Coffee Break ✔

CHAPTER TWO: CHRISTMAS PARTY AND ALL THAT JAZZ

Two weeks before our company's Christmas party, our tasking per team were given.

And, take note, the old school way: Draw lots.

Like, duh?

And, guess what again?

Who were the members per team?

Me and Leonard in the same group with Rem!

We are assigned for the decor and set up this year.

It seems like we are too old for this thing but who would hate Christmas?

Definitely not me!

I am all for the season of joy and gift-giving.

But, this man who was always up to no good, is still on his poker face.

I rolled my eyes and slapped his arm.

"Hey! What did I do?" Leonard asked and glared at me.

"Will you please stop that look?" I asked and glared back at him.

"What look? Seriously?" He asked and crossed his arms over his chest. "All I ever did was say nothing. Now, I am giving you that look?"

"You're ruining the mood! " I groaned at his slow-witted brain.

Leonard just raised his eyebrows at me and turned away from me.

He started to do the inventory of the materials that we will be needing for the decoration and discussed it with Rem who was looking at us in amusement.

Gosh! I think this will hit the news again later on!

He is really getting on my nerves!

Frustrated, I stood up from my seat and headed to the pantry.

I think I need my coffee!

Some of our office mates greeted me when we passed by each other at the hallway.

Since it was only a glass wall that divided the pantry from our office, I can see from the outside if it was full or who was inside.

At that moment, there was no one so I casually went in and pulled out my coffee mug with my name on it from the dishwasher.

I opened a pouch of instant coffee and poured hot water from the thermos.

I grabbed and ran a teaspoon over the faucet before mixing my coffee with it.

I sighed contentedly when I smelled the sweet aroma of my favorite relaxant.

I blew on it for a moment and brought it to my lips.

I closed my eyes to savor its sweetness.

This will always be my safe haven.

I was about to turn around to lean my back on the sink when I saw him behind me with his signature poker face.

He was wearing his usual stoic and stern look as he raised an eyebrow at me.

Seriously? Will he just quit appearing in my favorite places?

He is really getting on my nerves!

"Quit showing up!" I blurted out instinctively and he just gave me a smirk and pushed me to the side.

"You've got to be kidding me, lady." Leonard shook his head and made himself a hot chocolate.

I walked mindlessly to the pantry door in an attempt to bring my coffee to my desk.

But I can't take the heat much longer so I stopped near the door.

I leaned on the glass wall for a moment and noticed Leonard staring at me with his hot chocolate.

I stared back and brought my coffee mug to my lips.

I forgot to blew on my coffee before sipping on it when I felt my tongue sting.

"Ooh! Shoot!" I exclaimed and stuck out my tongue while fanning it with my hand as if it could remove the hurt I felt earlier.

I almost slammed my mug on the table because of the heat on my tongue.

Leonard smothered a giggle and I glared at him still sticking my tongue out.

"You look ridiculous!" He commented still chuckling.

He put his mug on top of the sink and opened the fridge.

He pulled out something and went towards me.

I stopped what I'm doing and stepped back.

I realized I was still sticking my tongue out so I acted normal and put it back as if it was the smartest move.

He was approaching me with a serious look on his face.

He was actually inches from me and I did not dare break our eye contact.

"Wh-what do you think you're doing?" I asked nervously as I stepped back again.

I could almost feel the door of the pantry as he approached me.

"He-hey!" I exclaimed hoping to warn him because it's as if he was in trance and not saying anything.

Then he drop something cold in my hands.

I stil did not break the eye contact because I was anticipating something else.

"Take a bite on that. It will relieve your tongue." Leonard whispered on my ear.

His warm breath fanned over my neck.

I almost held my breath for a moment there.

It was his turn to step back and gave me one last glance before he get his hot chocolate from the sink.

He gave me a snide smile and opened the door behind me.

I quickly put the cube of ice in my mouth and almost yelped in its coldness.

Yes. My tongue will be cured.

But, my nervousness and fluttering heart won't easily go away.

What have I gotten myself into?