Chapter 10: The Declaration

"Love is not what the mind thinks, but what the hearts wants." - Greg Evans

Alessandra's POV

I was brushing my teeth when Lucy called out my name from downstairs. "ALI!"

She must have been ready to go.

I walked out of the washroom door, all the while brushing my teeth, my eyes darting to the small alarm clock that was sitting on the lamp table, it says 7:31 AM, then walking back inside the washroom towards the sink.

I was up before the alarm this morning, even though I went to bed late last night. I was waiting for Stavros' call or text. It's past midnight and he never called nor sent a text, and God knows what time when I fell asleep, waiting. Although we talk that night before the party, and he said he will let me know if he will fly back after the party. Well, he didn't promise it, but I waited anyway.

It's weird that even I didn't get much sleep I am feeling ecstatic, and I couldn't pinpoint it out why. I know Stavros is not coming back since there's no text or call from him, so there's no reason to be happy right?

But hell I am!

He might be still in his bed right now. A thought crossed my mind and I absently smiled.

I've been thinking about him lately. I hope today, I could work efficiently, and gain Mr. Hernandez' respect. Get him out of my head even just for today and work smoothly just as the day I started.

Oh, who am I kidding? My very first day, I met him, and that's when it all started.

"ALI!" Lucy's furious voice made me sprang on my feet and frantically turn the water tap on.

I heard her footstep coming in my bedroom. "Yes, coming," I yelled back as I scrambled to wash my mouth, and hastily put my toothbrush back in the holder. And, as soon as I turned around, she was standing in the washroom doorway, arms crossed.

"What took you so long? You said you're just going to brush your teeth?" Looking at me sharply, she does look annoyed.

"I'm sorry," I said smiling. "What's with the grumpy attitude in the morning, Lu? Relax, it's just 7:35 AM. Our work is only 10 minutes away," I muttered cheerfully.

"Are you ready?" She ignored as she raised her eyebrow.

"Yes," I replied, the smile still plastered on my face.

I grab my purse and stuffed my phone inside. As I trudge down the stair steps tailing Lucy, I thought of checking my phone. Rummaging through my purse, I didn't notice her coming to a halt just as we reach the end of the stairsteps causing me to almost collide against her back if not of my fast reflex.

"Oopsie daisies," I blurted out sheepishly and step back. "I'm sorry, Lu. I wasn't looking," I said apologetically.

She moved to the side as I walked to her side, heading to the couch.

My eyes widen when I realized who was sitting and waiting for us. Stavros just about to get up as soon as he saw me. "Stavros?" I murmured. "Am I hallucinating?" I rubbed my eyes to make sure he's really here.

I know it's silly, but yeah, he's here! "I can't believe you're here!" I squealed excitedly forgetting about work, and Lucy, and my tone.

"Hi, babe," he grinned lopsidedly and let out a soft chuckle when he saw my reactions.

I walked past Lucy and I launch myself onto him. Tears brimming over the edge of my eyes. I realized how much I have missed him.

He wraps his hands around me instinctively, squeezing me firmly yet with gentleness, and swept me off my feet spun me around. "I missed you!" he said softly, his eyes filled with mixed emotions.

Then, he leaned down and kissed me. I kissed him back, with fervor, with so much passion. And, honestly, at that moment I couldn't care less if Lucy is watching. I'm so happy, and I felt whole again.

Indeed, she's watching us, smiling sweetly as she grabs her purse on the coffee table.

I pulled myself away and stared at him intently. "When did you arrive?" I inquired with my furrowed forehead.

"Just this morning, we landed around five. I left just before the party ended," he grinned.

"But you didn't call or text me," I said pouting.

"I want to surprise you," he replied chuckling. "If I told you, then it won't be a surprise anymore," he added his eyes is radiating like the sun in midday. It was full of happiness. "I hate surprises," I mumbled but he heard it.

"Oh ..." was all he uttered. I gave him another hug.

"You have no idea how much I miss you," I blurted out unconsciously as I heaved a heavy sigh.

A smile broke out on my lips. He completes me. Since Stavros absence, I felt empty.

"Now, I do!" giving me a lopsided grin. "I could help you resolve that after my work," he whispered in my ears teasingly. Heat courses throughout my body and then settles on my cheeks.

"We need to go to work, Mr. Demakis," I said smirking at him. Then, it hit me, I'm getting late and I can't be late. I've been a mess for the past two days. I'm making a bad impression to Mr. Hernandez already, and it doesn't suit me well. "We have to go," I exclaimed as I hastily pulled myself away from him.

"Thank God, someone is back to reality," Lucy sneered playfully, as she walked past us.

"After you," he said as he motioned his hand for me to go ahead. Soon we are walking all three together.

"Thanks, Lucy," I heard him said.

"No worries, Stav," she replied smilingly.

Why did he thank Lucy?

I look at Lucy as I cocked my head giving her the look of why-did-he-thank-you? She just shrugs her shoulders and kept walking.

Pancho was standing on the side of the rear door of the silver gray Audi hybrid Quattro SUV, waiting for us.

Seriously, how many cars does he have? It's like every time he comes picking me or driving me somewhere it's a different car.

"Ms. Collantes, Ms. De La Vega," he acknowledged. As he made a slight bow, a sign of acknowledgment, then he opened the rear door for us.

"Morning, Pancho" I greeted, ignoring his formalities.

Lucy climbed in first and I followed next. Then, he closed the door behind me as soon as I got settled. Stavros was sitting in the front seat while Lucy and I are at the back.

After several minutes, I could see the entrance door of the building, the same scenario every day, employees hurriedly walking in, with coffees on one hand and a laptop on the other hand.

Pancho slowly and smoothly pulled the car along the curb just right in front of the building.

Pancho was about to open his door when Stavros stopped him on the shoulder, his left palm resting on his right shoulder, and gave it a soft pat. The old man nodded.

"Let me do it, Pancho," he offered as he grabs his suitcase and got out of the car.

Then, he opened the door.

Lucy came out first, he extends his hand to help, which Lucy gratefully took it. She's kind of reluctant at first, but after giving her a reassuring smile, she smiled and obeyed.

"Thank you, sir!" she smiled shyly.

"Drop the formalities, Lucy. Call me Stavros," he said after glancing at her briefly, then averted it to me as he held me out of the car.

"I'll see you later, Al. Thanks again, Stavros," Lucy said again as she swiftly turned on her heel, leaving me with Stavros, and headed towards the entrance revolving door before I could utter a word.

Stavros grab my hand, and led me to the entrance door, causing all the employees' attention to divert to us, giving us these weird looks. Most gasps in surprise, eyes filled with envy, some with disbelief, while others, with disgust. I look at Stavros who seems to care less about them, and the sharp looks thrown in my way.

We are halfway to the elevator, when his hands move to my waist, grabbing my waist close to him as he led me to his private elevator. I tried not to look at his employees' scrutinizing eyes who's waiting for the elevator to stop while ours, it didn't take a minute to wait. The elevator was waiting for us.

Dating a CEO has its perks.

As soon as we stepped in the elevator I let out a loud breathed, I didn't know I was holding. While Stavros punched the 13th floor, I relax, well, I tried.

I'm sure, this is the start of my name to become the hot topic of these gossip mongrels.

"I'm sorry if I did that," Stavros now facing me. I just shrugged my shoulders. Staring at me intently, while collecting loose strands of my hair tucking it behind my ears, I could hear my heart beating in my ears. There's that familiar feeling again, whenever he's close or his touching me. It's like a displaced hornets in my belly.

"They have to know who are they going to deal with. I won't just sit and watch as they throw harsh words against you, baby. I won't just watch them gossip nasty things about you. Not in my building, not in my presence!" He gave me a pointed look as he gritted his teeth.

His words really melt my heart and I trust him. And, all the worries is slowly fading. I touched his face, my fingers stroking his strong jawline. He leaned in his face against my fingers and briefly close his eyes then opens it again, searching for my eyes. I can't believe I have this man. Behind those cold piercing eyes, beneath was a warm and a loving man. I dropped my hand on my side and I heard him groaned in disapproval. I felt a little disappointed, too when the connection broke.

"I'm fine Stavros, I really do," I said with conviction as I stared into his beautiful eyes. I don't want to be the reason that all his employees will hate him all the more, and of course, me. I just hope nobody dares to gossip about me because right now he looks really determined. Although I can handle them, but it's better if they keep their noses away.

I wrap my hands around his hard body pressing my body against his as I leaned my face against his chest, he wraps his hands automatically around me as he kissed my head. I missed his smell, musky and with a tinge of sea scent, sexy.

"Ding..."

The elevator stopped showing the floor number 13, Stavros quickly gave me a kiss, and reluctantly let go of me.

But before I completely got out of the elevator I heard him said. "I'll come down and see you in an hour and no buts," he said while giving me the hushed sound to stop me from saying anything.

And then, the elevator door closed. I was staring blankly at the elevator door. I felt completely mystified. I shake it off the negative vibes slowly creeping in, trying not to ruin this morning.

I briskly walk to the office where inside the room has another smaller room, and is Mr. Hernandez office. And, I hope and crossing my finger he's not here yet.

I let out a loud breath, and slowly twist the doorknob pushing it to open, and there he is, waiting for me. Looking flabbergasted.

"Oh, thank goodness Alessandra, you're here," he exclaimed enthusiastically, with no hint of irritation or anger.

OK, I don't know what's going on. As far as I know, he was brooding for two days because I was a messed.

I quickly compose myself trying to sound cheerful.

"Good morning, Mr. Hernandez," I greeted with a smile as I put my purse down, and sat on the chair behind my desk. He was just watching me for a second. As I was about to turn the computer on, he stopped me. I looked at him quizzically.

"You will take your laptop with you, and continue working on the reports and filing documents at Mr. Demakis' office. Andrea just called before you came in, looking for you," he smiled.

That was fast? I was with him. How could that be? And again, I remember, he's the CEO. He probably had settled it before he came to see me, yet he didn't inform me.

"Great!" I mumbled sarcastically as I smiled at my boss.

"Sorry, Mr. Hernandez? You are kidding me, right?" I blurted out incredulously, I don't care if I sounded so disrespectful, but that is absurd.

"Yes, Alessandra, and I don't mind at all," he grinned.

"Besides, I will be in a meeting with the financial and accounting supervisors, so I won't be here possibly the whole day," he explained.

"This is ridiculous! I have to talk to him," I muttered mostly to myself.

"Please, leave it is Alessandra. It's nothing. And, he seems happy around you. Just let it go, will you? For the sake of the others. He stops brooding since you started working here Alessandra," he continuously explained. "And, I hope that continues," he said smilingly while giving me the look of you're-our-savior, or probably a pawn.

"Anyway, here's the laptop and the folders, with the names of our clients I need to see, make an appointment, please don't forget ..." he reminded me as he patted a pile of folders. And, which I just notice was sitting on my desk. And, it's a heck of hefty folders.

Then the phone on my desk suddenly rang, I looked at Mr. Hernandez with a frown, and he just nods and walks back to his office. I lifted the telephone to my ears. "Mr. Hernandez office, Alessandra speaking," I said in a professional, but cheerful tone.

"Ms. De La Vega, this is Andrea, Mr. Demakis Sec—"

"Yes Andrea," I said cutting her off. She doesn't like me so am I.

"Mr. Demakis is waiting for you!" She stated in a clipped tone.

"On my way, Andrea," I replied disregarding her unpleasant manner towards me. And, before I thank her, she hung up the phone. "Oh, that bitch!" I murmured as I put the phone back to its cradle.

I quickly gather all the things I needed and walked to my boss' office door, one hand almost holding everything, folders, laptop, and my purse on my shoulder on the same arm. I knock first, and I heard his croaky voice which sometimes made me cringed. "Come in." I opened the door and peek my head through, he looks busy with his eyes fixed on his computer screen. "I'm going, sir," I said and stood there waiting for his response.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Alessandra," was all he said, without giving me a glance.

"Yes, sir," I nod and pulled the door closed, then headed out to Stavros Office.

I decided to take the private elevator and within minutes it opened to welcome me and takes me to the top floor where the CEO office is. After like a decade, the elevator stopped and the door slides open. I stepped out and scanned the huge room and walk straight to Stavros Office.

I saw Kristy, Andrea's assistant, she smiled at me as I am approaching. Stavros office is at the very end room, which is the biggest room.

"Good morning, Alessandra," she said cheerfully. She's so nice. "He's waiting for you," she mouthed." I just laughed and mouth back, thank you as I walked past her, and Andrea's office.

I saw Andrea from the glass wall of her office, tapping her fingers on the desk while on the phone. She looks quite disturbed.

I walked past her office and stopped at Stavros office door. I moved the hefty folders, laptop, on my other hand as I knock on the door with my free hand.

"Come in!"came his sexy, masculine voice.

I twisted the knob and push to open, and walk in. Stavros quickly stood up and briskly walk towards me, and help me carry my things. I closed the door behind me while Stavros puts my things down on the other desk, which I don't remember it was there before.

And as if he could read my mind. "I ask them to bring a desk here for you," he said while he wraps his hands around my waist.

"We should talk," I began, staring at him. He looks so happy. I need to tell him that we should act as Employee/Employer when we are at work.

"Later, babe," he hushed. And, he leaned down to kiss me.

Everything I want to discuss flew into a thin air and all I could think of was his sweet lingering kiss. I wrap my hands around his neck, kissing him back, then I pulled my lips away from his after few minutes, to inhale some oxygen. He groaned softly. I remember we have company outside.

"We have to start working or Andrea will see us in a very compromising position," I teased as I grimaced at the thought of it.

"I told her not to disturb," he declared his eyes glistening.

Oh boy! We will never finish anything today. I thought.

I was tempted to kiss those lips again. So, I stand on my tippy toes to kiss him. He gladly kissed me back, then gradually the kiss deepens, our tongue teasing each other, demanding and consuming He pulled me closer to his hard body, pressing against mine, I'm already lost to his kisses, to his touch.

The phone on his desk rang, but he ignored it. I pulled myself away to draw breath. He groaned reluctantly.

"We have to work, Stavros," I murmured bashfully. I'm embarrassed by my actions. I can't seem to control myself around him. Just by his mere touch, sweet burning sensation takes control and everything is a blur.

"Can you come to my house then tonight?" he stared at me, hard, his hooded eyes filled with lust. I swallowed hard trying to clear my throat that felt suddenly dry, he gave me puppy-dog eyes and it's hard to resist.

"I'll think about it," I smiled as I made my way to my desk which not farther from his desk.

"Please ...." He begged softly as he followed me. I stood behind the desk as I looked at him, he looks like he lost a million of dollars, which caused me to break into giggles at the sight of him, not a one-bit look of a terror CEO.

"Fine, I'll go," I agreed just to get him back to work.

But boy, I was wrong.

He moves closer until his thighs touching the edge of my desk, then he leaned over me and gave me a kiss. A hard one, a toe curling one. And, just like that, I automatically curled my hands around his neck and kissed him back passionately. "I love you," I uttered unconsciously between kisses.

He quickly pulled himself at arm's length and look at me with disbelief.

Anger?

Annoyed?

I don't know.

Damn, damn, how did that word slip out of my mouth? What a wrong timing to ruin such moment.

"Say it again?" he urged as his face softened, his palms cupped my face.

His eyes looking at me expectantly. I wanted to hit my head against the desk for being tactless. Definitely, it wasn't my plan to confessed until he confessed himself.

He looked surprised. "I've been waiting to hear that from you, babe," he said as he stared at me.

He walks around my desk as I was watched him what he will do next, and he came closer to me implanting himself a few inches apart from me. He cupped my face, staring at me with adoration. "Say it again, baby. I want to hear it."

I stared at him warily. "I ... love ... you ...," I murmured dragging the word.

"I love you too, Ali," he replied as he sealed it with a kiss.

I was astonished of his declaration. I have never thought he felt the same way.

I wrap my hands around him, feeling overwhelmingly happy, and pulled him closer. I'm so happy. I can't contain my feelings anymore. I'm like an idiot grinning from ear to ear.

Now I don't have to worry about anything. Stavros just declared his love for me, and, I feel heaven.

Is it why I woke up this morning with ecstatic feelings? Am I having a third sense?

I grinned.

I don't know how long we were into each other's arms when Stavros pulled away because his office's phone rang again.

He kissed my head and turned on his heel and walk briskly to his desk, "this better be important," he hissed.

He snatched the phone from the receiver. "Stavros!" he snapped while he's watching me.

I sat on the chair, turned the laptop on to start doing my work.

"I said I don't want to get disturbed, Andrea. That means either you cancel or move all my schedules today!" He snapped sternly. Not taking his eyes off me. I shrieked at the tone he just used.

Poor Andrea. I thought.

...............

Stavros' POV

"Just CANCEL ALL MY DAMN SCHEDULES, ANDREA!" I grumbled loudly. And, I slammed the phone on its receiver. I plopped down on my chair. I know I was being impossible, but damn she usually knows what to do, and obeyed fast without making me repeat my words.

I looked over to my right shoulder where Alessandra's desk. She was too busy scanning the folders.

'You're being too hard to Andrea, don't you think?" she asks without looking at my direction.

"Yeah, I know. I'm sorry about that," I apologized. Feeling sorry for her to witnessed me in my bad temper, but I don't feel anything remorseful to Andrea. "But she has to know that I don't tolerate incompetent employees," I fuzzed like a petulant kid, still watching her. I could do this all day. I mean watching her.

"Don't say sorry to me, Stavros," now she's staring at me, stopping from tapping on the keyboard. "Say sorry to Andrea! She must be in distress right now," she said not taking her eyes off me.

"I don't apologize to my employees, Ali," I objected firmly. I really don't.

"Yes, you just did?" she reminded me, raising her eyebrow.

"You're my girlfriend, Alessandra!" I stated, with finality. The kind of tone of no room for argument.

She just stared for a second, then finally, she looked back down on the folders lying in front of her.

"I have to go over on all the Files to check how the Demakis company doing," I muttered barely audible, but mostly to myself as I revert my eyes on my computer screen.

"I need to fly back to Greece, to meet the Demakis Corp.'s management team." She didn't say anything and it's starting to bother me.

I rang Kristy's line, usually, I call Andrea when I needed something, but I don't want to bother her, I know I was being harsh on her. "Stavros Headquarters, Krysti's Spea—"

"I just sent you a file in your account, Kristy," I said cutting her off.

I know I'm being an asshole. I'm very impatient, and I valued every second.

"I want it all printed, and bring it in ASAP."

"Y-ye-yes, Mr. Demakis," she stuttered badly, I could hear the surprise in her tone.

"That's all!" and I hung up the phone.

I was looking on my computer intently where all the recent reports of my newly acquired Stavros Drilling, which supports global oil and gas production by providing high-efficiency drilling services to oil companies around the world.

The figures made me smile, it's what made me strive even more. It's satisfying to know thay I'm one of the reason thousands of people lives a comfortable life if not luxurious.

My eyes rested on the Stavros Tankers files, where I just acquired a new large fleet of crude oil carriers, and product tankers when a rap on the door broke into my reverie.

"Come in!" Kristy's walk in with a bunch of papers on her hands.

"Good morning, Mr. Demakis, Alessandra," she said cheerfully. Ali's smiled back.

"Good morning, too, Kristy," she then smiled. They seem to like each other. That makes me happy, at least someone's here was working.

I smiled at her. "Just leave it on my table, Kristy, Thank you," I said.

She was stunned for a second. I know, first time to thank my employee, but Alessandra.

"Y-your w-welcome, M-Mr. Demakis," she stuttered again and I frowned, but she still managed to smile back. "I-is that e-everything, sir?" she asked not sure if to smile or not.

"Yes, Kristy. You may leave," I said dismissively and started reading the papers she left on the table, then I heard the door closed.

...............

Alessandra's POV

I saw Kristy's jaw dropped for just a second then stuttered after Stavros thanked her.

Is he really that cruel?

I could see Stavros from my side vision, but I didn't say anything, he turned his gaze quickly to his computer screen as soon as he realized he thanked Kristy.

I busied myself on all the papers lying in front of me.

I don't know how long we were both working. I realized, I'm about done. Now, the last part is making a call, Mr. Hernandez wrote it down on a piece of papers the person I need to call and fix a schedule.

Since most of the time, Stavros is on the phone, so I decided to do it later. I don't want to interrupt him while he's on the phone.

I do things almost the same every day. Printing account summary reports of budgets, revenues monthly, quarterly, yearly. Printing, Purging, and sorting papers of different categories, filing, making calls, letters, responding emails.

And my boss never ordered me to buy him lunch which I'm thankful for.

I checked my time and it's 3 PM. So we've been working that straight. I heard him saying goodbye to whoever he talks with and places the phone back to its receiver.

"Would you like to eat here, Ali. I can order something and get it delivered." Speaking of food, I'm starving.

"Would you mind if we go out?" I asked as I stretched my legs under my desk.

"Not at all, babe!" he responded briefly as he stood up from his chair.

I need some fresh air. I've been sitting for six hours and my back is getting sore.

I turned off my laptop while he's standing in the middle of the room, with his hands on his pockets while waiting for me. I took my purse and stood up narrowing our gap.

I felt a pinching in my lower back. I instinctively put my other arm on my back trying to give a little massage on the sore area. Then, he pulled me closer to him turning my back, facing him.

"Let me," he offered. Soon his skilled hands were massaging my lower back to my hip line. It felt good and I felt tingles on every trail of his soft hand, sending shivers throughout my body.

"I think that's good enough, Stav," I said before we forget to eat lunch. Then, he kissed the back of my head.

"Let's go," he murmured as he walks past me, and opened the door letting me go through first, then he closes it behind him. He walks to my side as he reaches out for my hand and we walk together hand in hand.

Andrea saw us, and she approached us looking apprehensive.

"Mr. Demakis, I'm sorry about this mor—". Stavros just waves his hands off to dismiss it.

"If a certain Aurelius Pazzini called, let him know I'll be back in a couple hours," he ordered coldly.

"Yes, sir," she replied and turned her back on us, and back to her office.

We walk to the door and I saw Kristy scribbling, she looks at me and smiled, I smile back. I really like her.

We walk to the elevator, then he asks me where to. I was craving for some stir fried noodles so we went to a Chinese restaurant.

We were served right away as usual. He was almost done to his chicken curry when his Grandpa called his phone.

He reluctantly accepted it, I just nod, reassuring him that I'm fine. So, I busied myself eating my remaining food.

I ordered some ice-cream since he's still on the phone, so I have something to do. I was watching around, there were few customers.

He was still watching me as he talked to his grandpa. I can't comprehend what they were talking, surely it's about the business.

After like a decade, I heard him said something in Greek probably goodbye because he hung up the phone after.

"Sorry, babe, I had to get that," he said apologetically, looking sorry.

"I understand, Stav," I smiled reassuringly.

He raises his hand to get the attention of a waiter, and a lady who's in charged in the cashier register approached us.

"Anything, sir," she asked politely, with a forced smile. At least someone was immune in his charm, I mentally grinned.

"Can I have the bill?"

"Sure, sir. How would like to pay it?" her facial gesture didn't change. Stavros slides the card in the table, but she didn't take it.

"I'll be back with the machine , sir," she gave a small smile then left.

We left as soon as Stavros paid our bill with a generous tip. The girl smiled widely, as she thanked us.

It's almost five pm when we get back to his office. I walk in first as he talked to Andrea, but he soon followed me.

I made a line of calls as soon as I settled on my chair. Before six, I'm done. Stavros still busy re-reading documents then signed it when he's satisfied.

I piled the organized folders with categorized sticky notes neatly on the side. I fished out my cell phone from my purse and checked for messages or calls. I have three missed calls, all from Lucy.

I checked the message it's from her, too.

Hi, Ali. I'm home, I thought you were done early. I tried to call you, wondering if you're done. I dropped by at your office, but your desk is empty and your boss is out, too. So I'm guessing, you're with Stavros. At least you should have texted me. Anyway, let me know if you're coming home for dinner as I am making dinner. Love you. - LUCY

I felt a pang of guilt. Why do I forget about it? I texted her right away.

Hi, Lu! How's your day today? I hope you had a great day. Sorry, I completely forgot about the time, I was just done. Stavros invited me to his house, I may not be able to come home for dinner. I'm sorry. I'll make it up to you on the weekend. See you tonight. Love you! - ALI

Not a minute later, my phone beeped.

YOUR BROTHER IS HERE, AND HE'S REALLY AN ASS! >:) >:) >:) I'm sorry I can't be nice to him! Please come home soon, or I'll kill him. PS: He's asking about your whereabouts. Will I tell him? - LUCY

I chuckled after reading her text. I texted her back.

No. Just tell him I need to work late. I'll try to come home early. Thanks. PS: You have my permission, if you can't take it anymore, you're free to strangle him. I'll help you with the body. Love u! - ALI

I was busy texting and laughing like crazy when I heard Stavros standing in front of my desk.

"Ready?" He scowled with knitted brow.

I don't know how long he's standing there and he looks annoyed.

"Yes," I grinned cheekily, ignoring his mood.

I put my phone back in my purse and stood up.

"I can help you with that," he offered to take the laptop as I held on the folders against my chest.

I nod and let him carry it all out.

I dropped the folders at my desk and we head out to his house.

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