Chapter 3: Destiny was playing tricks on me!

“Are you going to stand there the whole time? Won’t you come inside?” the man asked calmly.

I, on the other hand, was like a stump standing in front of the door. I wished the earth would open up and swallow me.

I swore, destiny was playing tricks on me. Of all people, why was he my boss? Why does he have to be the person with whom I fought the last time? How will I manage to look him in the eyes without feeling uncomfortable?

I began to regret accepting my friend’s offer to work for the Crimson Group Incorporation. I made the mistake of messing with my boss.

My face turned red as I remembered what happened when we first met. It was an utter humiliation Inever wanted to happen again.

“Come inside,” he ordered with authority.

I rushed into his office and shut the door behind me before walking over to his desk. My gaze remained glued to the floor. I was overcome with mortification and could not bear to meet his eyes. I held my ground and kept my distance, not wanting to make another embarrassing mistake.

Basically, he was to blame. I was the one who almost crashed… Well, it was because of my imbecility. I wanted to dig my own grave and bury myself at the time.

“You may introduce yourself.”

My brow furrowed a little. “As far as I know, I submitted my resume.”

The edge of his lips curled up. “Feisty, yes, but I’d like you to introduce yourself. Since you’ll be working for me, I suppose I must get to know my new secretary better. So, shall we get started?”

My frown deepened into a scowl. By the way, he is my boss, and I cannot afford to be replaced in my position just because of the incident between the two of them.

I cleared my throat before rising to my feet. “I am Mallory Addison Finley, twenty-seven years old. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Management.”

He raised two eyebrows and tilted his head to the side, staring atme with an odd combination of expressions, as if indicating that he wanted to know something else.

What else is I’m going to say?

“And, uh… Single.”

He blinked and then nodded, as if he was either amazed or weirdo out by me. Either of the two, but I hoped the reason was the first one. I didn’t want to look crazy in front of my boss on my first day at work.

“All right, you can begin working today. Bring me coffee in five minutes. Tops. Also, fix my schedule and inform me afterwards. I want a professional and hard-working secretary, so do your best to impress me, get it?”

I responded with a nervous nod and swallowed the lump in my throat. Despite the pressure being carried on my shoulders, I will do my best.I didn’t go through all of the trouble to be fired again at my new job. I was willing to do anything to keep it.

“Yes, sir!”

***

I was only giving a fleeting glance, but I was afraid of getting caught. I couldn’t concentrate because my boss’s alluring charm kept me distracted. I will admit to having a crush on him. Who wouldn’t if my boss is as hot as hell? Any woman will swoon over him without a doubt.

I couldn’t take my gaze away from him, as if his face was a magnet that drew my back. I began with his tangled hair. I traced from there down to his chiseled jawline. His lovely blue eyes were emotionless, but I could sense them within him.

My scrutiny trailed down to his hawkish nose and plump lips. He had an appealingly illegal appearance. If I could stare at him all day, I would. But I’m aware of my limitations. I understands that I should not go beyond admiration. Having a crush isn’t a terrible idea; just don’t cross your boundaries.

“Focus on your work, Ms. Finley. Stop staring at me from time to time.”

My pupils dilated and my lips parted. I averted my gaze in an instant. How did he notice I was looking at him? Does he have some sort of superpower?

“Don’t do anything foolish. I have CCTV cameras all over the place.”

I forced my gaping mouth closed and looked around. And, as stated, there are more than five CCTV cameras in every corner of the office they are in. I face-palmed. How could I be so naive?

I bowed my head in yet another shame. Actually, I had finished encoding my work, and also arranging the schedule. It’s past lunchtime, but my boss hasn’t yet gotten up. It would be a disgrace if I went out to eat first.

And because I didn’t want to be caught trying to glanceI banged my head on the table and closed my eyes. I decided to take a break while I waited for my boss. I didn’t realize I had fallen asleep until a minute later as I rested my head on the table.

LUKE shifted his gaze to his secretary after reviewing the paperwork and project proposals. He breathed a small sigh when he noticed she was sleeping.

She must be tired. He pondered. To be honest, he was intrigued by her. The first time he saw Mallory, he felt something. Excitement or challenge, name it. That is why, when he saw her resume, he hired her without giving it a second thought. Also, to make amends for the inconveniences he caused her a while back.

Luke rolled up his long sleeve before grabbing the tuxedo from his swivel chair and putting it on. He walked towards Mallory. He bent down to align his face with hers, hoping to get a better view of her features.

“She looks cute in bangs,” he whispered and let out a soft chuckle. He unknowingly lowered his gaze to the woman’s lips. “I wonder if those good looking lips already kissed someone…”

Then, he remembered being charmed by her eyes when they had earlier made eye contact. “Your butterscotch eyes are perfect for you.” His eyes went up to her nose. “Even your nose is well-formed.”

He bit his lower lip, wondering how a perfect, beautiful woman could exist in this world. He couldn’t help but lean in and kiss her on the forehead. Luke shook his head and backed away, startled by his aggressiveness.

Without any strings to hold him back, his body moved on its own. What is happening to him? He’s not a pervert, but he stole a kiss.

He sucked in a breath and stared at Mallory. “You’d better take full responsibility because for the second time, I’ve felt this strange feeling.”

After that, he left and called someone to bring food for his secretary.

***

WHEN I awoke, the first thing I saw was a box of pizza and juice on my table. Rubbing my bleary eyes, I turned my head to my boss’s desk. I was perplexed to find him missing from his seat, but relieved when I remembered he had a meeting. I glanced up at the office wall clock. I slept for an hour.

I returned my attention to the food in front of me. I opened the box and took a slice of pizza. I was about to take a bite when my phone rang, so my eating was brought to a halt in the air. I rolled my eyes and, against my will, answered the phone.

“Hello?!” Irritation could be heard in her tone.

“Finally, you’re awake.”

“Is it obvious?” I replied gruffly.

“Why are you so grumpy?”

My eyes widened when I realized it was my boss. It took me some time to become familiar with his voice. I couldn’t believe I’d made another fool of myself. I grimaced and faked a laugh.

“A-Ah! I apologize for my impolite manner, sir! I didn’t take a look at the caller when I picked up the phone, so I didn’t recognize it was you,” I explained over the phone.

“It’s not that big of a deal. Have you already eaten?”

I was about to, but you interrupted me. I didn’t say it out loud, though. It would be a recipe for disaster to enrage my boss.

“I’m currently eating, sir. How about you?”

“I’m also eating. I just called to check if you were awake. Anyway, I’m going to end the call. I’ll see you later,” said the young man before hanging up.

I felt all the heat from my body goes up to my cheeks. His tender voice made my stomach twist in knots. I heaved a deep breath, but I couldn’t figure out why my face was heating up.

I shook my head, chastising myself. "I'm just making stuff up. Don't make assumptions, Mallory. Expectation hurts because it is never met, and it can be a heavy burden, so get a grip on yourself. Romance is deadly and a waste of time."

I just focused on finishing my meal and getting my boss off my mind. My phone buzzed again a few seconds later, this time for a message, so I casted a glance at it. It wasn’t like the previous call, but there was a text from my boss.

CEO Luke: You may leave early today. I should cut you some slack. After all, this is your first day as my secretary.

That’s right. He should at least give me an early dismissal.

I stood up to grab my shoulder bag and prepare to leave the office when another message appeared on my phone screen.

CEO Luke: Please, don’t tire yourself.

I was stunned, and I could feel my entire face blushing with delight. I put down my phone and stared blankly out of my boss’s office. I couldn’t keep the smile from bursting out of my mouth.

Is it right for me to be thrilled with my boss?