“Are you okay?” He appeared to have heard me. “ Do your feet hurt?”

I nodded, almost in tears.

“I’ll take them off,” he said, instantly stopping to unbuckle my stilettos.

I was taken aback by both his words and actions. I’d never expected him to volunteer to take off my shoes.

As his hand brushed against my ankle, a shiver ran through me, triggering untold sensations.

“Thank you,” I managed to say when he had finished.

“I’ll keep them with me.” He took me by surprise once more.

Now, as my shoes dangled in the care of his hands, I wondered what more could happen.

The night was quiet save for the ceaseless chirping of crickets. Once in a while, a car sped past us, and as the night grew older, so did the cars appear lesser.

When we had walked quite a distance from the car, he decided to strike up a conversation.

“When did you become so interested in paintings?”

“Well,” I rubbed my arms. Interestingly, he took off his blazer and told me to wear it.

“You know how cold nights are these days.” He added.

“Thank you.” When I wore it, I was tempted to sniff his cologne.

“Yeah. So I was asking when you became an art connoisseur.”

“Ah, since I wanted to attend an art school but couldn’t, I decided to indulge in whatever art I see. I don’t have a collection yet, but I have been at it for about six years. Allison knows about it.” I playfully added the final sentence.

“Cool. I think it’s a nice thing. Dedicated people like you are not only needed in a particular sphere. Thankfully, you are with the company.” He smiled.

“Thank you,” I reciprocated.

“So, have you ever drawn or painted anything?” He inquired.

“Yes,” I bit my lips. “ It was a representation of the fragments of my imagination then.”

“Great! I’d like to have a look at it.”

“No.”

“Why?” He made a face.

“It’s not actually presentable. I know you don’t want to see it.”

“Of course, I do want to see it,” he suddenly stopped walking. I almost missed my steps.

“But-”

“It’s Sunday tomorrow. After the preacher’s sermon, I’ll have a look at it.” He said in a low, commanding voice.

“After the preacher’s sermon,” I repeated, defeated.

“Yes. We can have coffee at your place.” He added, unusually carefree.

Was that another date? Did it count? Was it appropriate?

At that moment, I began to feel like an outlaw who was breaching some kind of law.

I knew I shouldn’t be having romantic feelings towards my boss, who was also my best friend’s brother, yet I was. I knew we were overstepping the usual office or professional, communicative acts, yet I was comfortable with it.

However, suddenly, I remembered he had a charity event out of town the next day.

“Oh, I almost forgot about that. Thank you for reminding me.”

“Yeah,” I was, at least, pleased he would not see the work of art I badly didn’t want him to see.

It would betray my feelings for him, and I didn’t know how to handle the situation.

“So, I definitely will see it some other time.” He smiled.

“Sure, some other time sounds good.” I nodded in agreement despite secretly praying he would never get to see it.

I swallowed, gazing into his eyes as he picked a new topic. For a moment, I almost didn’t care whether I was acting ridiculous by staring into his eyes or not. I just wanted to drown in them.

“Fiona?” He might have raised his voice a little higher.

“Yes,” I tried to conceal that I was startled.

“I think we should get back.” He suggested.

“Yes,” I glanced at my wristwatch. It was well past one in the morning.

When he prepared to start the car, he suggested that I rest my eyes if I ever felt like I needed to.

At first, I thought I could just secretly admire him while he drove, but then my eyes began to close on their own.

We were still very much out of town; it was going to be a long drive.

Chapter Six

Christian

Upon concluding another successful business meeting with one of the company’s loyal partners, I decided to have some quiet time alone.

Gazing through the magnificent glass barricades on the topmost floor of the building, I felt relief surge through me. I was confident that I had been able to meet my father’s expectations regarding the company’s administration since I became CEO.