, flustered. Her cheeks were pink, and her bright eyes fixed on me.I wanted her. I needed her. Why did she make me feel this way? How could she stand there, a complete mess, and make me feel so strongly for her?
“I needyou to run down to Starbucks and get me a bagel,” I said, turning my laptop on. “And black coffee.”
“Yes, sir,” she said, and she ran out again. I wondered if she would have the sense to ask one of the interns to do the job. After all, I didn’t really expect her to go down herself.
She returned twenty minutes later, holding the coffee and the bagel, panting. I could see little sweat drops on her forehead. I was trying not to feel guilty.
“I changed my mind,” I said, not looking up from my work. “I want a blueberry muffin, and I want a cappuccino with it.”
My previous secretary wouldn’t even bat an eyelash. She would say a subdued, “yes sir,” and go and pass on the order to some poor intern. This one was different. This secretary was fun.
She glared at me, and I was sure she was considering throwing the coffee all over me. I didn’t really want it anyway; I just found it amusing to toy with her.
She picked up the bagel, took it between her hands, and started to crush it. I watched, bewildered, as she mushed it into the shape of a muffin and put it down in front of me. Then she walked over to the tea trolley and poured some milk into my black coffee before slamming it on the desk.
“Your muffin and cappuccino, sir,” she said, throwing me a charming smile.
I had to fight the urge to laugh. There were times I wondered if I was just attracted to her body, but at times like these, I realized I liked her for her charm and wit. I liked her for the fire inside her.
“I will see you at eight tonight,” I said simply.
“Excuse me?” she asked.
“Have you forgotten, Miss Beck?” I asked. “It was your idea, after all.”
She blushed, and I smirked. She did amuse me, no matter what other flaws she had.
“I will pick you from your apartment,” I said. “Now run along and cancel my appointment with the Graysons for tomorrow. Ask them when they would like it rescheduled.”
With that, we both returned to work, but I couldn’t help but look forward to our date. As long as I kept my heart guarded and didn’t let myself fall for her, it was just harmless fun. That was all.
∞∞∞
“Wow,” she said. “This place is beautiful.”
I had taken her to one of my favorite places. It was a small café that I often frequented and where I knew we wouldn’t be observed. The café was owned by an elderly couple who paid no attention to the news. It worked in my favor because they had no idea who I was. I had been going there for years, enjoying the anonymity. The other customers were all older, like the owners, and they were all regulars. None of them were concerned about who I was either, which was perfect for me.
“You should try their soup,” I said. “You will thoroughly enjoy it.”
“Hmm, what a clichéd line,” she said.
“Clichéd?” I asked.
“Well, that’s how all dates start. Try the soup. Try the chops. Try the steak. Let me guess, your next line will be, tell me about yourself? What are your hobbies? Do you do this often?” she said.
I raised an eyebrow and said, “No, I was going to ask you who he is.”
“Who?” she said, avoiding my gaze.
“The man who is following you around and dropping threats,” I said, leaning close to her. “Who is he?”
“Someone from my past,” she said. “A mistake. A huge mistake. What’s your next question?”
I knew she wasn't going to give me much more information, so I decided to change the topic. After all, it was really none of my business.
“Have you always been this useless, or is this a recently acquired talent?” I quipped as the food arrived.
