Chapter 57
Chapter Fifty-Seven
I tapped my knuckles against Neil’s open door before entering. Petra was out running an errand, and this was my last opportunity to spend a moment alone with him before he departed on his trip to Singapore.
He stood behind his cluttered desk, adjusting a row of folders on his bookcase. His black suitcase waited by the door. He’d be gone for five days. All he had told me about the trip was that he planned to visit the chairman with Veronica and her newborn child—the chairman’s grandson. He said he’d tell me more upon his return.
Neil turned at my approach. “Yes, Milly?”
I clasped my hands to keep from fidgeting. “I just wanted to double-check you have everything in order for your trip.”
“Thanks to the extensive packing list you prepared, I believe I’m accounted for on all fronts.”
I drifted closer. “Good. So… five whole days, huh?”
“You almost sound like you’ll miss me.”
“The office won’t feel the same without you.”
“I hope you’ll find ways to fill your time without me cracking the whip.”
I sidled a measured half step closer. “I’m sure I could find some trouble to get into.”
Neil’s face hovered inches from mine now, his voice dipping lower. “Just try not to burn the place down, will you?”
I chewed my lip. Neil tracked the movement like a man possessed.
“You’ll need to leave soon,” I said.
He checked his watch. “I still have a minute to spare.” He scanned the doorway, appeared satisfied the coast was clear, then turned back to me.
I froze as he inched nearer.
What is he doing? Is he actually going to break his rule? No, it can’t be.
I thought I must be mistaken right up until he inclined his head, his breath wisping along my cheek. My hands clenched at my sides, pulse thrumming as his mouth hovered over my skin. I squeezed my eyes shut, awaiting the firm press of his lips.
The floor creaked.
My eyes flew open, and Neil yanked himself away from me just as Petra appeared in the doorway.
How did she get back so fast? She didn’t see anything… did she?
Petra’s vacant eyes slid right over us. Her thin lips pressed into a flat line, arms locked in place at her sides. “Um, we’re out of printer toner. Do we have more stocked anywhere?”
I caught my breath before answering. “Check with James. He handles office supplies.”
“Ah, James. Got it.” She retreated.
I sagged, clutching my chest. It didn’t seem like she had noticed anything amiss.
Once we had recovered from the interruption, I braced for Neil’s next move. But the moment had passed. His buzzing phone diverted his attention. “Winston is waiting outside,” he said. “I should get going.”
I nodded. “Have a smooth flight.”
He glanced at the door again, then brought his hand up to briefly cup my cheek. “Thanks again for offering your pet-sitting services. They’ll be much more comfortable with you than a stranger.”
“It’s no problem, honestly. I’m happy to help.”
“I know they’ll be in good hands, but let me know if you have any issues at all.”
“I will. So…” I shuffled my feet, “you’ll be in touch?”
“Of course.”
We lingered for another moment. Then he tore himself away, striding over to collect his suitcase.
As we stepped out into my office, Petra returned holding a new toner cartridge. “Are you going now?” she asked.
“Yes. Winston’s waiting,” Neil said.
“Goodbye, then. Have a good trip. See you in a few days!”
“Goodbye, Petra.” He turned his focus to me. “Amelia.” He favoured us both with a perfunctory nod.
And then he was gone—off to pursue whatever mysterious machinations awaited him on the other side of the world. With my sight still fixed on the empty corridor, I settled behind my desk while Petra fiddled with the printer. As the printer roared back to life, she scooted her chair over to mine, heaving a theatrical sigh. “Whew. The big boss man is gone. I feel like I can stop holding my breath now.”
I swivelled towards her. “Is he really that bad?”
She tilted her head. “Well, now that you mention it, he does seem a bit more… easygoing than he used to be.”
I blinked. “Easygoing? I wouldn’t use that word to describe him.”
“Okay, poor choice of words. I just meant he seems less… harsh than before. Less prone to yell or put people down over tiny mistakes.” She picked at a hangnail, avoiding my gaze. “I don’t know. Maybe I’m imagining things.”
I leaned back in my chair, considering her words. I supposed Neil had been less caustic since… whatever this thing was between us. “You could be right.”
Petra sat up straighter. “Right? It’s like he’s actually happy sometimes. I swear yesterday I spotted him whistling.”
I concealed a snort of laughter behind the act of clearing my throat. The image of Neil wandering the corridors whistling a jaunty tune was too much. Though, come to think of it, I had caught him smiling a lot more than usual, especially when he must have thought no one was looking.
Petra squinted. “Do you think maybe he’s seeing someone?”
I jerked so fast my mug of pens toppled with a clatter, rolling every which way across my desk. “I really doubt that!”
I quickly gathered them all up.
Petra nibbled her lip. “Yeah, no. You’re probably right. I mean, who would ever want to date him?”
I gave an airy laugh, which Petra echoed after a beat.
“True.” I spun my chair towards my computer. “Can you imagine?”
“I’d rather not.”
She rolled away, leaving me stewing. That was a close one . As oblivious as she seemed, Petra had an uncanny knack for stumbling uncomfortably close to the mark. Neil and I would have to watch ourselves once he returned.