Monday morning, I woke up really early to take my time to get ready for work. I’ve done my hair and make-up perfectly, chose my clothe and shoes to look good.
Justin noticed I was putting extra efforts to look good and asked, "Are you going on a date after work? What's with the dashing look?”
"Dashing? Oh, come on, it's Monday, I just thought I should look good to start the week, nothing special.”
"Perhaps I should go to work on my own today and let you get to work on your own later."
"Why? I'm nearly done." And in all honesty, I truly was.
"No, it’s not that. With you looking this good, if I walk beside you, they'll think I'm your errand boy just following the queen around to bear her tiara. I should save myself from the embarrassment."
"Do you always have to tease me like this Justin?" His statement had gotten me laughing.
We got to work just in time. On my way to the office, I looked back and saw Ian walking in. He was walking towards me wearing a grey suit and I smiled. When he got closer, I decided to greet him first. After all, he is still my boss.
I smiled again and greeted, "Good morning.”
The reaction I got was not what I was expecting at all. He barely even looked at me, as he brushed past me without responding to my greetings. I felt embarrassed, especially because I was so happy to see him and I thought he would be, too.
I quietly walked to my office feeling stupid.What was I even thinking? That he would cease to be an asshole in one night?Apparently, he had proven me wrong that he opened up to me and we had connections. He was still an asshole! To think I had put in all the extra efforts to look good today to get his attention. What was I thinking?
"What's going on with you Ash? Get it together!"I yelled at myself., I was upset that I was still thinking about him - How handsome he looked this morning with his neatly shaved beards and those gorgeous eyes. It is official; I need help! I had to be losing my mind!
Chapter 22
Ian
Ashley looked exceptionally beautiful this morning and there is no denying that. I was almost tempted to look back after I had walked past her. But some feelings are better left unattended to.
As much as I yearned for and wanted to be with Ashley again, I couldn't. What would be the reaction from everyone in the office if they find out I slept with Ashley? The speculations that Ashley got her job based on nepotism would now seem to be true.
Ashley is a smart girl and a great asset to my company. The one night that we had was already making everything awkward between us. I must put an end to this madness before it escalated and I ended up losing the talented creative director for my business. The office romance never ends well and needed to keep things in check.
However, I couldn’t stop thinking about that night with Ashley. It was the first time I could really open up to someone, and the physical attractions for each other was undeniable. I couldn’t keep denying my feelings for Ashley much longer. I loved this girl.
But this was one feeling that I promised myself to avoid. I wish I had the courage to accept my feelings for Ashley. I wonder how she was feeling right now after how I had treated her this morning. I bet she had anticipated a more friendly response from me. I didn’t know what I was supposed to do anymore! I could ask Ryan for advice, but I already knew what his advice would be and I was not sure if I was ready to follow the advice.
I stretched my hands across the table and dialed my assistant, Leslie.
"Hello, Leslie"
"Hello Sir". She responded as she waited for my instructions.
"Go to Ashley Lane’s office and tell her to give g you all the documents that she's supposed to bring to my office later on. Let her know that I said you'll be bringing them instead and I'll be sending feedbacks to her through you or via email or text. Did you get what I said?"
"Yes, sir. I'll get right to it."
"Also, don't let anyone into my office without my permission. Only Ryan is exempted from this".
"Alright, sir". I dropped the call before she could complete her sentence. I am in no mood for formalities.
Just then, Ryan walked into my office looking pumped. I had a feeling he was pumped for something he wanted to hear from me. He kept giving me a look.
"What? What's with the faces you're making? You're a grown man, you know? Stop acting like a kid.” I retorted, trying to throw him off balance so he couldn’t bring up the topic about Ashley.
"Or maybe you're the one who just won’t grow up and keep denying feelings that you clearly have inside." He rolled his eyes daring me to go into full-blown rage.
"What do you want from me Ryan? I'm not really in the mood for your shenanigans."