Ian stood in front of me, his black jacket partially covering the navy blue t-shirt I saw him wear and his free hands In the pocket of his black shorts. He looks like a rich young man, of course he's rich and a porch.
He appeared calm as if he hadn't humiliated me enough, that I'm almost praying for the ground to swallow me. It's the first time I have been this close to him, I mean after the incident in his office yesterday. I underestimate his height. He's a model and models high this intimidating height, his cold gaze only makes me more nervous. What I don't understand is working extra hours. I can't recall going into any agreement with him. Maybe I should confront him for a rise.
A faint sheen of sweat dampens the back of my neck and I squeeze my hands at my side. It's surreal to face him after watching him from a distance for so long. Even though I have pictured these moments a thousand times, I'm not ready. But in none of this scenario I had imagined were we
"You scared me." Clutching my hands at my chest I said.
He didn't speak, he just stood there looking at me. Seconds pass by which seems like months before a devilish smirk unfolds his lips.
"Why are you startled?" He asked
"Why? You scared the crap out of me."
"I thought you're the famous Cleopatra." He turns his back and walks towards the tomb.
"Wait."
Ian came to the clearing and sat on the small headstone. Putting his umbrella aside. I stand there looking at him dumbfounded, not sure of what to do with myself. He motioned me to come closer to him. His eyes are on the cemetery sprawling around us. He takes out a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket, lighted one out of it and started smoking. But he seems to be absorbed in his thoughts, smoke curling out from his mouth.
I never knew he had this habit. I was surprised but reading from his facial expressions he seemed disturbed. The long walk to the cemetery just to smoke. Although it makes sense he is trying to escape from the world.
"I know you're surprised I smoke." He took the thought out of my mind. "Are you gonna stand there all night?" He coldly said.
I wondered how someone in his prime could have such a cold voice? I take a seat on the headstone beside him. Keeping my distance. My mouth dries and I can feel my heart jump to my throat. I wasn't ready to interact with him or maybe it is because I'm nervous and scared of him. He looks at me as he exhales the smoke from his cigarettes. I don't know why I sat there, but there's no way I'd Walk through the night alone so I patiently waited for him.
"I'm just waiting for you so that I don't just go back alone." I explained.
"You don't really have a choice, do you?" The light from the small orange lamps in the cemetery illuminates him.
"Beth." He kept quiet and continued. "Have you ever had obsessives in your life?" Hearing him say my name sent a strong oscillating sensation through my body.
He tone, and I realized he's a terrible conversation starter. "Yes. One of them is working at coastal." I replied to him not minding whatsoever.
Liar liar.
Ian raises an eyebrow. "Oh yeah?"
I know there's no way I'm going to escape this right now. I'm beginning to think he knows more of me than I do. It all converges to the extent Ian dropped his cigarettes and stamp on it to out the light. "Of course you decided to apply annually for the past four years. Why? Are you hitting on me?
"No way I needed the job, it's been-" my mouth opens in surprise but I quickly close it. I'm so embarrassed I try to back up myself.
"We both know you're lying."
I don't like where this conversation is going. I fidle with my hands on my laps. "Of course not."
He stands to his feet and I feel helpless sitting so I stand up finally facing each other and my breathing becomes rapid and inconsistent.
I trailed behind him, like every guilty person would do after being caught, but he wasn't entirely the main reason I applied there. I needed the work.
I wet my lips. " I have no idea what you're talking about."
Ian approaches me and I back away until my back hits a tomb behind me. He presses his hands against the wall next to my head, making me nervous. "I don't have time for your games, answer me."
My breathing is a mess. "I thought we could go back since we came …here...together."
"Is that so?"
He's too close for my poor heart health. "It's a free town and I can walk on my own."
Ian takes my chin in his hand and forces me to raise my head and look at him. His touch felt warm on my cold skin. His hair is articulating with his perfect face. His lips glistened. Having him this close is too much for me. "You think I don't know about your little obsession with me?" He asked again.
Embarrassment set my cheeks ablaze. I tried to shy away, his hands holding my cheeks in place.
He insisted I answer him, with determination. "Let me go." I demand removing his hands from my cheeks. He stays Infront of me not backing away and the intensity of his presence disarms me.
"You're not going anywhere until you answer me."
"I don't know what you are talking about, I simply applied because I needed work, and your company seems to give the perfect... payment." I swallow.
His tone lowered, but not yet satisfied. "You're my secretary because…"
I broke in. "I think since you know I'm your secretary, I ought to have privileges too don't you think. Besides, I'm not supposed to be working extra hours." He was surprised at the way I vomited out my perception.
"My secretary goes everywhere I go. I believe you didn't forget the terms and conditions."
"He's cunning." I mumbled to myself.