Chapter 3: Lunch

Michael leaned back and let out a sigh. 

“I’m just bored and have to get a lot out of my mind. I apologize for my inquisitiveness.”  

“No, sir,” Luca answered. He never thought the CEO would ask him to have dinner with him; it was unexpected, so he kept mute, pondering how to reply. “I am very glad for the opportunity, Mr. Beaufort, but I have a lot to accomplish.”

“Oh.” 

Luca saw the disappointed look on his face and let out immediately. “I can make it to lunch sir, if that's okay.”

Michael nodded as he adjusted his tie. “There is no problem then. You may leave, Your computer should have been fixed.”

“Thank you, sir.” Luca retorted as he got up from the chair gently then left the office. 

Later in the day, it was finally lunchtime. Luca took a look at his wristwatch and remembered Michael’s proposal to eat together. He raised his head and saw the employees taking a break from their work as they stood up from their various desks through his transparent door. 

He pondered how the employees would react to him since he was a new member, and he was not afraid, just nervous. 

After a few minutes, he stood up from his desk and walked out but was bumped into by Laura.

“Miss Laura! Are you okay?” He inquired curiously and watched as she bent picking up the fallen files. He bent instantly and helped her pick the files carefully. 

“You can just call me Laura.” She replied softly, her eyes glued to the floor.

“Ohh, Alright.” She raised her head to look at him, her brown eyes locked on his sharply and it made him uneasy. “Did I do anything wrong?”

“No.” She glanced at Michael’s office swiftly. “I was about to submit these files to Mr Michael, but I guess it will have to wait. Let's have lunch together.” 

They got both up and before Luca could reply, Laura grabbed his hand and they headed to the cafeteria. The office cafeteria was flurrying of employees and Luca managed a firm expression. 

The scent of freshly brewed coffee and cooked meals filled the air as both of them walked in.

“Mmm..what are you having? And what table should we…

“I don't think I will be able to have lunch with you, miss…laura.” He cut in and she turned to look at him. “I…I will just have my food in my office.” 

“But here is a great place  to have your meal, you will get to talk to the other employees.” She retorted warmly, holding the files firmly. 

Luca forced a light smile. “Maybe tomorrow.” 

He walked away from her quickly.

“But…

Laura could not finish her sentence since he had left to grab his food. She inhaled sharply and waved at some people sitting around a table. 

Luca headed to Michael’s office with the meals in his hands. He was not sure Michael would have any food with him in his office but his fianceé was with him earlier in the morning. 

He stopped and stared down at his hands, What if the meals upset Michael? He could not risk getting fired from the new job he just got because of a silly meal. He had a second thought and strolled to his boss's office. 

He got to the entrance and opened the door with his butt as he entered carefully. 

“I thought you had a change of mind,” Michael said as he watched him enter. 

Luca turned to him and straightened his posture. “Not at all, sir.”

“Here,” Michael instructed as he tossed the file in his hand on the table then pointed at his table. Luca came forward and placed the tray on the table gently. “That smells great. What did you bring?”

“I got pasta salad and ice cream for dessert, I don't know if you'd like it, and lastly, a sandwich,” Luca replied as he studied Michael’s satisfied look. 

“Everything looks good. What do you like?” Michael questioned as he shifted his gaze from the food to Luca. 

“Umm…pasta. It is my favorite but I think you should try the pork sandwich, it is delicious.” Luca answered back warmly. 

“It seems you have a thing for food.”

“I have a grandma and she makes the most tasty meals,” Luca said confidently, pleased that Michael was attentive and enjoying their conversation. 

“That is great. I will have the pasta.” Michael said as he reached out his hands. Luca immediately picked it up and handed it to him gently. 

“Careful, it is hot.” Luca let out as Michael took the little bowl from him.

“You should have your seat and eat, don't mind me.”

“Thank you, Mr Beaufort.” Luca retorted and sat opposite Michael. He pulled the tray to himself carefully and took the plate, setting it down on the table. 

He heard Michael let out a gentle cough and he raised his head to look at him, There was something about him that made him extraordinary. Luca watched as he undid his tie and placed it down on the table. He turned his gaze to the sandwich instantly and began unwrapping the paper. 

As he unwrapped it, the aroma of the freshly baked bread filled the air while Michael watched as Luca’s eyes lit up with anticipation. 

After eating, Luca picked up the ice cream and passed one to Michael while he took the second one. He dug his spoon into the creamy ice cream and raised it to his mouth after a few bites of the ice cream, he realized Michael had finished his meal and was pointing his finger at him. He became alerted immediately. 

“Sir?”

“You have something on your lips,” Michael said thoughtfully.

“Oh.” Luca raised his right hand to his mouth and touched his upper lip carefully. “Here?” 

Michael shook his head and watched as Luca touched another unaffected spot. He set his hands on his table and stood up gently. 

“I will do it.” Luca sat still as Michael came over to his front and bent before him. Luca’s heart raced as Michael’s face came close to his, his rich breath and cologne tickling his senses. “Sit still.”

Luca froze in his chair and Michael lifted up his right hand and touched his bottom lip gently, his finger brushing the ice cream carefully while his left hand was on the knee, a gentle pressure to keep him in place. 

Suddenly, Michael locked gaze with him and sent a shiver down Luca’s spine. It could not be what he was thinking. Michael Beaufort could not be into men, could he? He had a fianceé that's popular so….

His mind went blank as Michael’s lips pressed against his. Luca could not believe what was happening, he was confused and at the same time amazed. His CEO was gay?? 

Or did he just find him attractive? Without any more consideration, he parted his lips and Michael deepened the kiss. Luca extended his hands and placed them on both sides of Michael's face. 

Michael took off his jacket carefully then set his left hand on Luca’s thigh, caressing it as they became lost in their little world.