The next morning, El woke up earlier than usual.
As she came out of sleepy daze the events of the previous day flooded her mind making her feel uneasy.
'Relax El, Dwane won't do anything unless he finds me and I won't let him find me' she assured herself.
Despite her continuous assurance she was still anxious, so she decided to make breakfast to keep herself busy.
Patty informed her that Dwane and Ricky stayed back due to the storm.
El started preparing French toast.
A few minutes later, Dwane headed to the kitchen as he was feeling thirsty. He stopped at the kitchen entrance when he saw El.
She was wearing a black loose t-shirt and grey shorts. Her hair was tied up in a messy bun.
She was frying the French toast with one hand, while the other hand held the cigarette between her soft lips.
Moving away from the stove, she let out a puff making her face more clearer to him before the smoke blurred it.
Dwane cleared his throat to grab her attention. El turned around and looked at him. She continued to stare at him.
He was shirtless, flaunting his chiselled, godlike body.
"May I please have a glass of water?" he asked with utter chivalry.
El nodded and poured him a glass of water. "Here" she said, offering him the glass.
Dwane held the glass along with her hand. He stepped closer to her making her feel more uncomfortable.
As he slowly approached her he raised his hand and took the cigarette from her lips, El felt his finger slightly brush her lips.
Looking away Dwane took a puff and crushed the cigarette under his leg.
He took the glass from her hand and took a step back.
"It isn't safe to smoke near the stove." He said looking straight into her eyes and then took his leave.
El scoffed, 'Dwane Farehya thinking about my safety, how ironic.'
As she continued preparing her breakfast, different thoughts crossed her mind
'Should I poison Dwane's food? How about drinks? What if I prepare a special batch for him with an extra special ingredient. Poison would be too much, how about a laxative, yeah laxative that'll help get rid of him even for a short while'.
She continued her malicious thoughts and flipped the toast, it was burnt.
'Huh, maybe I don't have to add anything. Even the toast sensed my feelings. You are being too obvious Michelle. Don't let your cover be blown so easily, stay normal.'
She threw the burnt batch and started making fresh ones.
A few minutes later, Alec entered the kitchen and hugged El from behind. She stiffened at his touch.
"What are you doing here?" He asked seductively as he kissed her nape. Hearing his voice she relaxed herself.
"Don't you have office work to attend to?" He asked.
"I woke up early so I decided to make breakfast."
"But it's late now."
El was stunned when she time on her phone "Oh Fork" she cursed.
"Just give me five minutes, you wait outside." She said and kissed his cheek.
"Do you want any help?"
"No, it's almost done," she said, signalling him to leave.
Meanwhile, Alec, Ricky and Dwane were at the breakfast table. "Can you please wear something?" Alec asked Dwane, seeing him shirtless.
"Why what's wrong, I'm always like this."
"There is a lady in the house now."
"How does it matter?" Dwane ignored Alec.
"Yeah, unless you don't mind hot coffee scalding your skin. She is a walking hazard." Ricky said as he chortled.
"Stop making fun of her and Dwane could you please wear something I sincerely request" Alec said getting irritated by both of them.
Dwane rolled his eyes and went to wear something.
Both Dwane and El took their seats at the same time. Dwane's eyes were fixed on her, while her attention was on Alec.
As she took her seat, "Why are you sitting here?" She asked Alec who was not sitting in his usual place.
"To be close to you." He planted a kiss on her cheek. His words and actions made her blush.
In no time Patty served them their breakfast.
"Mm.. I haven't had this good french toast ever!" Ricky exclaimed in glee.
"It's delicious," Alec said.
El only had a plain smile on her face, Dwane's presence was still affecting her overall state of mind.
She was so affected by him that she ignored all other happenings around her, she was aware of Ricky trying to calm her down, but didn't question his intentions or ask herself how 'brother R' knows about her reaction towards Dwane.
She almost revealed herself in front of Ricky and he didn't ask any questions yet she wasn't mindful of it. She remained oblivious to all of the previous day's occurrences, barring Dwane's words and her conversation with Alec.
Right now she was even unaware that Alec was stroking his fingers on her bare knee.
Meanwhile Dwane bent down to pick his fallen spoon, his eyes were caught by Alec's actions under the table.
Unable to get any reaction from El, Alec pinched her thigh, making her slightly whimper in pain.
Dwane saw it, he sat back to his seat and looked at El, her cheeks were turning into crimson red unlike her pale appearance he had seen all this while.
"Everything's fine?" Ricky asked her. His voice reflected concern.
"A bug bit me." She said with a hint of sarcasm making Alec's face flush.
Understanding her sarcasm Ricky chuckled as well.
But, the lovey dovey couple was irking Dwane. He looked down and continued eating, ignoring them.
The long storm had finally subsided, allowing everyone to return to their respective jobs.