Who Did I Sleep With?

CHAPTER 6

Carefully, he reached forward and undid the top button of my shirt, just enough to ease the tightness around my chest. Before he reached for my back. He tilted my head forward slightly as his fingers hesitated briefly before gently pulling the pin loose. My hair fell around my shoulders, the tightness easing slightly.

“You need air,” he said quietly. “You need as much air as you can get,” he said softly. His voice was different now.

“Look at me,” he added. This time, I did.

“Good. Stay with me,” he said.

“Breathe in… slowly… and out.”

I followed his rhythm.

In.

Out.

In…

Out.

Gradually, the tightness in my chest began to ease. My breathing slowed, though my body still felt weak. The spinning stopped. The walls didn’t feel as close anymore.

I didn’t know how long we stayed like that. 30 minutes, maybe longer. Time felt strange. At some point, he shifted slightly, sitting beside me instead of in front of me.

“Better?” he asked quietly.

I nodded, resting my head back against the wall for a moment.

Then without really thinking, I leaned slightly toward him, my head resting against his shoulder. I was too tired to move away. Too drained to care, for once the silence didn’t feel suffocating.

Then…

The lights flickered.

A second later, the elevator jerked back to life with a low hum. The sudden movement startled me, and without thinking, my hand shot out grabbing onto the sleeve of his shirt.

I froze.

Realization hit instantly.

“I…., I’m sorry,” I said quickly, pulling away as I pushed myself up, reaching for my bag and phone.

Oliver stood up too, watching me carefully. I barely made it a step before my balance gave out again, my vision tilting slightly.

“Hey” His hand caught my arm before I could fall, steadying me.

“You need to be careful,” he said quietly.

His grip wasn’t tight. Just enough to keep me standing. I nodded quickly, trying to regain myself as I stepped away, adjusting my shirt slightly and brushing my hair back instinctively.

The elevator slowed…

Then stopped.

A soft ding followed as the door slid open. Light and voices flooded in. The normal rhythm of the office rushing back all at once.

I stepped forward and Noah was already there, heading toward the elevator, but he stopped the moment he saw us. For the first time since I’d met him he looked surprised. Not by much. Just enough for it to show.

“What happened?” he asked, his gaze shifting briefly between me and Oliver.

Before I could say anything, Oliver answered.

“The elevator got stuck,” he said easily. “She had a panic attack.” My grip tightened slightly around my bag.

Noah’s eyes returned to me, scanning quietly, taking in more than he said.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

I nodded quickly. “Yes, sir. I’m fine.”

There was a pause. Then he stepped aside, giving me space to walk out.

“Sorry,” I murmured as I passed him, my voice low.

He didn’t respond immediately. And somehow… that felt louder than words. Behind me I could hear Oliver ask…

“Where are you headed?” Oliver asked.

“Out,” Noah replied simply.

“Perfect,” Oliver said. “I’m coming with you.”

Typical.

Their voices faded as I walked away, trying to steady myself with each step.

Across the office Daniel stood there, Watching, I don't know how long he's been there but it made me feel kinda off.

I slowed slightly as I approached my desk, suddenly aware of everything. My loosened collar, my hair no longer in place. I still didn’t feel completely steady. I sat down quietly, placing my bag beside me.

Before I could even open my system his voice came.

“Why are you late?” I looked up.

Daniel was already standing at my desk. His expression was the same as always. Calm and unreadable. Like he hadn’t just watched everything.

“I… I finished the campaign draft late last night,” I explained, trying to keep my voice steady. “I overslept this morning… and then the elevator….”

I gestured slightly, unsure how much to say. “It got stuck,” I added.

He didn’t interrupt, react or say anything at all. He just looked at me for a second longer before he turned and walked away.

I blinked. Confused. That was it?

A few minutes passed as I tried to focus on my screen, but my mind wouldn’t settle.

Then I saw Daniel again. He walked back toward my desk. This time, he didn’t stop in front of me or say my name or look at me. He simply placed a bottle of water on my desk. And said…

“Take a break.” That was all.

Then he left agai

n. Like nothing had happened. I stared at the bottle for a moment. Then slowly reached for it.