9.
He didn't come in the next day. Nor, the day after. He hadn't come to work all week. His cold must have done some hefty damage to prevent the attendance of a workaholic such as himself.
I managed his schedule and rearranged appointments from a distance. Our only form of communication was through emails and even then, it was bare to the minimum. The office had gotten quite lonely without the shadow of his presence and I hadn't realized just how bare it was when he wasn't here.
The first couple of days he called in sick, I found myself staring at the elevator, on the edge of my seat, waiting for him.
No one ever came on his private floor. No one had access, except Ophelia and Mr. Morrentti.
Despite this information, I couldn't stop my eyes from flickering to the elevator as if willing for it to open to the sight of someone.
Now, nearly the weekend, my eyes no longer darted to the elevator at any sound of noise.
If he hadn't already come in, then he wasn't coming.
One benefit of his absence was that I could focus on my studies.
Textbooks and notebooks were sprawled all over Ophelia's desk.
Classical music played from my headphones as my head dipped, intensely watching my hand as it wrote words.
I always found classical music the best to listen to when I needed to focus.
It allowed me to be in the present and focus on my task.
I was so enraptured by my note-taking, that I hadn't noticed the large figure looming in front of my desk until a sturdy hand pushed my chin upwards.
My gaze followed the arm upwards until I met eyes with the owner of the hand.
Using the back of his knuckles, he brushed my jawline softly before dropping his hand to his side.
"You're back." I breathed. I felt myself flush as I heard my wispy tone.
He looked better, much better. His dark curls were sprawled effortlessly back and a perfectly trimmed beard enhanced his sharp jawline and eyes.
The emotion in his molten amber eyes was a mystery to me as we stared at each other, each scanning the other's features.
"I need a coffee, Miss. Merile."
His tone was hard, demanding. As if I was a nuisance for not having his coffee made despite him calling in sick.
Whatever warmth that may have been lurking in his eyes disappeared as he looked at the mess sprawled all over the desk.
His jaw hardened as he walked away and opened his door. He slammed the door shut behind him.
I stared at the mess for several seconds before my gaze snapped to the ringing phone. Mr. Morrentti's name flashed across the display and I sighed as I brought the phone to my ear.
"Now!" He yelled so loudly I could hear him through the door.
I slammed the phone down and made my way to the kitchen to make his precious cup of coffee.
My temper was rising with each second I waited for his coffee to pour.
I wasn't expecting a hug or a grand gesture, but at least a polite greeting would have been nice considering everything we've done for each other.
I tried to cool my annoyance by reminding myself that this random man meant nothing to me. He wasn't even my boss. I don't owe him anything, nor does he owe me. Even then, my annoyance remained at an all time high and I couldn't figure out what it was about him that constantly got under my skin.
I took a large inhale as I entered his office and gently deposited the mug on his coaster. I kept my gaze lowered as I turned and made my way to exit his office.
"Make a reservation at Santini's for two at 7." His command had me stopping in my tracks.
"Okay."
"Call the florist and arrange for a bouquet of a dozen red roses."
Dinner for two? Roses?
"Okay." The tightness in my chest had no place being there. Neither did the questions that flooded my brain at his orders. My body fought to turn around so that I could look at him, but my mind fought the urge and proceeded to exit his office.
I made my way over to Ophelia's desk and started to place all my books back into my bag, hoping he didn't recognize the books from when he visited my house.
The day progressed entirely too slow for my liking.
He didn't speak to me more than he had to and when he did, it was short worded commands, such as "coffee" or "reschedule it".
I spent my lunch with Silva at her café.
I didn't bother to bring him something, as he most likely wouldn't eat it.
Besides he should keep his appetite for his dinner date.
When I returned from lunch, I decided to respond to several emails that flooded in. I was scheduling an appointment, when his office door opened. I looked up as he stared at me, leaning relaxed on the door frame. His arms crossed as he examined me. My relaxed posture tensed as seconds ticked by.
"Can I help you, sir?" I raised my brow at him.
"You haven't eaten yet." I crossed my leg over the other as I turned the chair to face him. His eyes followed my movement before meeting my eyes as his throat flexed.
"I just returned from lunch. I was replying to emails."
His eyes examined my desk as if searching for something. His stance hardened as he came up short for whatever he was looking for. He turned around and slammed the door.
The door rattled on its hinges, rattling my thoughts with it.
Written: 11/21