Chappter 3: Bound or Stapled?

A small, almost imperceptible smile touched the corner of Oliver’s mouth as she suggested a cafe mocha for tomorrow. The idea of another deviation from his usual black coffee routine seemed to amuse him in a way he rarely allowed himself. “Cafe mocha, huh?” he repeated, his voice losing some of its earlier gruffness. “You are quire the connoisseur of caffeine derivatives, aren’t you?” He watched her over the rim of his glasses as she studies her own latte, noting the way her fingers traced the condensation on the cup.  The nervousness in her posture was endearing in a way he couldn’t quite place. “You know,” he began leaning forward slightly and resting his chin on his hand. “For someone who works for me, you are awfully bold. Most people would not dare suggest changes to my daily routine.” Harper clears her throat softly, straightens her posture and says in a professional tone, “Well… a well-structured daily routine improves performance. If there is nothing else, I must see to those documents.”

Oliver’s lips quirked into a genuine smile, the rare sight softening the stern lines of his face. The professional tone she adopted only made her suggestion seem more endearing. “Improve performance,” he echoed, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. “Is that what we are calling it now? My secretary acting as my personal nutritionist and lifestyle coach?” He took another slow sip of his latte, savoring the taste while studying her determined expression. The way she straightened her posture and cleared her throat reminded him of a student presenting a project- except this student happened to be incredibly attractive and standing in his office. “Very well, that cafe mocha experiment begins tomorrow. And yes, go ahead and handle those documents,” he said finally, setting the cup down with a decisive click.

Anna nodded lightly and slipped out of Oliver’s office. A few minutes later she returned with the printed documents. Oliver watched as she re-entered his office, his gaze following her movement as she approached the desk. She places the document on his desk and asks, “Would you like the documents bound or stapled sir?” The way the light caught in her hair and highlighted her features made something tighten in his chest. “Bound,” he said abruptly, though his eyes remained fixed on her rather than the documents. “Three-hole punch and spiral binding should do fine.” He pushed his chair back slightly, creating space between himself and the desk. His hands rested on his thighs, fingers tapping an impatient rhythm against the fabric of his trousers. “While you are doing that,” he continued, his tone shifting to something more casual than usual. “Tell me something about yourself. What do you do outside of work?” The question hung in the air between them, a clear invitation for conversation beyond their professional dynamic. His icy blue eyes held hers expectantly, waiting for her response while trying to appear nonchalant about the sudden interest in her personal life.

“Oh, uh,” Harper stuttered, looking at Oliver with a surprised expression for a moment before bussing herself by collecting the necessary equipment needed to bind the document. Oliver’s expression softened as he watched her gather the binding supplies, his gaze lingering on her hands as they moved with practiced efficiency. “Not much, I go to the gym for about an hour a day and I read.” Harper admitted softly and the admission of her simple hobbies seemed to catch Oliver off guard- he had expected something more glamorous or exciting from someone so poised and young. Harper’s eyes flickered up to look at Oliver. “I am not particularly interesting,” she admitted. “Not interesting?” he repeated, a hint of genuine surprise in his voice. “That is... Refreshing.” He leaned back in his chair, studying her with newfound curiosity. “Most people in this company feel the need to impress me with their busy schedules and accomplishment. You are different.” his fingers tapped against the armrest thoughtfully. “Gym and reading- simple pleasures. I can appreciate that.”

A Small smile played at his lips. “What do you read? Business strategies? Classic literature?” He picked up his latte again, taking a slow sip while waiting for her response. The office felt different now- less formal, more like two people sharing a moment rather than boss and employee. “I am currently reading the newest edition of the fashion industry and its careers.” Harper said casually while she added the spiral binding to the document. Oliver’s eyebrows raised slightly at her response, a flicker of genuine interest replacing his usual stoic expression. The fashion industry- a world he knew intimately but rarely discussed outside of board meetings. “The newest edition,” he repeated, setting his latte aside with more purpose. “Which publisher? And what specifically caught your interest? Career paths or industry trends?” His ice-blue eyes followed her movements as she expertly fed the documents through the binding machine. There was something captivating about watching her perform even mundane tasks with such competence. “The fourth edition by Micheal Granger. I find the entire thing fascinating; I could not pick out a specific part that caught my interest if I tried.” Harper said shyly, a soft blush creeping up her cheek.

Oliver’s expression shifted, a genuine spark of curiosity lighting up his icy blue eyes. Micheal Granger’s work was renowned in the industry, and the fact that she was reading one of his latest books with such enthusiasm, piqued his interest. “The fourth edition,” he repeated, his voice carrying a note of respect. “Granger does not pull any punches. What part has you blushing like that?” He leaned forward slightly resting his elbows on the desk. The movement caused his sleeves to tighten across his muscular forearms. His gaze remained fixed on her face, studying the way the blush crept up her cheeks. “Oh, uh,” she stuttered, looking up at him nervously and placing a hand on her cheek.  “Don’t be shy, I am genuinely curious. What aspect of career development in the fashion industry could possibly make someone as poised as you look flustered?” Harper took a deep breath and said, “I don’t get much chance to discuss the books I am interested in. Most people don’t make work a hobby. They prefer clubbing...”