026~ OFFERED,
1440 Words
Aria
"So, what do you have planned for our date?" I inquired as we settled into the car. He took my hand and gently kissed the back of my palm.
"It's nothing too extravagant, but I genuinely hope we enjoy our time together," he replied. "That's all that matters, right?" He looked at me with a warm smile.
"Yes, I just hope I'm not overly dressed?" I expressed a slight concern.
"Your dress is perfect," he reassured, kissing my palm once more, then added, "I love you."
He had uttered those words several times since his confession, yet every time he said it, butterflies danced in my stomach.
We arrived at the outdoor café nestled in the heart of the city. Soft, warm-hued string lights adorned the trees, casting an enchanting glow over the scattered tables. Other couples shared laughter and engaged in quiet conversations, making it a favourite spot for lovers.
"This is beautiful," I complimented, soaking in the romantic atmosphere. The night breeze played with my hair, and the distant hum of traffic merged seamlessly with the slow music from a hidden speaker.
"I'm glad you like it," he said, placing a hand gently on my back as he guided me to an empty spot.
"So, who did you bring here before?" I teased.
"This is my first time." he laughed.
He pulled out a cushioned chair for me, and I sat down, playfully remarking, "That's gentlemanly of you."
"Anything for my lady," he replied, bowing dramatically.
He took a seat across from me, his gaze unwavering as he inquired, "This isn't a first for you?"
I smirked, savouring the moment, and replied, "It wasn't a real date."
His eyes sparkled with playful curiosity. "So is this?"
I met his gaze, a soft smile playing on my lips, and nodded, "Yeah."
He chuckled, and a waiter approached, menus in hand. "What can I get you both tonight?" the waiter asked with a courteous smile.
"I'll go for the pasta carbonara," Lucas decided after a brief glance at the menu.
"Same with me." I added.
"Excellent choices. Anything to drink?"
"A bottle of your house red wine, please," Lucas answered, and I nodded in agreement.
As the waiter left to fulfil our order, Lucas reached across the table, his fingers lightly grazing mine. "I hope you're enjoying yourself so far."
"I used to think dating was stressful as hell. Didn't get why people willingly put themselves through it," he confessed, a hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "But I think I understand now."
A soft smile curved my lips. "You are doing great. This is perfect."
As he leaned in, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that spoke volumes, he whispered, "You make everything perfect." My cheeks ignited, a warm flush spreading across my face.
Get a hold of yourself, girl!
Our meal arrived, and we dug into the delicious food, savouring the flavours and engaging in easy conversation between bites. Laughter danced between us, accompanied by stolen glances that spoke volumes.
It was undeniable - I loved this man, and there was no denying that he loved me too.
After our delightful meal, Lucas proposed a leisurely stroll, revealing a nearby park. Eagerly agreeing, we walked hand in hand, city lights casting a soft glow on our path.
Soon, we stumbled upon an ice cream vendor. I playfully insisted that he treat me to a cone. Opting for vanilla, I noticed the sparkle in his eyes as he chose chocolate. Seated on a bench in the park, we indulged in our ice creams, savouring each sweet bite.
As we sat there, the world around us seemed to fade into the background. The gentle night breeze carried laughter and snippets of conversations from other park-goers. Our fingers interlocked, and our smiles mirrored the ease of the moment.
Resting my head on his shoulder, I sighed softly, "I wish this would last."
Lucas, with a reassuring tone, responded, "It will, or else you'd have to get tired of me because I don't see myself getting tired of you." A tranquil silence embraced us.
"As long as you don't get tired of me, I won't get tired of you either," I replied.
A smile played on my lips as he tilted my head up, grinning.
"Getting tired of you? Not a chance. You're stuck with me for the long run." His eyes glimmered with sincerity, echoing his commitment.
I sat up, closing the gap between us, pressing my lips against his. The sensation of his lips on mine was electrifying. He cupped my face, responding with a passionate kiss, igniting a warmth that spread through every fibre of my being. At that moment, I decided there was no point pondering about whether or not. Let's just go with the flow, allowing the currents of emotions to guide us.
°°°
I strolled into the company, a radiant smile gracing my face as I responded cheerfully to everyone's greetings. As I entered the elevator, my fingers pressed the button for my floor. Just as the doors were about to close, a voice requested to hold the elevator. Swiftly, I pressed the open button, and the doors slid open again.
A girl from the designing unit walked in along with Alex. I haven't seen him since the bar incident. He seemed shocked but quickly concealed it, nervously greeting me and retreating to a corner of the elevator.
"I like your dressing today, Miss. Carter. You always dress hot," the girl complimented beside me, her eyes sparkling with admiration.
"Thank you so much," I replied, my smile growing broader.
"These days your smiles are brighter, it's like you can't stop smiling. Your smiles are very beautiful. Should I stop by your office to show you my sketch?" she asked, leaning in to share her thoughts. "Mrs. Watts always rejects my designs, saying they are trash, while everyone else says they are okay. I think she's trying to get revenge on me for exposing her."
I listened attentively, my expression understanding. "You can bring it directly to me then," I responded, my voice reassuring. As she shared her concerns, I made a mental note to address the apparent mistreatment by Mrs. Watts. If she was going to bully a junior for exposing her claim of someone else's design, it implied a toxic work environment that needed to be addressed.
A knock echoed through my office, interrupting my focus on the designs spread across the desk. "Come in," I called out, looking up to see Mrs. Watts entering.
"You sent for me, Miss. Carter," she stated as she stood at the doorway.
"Yes, good morning," I greeted, my eyes flickering back to the designs on the table. Mrs. Watts couldn't resist glancing at them, and her nose flared as if she had just caught a whiff of something unpleasant.
"I hear you are rejecting designs of our employees," I addressed the issue directly.
"I was just looking for perfection," she defended herself.
"Don't discourage our young designers. As a senior designer, you should guide the juniors and not discourage them. How are we going to produce future leading designers if we discourage them?" I emphasized, not willing to tolerate such behavior.
"I am sorry, ma," she apologized.
"It is not about being sorry. Don't go back and lash out at them just because you were reported. Life is already tough for some of us; don't add more, please," I advised firmly.
"I am sorry, ma," she apologized again.
"Tell the girl who drew these to come see me later for corrections. I think this is nice," I instructed.
"Yes, ma," she responded and left the office. As she departed, I leaned back in my swivel chair, feeling the weight of the conversation. Tensions like these were the last thing I needed, especially when I was already longing for the comfort of my bed.
My morning tranquillity shattered with the insistent ring of the telephone on my desk. I sighed, lifting it to my ear.
"Good morning, Miss. Carter. You have a visitor without an appointment here to see you. She said it is important," the receptionist's voice echoed through the receiver.
I pondered for a moment, attempting to decipher the identity of the unexpected guest. "Who is she?" I inquired, curiosity seeping into my voice.
There was a brief moment of commotion on the other end, as if a struggle was unfolding.
"Get down here, b***h! or I will make a scene," Ruby's assertive tone demanded.
I sat up immediately, a blend of surprise and recognition flooding my senses.
"Five minutes," Ruby added.
- Writer
