4

RJ was friendly. But her heart was at stake. She can’t fall in love just because she’s hurt and lonely. She can’t fall for that handsome man at all. She has no confidence in herself or love. Because she knew, it would only give her pain. The disappointment in their eyes was already too much to bear and rejection was already killing her. What more if she falls in love and learns that she was just a second choice?

She chatted with the team as she had already taken their orders and her friend who was also on their team was busy with calls. 

She went back to RJ’s office and told him what they ordered and he moved closer to her as somehow, his sexy scent caught her. She wanted to move away to get away from temptation and dirty thoughts of him. He had his arms crossed while nodding. 

“You can now check it out.” He said as she checked it out and handed it to him. “Wait, what’s your order?” He asked with furrowed brows. 

She thought for a while. 

“I forgot about that…” 

He frowned. 

“Oh, your orders as well.” 

“Yeah, you forgot both of our orders.” He nodded with a sigh. She stared at his eyes and somehow, she realized that it was gray. They stared at each other’s eyes for a while. 

“I ordered you steak with extra rice and asparagus.” 

“I am not worried about myself…” He sighed. 

“I ordered soup and salad.” She grinned. “Don’t worry, boss.” 

He chuckled. 

“Hannah, let’s get back to work and stop teasing me.” He said with a grin as she handed the tablet to him. 

She headed out as she tried to wash off the grin on her face. She somewhat felt comfortable around him. She was a little intimidated upon hearing the new boss but somehow, RJ was friendly like before. 

********

It would be great if she stayed longer. It'd be great if he had forced the intrusive dirty thought of him by pinning her down on the sofa and kissing her. Her scent would be all over his office and he’d be fine. 

“We’ll be fine.” He mumbled as he went back to work to review the past works. He needs to be serious and the only reason why he took this job in a low position was because of her. He must help her at all costs. 

She’s been suffering like him. He’s expecting that his mate and her mate will soon bond with each other besides their constant sex. For years, he’s been gathering researchers to make a medicine for it. Last night… he knew that she couldn’t sleep from the pain. Half of her soul was broken or she was probably soulless working like a zombie. 

Seeing her from his office through the glass walls, he knew well that she was trying to focus. She rubbed her chest as she was about to pick another capsule and it’s not good if she drank every hour. 

He reached his head as he sighed. He went out of his office as he approached her and he lowered his head. 

“You can only take it three times a day,” he said. “You can’t gulp it down.” 

She was startled. She nodded at him. 

“Come, let’s get coffee,” he said. “Or tea…” 

She stood as she forgot to grab her wallet but she luckily had her phone. They headed out to the reception. 

“But the pantry is~~” 

“Out,” he said as she followed him. 

“I think my other boss wants me to finish the work that I need to check to present to you.” She whispered as he chuckled. 

“We both need to breath because those fuckers were having fun. We should have fun by the cafe, enjoying our favorite drink,” he said as he opened the door for her. 

“Hmm,” She nodded. “But aren’t you getting too familiar with me? I mean, you are my boss and~~”

He was silent as he pushed the button. She bit her lip when he didn’t respond. 

“Continue…” He said. Her eyes widened. 

“And I don’t think it’s appropriate.” 

“There’s nothing wrong with getting familiar with your colleagues.” He smiled and they headed down to the ground floor. They went to the cafe just across the street and she stared at the matcha cold drink. 

“Now, what would you like?” He asked as he pulled out his wallet.

“I’ll go for a matcha latte, zero sugar.” She told the cashier as he pulled out his wallet. “Wait, I can pay for mine.” She shook her head at him. 

“Nonsense.” He said and handed the card to the cashier. “I think I need to try that matcha as well.” He told the cashier with a wink. The cashier blushed immediately as she chucked and shook her head. 

“I have to warn you about matcha.” She said. 

“What?” He asked with a confused smile. 

“Just research about it.” 

The two get their cold drink and instead of going directly to the office, she was puzzled when he went on another way. 

“Uh, I think we need to go back.” 

“Your orders will arrive in an hour, right? We can walk around until you feel better. There’s a nearest park here.” 

“I’m feeling better.” She said. 

He sipped on his drink. 

“This is not bad.” He said. 

“Yeah?” She smiled and somehow it indeed made her feel a little light. 

“So, how long have you been working for the company?” He asked. 

“I have been working for like five years now. My first job, I was a contractor for the company and I was hired in another department.” She said, “Works, great. Pay’s fine and somehow, I enjoy working.” 

“Wow,” he nodded. “You must be familiar with everything.” 

“Yes, I am.” She pressed her lips. “But not everything.” 

They headed back to their building and just right in the lobby of the ground floor was the delivery guy. Since it’s paid, they just received it and RJ mostly holds the bags while she holds two of them and she clicks the button for the elevator. 

They stopped when the finance Director entered and he looked at the bags. 

“Reid,” 

“Oh, hey, Echo.” 

“Treating your team? You should at least buy me something.” 

Reid smiles almost a sneer. 

“You have a lot of money then. Next time you’ll treat us.” 

Echo looked at her. 

“Hi, Sir.” She smiled. 

“Just call me Echo. Hannah, right?” 

She nodded. 

“Just in case this guy did something to you… don’t hesitate to tell me.” 

Reid scoffed. 

“What could I possibly do to Hannah?” Reid squinted his eyes at him as Echo smirked. 

“Nothing at all. You are a good boy.” 

Reid stared at him as Echo turned to him. 

“Hey, I’m kidding.” Echo laughed and somehow… It was a rich kind of laugh. Hannah was wondering. These two seemed to be close. The elevator door opened as Reid stared at him Echo teasingly winked at Hannah and they proceeded. 

“So, you and the Director are close?” She asked. 

“Yes, he’s older than me,” Reid said. 

“Brothers?" She asked. 

“Cousins.” He said as they stepped out of the elevator and headed to the conference room. Fabian greeted them as he helped with setting up the food on the table. 

“I think it’s time for our break time?” Reid asked Fabian. 

“I’ll call them.” Hannah left the room. 

“Hannah seemed to be good at managing and assisting,” Reid said. “Why can’t she become my assistant?” He asked. 

“Sir, it’s not that she can’t,” Fabian said. “Hannah is very flexible at her work and there are things that she needs to learn but I am sure that she’ll be a great analyst for you.” 

Reid crossed his arms and nodded. 

“Alright, let’s talk about that and her performance.” 

“I’ll gladly discuss it with you,” Fabian said and somehow, Reid seemed to have spoken to the right person. But what would others think? He looked at the other team. “The other team might not agree with me since she’s been consistent in following up on reports. They might be annoyed at her but it’s her job to do so.” 

Reid looked into Fabian’s eyes. This man was an Alpha-type and a family man. And he’s not lying at all.