Later that evening, almost closing time.
Beauty was at her desk, the glow of the computer screen illuminating her face. She can't stop overthinking about how she would go about asking Bruno to accompany her to the high school reunion.
Every time she imagined what his response would be, her pulse raced uncontrollably.
Frustrated, she rested her head on the desk, trying to get rid of it all.
"Can't wait to go home. Somehow, I had successfully managed to avoid breaking down because of Kathy and her sidekicks' harsh insults back then in the restroom."
She groaned inwardly.
Slowly, her eyes move over to her computer screen.
"Finally... it's almost time to... go home."
She smiled at herself.
Just then, someone dropped a folder on her desk.
Annoyed by the late work submit, she slowly looks up ready to eat him or her alive, but the person is not a prey for her.
He was, in fact, a predator!
Her heart reaped as soon as their eyes met, her cheeks flustered with embarrassment.
"Sir... Sir... Bruno!"
She gasped, and instantly froze as her breath caught in her throat. Her face turned tomato red.
She was just thinking about him and he appeared!
*Did Jessie say anything to him? Why is he here, standing right in front of me? I didn't expect him to be right in my face after the intense moment back then in his office*
Bruno's presence made her heart stutter. Those intense eyes and long lashes, being this close to her could end her.
Bruno gently tucked his hands in his pockets, composed as always, but there was a certain hesitation in his posture, this time.
"I was wondering..." he started, his voice was almost as if he were measuring each word before releasing it.
His eyes went downward for a second toward Beauty's lips and then back up to meet her gaze again.
The way his eyes moved made her stomach twist in knots. She could barely focus on what he was saying, distracted by all that.
*Does he know he is quite seductive by doing that?!*
Beauty yelled in her mind.
"I was wondering if you could help me with a project."
Bruno forced the words out.
"Help...?"
Beauty said in surprise, her voice barely above a whisper.
That was pretty unexpected. Bruno needs her help.
"You said you are going to help me type stuff, remember?"
He said that with a straight face.
"Ehhh?"
Beauty couldn't remember when she made that promise.
"Remember the day at the company's restaurant? You asked me not to work too much else my heart could fail?"
"Oh..."
She chuckled nervously then gazed at the clock. It's almost closing time.
Her eyes went around the room, hoping none of her colleagues are paying attention, but it's impossible. Someone is always watching her!
She returned her gaze to Bruno.
"Now?" she asked, still confused.
He nodded.
"It's something I've been working on, and it's urgent... I was hoping you could stay late tonight... help me finish it here at the company."
Beauty didn't even have time to process his request before her heart leaped at the idea of spending the night with him!
She swallowed hard, feeling the heat creep up her cheeks. Her pulse quickened as her mind raced.
*Overnight? Alone with Bruno? Why did he choose me? Stay calm Beauty. Breathe*
Beauty fumbled with the pen in her hand.
"I... I can help, of course, I will keep my promise."
She stammered, her voice coming out too breathy.
She could feel her cheeks flushing again, her entire body reacting to him being so close.
Awkwardly, she flashed her 32 with a thumbs up.
Bruno was silent, but his eyes stayed on her, and for a split second, they went down to her lips again—this time a little longer, it made Beauty's breath hitch.
She could feel her heartbeat in her throat. She tried to act natural, but it was impossible with him standing there, watching her so intensely.
Why is this so hard? She couldn't focus, couldn't think straight.
Every time his gaze dropped to her lips, she felt like her body was betraying her, her nerves screaming at her to do something she might regret.
Then Bruno blinked as though he lost his mind for a minute, his gaze moved back to her eyes.
"Thanks."
He said quietly.
His voice was like a soft caress, sending shivers down Beauty's spine. His eyes remained locked on hers.
Her entire body felt warm, her palms sweaty as she gripped the edge of her desk for some control.
Bruno shifted slightly, stepping just a little more closer.
"Why is he coming even closer, personal space please!"
Beauty screamed inwardly.
"We'll be working late. Are you sure you don't mind?"
He said in a whisper that made her shiver slightly.