Deadly Charm

CHAPTER FOUR

Working with Sam has been quite enjoyable. She was having more fun than she expected to have. Iva never dreamt that she was able to have fun working with Sam.

At first, she found Sam intimidating and thought him a bully. She was intimidated by Sam's wealth, status, and the effect his presence had.

She remembers how she nearly resigned after a few days working with him. When she told her friends about the encounter from the first day, and she wanted to resign, they advised against it. They told her to set clear work boundaries instead.

She had walked into the office with a stern face that morning. Sam was surprised at her boldness.

“I do love to have a conversation with you, Sir,” she said sternly.

“Go on,” Sam replied, giving his full attention.

“I would love us to set clear work boundaries. "You don't come too close to me, and you knock on my office door before entering.” Iva blabbed out like a rehearsed speech.

“That's not a problem. "Thank you,” Sam replied.

Iva went back to her office, surprised; she had expected more. She expected him to be angry or just laugh at her in scorn. She must be foolish to think he would consider her or her looks.

“Maybe he isn't who I think he is,” she said to herself.

As she became used to him, she discovered that he was humble and gentle. She has mastered her role, and there are few lapses to upset him.

Sam's phone was ringing in the office, and he picked it up reluctantly. It was a difficult call. One could guess by his tone. The longer the call continued, the more tense his face grew by the second.

He put down the phone and rubbed his temples. Iva could see the tension and frustration on his face.

"Is everything okay?" she asked, actually concerned.

Sam looked up at her and smiled faintly. "Yes, everything is all right. Just a small business emergency with one of my ventures."

Iva nodded sympathetically. "Would you like me to do something to help you?"

Sam shook his head. "No, I've got it under control. But thanks for the offer."

Iva smiled and turned back to work. She could not help stealing glances at Sam. He was so vulnerable as a baby, and her heart went out to him. She wanted to help and be there for him.

Iva understood Sam was under tremendous pressure and could not manage work as time passed. He was constantly on the phone, with some crisis or other that he did not want to talk about. Even if he wanted to talk, to whom? These months of working for Sam revealed how alone his life was. It was taking its toll on him, and she knew that. He was getting more withdrawn and isolated by the day. Iva reminded herself to invite him to have dinner with her on one of the nights.

"Hey, do you want to grab dinner with me? You look like you could use a break." Iva asked after a day's work

Sam looked at her in surprise, Iva thought she had overstepped. But then he smiled,

"Yeah, that sounds great," he said. "Thanks for asking."

They went to a small Italian restaurant nearby. The food was good and Sam enjoyed every bit of it. As they ate they talked about food, places and everything else except work and personal lives. Sam was more relaxed during the dinner. Seems like that was what he needed after all.

Sam was funny and charming, and Iva found herself laughing and feeling at ease. Sam walked Iva home, his arm brushing against hers. Iva could not believe it. And the spark of electricity from the first day returned. She wondered if Sam felt it, too.

Sam could not explain the degree of ease he felt with Iva. Maybe this was the relief he needed in this season; to lighten his burden. This feeling was strange to him. Not in his life has his heart gone out for anyone as it has gone for her.

"I need to stick to the plan," he told himself.

Sam is a man who separates emotions and business. Besides, she was not in his class.

When Sam and Iva stood right outside her apartment, Sam thanked Iva for the dinner. "I'm grateful, Iva, for the food. I needed that," he said.

Iva was happy and said, "It's okay, Sam. Don't worry, you're not going through this tough time all alone."

Sam smiled, if only she knew what she was talking about. He wished he had someone to do life with and share his burden with.

Sam looked into Iva's eyes, “What if he kissed her?” He thought “

He wondered if she loved him already and there was space for him in her heart. Lost in his thoughts, he kept staring at the eyes before him. Maybe he was falling in love.

For a moment there, Iva felt the world stopped; it was a fleeting awe-transforming moment of wonder that made her feel like she was the only soul on the planet that mattered. Maybe he was in love with her.

Iva’s heart raced at the thought…She thought about all that could be if he fell in love with her.

But, he gave a little smile, and it was just the fleeting vibe. He wouldn't allow himself to be consumed by this feeling.

"Good evening, Iva," heading off, Sam said, while dismissing her.

He wished he had come out with his car on nights like this. He was not home and was consumed by the passion he felt now. He took out his phone, made a call and headed to the southern part of the city.

What Sam and Iva had was a simple work relationship, or it was something more developing, she didn't know. Iva was a little bit anxious. Not knowing what to think or believe, she took the turn to her house. She chooses to be content with the moment they just shared because there's no telling of the type of man Sam is, is there?