22-Love After Heartbreak

Anna arrived at the office shortly before eight-thirty the following morning. She slept better than she had in weeks, and although there were still several things troubling her, she was beginning to appreciate the routine she had built for herself.

After greeting the receptionist, she walked towards her desk, placed her handbag in the drawer and switched on her computer.

The Henderson meeting was scheduled for the following afternoon, and she wanted to make sure everything was properly prepared before the end of the day.

She barely opened the financial report when Melissa approached with two cups of coffee.

"Good morning, hardworking woman," Melissa, one of her colleagues, greeted cheerfully, placing one of the cups beside Anna's keyboard.

Anna looked up with a smile. "Good morning. Is that coffee for me?"

"No, I brought it here to admire your desk." Melissa teased her.

Anna laughed as she reached for the cup. "Thank you."

Melissa pulled the chair beside her and sat down, watching as Anna took a sip.

"Did you finish preparing for tomorrow's meeting?" Melissa asked.

"Almost. I'm just checking the revised projections and making a few adjustments."

"You're taking this Henderson business very seriously."

"Of course I am. I don't want to walk into that room unprepared."

Melissa nodded. She had noticed how seriously Anna took her responsibilities since joining the company.

Despite being relatively new, she was determined to prove that she deserved her position, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to overlook her contributions.

"Well, I hope everything goes smoothly. And hopefully, Mr Henderson will remember that he's coming for a business meeting this time."

Anna gave her a warning look. "Melissa."

"What? I'm just saying."

Anna shook her head, laughing quietly before returning her attention to the computer.

***

Elliot arrived at the office a little after nine. He had already received several calls on his way to work, and his morning was expected to be particularly busy.

As soon as he stepped out of the elevator, his attention moved towards Anna's desk.

She was leaning slightly towards her computer, reading something on the screen. Her hair was neatly styled, falling around her shoulders, and she wore a fitted beige blouse tucked into a black skirt that followed the shape of her waist and hips.

A delicate necklace rested against her collarbone, while her understated makeup gave her face a fresh, polished appearance.

Elliot slowed his steps.

He had no reason to stop. He had a meeting scheduled in fifteen minutes, two reports waiting for his approval and a business call he had postponed the previous evening.

But he just couldn't help staring at her beautiful face.

Anna lifted her head and caught him looking.

"Good morning, Mr Hayes." shs greeted politely.

Elliot immediately continued walking towards his office, a faint smile appeared on his face.

She returned her attention to her computer, unaware that he had spent the last few seconds admiring her appearance.

A few minutes later, his assistant informed her that Elliot wanted to see her.

Anna collected her notepad and walked into his office.

"Good morning again," she greeted, closing the door behind her.

Elliot looked up from his laptop, stared at her shortly.

Anna settled into the chair opposite him while Elliot closed the document he had been reading.

"I reviewed the Henderson schedule. The meeting will focus on the revised partnership terms, so your financial analysis will be required." He said.

"All right. I've prepared the updated figures."

"Good. I want you to present the operating cost projections."

Anna nodded, making a note. "I'll be ready."

Elliot watched her for a moment. She was focused on her notepad, her expression serious as she wrote down his instructions.

He found himself noticing the way a loose strand of hair had fallen across her cheek.

He resisted the temptation to reach across the desk and brush it away.

Instead, he cleared his throat. "Did you have breakfast?" He asked.

Anna paused and looked at him. "Why?"

"Because I asked." He smirked.

She gave him a mildly suspicious look. "Yes, I did. Is there a reason you're suddenly interested in my eating habits?"

Elliot leaned back in his chair, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Would you prefer that I stop asking?"

"That depends. Are you going to start asking me what I had for lunch too?" Anna laughed, shaking her head. "You're an interesting man, Mr Hayes."

"I've been told that, thank you." He muttered.

"By yourself?"

He let out a genuine laugh, surprising her.

Anna looked at him. She wasn't accustomed to seeing him laugh so openly.

Most of the time, he carried himself with an expression that made people think twice before approaching him.

But there was something unexpectedly attractive about the way his face relaxed when he smiled.