Chapter 26
965 Words
Drake let out a long, measured breath after Lucy finally left. He slumped slightly in his chair, gripping the edge of his desk as if it could anchor him. He tried to calm himself, but the sensation was impossible to shake. Was she deliberately teasing him, or was his mind betraying him? Damn it! Every thought, every flutter in his chest felt chaotic, uncontrollable.
She looks… gorgeous today.
He shook his head violently. Stop it, Drake! Don’t even think that way!
He ran a hand through his hair, sighing as he poured another measure of whiskey. The amber liquid barely soothed the restlessness coursing through his veins. His mind kept replaying the morning’s moments, the way she leaned slightly closer, the sparkle in her eyes, that mischievous grin she wore when she knew exactly what effect she had on him.
Agh… maybe I’m losing it, he muttered to himself, pressing the heels of his palms against his eyes. The things I think… the way I feel… I should just snap myself out of this.
He returned to his desk, attempting to focus on the pile of reports awaiting his attention. But the words blurred. The numbers jumbled. He tugged at his hair, frustration spilling over.
Damn! She’s distracting me!
This wasn’t allowed. He had spent years building walls around himself, walls to keep pain out, walls to prevent love from ever breaking him again. And yet, here he was, unraveling in the wake of her subtle provocations.
He hadn’t slept well the night before, either. His dreams had been haunted by memories he had long tried to suppress, reminders of mistakes he could never undo. And now, in broad daylight, Lucy’s presence, her words, her laughter, the faint curl of her hair brushing her shoulders were demanding his attention in ways he could not deny.
What is happening to me? Why can’t I get her off my mind?
Her voice from earlier echoed in his head, insistent and soft:
“I don’t believe anyone is incapable of love. Love is a special feeling everyone can feel. Be fair. Love me the same way.”
He clenched his fists, staring at the neat lines of spreadsheets as if willing them to provide an answer. They didn’t. Nothing offered clarity. Only the chaos of her lingering presence in his mind.
I’m the worst. Why am I letting this bother me?
He forced himself to focus, shoving aside the swelling tide of emotion. Then his phone rang, sharp and insistent. He answered immediately, adopting the practiced tone of the professional he had always relied on.
“Yes, Mr. Ty? Oh, yes, I’m planning it now. Thanks for the reminder. Of course, you’re my top priority. I’ll schedule the meeting soon. Thank you. Goodbye.”
He hung up and exhaled, attempting to regain composure. There was work to do. Reports, calls, decisions that mattered. Not fleeting thoughts about a woman who shouldn’t exist in his inner world. He had long since mastered solitude; this disruption was unacceptable.
For a few hours, he managed a semblance of focus. But then, movement near the glass-walled cubicles caught his attention. Through the lightly tinted glass, he could see Lucy laughing, animatedly talking with Daryl. The sight stabbed at his chest.
Here we go again.
He felt the irritation rising, unbidden, a heat that burned in his veins. Lucy seemed delighted, her laughter bright and careless, leaning into Daryl’s joking comments. Drake’s jaw tightened.
Why am I annoyed? he asked himself. Who even cares?
Then the truth hit him, sharp and undeniable. Because, damn it, she’s someone I can’t just ignore.
Before he could stop himself, he rose, striding toward them with a determined pace. Daryl’s voice reached him first.
“Let’s have lunch together later, Lucy,” Daryl said with a grin.
“Oh, come on! Sure, Daryl!” Lucy replied, clearly enjoying herself.
Drake’s frown deepened as he watched her flirt openly. That was the final straw.
“She can’t join you. She’s coming with me,” he stated firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. Both of them froze, wide-eyed.
“B-boss? I was about to ask her out,” Daryl stammered, flustered.
“Can’t you hear me? I said we’re having lunch together, so she’s not going with you,” Drake said sharply, the edge in his voice cutting through the air like steel.
Lucy’s expression twisted, a mix of amusement and exasperation.
“Why not?” she asked, tilting her head innocently.
Drake’s glare was unwavering. “Because I said so. I’m the boss here, and that means I get to decide. We have matters to discuss later, and I need her attention,” he explained, ignoring Daryl’s incredulous glance, emphasizing every word.
“By the way, why are you at his cubicle? It’s working hours,” he added, his voice now cold and commanding.
“I was on break, Boss. Finished my tasks and was just chatting with Daryl. Didn’t think it was a problem,” Lucy replied, her smile effortless yet teasing.
“Still, I have work for you. Go back to your desk. And you, focus on your job. You’re not being paid to just talk,” he added, voice low but firm.
“Sorry, Boss. Alright, Lucy, back to your desk. Maybe another time I can invite you again. I’ll get back to work,” Daryl said, finally retreating, flustered and subdued.
Lucy turned to leave, giving Drake one last playful glare. He watched her go, his jaw still tight, before finally returning to his office.
Tsk. What nonsense people get up to during working hours, he muttered under his breath.
The temptation to march over, to yank them apart, to stake his claim, lingered in his mind. Yet he resisted... for now.
- Writer
