Chapter 4: Passions

Oliver’s expression softened further, a rare warmth entering his icy blue eyes. He watched the way her hand instinctively went to her cheek, the nervous gesture only making her more endearing. “Clubbing,” he repeated with a dismissive wave of his hand. “That is what people in their twenties do. They think going to loud bars and spending money on overpriced drinks is an experience. He leaned back in his chair, studying her with a genuine interest. “You are right- most people don’t understand making work a hobby. They see it as a means to an end, not something you can be passionate about.” His gaze lingered on her face for a moment before he picked up his latte again. “So, tell me about this specific part that caught your interest. The part that made you blush. The question was softer now, almost coaxing.

“Oh, no. There is no part of the book that...” Harper said while finishing the document binding. She took a deep breath. “Please just ignore the whole blushing thing. It’s rather embarrassing,” she requests silently and look down at the bound documents. Oliver’s lips curved into a knowing smile at her attempt to brush off the blush. He was not about to let it go so easily- the rare glimpse of vulnerability was far too interesting. “Embarrassing?” he repeated, his voice taking on a teasing quality. “On the contrary, I find it quite endearing. Most people in this office have built walls around their personal lives so high I can’t even see over them.” He stood up from his desk, moving around to lean against the front edge near where she stood holding the bound documents. The proximity caused the air between them to shift, charged with unspoken tension. “You are asking me to ignore something that tell me you are passionate about something beyond just work. That is not something I encounter often in my daily life,” he continued softly.

“Well, it is just... Sharing my passion with you... It felt rather intimate sir,” she admitted softly, still looking down at the bound documents. Oliver’s breath caught slightly at her admission, the word ‘intimate’ hanging in the air between them. He had not expected such a direct response, especially not from someone as reserved as her. “Intimate,” he repeated quietly, his voice losing its usual authoritative edge. “I suppose it is. Sharing your passions with someone who might otherwise just see you as their secretary.” He moved closer, closing the distance until she stood directly in front of her. His large frame cast a shadow over hers as he reached out to take the bound documents from her hands. His fingers brushed against hers in the exchange, lingering for a moment longer than necessary. “Thank you for binding these,” he said softly, setting the documents aside on his desk. “And thank you for sharing your passion with me.”

As he took the documents, Harper looked up to his face. The blush on her cheeks deepened. “Oh, uh... Of course, sir. I should get back to work,” she stuttered nervously. Oliver’s hand lingered on hers for a moment longer than necessary, his thumb brushing against her knuckles in a gesture that felt anything but professional. The heat from his touch seemed to radiate up her arm, making her blush deepen even further. “Work can wait,” he said softly, his voice taking on a husky quality. His ice-blue eyes held her captive, searching for any sign of resistance or invitation in her expression. “Unless you have something more pressing than discussing industry trends with your boss.” He did not move away, instead leaning in slightly closer. The scent of his cologne- something masculine and sophisticated- filled her senses. His other hand came up to rest on the desk beside her, effectively caging her between his body and the furniture. “I am finding myself quite... Intrigues by this conversation, and i don’t want it to end just yes,” he murmured softly.

“Oh, alright. What would you like to discuss?” Harper asked softly, her heart hammering against her chest. Oliver’s lips curved into a slow, deliberate smile at her soft question. The sound of her voice seemed to hang in the air between them, a gentle invitation that sent a pleasant warmth through his chest. “What would i like to discuss?” he repeated, his voice dropping to a low, intimate murmur. “How about we start with something simple. Tell me what you think of my company’s latest collection. Be honest.” He leaned in closer, his broad shoulders easily blocking out the rest of the office beyond their immediate space. The proximity allowed him to catch the faint scent of her perfume- something floral and subtle that suited her personality perfectly. “Most people in this company are too afraid to give me their real opinions,” he continued, his gaze fixed on her face. “They think I want to hear how brilliant everything is. But I value honesty more.” His hand moved from the desk to rest lightly on the small of her back, a gesture that felt both possessive and comforting.

“Oh, well I quite liked the company’s latest collection, the color scheme was balanced between vibrant and dull. The material was practical but also pleasing to the touch,” Harper said, trying to sound professional. “But the female line could use some readjustment,” she added hesitantly. Oliver’s eyebrows shot up in genuine surprise at her critique, a slow smile spreading across his face. Here was someone who was not afraid to challenge him, even on matters of aesthetics within his own company. “Readjustment?” he echoed. “Suck as? Do not hold back on my account- I asked for honesty.” His ice-blue eyes searched her face intently, clearly impressed by her willingness to offer constructive criticism. Most people would have praised every single piece without reservation, fearing repercussions for speaking their minds. “The female line needs more... Flexibility,” she continued hesitantly. “Some of the cuts are too rigid for everyday wear. Women want comfort and practicality along with style. Also, the clothes themselves are not easily taken off. I mean if you are in a hurry...” she added, then she blushed, realizing the implications of her words. “I mean, if you mess on them and want to quickly take them off...” She quickly tries to recover from her embarrassment.