Chapter 19
1269 Words
Lucy chatted with herself as she prepared her boss’s coffee in the pantry. She wasn’t crazy. She was just easily bored. If she didn’t talk to herself, the silence would eat her alive.
Besides, searching for the coffee maker in this enormous office floor was like hunting treasure. Why hadn’t he just placed one in his office? He had everything else: fancy desk, swivel chair, leather couches, even a ridiculous pen collection. Yet not a simple coffee machine.
She tapped her chin, then leaned over the steaming cup.
“What if I put a love spell on you, huh?” she whispered to the coffee. “Drink this, and poof, you’ll love me forever. No more grumpy boss, just my sweet, obedient Drakey.”
She stirred dramatically, pretending to chant a spell under her breath. A giggle escaped her lips. If anyone had seen her, they’d probably call her insane. But to Lucy, it was entertainment.
Because if she didn’t laugh, she might scream at how frustratingly grumpy he was. Drake Anderson, her boss, her crush, her perpetual storm cloud. Always scowling as if life itself carved his face into a permanent frown.
Cup finally ready, she strutted out of the pantry like a runway model carrying a trophy. She dodged busy employees, noting how some of them glanced her way.
Yes, look at me, mortals, she thought smugly. Today, you are witnessing the goddess of this office. You may bow now.
With a mischievous smile plastered on her lips, she approached Drake’s office, bracing herself for his sharp aura. He was like a walking dagger, always ready to cut someone down with his eyes alone.
She pushed open the door. “Here’s your coffee, Boss!” she announced, like she was presenting a feast to a king.
Drake looked up and frowned. “What took you so long?”
Lucy blinked, then put her hands on her hips. “Well, you didn’t exactly tell me where the coffee maker was hidden in this maze of an office. I almost got lost!”
He clicked his tongue. “Next time, learn to ask questions.”
“Next time, maybe try being nice to me,” she muttered under her breath, mimicking his tone.
His brows furrowed. “Are you cursing me?”
Lucy gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. “Nope. Just complimenting you, Boss.” She flashed him a sugary smile and was about to leave when his voice stopped her.
“Wait. What time is my appointment with Ms. Valdez?”
Lucy spun around without missing a beat. “Nine-thirty, Boss!”
“And after that?”
“Eleven a.m., meeting with Fukutawa Corporation reps. Two to three, free slot, then session with Mr. Sy at four.” She rattled it off confidently, head held high.
Drake paused, almost impressed, though his face didn’t show it. “Good. You may go now.”
Lucy strutted out but not before whispering, “Hope you get burned.”
Seconds later,
“Damn it!”
Lucy leaned on the doorframe, bursting into laughter. “See? Karma works fast! Enjoy your scorched tongue, Boss!”
She returned to her desk, grinning as she tackled her paperwork. Working in this grand office felt like a dream. And best of all, she got to see him every day. Sure, he was a grumpy nightmare, but she’d decided: no matter how long it took, Drake Anderson was going to fall for her.
Maybe not today. Maybe not tomorrow. But eventually.
Hours passed before the door slammed open. Drake strode out, a folder in hand. Without a word, he dropped it on her desk.
“You need to scan these. Some go to Accounting. Be ready. We’re leaving in a few minutes.”
And just like that, he vanished back into his cave.
Lucy glared at the stack. “Whew. You got this, Lucy.” She quickly sorted the papers, organized her desk, and stood ready when Drake reappeared with his bag.
As they walked to the elevator, she noticed a few women batting their lashes at him, clearly drooling. Lucy narrowed her eyes. Hands off. He’s mine, witches.
Inside the elevator, she crossed her arms and shot him a pointed glare.
Drake caught it. “What’s with that look?”
“Don’t talk to me. I’m annoyed,” she snapped.
He raised a brow. “Annoyed? Because of me?”
“Yes! Those women were all over you! And you acted like you didn’t notice?”
“Tsk. What’s your problem?”
Lucy stomped her foot. “Isn’t it obvious? I’m jelly, Ace!”
“Ha?”
“Ha?! i***t. Talk to yourself, Boss!” she huffed, spinning away.
Drake smirked faintly, shaking his head. “You’re a weirdo.”
Weirdo? Lucy fumed silently. One day, you’ll see what you really want.
They didn’t speak again until they reached the car.
“You didn’t even try to bribe me,” Lucy muttered as she climbed in, pouting. “Now I’m sulking!”
“Ah,” he replied flatly, starting the engine.
“Grrr! You’re impossible!”
“Didn’t I tell you to stop pouting around me?” he scolded.
She ignored him until he suddenly reached over and tugged at her lower lip.
“Ow! That hurts!”
“Go on, pout some more. By the time we arrive, I’ll erase it myself,” he said coldly.
Lucy rubbed her lip, muttering, “I wouldn’t mind losing my pout thanks to your kiss.”
“In your dreams,” Drake replied.
She smirked. “Where there’s life, there’s hope, Boss. Especially when you’re still single.”
“I’m not available.”
Lucy laughed softly. “Keep telling yourself that.”
The restaurant wasn’t far. Drake parked smoothly, stepping out with his usual calm confidence. Lucy followed, adjusting her blouse. She wasn’t about to let anyone steal his attention, especially Ms. Valdez.
The woman was already waiting inside, her beauty polished and her smile too sweet.
“Hi, Mr. Anderson,” Ms. Valdez greeted warmly, standing to shake his hand. “Hope I didn’t make you wait.”
Drake smiled lightly, the kind of smile he rarely gave anyone. “Not at all, Ms. Valdez. We just arrived.”
Lucy rolled her eyes so hard she nearly saw her brain. Oh, puh-lease. Did she really just glow like a Disney princess when she said his name?
They sat down. No one asked Lucy to join, but she plopped into a seat anyway, smiling plastic-sweet.
“Shall we order first?” Ms. Valdez asked, eyes locked on Drake. “An early lunch while we discuss business.”
Lucy muttered under her breath, “Why waste time? I could just punch you and finish this faster.”
“Yes?” Ms. Valdez tilted her head, hearing something.
Lucy smiled innocently. “Oh, nothing. Just making sure Boss isn’t hungry.”
Food was ordered. Lucy picked at her plate, silent, while Drake and Ms. Valdez chatted animatedly. Their voices blurred into background noise, each laugh from Ms. Valdez making Lucy’s blood boil.
And then it happened.
As Drake leaned back, Ms. Valdez reached out, her perfectly manicured hand brushing the corner of his lips.
“There’s something here,” she said, wiping at an invisible spot. Her voice was low, teasing.
Drake chuckled softly, letting her.
Lucy froze, fork suspended mid-air. Her eyes narrowed into slits.
Oh, hell no. Did this woman just—
Her knuckles whitened around her fork. Flames practically shot out of her ears.
I’m gonna strangle her if she tries anything else.
- Writer
