All For You

Chapter III

“That’s a loud bang, your head must have swollen. Let me take a look.” Oliver’s hand tried to touch Poppy’s head where she bumped earlier.

“I’m okay, I swear.” Poppy tried to avoid eye contact with him.

He surrendered but he was still facing her trying to look if she was really okay. “Your face is still red. Haven’t you calm down yet?”

“Mr. Smith –”

“I’m warning you, don’t call me that.”

So, this was what he meant earlier. He doesn’t want me to call him Mr. Smith. Poppy thought. “Then, Sir -”

“Oliver.” He paused for a second and looked at Poppy once again. “Just Oliver.”

“I can’t do that. You’re my boss.”

“We are not inside the company either. And today, I don’t want to be just your boss, Poppy.”

Poppy was utterly confused by what he said. It was well conveyed that it made her heart skipped a beat, though she was not sure what he meant by that. She looked at him in surprised and turn away immediately.

She was distracted by her heavily thumping chest that she didn’t even noticed his hands move swiftly into her face and held it gently making her face him directly. Their eyes met. She can smell his fragrant cologne from his hands. She can also feel his breath caressing her face. She was on cloud nine.

His deep blue eyes were glued to her showing deep concern. She had never seen such affection before, even with Charles, not even once. She was the first one to look away, afraid she might be swallowed wholly into his gaze, but Oliver is not letting her do so.

He smiled gently, letting her see those pair of dimples once again. “Come with me, I’ll show something.”

It was 35 minutes or so drive away from the city to the south. They arrived at NE Aquarium, a newly built tourist attraction. The crowd is huge and because Poppy was feeling down, she didn’t notice that someone was about to bump her.

“Look out!” A pair of hands hold her shoulder and hugged her away.

Poppy regained her senses.

“You’re still a mess and since your mind is still dazed, I’ll hold your hand. I’ll take the lead Poppy.” Oliver gave her a smile and hold her hand tightly and Poppy did not oppose.

They were now at the aquarium entrance when Poppy suddenly realized that most of the people in the crowd are couple, holding each other hands and probably on a date. She tried to get her hand off from Oliver’s, but he instead held her more tightly.

Oliver was excited like a kid on their adventure on the aquarium. Poppy, again, was surprised. He didn’t know that this cold-hearted man has a side everyone didn’t know of.

***

“Hello, Madam?”

“What happened? Why did he suddenly punch someone?” The older lady is feeling anxious.

“I’m very sorry Madam but I am very far from him when it happened, though my guess was – because of a woman.” The man reports.

Woman? “Then, where is he right now?

“They are currently at NE Aquarium together.”

Together? “Alright! Take pictures. I want to see who’s with him.” The older lady demanded.

Is this the reason why you rejected all those women, Oliver? I was wondering where do you always go on your day off, seems like you are dating, son.

***

Later that night, Poppy called Nicole and told her everything that happened. From the fighting scene in the park to the adventure she had with her boss in the aquarium, she left no detail.

Nicole laughed so hard hearing the whole story. “I wish I was there when your boss punched him on the face. That coward is a weakling.”

“Yes. Though I must say, my boss was a little unusual today. We are not close enough for him to do that.”

“I think so too, Pops. But –” she paused for a second, “But what if, he likes you that’s why he did that? It could be a possibility.”

“Stop that Nic. It’s impossible.” Poppy opposed. “Besides, I told you already, he’s ten years older than me. That’s a really big difference.”

“So what, Pops? It’s just age, for God’s sake.”

“I don’t want to assume. Besides, I don’t want to get hurt again.”

Nicole went silent. “I’m sorry. I just felt excited. He even brought you to that aquarium to make you feel better. But in case – you know – just in case –”

“I’m not going to answer that Nic.”

“I know. Nicole laughed. “Anyways, tomorrow’s another day. Don’t be sad anymore, okay?”

After they end their conversation, an unfamiliar mobile number registered as missed call grabbed Poppy’s attention. It called her for several times during her conversation with Nicole. She planned on sending a message to the number but before Poppy can send the message, the number called again.

“Hello?” Poppy answered immediately.

“Hello?” Poppy repeated as there was no response on the other line, but she could vaguely hear the caller’s breathe through his ear. “If you’re not going to talk then I’ll hang up now –”

“I see you’re doing fine now. I was worried because you didn’t answer my call.”

This voice…it’s Oliver.

“I was talking with Nic on the phone when you called earlier.” She explained.

“Nic?” He paused for a second. “A suitor?”

“She’s my best girl friend Mr. – I mean –” she hesitated “O-Oliver.”

“I know. I was just teasing you.” Poppy can hear his laugh. By the sound of it, he was really amused.

“Why are you doing this to me?”

“Doing what?”

“This! Teasing me, protecting me, caring for me, even checking on me if I’m fine when today’s just the second time we met. And by the way, where did you get my number? I didn’t give it to you.”

“I have my ways Poppy, I said that earlier. It’s getting late. Sleep now.”

“Wait! You didn’t answer my questions yet.”

“I don’t want to talk it over the phone Poppy. There is still tomorrow. I’ll see you at the company then. Bye.” And he hanged up.

Poppy was left dumbfounded. She tossed and turned for several times before she finally fell asleep.