CHAPTER 3:
The next morning, tension filled the air. We engaged in missing each other's gaze, thinking of each other.
All our friendly visuals went out, in other words.
Colleagues read the mood. Rumors did the rounds.
"Don't you think there are some hitches in the plans?"
"Things seem to have gotten ugly." My colleagues muttered to themselves.
Focusing only on my jobs, I attempted to erase any kind of memory.
No, Alex's stare seems to remain in the atmosphere. I could still feel his warmth on me. But we were not in a position to relax.
Office policy loomed. Professional distance was crucial.
Alex was unresponsive. He kept his door locked.
I was quiet, but of course, his presence was missing.
When it was lunchtime, we were in different areas.
There were things that didn't need to be said.
Both guilt and desire caused commotion in the relative corners.
For how much longer would we be able to continue with this facade?
I couldn't concentrate. It was like I had been cut open inside.
Thoughts of him almost crying out as I stopped our passionate moment haunted me.
Why didn't he listen? Why did he have to cower? Why…
Office policy was clear. Fraternization was forbidden.
But my heart refused to listen. Alex's gaze, his touch, his kiss...
Alex's eyes can control anything, even my solid emotions.
I wanted him.
But I had a duty to perform.
Is this love or lust? ... either one, I can't risk it.
Alexandra's POV
There I was. Locked in the office as though seeking shelter from all outside chaos while trying to keep my thoughts in order.
Emotions swirled in one's mind, starting from sadness raging enough to turn it gray, hopelessness turning blue, and anger burning red.
Emily's face haunted me. Her smile, her laughter...
Our connection was undeniable. But professionalism demanded distance.
I couldn't risk losing her. Or my job. Or our reputation.
But avoiding her hurt.
Was this the end? Or a new beginning?
On Monday morning, I received a piece of news that our most-awaited investor was about to step foot into the state.
As CEO, I couldn't make any mistakes.
Mr. Lee, the foreign investor, was crucial.
He was absolutely crucial for securing the investment that would save the company and has always been my father's desire. I have to succeed.
However, I was sure that Emily would come in handy.
"Emily, we need to talk," I called.
She entered, professional mask intact.
"Mr. Lee arrives tomorrow," I briefed.
"His investment could save us."
"I know," Emily replied.
"We must present a united front."
"Agreed," I said.
The tension between us grew as our eyes locked. Tension lingered.
"Let's focus," I continued.
"We'll work through the night."
"Prepare the financials," I instructed.
"I'll handle the marketing strategy."
"Yes, sir," Emily replied.
Her voice stirred memories.
I pushed them aside.
"Emily?"
"Yes?"
"Let's keep this professional."
She nodded.
"For the company's sake."
Late Night Engagement
We definitely did a lot of work.
Emily's interest and comprehension regarding the financial analysis impressed me.
As I look at Emily, her concentration draws me in, appreciating the loose waves of her hair framing her face and the way her eyes are looking at the screen a little too intensely. I cleared my throat, shaking off the distraction.
"I think you are doing amazing," I said calmly, trying to hide my growing attraction before I became too flustered by her charm. "Good luck!"
"Thanks, Alex," Emily responds while smiling radiantly, "I couldn't have done it without your help."
"It's my pleasure," I say, blinking my eyes. "You have all the talent in the world for this profession."
Emily's shoulder lightly rubs against mine, causing my body to quiver as chills run up my spine. I fight the urge to wrap my arm around her.
"Coffee break?" I ask, fully standing up, hoping that standing would ease the tension that had been accumulating.
"Sounds perfect," Emily says, raising her arms above her head like she is stretching after a tough game.
We exchanged glances.
For a moment when we forgot about professionalism.
"Alex," Emilie whispered during our walking.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry,"
"For what?" He asked
"Apologies for giving in."
I felt a skip in my heart for a moment.
"Emily…."
"Sorry," she cut me off.
Emilie continued the same tempo.
"I shouldn't have said that."
"Emily, look at me."
She met my gaze.
"We'll discuss this later."
"Okay?"
"Okay."
Around us, the break room is bustling with activity, and we are engaging in small talk, excluding the tasks at hand.
"What is it about your life that you have a cherished book in hand?" I inquire, unable to hold myself back any longer.
"One book that comes to mind is from Jane Austen, called 'Pride and Prejudice,'" Emily says, her sparkling eyes glaring into mine. "And what about you?"
"Paulo Coelho—The Alchemist, I smile as I answer. "It's in pursuit of your dreams."
"I love that," she exclaims. "It's a great feeling to explore. That has always been my dream."
"Ooh! Where do you want to go?" I ask, slightly shifting away from the counter to engage more.
"Europe, Japan. Everywhere!" Emily ends up laughing. "You, where are you from?"
"I think it's the same with me as well," I snicker. "Wouldn't it be wonderful to plan a trip together one day?"
As Emily's gaze meets mine, I believe my heart rate quickens.
As we return to our workplaces, my hands and Emily's come into contact, and I felt electric tingles of arousal rush through my body.
"Let us go over the presentation once again," I offered, attempting to concentrate.
"Sometimes I wonder what is up with you," Emily giggles while looking at the slides.
"I think we have prepared quite well for this," she smiled and said.
I return her grin and enjoy the feeling of the bond we share.
"Thank you, one/you two. You guys are so great," I say for the next time, amazed at myself for saying that.
Her pretty warm cheeks are tinted with crimson.
Emily's POV
As we worked, memories lingered. Alex's gaze, his touch, his kiss... I pushed them aside.
Focus. For the company. For our future.
"Outstanding work, Emily," smiled Alex.
My cheeks suddenly began to feel warm.
Appraised by Alex on my assignment, I feel warm inside. He smiles, and I feel a flutter in my chest.
"Thanks," I said while smiling.
We took a glance at each other.
Professionalism took a back seat.
Alex suggested we take a break in the coffee room, which sounded like a good way to de-stress.
On our way to the coffee room, I could feel the tension between us. I wanted to talk about the previous night.
"Alex?" I whispered.
"Yes?"
"I'm sorry."
"For what?"
"For giving in and not being professional."
His eyes locked onto mine.
"Emily..."
I couldn't explain the expression on his face. Regret? Desire?
"Sorry," I interrupted.
"I shouldn't have said that."
"Emily, look at me."
Our gazes met.
"We'll discuss this later."
"Okay?"
"Okay."
Why did I apologize?
Fear of rejection?
Or fear of burning desire?
The expression that Alex had...
Was it yearning?
What's rejection?
I could not figure it out.
The meeting that was scheduled for tomorrow was so close.
The investment from Mr. Lee...
Our lives depend on it.
I buried the reservations in my mind.
I zoomed into the assignment.
But what Alex told me started coming back.
"We will talk about it later."
Was it a promise or a threat?.
A few minutes into the coffee break, Alex asks me about my favorite book. I'm surprised by how much we have in common.
When Alex mentions traveling, my excitement gets the best of me. "Europe, Japan... everywhere," I reply, laughing.
Alex chuckles, his eyes sparkling. "Maybe we can plan a trip together someday."
Alex laughs, his eyes twinkling. "Maybe we can go on vacation together sometime."
My heart skips a beat at the suggestion. Is he flirting?
As we return to our desks, Alex's hand brushes against mine as we wanted to exchange documents, sending sparks flying. I wonder if he feels it too.
"Do you believe we will be able to live up to what we understood of Mr. Lee so clearly?" I say acting as unconcerned as possible.
"I'm sure we will," Alex replied, and I love his level of assurance. "Emily, we make a good team."
The words in their context make my spine tingle.
Alex's compliment leaves me breathless.
"Already taking a deep breath for no reason but thanks Alex," I hear myself say out loud.
But deep down, I am captivated.
As we reviewed the presentation, our shoulders touched, sending shivers down my spine and increasing the tension in the office.
I look up to see Alex staring back at me.
For that exact moment, words just went away from both of us.
There is a lot of tension between us. The storm hasn't struck yet, though.
Alex's voice grants that wish as he snaps.
"Are you ready to nail this meeting?" he inquires cheerfully.
I still am lost in his eyes and give an affirmative gesture in response.
"Let us do it," I said, hoping to sound convincing.