Signed, Sealed... Stuck

CHAPTER THREE-Ophelia.

“Wait here, I’ll let him know you’re here to see him.”

‘I’m a wuss.’ I think, as I watch Rafael’s assistant walk towards his office. I could’ve easily called him and met outside of his office. But I want to prove that I am here on a professional basis, to discuss the future of both our companies. Hopefully.

My eyes rove around Rafael’s office floor and ask I take in the modern but minimalistic style, with shades of gunmetal grey, an off white, blue and black, I wonder why I’ve never been to his office before. I hadn’t even attended the ground breaking for the building when he got it – My dad was battling cancer then and I had to go home.

My spine snaps straight when the doors to his office pull open and I have to hold in my disappointment when his assistant steps out, a giddy grin on her face. For whatever reason.

“He said to give him a few minutes.” She barely holds back a chuckle as she struts back to her station. I try not to let the situation bother me but my eyes keep flitting back to her bare lips, especially as she applies a fresh coating of lip gloss now, staring into her blank computer screen. So Rafael is sleeping with his assistant, it’s not my business and it shouldn’t faze me.

I try to convince myself that as I wait and when the assistant finally tells me to go in, I’m barely holding on to my wits. Why does Rafael have to be like every other man who can’t keep their hands away from their female subordinates? Although, I doubt she was complaining.

“Rafe?” I push open the door and I’m pleased to see his surprise as he whips his head towards me, shock evident on his face. “What? You couldn’t smell my funk from behind the closed doors. Not very ‘best friend’ of you.”

“I don’t have a best friend.” His arctic voice freezes me in my steps and I stare at him, shocked. The shock has worn off from his face and he’s now gazing at me with a walled off expression, his grey eyes darkening. Rafael Moreau, my forever best friend is sprawled on his chair, his index running across his bottom lip as he takes me in. I notice that his hair looks longer at his nape, like he’s finally taking my advice and growing it out. Has it really been three weeks? It feels like he's changed so much.

And there’s also his shirt, or rather, the fact that the top three buttons are undone and I can peak the layered slim chains he usually rocks. This, right now, feels like Rafael back in college and I swallow hard as I steel my mind against finding this man attractive. He snores, Ophelia. Remember that.

“Don’t be like that, Rafe. Granted, I was a tool for ghosting you but it should be one of the vices you embrace me for, instead of pushing me away. At least, let me fill you in during dinner this evening? It’s on me.”

Forever the moneygrubber, a smile graces Rafael’s lips and he stands. “You should have led with the free dinner.”

We hug but I make sure not to linger, looking away when his eyes seek mine out at such a close proximity. I move away from him, squeezing his hands in mine for a bit before letting go. We settle down beside each other on a sofa at his seating area.

“To what do I owe this pleasant, although unnecessary visit? And why didn’t you give my assistant your name? I never expected you to use your company’s name to get into high places.”

I roll my eyes as I relax into my position, my legs tucked under me. “As opposed to your assistant sleeping her way to the top?”

Rafael grunts and I laugh lightly, not wanting to give off how affected I am by his lack of denial. “My mother thrust her on me – her friend’s daughter. Thankfully, Mira isn’t looking for anything serious. I’d hate to break things off with her now, if she ever finds out that I’m committed to you.”

My laughter is too loud and too high. Too anxious. And I can tell that he hears it too, because as I slowly let the awkward moment die down, he’s staring at me, his gaze intent on my face as he searches for something. Whatever it might be.

“How are you? How is work? How is ugly James?” I interrupt what’s sure to be rapid fire questions with a sharp laugh and he smiles wide as well, feeding off my glee. “How is Matilda, my baby? When are you finally leaving James, whose eyes don’t match?”

Rafael has my hand gripped between his, his thumb running slow arches across my skin. The way he’s looking at me, like he knows something is different this time and wouldn’t mind finally getting things aflame between us.

“Well, his mismatched eyes were what drew me to him in the first place, so there’s that.” He tilts his head as I say this, as if he’s waiting for me to say more. “And he’s doing great. Matilda has been getting too heavy for my arms and I’m rethinking returning her to you.” He'd gifted me his cat last spring, when he travelled out for a month long work trip and has yet to ask for her back.

He stares at me for too long, a half smile on his face that he tries to smother with his hand. “You’re doing that thing you do when you’re trying to evade a question. I won’t ask about James but I know that something’s up.”

“Well, thank you for your silence. I know it’s a hard concept for you to accept.” I’m pleased when he laughs out, his eyes squeezed shut as the deep sound of his laughter rumbles out. His phone pings and he pulls it out from his jacket, glancing down at it.

“While I always love being around you and listening to you make jokes on my person, we’ll have to continue this discussion over the dinner you promised. I’ll pick the restaurant, seeing as you’re apologizing to me.”

I’m laughing as well – because I know I’m about to break bank to get back in his good graces. As he leans down to give me a hug, I become still when his lips graze my cheek and slide a bit till I’m sure he’s about to press his lips to mine.

“Later, love.” He pulls back and flicks my chin, before heading to his desk to get his things. I stand and head out, my head floating as I whisper a goodbye to him. My heart is beating faster as I get into the elevator because somehow, I’ve reignited my past crush on my best friend.