Flirting is not the main game

Katherina checked her watch and realized that it was almost closing time at her work. She worked at a big design firm, and she loved her job. The company was going through some changes, and they were about to get a new CEO. Katherina's friend and coworker, Julie, had been discussing the new CEO with her while she packed up.

"I heard he's the only heir" Julie had said excitedly. "You cannot like him because you're engaged already" Julie added jokingly and Katherina laughed.

Suddenly, the door to the design studio burst open, and a tall, impeccably dressed woman strode in. Katherina and Julie both looked up, startled. The woman's gaze landed on them, and she looked them up and down, her expression cold and calculating.

"You must be Katherina and Julie," she said, her voice sharp. "I'm Abigail, the new CEO's fiancée." Katherina felt a knot of anxiety twist in her stomach. She didn't like her a first meeting already.

Abigail's eyes narrowed, and her mouth set into a hard line. "You girls need to understand something," she said, her voice low and threatening. "You will not speak of my fiancé, or dare to have a crush on him. Do you understand?" Katherina and Julie both nodded, too scared to speak. Abigail's gaze lingered on them for a moment, and then she turned and walked out of the studio, the door slamming behind her.

Katherina and Julie looked at each other, their eyes wide. "What just happened?" Katherina whispered, her voice trembling.

"I have no idea," Julie said, still in shock. "But I have a feeling that things are about to get a lot more complicated around here." Katherina sighed, her mind racing. She knew Julie was right. The atmosphere at the company was about to change, and she wasn't sure she was ready for it.

Katherina and Julie said their goodbyes, and Katherina headed for the door. As she walked out into the cool night air, she took a deep breath, trying to clear her head.

As Katherina walked home, she thought about the upcoming Mother's Day. She had always had a special relationship with her own mother. Katherina spotted a display of Mother's Day gift baskets in the window. She headed inside to browse the selection. She took her time looking through the baskets, trying to find the perfect one for her mother.

Finally, she spotted a basket filled with her mother's favorite tea, some gourmet chocolates, and a beautiful scented candle. Just as Katherina was about to grab the Mother's Day basket, another person reached out for the basket at the same time.

"I know for a fact that I grabbed the basket first," Katherina said, a determined look on her face not looking up at the person. "And if you don't believe me, we can check the CCTV footage. I'm sure it will prove that I'm right."

"Okay, let's check the footage," he said.

The voice definably sounded familiar to her and she looked up. It was Harrison the man from that morning accident.

They both stood there in the aisle, frozen in place, neither one of them moving. It was as if they were both caught in a moment of time, unable to break free. Katherina's mind was racing, trying to make sense of what was happening.

"I need my phone back," Katherina said, her voice shaking. "You have to give it to me."

Harrison raised an eyebrow, looking amused. "Your phone?" he asked, feigning innocence. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"You took my phone this morning, and now you're pretending like you don't know anything about it?" she demanded, her eyes blazing. Harrison's expression remained impassive.

Harrison held up his hands in a gesture of peace. "How about this?" he suggested, his voice calm. "You can either have your phone or the basket. But you can't have both." Katherina was speechless. What kind of a choice was that? On the one hand, she needed her phone. But on the other hand, she had been so excited about the basket.

Katherina stood there, staring at Harrison for a few long moments. Finally, she made her decision. "My phone," she said, her voice firm. Harrison nodded, his expression unreadable. He reached into his pocket and pulled out Katherina's phone, holding it out to her. Katherina took it, her hand trembling slightly.

As Katherina looked up from her phone, she saw that Harrison was smiling at her. It was a small, soft smile, but it was unmistakable. It was almost as if he was proud of her for choosing her phone over the basket. Katherina felt a rush of emotions, from confusion to something else she couldn't quite name.

Katherina watched as Harrison walked away, heading towards the checkout counter. She trailed after him quietly after picking a smaller gift instead. As Katherina stood in line, her eyes kept wandering to Harrison. She couldn't help it. She found herself watching him.

Suddenly, Harrison turned and looked at Katherina, as if he had felt her gaze. His eyes met hers, and for a moment they just stared at each other, neither one looking away. Then, he spoke. "You know," he said, his voice low and calm,

"This piece of art was made in the year 1989. It's called the 'Love Trap,' because it's been known to make people, especially girls, fall in love with it."

Katherina's eyes widened at his self description.

"Do you want me for yourself?" Harrison asked, his voice low and even. He sounded curious, like he genuinely wanted to know the answer. Katherina felt her heart pounding in her chest.

The word hung in the air between them, heavy and awkward. "I - I - I don't," Katherina stuttered, her words tumbling out in a jumble. She tried to form a complete sentence, but it was like her brain had frozen. Her mouth opened and closed like a fish, but no words came out.

"My name is Harrison," he said, extending his hand to her.

"Katherina," she replied, her voice steadier now.

Slowly, she reached out and took his hand. His hand was warm and strong, and for a moment, she felt a sense of peace wash over her. Then, she pulled her hand away, breaking the connection.

Harrison nodded, a slight smile playing on his lips. "It's a beautiful name," he said, and Katherina felt her cheeks flush. She hadn't expected him to say that.

"Thank you," she managed to say, her voice a little shaky.

"Do you mind if I call you Rina?" he asked, his voice soft and gentle. Katherina found herself nodding, before she could stop herself. "I - I don't mind," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Katherina felt a flutter of butterflies in her stomach. It was a strange feeling, one she hadn't experienced in a long time. She didn't know how to react, so she just stood there, looking at him. He was still smiling at her, his eyes warm and kind.

After paying for his items, Harrison turned to leave, but he stopped at the door and looked back at Katherina. For a moment, she thought he might say something, but he just gave her a nod and walked out. Katherina stood there, staring after him, her thoughts racing. What had just happened? She had never met anyone like Harrison before. He was kind, and considerate, and gentle and a bit hard too. And yet, he had just left without saying goodbye.

Katherina's heart jumped as she heard her phone ringing. She pulled it out of her pocket and saw that it was an unknown number. Her heart was still racing from her encounter with Harrison, and now she was even more on edge. She answered the call, her voice trembling.

"It's me, Harrison," the caller said.

Katherina let out a breath she didn't know she'd been holding.

"I'm waiting outside the store right now," Harrison said. "If you want the basket, just come outside and I'll give it to you."

Katherina took a deep breath and opened the door to the store. As she stepped outside, she saw Harrison standing by a sleek black car it was a different one from the one he had that morning. He looked up as she approached, his expression unreadable. Katherina felt her heart race as she walked towards him, her palms sweaty. When she was a few feet away, she stopped, not sure what to say. Harrison smiled at her, and then held out the gift basket.

"It's yours if you want it," he said. "Would you be open to a kiss?" he asked, his voice gentle.