Chapter 11
1052 Words
Grace's POV
“Grace, I think it’s time for you both to start attending official classes for the practical coding part.”
“Yes, sir,” I reply, agreeing without truly considering the request.
“Trace came in here a while ago and proposed that you both take an hour after the work shift to attend the class. We’ve responded to his request, so I assure you’ll inform him about the same.”
“Yes, sir, I’ll do that.”
“The classes will be conducted online, and my assistant will share the link with Trace so you can connect after your shift?”
“Absolutely, sir.” Another hour with him...
“You’re okay with investing an extra hour, right? Or is it stressing you out, Grace?” It’s been a while since he’s spoken to me so courteously. The last meeting with the boss on Saturday wasn’t something I’d want to relive.
“No, sir, I’m fine with the schedule,” I assure him with a polite smile. He smiles back, nodding for me to return to work. I stand to leave. As I reach the open door, I see Trace walking toward me. He looks straight into my eyes, but I break contact and move aside to give him space. I don’t want our bodies brushing past each other. Having him close makes me lose my mind—just like I did in the cabin.
I can feel his eyes on me until he steps into the boss’s office. I walk forward, knowing I’ll eventually have to pass by him.
Once in my cabin, I turn on my computer. Meanwhile, Trace enters. Why does he have to look at me so intensely? I push his thoughts aside for now and pull out my phone to text Leo. He left his watch at my place on Friday, and I need to return it to him. I open the messenger and send him a ‘hi.’
Leo: Hey
Me: Where the hell were you this morning? Running late?
Leo: Yeah, man, woke up late.
Me: i***t.
Leo: Huh?
Me: Listen to me.
Leo: No.
Me: Okay.
Leo: Hey, stupid.
Tell me, you cranky girl, what is it?
He knows he has to listen to me eventually. i***t. I roll my eyes playfully.
---
Trace's POV
Why is she smiling? Who is she talking to? I clear my throat, trying to catch her attention, but she seems lost in whatever conversation is happening on her phone. Why does she have to walk past me now? My forehead tenses with frustration, and despite my irritation, I call out to her.
“Grace?” She places her phone on the table and looks up at me.
“Didn’t the boss ask you to inform me about the classes?”
“I happened to see you go into his office, so I thought you’d know,” she replies flatly, not even meeting my gaze as she begins typing on her keyboard. Her focus is so intense, the glow of the screen reflecting in her eyes. Did she just say “happened to see”? What’s with the coldness, Grace?
“I had talked to him about a different meeting, not this.” The boss did mention the schedule, but I need to hear it from her.
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Grace's POV
If he was talking about another meeting, how would he know I had to inform him about something else?
Forget it; why should I care?
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Trace's POV
“We have to wait for an h—”
“Look at me when you’re talking,” I say, my voice firm.
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Grace's POV
He’s pressing me now, and it’s annoying.
---
Trace's POV
Her eyes widen at my tone, but then she presses her lips together, her gaze darkening. We hold eye contact, a silent battle of wills, until a knock at the door breaks the tension. I should’ve closed it. Damn!
Grace is the first to break our gaze, looking toward the door. I can’t see who it is, positioned as I am, but I’m suddenly curious.
“May I come in?” A cheerful voice cuts through the air. Grace nods, smiling. What the heck? My heart races as I realize I need to know who this guy is. He steps in, and my stomach sinks; I recognize him as a developer here.
“It took you so long to get here, huh?” she says, a warmth in her voice that ignites my jealousy.
“You know I’m not that free,” he replies, flashing a grin that makes my fists clench.
“Shut up,” Grace retorts, rolling her eyes.
“Now, give that to me,” he demands playfully.
“What?”
“Ugh, Grace…” He feigns exasperation, looking at her with mock annoyance. She laughs, and it’s like a dagger to my heart.
“What?” she teases, her expression light and playful.
“My property! You told me you had something that belonged to me,” he says, and my blood runs cold.
“Oh.” She feigns innocence, and I can’t take my eyes off her.
“Yah, don’t irritate me! Just give it to me. I have work to do!”
Grace rolls her eyes again, turning to rummage through her bag. A watch?
“My watch? Oh God, Grace, you’re the best!” He snatches it from her hand and, before I can process it, he wraps her in a hug. What the hell?!
I stand up, shocked, my jaw tightening and fists ready to strike. How dare he?
---
Grace's POV
Leo’s excitement leaves me momentarily speechless. I know this watch was a gift from his father when he turned eighteen, but I don’t appreciate his physical intimacy.
I glance at Trace, and I can practically feel the daggers he’s shooting at Leo. I can’t allow this, not now.
“Thanks,” Leo says, and then he sprints off. The last look he gives me feels loaded with guilt, and I worry about how this might affect our friendship.
His face turned a shade of blue when I pushed him away. I didn’t want to hurt him, but I’m scared.
The air thickens as I sense Trace’s presence looming behind me.
~~~
- Writer
