CHAPTER 27 – (OFFICE COURTSHIP & CONFRONTATION)
The office buzzed with the usual morning chaos—keyboards clattering, phones ringing, printers whirring—but I couldn't focus. My mind kept wandering back to last night, to the dinner, to Dante, and to Adrian's sudden, bold declaration. I had hoped the chaos would end when I left the restaurant, but apparently, life had other plans.
The moment I stepped into the office, I noticed a single pink rose on my desk. I froze, staring at it.
Adrian.
I picked it up carefully, running my fingers over the soft petals. Attached was a small note in his handwriting:
"For you, Auri. Just because you deserve it."
My cheeks heated instantly, and I looked around to make sure no one was watching. Of course, a few colleagues had already noticed. Whispers floated across the room like mischievous little clouds.
"Did Adrian really give that to Auri?" one whispered, nudging another.
"I mean… he's her boss. That's… wow," another said, eyes wide.
I blushed furiously, setting the rose down gently. This is going to cause gossip, I thought, but also… part of me felt a flutter of excitement.
The day continued, but Adrian's little gestures didn't stop. By mid-morning, a steaming cup of coffee appeared on my desk, with a note:
"Thought you might need a little boost. Enjoy, Auri."
I blinked, fingers hovering over the cup. My colleagues glanced at me, whispering and glancing repeatedly, as if expecting a fireworks display.
I can't believe this, I muttered under my breath, my cheeks heating again.
Adrian had always been charming, polite, and professional, but today… it was different. Today, he treated me like I was the only person in the office. The only one that mattered.
Lunch hour arrived, and I tried to ignore the thrill that bubbled in my chest every time Adrian's gaze found mine across the room. But it was impossible. He smiled that teasing, almost magnetic smile at me from across his desk, and I nearly melted where I sat.
"Lunch?" he asked suddenly, approaching my desk with a casual stride that made my heart skip a beat.
I looked up at him, eyebrows raised. "I… I was planning to eat here," I said cautiously, fingers still hovering over my keyboard.
He leaned slightly closer, lowering his voice in that teasing way that made me weak in the knees. "Then let me join you. It might be… fun."
I swallowed hard, feeling my face heat as I nodded. "Alright… I guess that's fine."
As we ate, Adrian continued his little flirtations, teasing me about the way I organized my files, making small, playful comments about my concentration, and even brushing lightly against my hand when passing the salad bowl. My stomach fluttered, my cheeks hot, and I found myself stammering in response.
This is ridiculous, I thought. He's my boss, and he's treating me like… like this.
After lunch, Adrian's attention didn't waver. He followed me back to my desk, where I was still trying to focus on my routine.
"Auri," he said softly, leaning slightly over my shoulder, "you've been working too hard. Let me help you take a break. You deserve it."
I looked up, flustered, heart racing. "Adrian… I… I can't—this is distracting…"
He smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear with a light, gentle touch. "Distracting, yes. But maybe in a good way?"
I gasped softly, standing abruptly. "Adrian!"
He raised his hands, smiling innocently. "I didn't mean to startle you. I just… I can't help it. I want you to know how I feel."
By mid-afternoon, I had had enough. My heart raced, my face was flushed, and I realized I couldn't focus on anything—emails, schedules, phone calls—because Adrian's gestures, his smiles, his touches, and his flirtation were constantly drawing my attention.
I stood abruptly, grabbing my bag. "Adrian, we need to talk," I said, my voice firmer than I expected.
He tilted his head, eyebrows raised, his playful grin never fading. "Oh? And what would you like to discuss?"
I felt awkward, but I couldn't avoid it any longer. "I… I can't—this—how you're treating me—it's affecting my work. I… I'm not ready for this… for you to court me like this. It's… uncomfortable."
Adrian's expression softened, and he stepped closer, lowering his voice so no one else could hear. "Auri, whether you like it or not, I won't stop showing you how I feel. I can't. And I won't. You deserve to know."
I blinked, cheeks heating, completely caught off guard. I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. I felt my heart racing uncontrollably, flustered and unsure of what to say.
He smiled softly, almost warmly now, eyes locking onto mine. "I know this might be sudden, or even uncomfortable," he said, "but I can't pretend. I like you. More than I should. More than anyone else ever has."
I felt a blush creep across my cheeks, heart pounding furiously. I wanted to speak, to tell him to stop, to explain myself, but… I couldn't. The words got caught in my throat.
"Adrian…" I whispered finally, barely audible. "I… I don't know what to say."
He leaned closer, gently, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You don't have to say anything," he murmured. "Just… feel it. Know that I won't stop caring, won't stop trying. I can't. I won't."
My chest felt tight, my heartbeat erratic. I looked away, trying to focus on my work, on anything else, but his presence made it impossible. The soft warmth of his gaze, the playful curl of his lips, the undeniable intent behind his words—it left me breathless and dizzy.
What am I supposed to do? I thought, pressing a hand to my forehead. I can't… I can't handle this…
He chuckled softly, noticing my discomfort. "You're flustered," he said gently. "I can see it. And it's cute."
I groaned softly, burying my face in my hands. "Adrian… please… don't make this harder than it already is."
He stepped back slightly, though his eyes never left mine. "I won't make it harder," he said softly, "unless you want me to."
I peeked through my fingers, blinking at him in disbelief. "I… I don't even know how to respond."
He smiled, leaning casually against the edge of my desk, radiating calm confidence. "Then don't respond yet," he said, voice low and teasing. "Just… let me show you. Let me make you feel how special you are. In every way I can."
My heart raced, and I couldn't help the small, helpless smile that escaped despite myself. Flustered, awkward, and utterly captivated, I realized that nothing in my carefully structured world had prepared me for Adrian. His attention, his charm, his flirtation—it was overwhelming.
I could barely think, let alone respond. And yet… despite the chaos, the blush, the rapid heartbeat… part of me felt a small thrill.
This is impossible, I thought, leaning back slightly. I can't… I'm not ready…
But deep down, I also knew one thing: Adrian's pursuit wouldn't stop. His charm, his persistence, and his undeniable interest in me meant that this chapter of my life had only just begun—and I didn't yet know how it would end.
For now… I just blushed, caught between flustered embarrassment and the dangerous allure of his attentions, wishing I could figure out how to navigate the storm he had brought into my carefully balanced world.