"You're going on a blind date?"
I looked away from the computer screen. My crazy boss was sitting at my desk. He tilted his head. Those dark eyes were waiting for an answer. I adjusted my glasses, then went back to my computer."You're asking because you know, right?" I retorted."I don't think it's been that long since you broke up. You're not easily traumatized, Ms. Green.""The past is in the past, Mr. Davis."He chuckled, then downed his favorite drink, green wine. There was an uneasy feeling watching him drink. Because the contents of the glass were constantly moving and might spill."The treaty is over," he said, glancing at me. He squinted. Without words, I knew he was bringing up the agreement that I accidentally broke, I mean I didn't know I broke it. He spoke again, "If you wanna make another agreement, I won't mind. I'll ensure you get punishment from me."I shook my head. For three months, this man was so crazy that I was almost infected. I was able to survive because of the goal of getting rich to get revenge on my ex."Avery, who told you about the blind date?""My friend."He nodded. His left palm touched the table as he brought his face closer. The scent of expensive perfume wafted over. His ocean-deep voice greeted my ears, "You know, the people there are random. Some of them have other intentions.""I can take care of myself. I'm a black belt in karate." I replied while turning away slightly. His damn handsome face burned my cheeks."If he can do all the martial arts?""The police are reliable."He leaned closer again, then whispered in the lowest voice he had, "They'll take advantage of you."I got up from the chair. My feet went to the mini fridge to get a bottle of beer. Before I could open the lid, it was snatched away. I turned my head."Mr. Davis, please don't interrupt my work."The beer bottle was placed on top of the cabinet where I couldn't reach it. A proud smile was etched on the frame of his mesmerizing face. His muscular hands were held in front of his body. Those coveted broad shoulders lay against the windowpane."You're the one interrupting. In my building, there is no alcohol other than green wine. Claim, how did you smuggle that beer in?""The other employees drink it and you okay with it.""The other employees aren't obedient like you, Avery."I threw my hands behind my body. My feet turned back to the desk. I coughed a little. This summer was as hot as my heart when I interacted with him. My hand fanned my face."Avery, marry me."I looked to the right. I aim my knife-sharp gaze at him. The wine was almost gone. That means he's drunk. I pulled away.The treads of leather shoes approached. Breath hit my neck, leaving a burning trail. I swallowed nervously. "Mr. Davis, don't bother me working," I begged."Avery... I always call your name, why don't you do the same?""That kind of thing isn't in the contract."He clucked. His free hand wrapped around my shoulder. My body froze. His cold lips touched my earlobe. "We have a verbal contract, darling," he argued. "It says you agree to my arguments.""This verbal contract is valid until I get bored. Do you get it?" he added."What do you want?"His soft laughter flowed like my favorite French song. "Call my name.""Graciano."He laughed again. My hearing was spoiled. He moved a hand to rub my shoulder. Instantly my whole body got goosebumps, the same sensation as in his apartment."Don't go on that blind date.""Blind dates are an out-of-office business. You can't forbid me.""My fault. Avery, don't leave work for that blind date."There was always something wrong when this man was drunk. I sighed. "Why do you want me not to go on a blind date?""Why would you wanna go on a blind date?" he said quickly. His left hand hugged me possessively. Sometimes I feel like Graciano was once a lonely boy.My hair stood up the second his lips left a trail down my cheek. I widened my eyes and was about to brush it away. However, he casually intervened, "Erase that and you'll have no leave.""What do you really want?!""You."I moved my body to break away. The further this conversation went, the crazier I became. Inside me, my heart beat abnormally, my stomach felt full like many dragonflies were flying inside.Graciano opened his arms. He moved to the front of the table. His eyebrows dipped sharply.I pulled my gaze away. Office hours were coming to an end. I needed to tidy up the desk. Then do my makeup. My first blind date was today.Ignoring Graciano's presence, I cleared the desk, stacked files, and took out the trash. When I turned around, he was already standing behind me. The wine glass wasn't in his hand."Do you need someone to lean on?" he asked."Not really.""I can't beat your ambition to go on a blind date." He decided. The resigned expression made me feel sorry for him. Graciano told me, "You can go on it, but I'll decide."I frowned. "What do you want to decide?""Your dating partner.""Mr. Davis, I have a partner," I called out with a small smile."No, no. He won't be your partner."His leather shoes took a step forward. I would have backed away, but I didn't. This man's dominance was at work and I must not be swayed. His thumb traced my jawline, then stopped at my chin. He lifted my chin."I will be."In the blink of an eye, Graciano kissed me passionately. The kiss was soft but then rough. I closed my mouth when he wanted more. Tricky, he bite my lips so I didn't have options. Our tongues met. It made me breathless and overwhelmed.I didn't have any idea but to replied his kiss.On a glorious summer afternoon, I was in a pastry shop. A cup of black coffee on the table. The steam coming out of it slowly faded over time. Again, I looked out the window. At lunchtime, my boyfriend texted me to talk about something. I looked at the wall clock. Ten minutes had passed. I didn't wanna be anxious or suspicious. So, I ordered two tiramisus. When Xavier comes, I'll let him eat these. A few minutes later, the waiter arrived. The two tiramisus on the table coincided with a limousine pulled up opposite the shop, near the office. I stared intently at the vehicle. The person I knew driving the white limousine was Gracella. She's a rich girl from the Lawrence family, who own casinos in Las Vegas. One month ago she suddenly showed up at the company and introduced herself as an investor. There's nothing wrong with being an investor in a food company. However, the look she gave to Xavier gave me pause. Even though I thought she was a rich girl and must've been matched with s
The sky turned sad with every step I took toward home. The love story that I thought was forever beautiful turned horrible in an instant. I was dumped because I wasn't rich!I wiped my hand on my nose. Damn, Xavier Clarke! If he knew I wasn't rich, why did he agree to my invitation for a date? He should have picked a richer girl from the start."Fuck you!" I swore as I ruffled my hair until the knot came loose. I looked down. That hairband I always wore, was a gift from my ex. Now, it was as broken as our relationship.I took another step. A French restaurant at the crossroads beckoned with its long queue. I stood on the other side waiting for the crosswalk light. Before I knew it, I was home. Tired of walking for 3 km doesn't feel when your heart is hurting.After the light turned, I stepped quickly towards the restaurant to the side. My house is on the second floor. The restaurant belongs to my mother, Laure Agreste, a talented chef.I opened the door and was immediately greeted by
The next day, I back to Blue Star Food Company. With a confident stride, I headed for the division floor. As I was about to enter, I bumped into Kenneth. His golden hair was shiny as usual, as was his smile. "Good day, Avery." "Good morning." "Beautiful as always." "Thank you." I nodded and Kenneth waltzed into his room. Kenneth Owen was the half-year head of the programming division. His cold nature was public knowledge. It was just that he made a smile every time I met him.I headed for my desk. My gaze went straight to the other side, Xavier's desk. It was already empty. I was sure our internship hasn't ended yet. I wonder, where did he go? Keeping the question to myself, I sat down and turned on the computer. A resigned sigh could be heard from the other side. "We're doomed. Lowly employees like us will be expelled. I have to find a new job." "That's right, we're so ruined that the summer is turning into agony. It's so hot...." I lowered my gaze. The file I analyzed was f
My eyes were glued to my phone all the way home. Upon opening the door, I was jolted by my mother's presence. In her chef's uniform, she was in the kitchen. I turned off my phone and put it in the bag."Isn't it restaurant rush hour?" I asked as I approached her.She glanced at me. "You didn't eat dinner yesterday because I forgot to leave food.""Why didn't you come down to the restaurant yesterday?" she continued.I put my butt on the chair. I kept my hands on my lap. I replied, "The restaurant was crowded and I was tired. So I went straight to bed.""That's why your eyes are swollen."I nodded.She turned off the stove, picked up a plate, and poured the food onto it. She served me five pieces of crepes. "No leftovers," she warned."Okay."Her hurried steps led her to wash her hands, then disappeared quickly behind the door. She was busy, I could tell. Still, I wanted to imagine us eating together.I went to the refrigerator to get some green grapes. Then, the silence that I just re
I spent the following days looking for Ace Company's information and a day off. At first, I thought it would be difficult due to the chaotic state of the office. However, they played dumb and gave me a day off on Thursday.This afternoon, I was practicing answering questions for tomorrow's interview. The time I have was very limited. So, I must work hard to prepare myself.I looked at my reflection in the mirror. My new shirt fits my body perfectly. I tucked my hair behind my ear, then went back to reading the paper taped to the mirror frame."I chose to join this company because the values upheld by the company are very much in line with my values. I believe that this value congruence will allow me to contribute optimally and make a positive impact in a mutually supportive work environment."After the sentence was finished, I flashed a smile. Then, I realized that my sentence was too long and sweet-talking. I came to the mirror to cross out the unnecessary words.Adrien came in meowi
Las Vegas summers ignite the passions of its people. Cafes are not devoid of ice sales, and hotels have guests every second. I was on my way to the subway. It's a long distance from home to Ace Company. It takes three stations to get there.After getting my ticket, I waited for the train to arrive. Today, the station was packed with foreign tourists. They look pleasant in their summer clothes. I hope I get rich and travel the world with satisfaction.The train arrived. I stepped inside while tightening the grip on my bag. My journey will be long. There's a chance I might fall asleep, but I decide to stay awake. In this crowd, it's very possible that there could be pickpockets or something.I stood up and held onto the pole. My eyes scanned each person who was busy looking down at their phone. This was the first time I've used the subway to travel far. Taking a taxi might have been more convenient, but I wasn't that rich."Last night's green wine was delicious. I'm going back to that c
A frown creased my forehead. For a moment, I thought he wanted to offer me a drink. But then I realized he was asking me to get drunk.I smiled slightly, then looked up. My neck reached its limit as I stared at his chin. "Thank you, Mr. Davis, but I'm driving.""So, there's too much dust in your car."I looked down at my shoes. The black color had faded a little during the journey here. I smiled a little. "I haven't cleaned them yet."A strand of my hair was pushed behind my ear. His strong fingers accidentally touched my cheek. He touched the tiny beads of sweat in my hair."Avery Green, what do you want from me?" The low voice was beautiful, an implied warning to me not to misbehave with him. I inhaled, then exhaled slowly. I explained, "I want to work for you and get rich." "What are you getting rich for?" The woodsy scent emanating from him made it hard for me to breathe. He was tall, powerful, and in control here. My mind was stuck from being pushed around by him. I was at a l
The next day, I went back to Ace Company. This time, I took a taxi after getting off at the second station. Just in case, I polished and diligently checked my flat shoes frequently.The yellow taxi driver was trying to drive in the middle of a traffic jam. I looked at my watch. I left early so I wouldn't be late. I also called in sick suddenly to get extra time off. Through the glass, I admire the blue sky of Las Vegas. The king of the sky was on its throne, but the Ace building blocked its light. It was the tallest building, dominating like its owner.The taxi stopped in front of the building. I paid the fare and got out. As I walked there, I wiped my hands with sweat. I wouldn't let Graciano know my lie.The glass door opened automatically as I approached. The same receptionist was still there. This time, she immediately told me Graciano was waiting for me in his room.I went alone to the elevator. Unexpectedly, the two employees were in the same elevator as me. I averted my eyes f