Loving A Vampire Billionaire

Chapter 12

Variety stepped out of Knight’s office, the dim hallway swallowing her in its shadows. The office lights flickered like stars, but they were fading fast; the sun had long dipped below the horizon. She glanced around, noticing the hustle of employees packing up their things, eager to escape the confines of work for the night. A soft voice broke through the chatter.

“Variety!” Shasha called, her bright eyes catching the last glimmers of fluorescent lights.

“Hey, Shasha,” Variety replied, forcing a smile. The two friends shared an unspoken understanding, forged in countless coffee breaks and late-night chats. Shasha’s presence was a welcome distraction from her thoughts about Knight.

“How’s it going with boss Knight?” Shasha asked, tilting her head inquisitively.

“Same as usual,” Variety sighed, her shoulders drooping slightly. “He remains as cold as the moon.”

Shasha raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “Still unpredictable, huh?”

“Definitely. I can never tell what he’s thinking or feeling. It’s like trying to read a book written in a foreign language,” Variety admitted, frustration creeping into her voice.

Shasha chuckled softly, “A very attractive foreign language, though.”

“True,” Variety conceded, remembering how Knight’s sharp jawline and tailored suits always seemed to draw attention, even in a room full of people. His piercing gaze could cut through the noise and hold one captive. Yet, his coldness kept her at bay.

“Let’s grab a coffee at Boo’s,” Shasha suggested, her enthusiasm a stark contrast to Variety’s somber mood.

“Sure, why not? I could use a break,” Variety said, grateful for the diversion. They headed out, the cool night air refreshing against her skin. The familiar scent of roasted coffee beans wafted through the streets as they approached their favorite café, a cozy haven nestled just a few blocks away.

Inside Boo’s Coffee, the warm glow of the café lights enveloped them. They stepped up to the counter, where the barista greeted them with a friendly nod. Variety ordered a vanilla latte while Shasha opted for a caramel macchiato. They settled at a corner table, the bustling atmosphere providing a comforting backdrop.

“Okay, back to Knight,” Shasha said, leaning in conspiratorially. “You can’t deny he’s like walking art in those tuxedos. The way he carries himself—it’s magnetic.”

Variety rolled her eyes, though she couldn’t suppress a small smile. “Magnetic? Maybe more like a black hole. You get drawn in, but you can’t escape.”

Shasha laughed, taking a sip of her drink. “But seriously, he’s gorgeous. Those suits, the way he wears that watch—it’s like he stepped out of a fashion magazine. And let’s not even start on those sunglasses he wears.”

“Yeah, I guess he does have that... I don’t know, air of mystery?” Variety mused, her mind drifting back to the way Knight had looked in that sleek black tuxedo during the company gala. “But it’s not just the looks. There’s something more to him, something deeper.”

“Deeper? Or just more complicated?” Shasha shot back, a teasing grin on her face. “You’ve got to admit, he’s a puzzle wrapped in an enigma.”

“I just wish I could understand him better,” Variety said, her heart racing as she remembered the intensity of their brief conversations. “Like, what’s his deal with Cayleigh?”

Shasha’s expression shifted from playful to serious. “Cayleigh? You mean the famous designer? I heard he’s meeting her in Australia soon.”

“Yeah, he mentioned it today,” Variety replied, feeling a knot form in her stomach. “I just... I don’t know what to think about it.”

Shasha’s eyes widened, her mouth forming a perfect ‘O’. “Oh no, Variety! This could be bad for you.”

“What do you mean?” Variety asked, a sense of dread creeping in.

“If he’s going to Australia to meet her, that could mean he’s interested, right? Like, what if they hit it off? You could totally lose your chance with him!” Shasha’s tone was almost frantic, and Variety felt her heart race.

“Wait, you think he could have a romantic relationship with her?” Variety’s voice dropped, her worst fears surfacing.

“Absolutely! She’s stunning and talented. Knight could be swept off his feet,” Shasha said, her eyes sparkling with the drama of it all.

“But I don’t even know if he likes me that way,” Variety confessed, her voice barely above a whisper. “He’s always so professional, so distant.”

“Sometimes, the coldest ones are the most passionate underneath,” Shasha insisted, leaning closer. “But you need to act fast. You can’t let him slip away!”

“Act fast? What am I supposed to do? Just confess my feelings?” Variety felt a wave of panic wash over her.

“Why not? You never know unless you try,” Shasha encouraged, her expression turning serious. “Life’s too short to let someone like Knight go without a fight. And besides, if he’s meeting Cayleigh, you should make your move before it’s too late!”

Variety mulled over Shasha’s words, her mind racing. The prospect of losing Knight to someone as glamorous as Cayleigh made her stomach twist. “But what if he doesn’t feel the same?”

Shasha shrugged, an air of confidence radiating from her. “At least you’ll know. And who knows? He might surprise you. You’re more than just his employee, right? You’ve built a rapport.”

“Yeah, but that rapport feels so one-sided sometimes,” Variety admitted, swirling the foam in her cup. “I want to know what he thinks about me, but every time I try to gauge his feelings, I end up feeling more lost.”

“Maybe it’s time to change that,” Shasha said, leaning back in her chair. “Next time you see him, just be bold. Ask him about Cayleigh. Gauge his reaction.”

Variety’s heart raced at the thought. “What if he brushes me off? What if he’s excited about her?”

“Then you’ll know, and you can move on. But what if he’s not? What if he’s been waiting for you to say something?” Shasha replied, her eyes shining with excitement.

Variety took a deep breath, weighing her friend’s words. “I just don’t want to make a fool of myself.”

“Life is full of risks, Variety! Sometimes you’ve got to take a leap of faith. What’s the worst that could happen?” Shasha asked, her voice urging and supportive.

The two friends sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air. Variety sipped her latte, the warmth spreading through her, battling the chill of uncertainty. The thought of Knight with Cayleigh gnawed at her, a reminder of how precarious her position was.

“I guess I’ll have to think about it,” Variety said finally, trying to muster some resolve. “But what if I can’t get the words out when the time comes?”

“Then practice! You can even role-play with me,” Shasha suggested, her playful nature resurfacing. “I’ll be Knight, and you can be you. I’ll throw you some curveballs!”

Variety couldn’t help but laugh. “Okay, but you have to wear sunglasses and a tuxedo for full effect!”

Shasha burst into laughter, the tension in Variety’s shoulders easing just a bit. “Deal! But seriously, you’ve got this. Remember, you’re amazing, and Knight is just a man, no matter how attractive he is.”

“Right,” Variety said, her heart lifting slightly. “A very complicated, attractive man.”

“Exactly! Now, let’s finish these drinks and come up with a plan,” Shasha said, her excitement palpable. “We’ve got work to do!”

As they dove back into conversation, plotting their next steps, Variety felt a spark of determination ignite within her. Maybe Knight was a challenge, but she was ready to face it. After all, life was too short to let opportunities pass by, especially when it came to matters of the heart.