Chapter 2: Too Much Black Coffee

Over time Oliver notices Harper’s presence more and more. He notices how she handles her tasks with efficiency and grace. He notices her attention to detail and how skilled she was at organizing. As time went on, his interest in her became less professional, he began to wonder about her dreams and interests. He wondered what she did when she was not at work. Oliver did not want to creep her out by crossing professional lines and he did not want to be the typical CEO who acts inappropriate with female employees. The age difference did not help.

One day, he called for Harper through the intercom. As he waited for her, paperwork in hands, he sat on his brown leather chair feeling nervous, even though he was just calling her to print out a few documents. Harper walked into his office wearing a classic, sharply tailored navy-blue silk business suit. The fitted navy blazer with a structured cut emphasized her waist and was matched by a navy pencil skirt that fell just above her knees. The blazer was contrasted by a crisp white button-up shirt, which she wore underneath, the top button, was unbuttoned revealing a silver pendant. “Good morning, sir,” she greeted with a friendly smile. The morning light streamed through the large windows of his office, casting sharp shadows across the polished mahogany desk where he sat. His fingers drummed against the stack of papers before him as he watched Harper enter, his icy blue eyes taking in every detail of her appearance- the way the silk navy-blue fabric hugged her curves, the confidence in her stride.

“Morning,” he replied gruffly, pushing his glasses higher up his nose. His voice carried its usual clipped tone, but there was something different today- a slight hesitation before he continued speaking. “I need these documents printed out immediately.” He slid the papers across the desk towards her without meeting her gaze directly. Instead, he focused on adjusting a pen on his blotter, avoiding eye contact as if afraid of what might happen if he looked at her too long. “You are looking particularly... Put together today,” he noted. “Thank you, sir,” she said softly, and her eyes roamed his seated form. “Anything else? Perhaps a cup of coffee?” A faint flush crept across Oliver’s cheeks at her suggestion, a subtle shift in his otherwise stoic expression. He cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses once more even though they were already perfectly positioned. His eyes flickered up to meet hers for a brief second before darting away again. “A coffee would be... Acceptable,” he conceded, the word coming out more gruffly that intended. He leaned back in his brown leather chair, the leather creaking softly under his weight. “Black. Two sugars.” His large hands moved restlessly on the desk surface, one hand reaching for a pen and twirling it between his fingers. The movement was unconscious, betraying his nervous energy he usually kept well hidden behind his CEO faced.

Harper moved to the office door then with a sigh said, “Sir, if I may.” she hesitated, then turned to look at him. “You drink too much black coffee, how about a latte instead?” Oliver’s fingers paused mid-twirl, the pen held motionless between them. He stared at her, his icy blue eyes narrowing slightly as he processed her suggestion. A latte? That sounded far too... Indulgent for his usual routine. “I do not drink lattes,” he said flatly, though there was less conviction in his voice that usual. His gaze lingered on her figure near the doorway, noting the way the sunlight caught highlights in her hair. “But...” he trailed off, leaning forward slightly in his chair. One bread shoulder lifted in a half-shrug. “Fine. A small latte. With almond milk and one sugar.” The words came out grudgingly, as if admitting such a thing pained him somehow, yet there was something softer in his expression now- perhaps curiosity about why she would make such a recommendation in the first place. “And bring yourself one while you are at it,” he said, trying to sound casual. A small smile spread on Harper's face and she nodded. Calmly she left his office and a few minutes later she returned with two lattes.

Oliver watched as she placed the take away latte cup beside his hand, the rich aroma of coffee and almond milk filling the air between them. His eyes followed her movement, noting how carefully she positioned the cup just so on the coaster. He picked it up slowly, his large fingers wrapping around the warm ceramic mug. The steam rose in delicate curls between them. “Alright,” he said gruffly, taking a small sip. The sweetness of the almond milk was unexpected against his usual bitter black coffee. “Taste... Different,” he admitted after another sip, his gaze still fixed on Harper’s face. His icy blue eyes seemed to soften slightly as he studies her over the rim of the cup. “Not bad.” He set the latte down with more care than usual and leaned back in his chair again. “So, what made you think I needed a change from my usual routine?”

Harper hesitated then she said, “Oh, uh... Well, you have approximately eight cups of black coffee a day and around noon you normally take an anti-acid. I thought maybe if you drank a less bitter coffee...” For the first time since Oliver met her, she seemed nervous. “I hope I did not overstep, sir,” she added shyly. Oliver’s expression shifted subtly at her admission- a flicker of surprise crossing his features before he quickly masked it with his usual stoicism. He had not realized she had noticed such details about his daily habits, let alone cared enough to suggest a change. “I see,” he said quietly, picking up the latte again and taking another sip. The warmth of the mug seemed to ground him somehow. “You have been paying attention.” His gaze held her longer this time, searching for something in her nervous expression. “Most secretaries would not bother noticing things like that. They just follow orders and do not question. But no, you did not overstep.” He sat the cup down with deliberate care. “Oh, alright. Maybe tomorrow you could try a cafe mocha,” Harper suggested softly and looked down at the latte in her hands.