Ann was doing her work when Michael's secretary came to her desk.
"Ms.Stephen. The chairman wants to see you now."
Ann's heart skipped a beat...
She trembled. Did he remember me?
Ann stood up and walked to the chairman's room. She knocked twice and pushed the door open.
What she saw was a charming man wearing a white shirt sitting in front of the desk. His navy blue blazer hanging at the back of his office chair. "What a view!" she thought.
He was looking at some documents when he heard a silvery voice.
"Mr.Smith, were you looking for me?"
Michael looked up. A small smirk appeared on his face.
"Yes Ms. Stephen, I was looking through the monthly operations reports and I have to say that l'm impressed. You have managed to reduce the operations cost by 4% in the last quarter.
But I have also seen some inventory issues and customer complaints about our new product. What happened?"
"Yes Mr.Smith, I acknowledge the problem. We have already analyzed this. It was caused due to an unexpected bulk order from a client. We have already contacted the client, apologized and also given a revised delivery date. We sent an apology gift as well"
'Very well Ms.Stephen, I guess that's under control then. Now, for the operational inputs for our overseas business expansion plans, could you make a summary report and submit it within two days. I've a meeting with our investors this weekend."
While saying this, he got up from his chair and sat on top of the desk next to Ann, with one leg on the ground and the other hanging.
Ann's heart fluttered but she didn't step back as it would have seemed rude.
"Yes Mr.Smith. I'll submit it as soon as possible." she said, bowing to him.
Michael suddenly leaned forward.
Their faces were just inches apart and she could feel his warm breath on her neck.
"Do I smell that good, Ms.Stephen?", he asked in a husky voice.
Ann's eyes popped out. Mouth agape, her face turned red like a ripe tomato. Her mind went blank. No words came. She was in complete shock.
"Do you feel that much safe and secure in my arms, Ms.Stephen?" Michael spoke again with a sly smile.
He gazed down at her, a twinkle in his eyes.
"It seems that Ms.Stephen had accidentally spoken out her thoughts today morning".
Ann was so embarrassed right now that she wished the earth could just swallow her whole.
"I...I.."Ann stammered."I am sorry
Mr.Smith"was the only thing she could say.
"I will prepare the report you asked and submit it as soon as possible."
After saying this, she turned around and started to run when a hand suddenly held her wrist. A shiver went down her spine.
She stopped, turned around and looked at him.
The playfulness he had before has now replaced with the same concerned look he showed in the morning.
"Be very careful while crossing the road. Today, if not for me, you could have...." he wasn't able to complete the sentence.
"My car was parked on the side when you were trying to cross the road. I was looking at you. You were like a kid who needed help. "He smiled.
"That's why I decided to help you but before that you already started crossing and the rest you know. Don't be careless, Ms.Stephen.
And one more thing. Don't ever, EVER, jump on a moving bus. Are you a two-year-old to not know this? I've decided, I'll send someone to pick you up every day". Michael spoke sternly.
Ann stared at him for some time. "No need for that Mr.Smith. I can manage by my own."
After saying this, she dashed towards the door without looking back.
She closed the door and hurriedly walked to her desk.