TIFFIN 2

40

Bit of a trigger warning: ✨✨ Some vulgar language ahead. Things are about to get interesting.
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I knew one thing for sure:

It wasn't a good idea to take Cole on his word. Or his actions.

Months ago, I would have ignored him altogether and attended work no matter the circumstances.

What was happening to me?

I managed to evade Brendan as he attended to a call on his intercom.

Slipping into my office I saw that it was as tidy as could be.

There wasn't much to do, though the dry desk was nagging at the back of my brain. 

Picking through the janitors cart near the front desk, I took ahold of the  All-Purpose Cleaner and a roll of paper towels. I smiled as the lemon scent wafted through my nostrils.

There was nothing better than having a freshly sanitized station. It made me feel more orderly and organized.

Like I had my life together. 

As I disposed of the soggy towels, a knock sounded on my open door. 

Cole entered, eyeing my clean space. He kept his eyes down as he spoke. 

"I'm sorry for getting you into trouble." 

I shook my head.

"No, it was my choice to call out. Plus, it looked like you got a worse reprimanding than I did." 

For a moment, Cole looked like he wanted to deny this but he nodded, accepting the truth. 

"Yeah, I guess that's true. I'm supposed to be your superior. I should be telling you what's right and wrong, not leading you into the trap."

I pressed my lips into a thin line. 

"It's okay. Really. You helped me with my license and car. I didn't have to spend a dime. Knowing that you spent your own money means so much more." 

Cole turned to close the door. 

"How much does it mean to you exactly?" He breathed, shoving his hands in his pockets. 

"A lot," I replied, looking at the print on the walls.
 
The room suddenly seemed tighter and stuffy. 

"You're off the clock, I'm off the clock," Cole said, resting his hands on a chair. "I thought I'd talk off the record... did your boyfriend never think about buying you these things? His family comes from money after all." 

I sighed. I really didn't want to get into the loans Hero was recieving. 

"He doesn't care about the money." I replied. "He never thought about it. I never thought about it. Time took us by surprise and flew." 

"Trust me," Cole assured. "In my line of work, I can't seem to catch a break, but I couldn't bare to see you without such a thing." 

I nodded, clearing my throat as he made his way around the desk. 

"It was thoughtful of you, Cole." 

"I want to prove to you that I care about you." He went on, now looming over me. 

As I stared into his eyes, it became harder to steel myself away. 

"You don't need to say a thing," he whispered, "I just need to do this." 

As he thumbed my bottom lip and started closing his eyes, I began to panic. 

No. No. He couldn't do this.