On Thursday, Alexander scheduled a meeting at noon with the executive team to talk about the company's upcoming expansion into international markets. The conference room was filled with high-ranking employees, and Natalie was seated at the opposite end of the table, jotting down notes on her tablet. Typically, Alexander, positioned at the forefront, led the conversation with authority, his resonant voice capturing the focus of all present.
While the meeting went on, Natalie sensed her phone vibrating with a message. Looking down, she noticed an email alert from Alexander. Sending tasks to her during meetings was a common practice for him, but when she read the message, she felt her heart skip a beat.
"Miss Sanders"
See me in my office following this meeting. I have more tasks for you to complete. —A. Pierce"
The formal yet personal tone of the email made her stomach turn. Ignoring the feeling, she concentrated on the meeting once more, making sure her thoughts stayed on track.
After the meeting came to an end, everyone started to leave the room while talking to each other. Natalie collected her belongings, briefly locking eyes with Alexander before she exited. He showed no signs of anything unusual, but the way he gazed at her stirred her heart, causing her to feel anxious despite trying to remain composed.
A few minutes later, she reached his office, tapping on the door gently before entering. Alexander was seated at his desk, focused on typing on his laptop, with a look of intense concentration on his face.
"Did you need to speak with me?" she inquired, hiding her nervousness in her tone of voice.
Looking up, his face was impossible to interpret. Shut the door.
Natalie followed the instructions, feeling a sense of déjà vu when the door clicked closed behind her. The room appeared more cramped, causing her to feel stifled, and she couldn't ignore the tension hanging in the air between them.
"Alexander started by mentioning some extra reports that require your focus, maintaining his usual formal tone." I need you to collaborate with the international team to complete the logistics for our expansion into Asia. I require a comprehensive plan by the week's end.
She gave a nod, somewhat taken aback by the sudden shift back to work. "I will ensure that it is completed."
There was a moment of silence between them, with neither speaking. Alexander continued to gaze into her eyes, his face revealing no emotion. There was an underlying secret, something they had both avoided discussing since their last dinner.
"Is that everything?" Natalie inquired, her voice remaining steady despite the flutter of nerves in her chest.
Alexander paused briefly, and in that moment, she observed a glimpse of something in his eyes - something that went against the composed, distant front he had been showing. However, it disappeared abruptly, giving way to the detached professionalism he had been holding onto.
"Indeed," he replied at last, relaxing in his seat. "That is everything."
Natalie nodded and started to walk away, but his voice halted her before she could reach the door.
"Natalie."
Her hand hesitated over the door handle as her heart raced inside her chest. It was the initial instance he had called her by her first name since they had established their boundaries. Gradually, she shifted to look at him, feeling her heart rate increase.
For a brief moment, Alexander gazed at her with a tense jaw and intense eyes that made her uneasy. She could tell he was struggling with something by the way his fingers were gripping the desk tightly, his knuckles turned white from the pressure.
"We must make something clear," he stated in a calm, subdued voice. I am the person in charge of you, and this is a workplace where professionalism is important. The situation that occurred between us cannot be repeated.
Natalie felt her throat constrict. She desired to say anything to shatter the dense silence that ensued his words, but she was unable to. She just nodded, sensing the gravity of the situation descending upon her.
"I require you to concentrate on the task," Alexander carried on, his gaze fixed on hers. "And I'll do likewise." There is too much on the line for either of us to lose concentration.
Despite her heart racing, she maintained a poker face and nodded once more. "I comprehend."
"Excellent." He bent over, placing his elbows on the desk, with his intense gaze unchanged. The last thing I want is for this, whatever this may be, to disrupt the work we have to complete.
Natalie experienced a mix of relief and disappointment that felt odd to her. She was prepared for a heated clash, but Alexander had already stated his stance. He continued to maintain a distance, establishing boundaries once more, and she had no option but to honor it.
"I will not allow it to disrupt," she whispered calmly, her voice unwavering.
Alexander's nod was accompanied by a subtle softening of his expression. I am aware that you will not.
Having said that, Natalie left his office, feeling her heart race as she walked down the hallway. The discussion was needed - maybe even bound to happen - but it didn't make the circumstances less difficult.
Returning to her desk, a whirlwind of emotions filled her mind. She had wanted things to return to normal and for Alexander to maintain a strictly professional attitude. However, having done so, she couldn't get rid of the persistent sensation of an unresolved issue between them.