“This just came for you. Whoever sent you this must be very romantic.” Jacky gently placed the vase just beside her files. “Aren’t you even going to look at the card?” She asked when she ignored the beautiful roses.
“What was on the card?” She asked instead. Knowing Jacky, she already had an idea who the sender was and its contents.
“Just that he was waiting for your answer. There was no name.” She admitted with a frown on her face. “Do you have an idea who sent it to you?”
Jacky remained standing in front of her desk as if she was waiting for her to reveal her secret admirer. When she remained silent, Jacky circled her table and grabbed her shoulders, forcing her to face her friend. “What was he talking about?” Curiosity was written all over Jacky’s expression.
“How should I know? I’m as clueless as you.” She answered, making sure that her face remained as impassive as possible. Knowing her friend, any hint that she might have an idea, she would not hear the end of it. As of now, she had no time to deal with her friend.
She might have a hunch of who her mystery sender was and she would deal with him later. Right now, she had to focus on her job.
She walked out of her office and proceeded to her next meeting. Thankfully, Mr. Brown was more accepting and liberated from her ideas. They easily exchanged plans and proposals, although there were details that still need to iron out. She was glad that he was very amicable to her suggestions.
With the meeting over, she went back to her office and was face again with dealing with her admirer, who was not such a mystery after all. Sitting on her chair, she stared at the roses, wondering what was going through his mind doing such a gesture. A stupid and unwelcome token.
Dani,
I’m waiting for your answer…
Reading the note, she contemplated what he was waiting for. She did not like jumping to conclusions, but she could only think of one thing. She was not planning to sleep with him again. That was her rule and she was not about to break it just for him.
A beeping sound alerted her of an incoming message. She clicked on the app and the message popped up on the screen. She groaned upon seeing the text and with his name on the sender. Of course, it was him, who else could it be.
***Did you like the roses? Alex
She pressed the call button and waited for him to answer. “I’m glad you finally called. I’ve been waiting for almost two days.” The voice said as soon as the line was connected. “I assumed roses are your favorite.”
“What are you doing Mr. Princeton? I already told you, my answer. If you didn’t understand it the last time, the answer is NO.” She said annoyed, but at the same time thrilled to hear the familiar tone of his voice. As much as she hated it, her body was once again betraying her.
“The only answer I’m willing to accept is YES.” He said stubbornly, refusing to give up.
“Please stop it.” She hung up on him, not wanting to prolong their discussion. There was just no use to argue with him. She was frightened that she might give in to the temptation and finally agreed to his suggestion.
The rest of the day was more papers and phone calls that consumed her mind, distracting her from her unwanted thoughts.
But occasionally, her mind still kept on slipping and she found herself on forbidden grounds. She wanted him too and she could not keep on denying it. Though, it did not mean that she should act on it.
Jacky barged inside her office with determination in her stride. “Aren’t you going home yet? You have a dinner date remember.”
She looked at Jacky as if she had just grown a pair of horns. Her words did not register quickly in her brain since she was busy with her current cases.
“OMG! Dani, don’t tell me you have already forgotten. I just reminded you this morning that Evan already confirmed your dinner reservation.” Jacky reiterated. Picking up her bag and coat, ready to send her away.
“It just slips off my mind.” She replied as she finally comprehended what she was talking about. “I’ll just clear this up and I would head home immediately to prepare.”
She started stocking up the files on her table when she noticed the flowers on the corner of her table. She grabbed them and without a second thought, threw them in the bin behind her desk.
Staring at the card in her hand, it reminded her of that night when she woke up on his bed the next morning after she went home with him. She did not need any more reminders as she crumbled the card and let it dropped on the trash together with the flowers.
“Why did you do that?” Jacky said, astonished as she eyed the flowers with the trash. “These are perfectly beautiful flowers.” As she started picking it up again.
“Leave it.” She instructed, not wanting to see those flowers ever again.
“I think you knew who sent it. What are you not telling me?” Eyeing her with suspicion on her face. Jacky let go of the flowers and strode towards her with her hands settling on both sides of her hips. Demanding answers.
“Because that is where it belongs.” She said, not wanting any more argument. “I have to go. I don’t want to be late.” She had to leave before Jacky started questioning her more.
She knew that this was far from over, but that should keep Jacky off her back for a while.
“Better hurry up then.” Jacky changed her expression to excitement upon remembering her dinner date. “But I need an explanation later. I want full details.” Her friend shouted as she moved towards the elevator.
To her, this was not a date, but another meeting she had to endure for the company, her career, and her goals. Keep it professional was the key to her success.
Evan was already waiting at the table when she arrived at the restaurant. She glanced at her watch, relieved that she arrived just in time. If this was a real date, she might consider him, but she had sworn off dating and anything resembling a relationship. Meaning, getting involved with anyone was not her priority at the moment.
“Good evening Dani.” Gesturing for the chair as he assisted her.
“Thanks, Evan.” She said, taking the seat he offered. “This is a fancy place just for a welcome dinner.” She observed. Looking at the stylish and expensive decoration surrounding the room. It would take weeks or even a month to get a reservation in a place like this.
“Nothing but the best to welcome our new junior partner to the company.” He said as he settled on his chair across from her.
In an instant, a man in a crisp white shirt and a bow stood beside him and poured his glass with a bottle of red wine. Taking a sip, he nodded in approval and the man poured more to his glass and hers too.
After ordering a selection of delicious dishes from the menu, they talked about her impression of the company after her two weeks at the job. How she was adjusting from her new position, her expectations from the company, and clarifications on her responsibilities.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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