The Cherry On Top

Naomi made her way to Damon's office, trying her hardest to ignore the curious glances that went her way as she walked.

Today was unbelievably long too. Maybe she should have taken Damon up on his offer, maybe she should have stayed back home with Charm.

That dog was quite something, wouldn't leave her side for a moment.

The elevator doors swung open to Damon's office and Patrick got on his feet immediately, a smile plastered on his face.

“Good morning, Ms Naomi.”

She nodded. “Is he in?”

“Yes.”

She made her way into the office, tucking the tablet under her arm as she pushed the door open with another.

Damon was seated behind his desk as usual, his coat was on the coat hanger and his tie was nowhere to be found. His hair was tousled, today must be one of those busy days.

Or he'd been stressing out just like she was.

Naomi approached Damon’s desk with the tablet clutched against her chest like it might suddenly try to escape her.

His eyes went over to her and seemed to soften almost immediately. He leaned back, eyes scanning her face from the top of his reading glasses, he could see it all over her face.

She told herself she didn’t care.

She really did.

She had said it three times already that morning; once to Rose, once to herself in the bathroom mirror, and once again in her head when she stepped out of the elevator on Damon’s floor.

‘I don’t care.’ ‘It doesn't change anything.’

But Damon knew better. He always did.

Damon said nothing as she got closer, eyes sharp in that way that had nothing to do with business. He didn’t say anything at first. Just watched her walk toward him, watched the way her shoulders were a little too stiff, the way her mouth was pressed into a line she hadn’t bothered hiding anymore.

“You’re late,” he said lightly.

She dropped the tablet onto his desk. “No, I’m not.”

“You’re exactly three minutes late.”

She blinked. “You timed me?”

“Yes.” And she's never been late. This was a first.

Naomi rolled her eyes and turned away, already annoyed at herself for feeling exposed.

“The reports are complete. We have three more projects booked for this month.”

She said it casually. Too casually.

Damon took off his glasses, dropped it on the table and helped himself to his feet. He approached her, pulling his adorable wife into a hug.

His arms wrapped around her firmly, his hand patting her head gently.

“Why?” She asked, trying to double as casually as she could muster.

“Its been a long day, hasn't it?”

She stepped away from him,brows arched. “Its the same as ever.”

“Naomi.”

She scoffed. “I don’t care what they think.”

“You do.”

She frowned. “I really don’t.”

He leaned on his desk, hands leaning back on the table behind him. His eyes studied her quietly, almost like he was reading her mind or something.

Hell, she hates when he does that!

“Everyone knowing shouldn’t change anything,” she continued, defensive now. “I earned my position. I’ve always earned it.”

“I know.”

“They don’t,” she snapped. “They look at me like I walked in here with your ring on and nothing else to offer.”

“You care,” he said again, quieter. “You can admit that much.”

Naomi looked away.

That was answer enough.

He reached for her before she could think better of it, fingers slipping under her chin and tilting her face up gently. She didn’t resist, she just let him look at her.

“They can think whatever they want,” he said. “You don’t answer to them.”

“I know,” she muttered. “It’s just…”

He kissed her.

Soft at first like he was trying to steal the very last thinking cell she had.

“Ypure the smartest woman I've maybe ever met.” He said against her lips, “Crazy? Yes. Hell crazy doesn't even cut it..” he said.

Her eyes narrowed on him, “Do you realise you're..”

He kissed her again.

“It doesn't matter what they think, what matters is what the truth is and you know that. Anyone who knows you knows that. That's enough.”

“Still. I..”

Damon kissed her again. “Why isnt this working?” He teased, his lips placing feathering kisses on her lips and then her chin, tracing down to her neck and her shoulders.

Her annoyance melted straight into a surprised laugh.

“Damon,” she whispered, pushing weakly at his chest. “You’re impossible.”

He smiled against her lips. “You’re distracted.”

She laughed properly now, breathless. “You’re doing this on purpose.”

“Absolutely.”

He kissed her again, slower this time, hand sliding to her waist like it belonged there. Like it always had. Naomi forgot what she’d been upset about for a few seconds, forgot the looks, the whispers, Tita’s voice from earlier still ringing faintly in her head.

Then the phone rang.

Damon groaned softly and rested his forehead against hers. “I’m firing whoever that is.”

The phone rang again.

He stepped back reluctantly and reached for it. “Your job is at stake Patrick. This better be worth it.”

Naomi moved to the side, straightening her clothes like she hadn’t just been kissed senseless in the middle of a corporate office. She was still smiling when Damon’s expression shifted.

“Yes,” he said. “I remember.”

Her smile faded.

Damon glanced at her, eyes narrowing slightly. “When?”

A pause.

Naomi tilted her head. “What is it?”

He covered the receiver briefly. “Board meeting.”

Her stomach tightened.

“It’s about your father’s company,” Damon added.

She inhaled sharply. Of course it was.

He turned back to the call. “I'll be there.”

Naomi's eyes met him briefly. He looked away, he knew what she was suggesting. Fuck no.

He hung up and looked at her, already shaking his head. “No.”

She blinked. “You didn’t even hear what I was going to say.”

“I don’t need to.”

“I want to attend the meeting.”

“Naomi.”

“This affects me,” she cut in. “It’s my family. My name is already out there. Hiding me won’t make anything better.”

Damon ran a hand through his hair, jaw tightening. “It will put you in the middle of things you don’t need to be in.”

“I’m already in the middle,” she said quietly. “I always have been.”

Silence stretched between them.

He hated this. She could tell. The way his shoulders tensed, the way his eyes darkened with that protective instinct he never bothered denying anymore.

“You won’t let anyone corner you,” he said finally.

“I won’t.”

“You won’t stay quiet if they cross a line.”

“I definitely won’t.”

He exhaled slowly, his hand reaching for hers, lacing through her fingers. “You stay with me the entire time.”

She smiled, victorious but gentle about it. “I planned on it.”

He stepped closer again, pressing a kiss to her forehead this time. “You’re impossible.”

She grinned. “You married me.”

“Still questioning that decision.”

She laughed and picked up her bag. “Liar.”

At the door, she paused and glanced back at him. “Try not to miss me too much.”

He smirked. “You’ll be back in an hour.”

She winked. “Optimistic.”

Then she left, heart still racing, shoulders a little lighter than when she’d walked in.

Even if the world knew now, she wasn’t alone in it.