Everything you never had: on hold

9

Athenas POV:

I was late.

Very, very late. I knew I shouldn't have spent the last two days painting and decorating Sophia's room.

I cursed to myself as I rushed out the door, fumbling with my car keys whilst my father stood at the door frame a cup of coffee in his hands watching as I struggled to start the car.

His laugh rang out across the yard and I shot him a stern look causing him to laugh harder than before.

The engine finally came on and I sped off to the building.

*****

My hair and clothes were all one big mess whilst I walked inside the 14th floor. I cringed to myself looking down at the un ironed white shirt and crumpled black suit pants.

"You look like shit" a dark voice spoke in front of me and I knew exactly who it belonged to.

Pulling my head up, I was met with the same grey eyes I was met with this morning. Damien stood in front of me clad in a charcoal three piece suit. His hair was slicked to the back that I started to admire his form.

He always looked good no matter what he wore, it all fit him perfectly and it somewhat irritated me. No one should always look good, it was just impossible.

"Thanks" I mumbled striding to my office but his body blocked my view.

"Why are you late" it wasn't in an angry tone, but it wasn't a happy one either so..

"I was preoccupied this morning" by sleep Is what I didn't tell him.

"Is that so" he arched a brow and took a step closer. I remained in my place too tired from racing in here to draw out a reaction.

His hand reached my chin, tilting it up to the side. I stiffened as his fingers brushed my jaw and heat rushed up to my cheeks.

"I see why" trickles of plush pink paint fell on the floor. Damn it. I must have missed my jaw when I showered last night.

Damien released my chin while I released a breath no longer feeling his touch "you were painting?"

"Yes"

"Why?" He questioned again "and why the colour pink of all the colours you could pick"

"Because so-" i stopped myself before I could blurt out her name. Close. Too close for my liking. I could feel my heart rate Intensify with panic. My mind calculated with different answers I could give him but ended up choosing the dumbest one "because snowy wanted a change in colour and picked out pink"

"Snowy? Your dads cat? He picked out the colour pink" his mouth twisted up into a grin. "Liar"

"It's true" I said a bit too loud that my voice slightly cracked

"That's the worse lie you've ever came up with" his body inched closer to mine that I could feel the heat radiating off him. How much I wanted to lean into his warmth that it took all the strength in me.

"Now shortcake" he purred out my nickname, I released a shiver "tell me really why you're covered in pink paint".

"My old room needed decorating and I wanted to go with pink" it wasn't technically a lie "is that better" but those last few letters died on the top of my tongue.

"I'm still not sure If I should believe you"

I shrugged fighting my legs to move passed him. He slightly moved his body giving me space to walk to my office.

A sweep of relief passed me but it only took a couple of seconds before the sound of his shoes followed after.

Sitting down in my desk, I straightened my back prepared with a mountain of questions.

"Can I help you?" Looking up to meet his eyes.

Damien inclined his head "yes, actually" he answered my question.

"And what might that be" I resorted already drained with the amount of work that brightened my computer screen.

"I need you to send a file into the accounting department, there are some numbers missing"

Inwardly groaning I replied "that's it". It was more sarcastic then I intended but I decided to ignore my tone.

"No actually" a huge grin grew on his face "seen as though you were late, you could treat the whole floor with coffee and a snack. You can take Gabriel with you" ending his sentence with a smile.

On cue Gabriel turned the corner to his name "wait what" he stood dumbfounded. Damien turned to face him.

"You really thought I didn't see you" he furrowed his brows together, his face completely changing into a different mask. More stern.

"You both have 30minutes" his voice echoed walking away into his office.

Gabriel gave me a scowl turning his back to the elevator.

*****
The accounting department were busy typing or talking amongst themselves as I made my way to the head.

Jarred was a guy in his early 30s with a round face covered in stubble that matched his short chestnut coloured hair, his lean body accentuating every part of him. He had light hazel eyes that twinkled every time he smiled.

"More work?" He grinned as I walked in with Gabriel behind me.

I let out an apologetic sign handing him the folder " there's numbers missing" giving him the folder.

"Of course" his grin still plastered on his face "well I'm just heading for break tell him I'll get them done by the end of the day"

"Great" I rotated my body to meet Gabriel but the sound of jarred's voice caused me to halt "you don't happen to be on break?"

"Unfortunately not, I've got to head to the coffee shop across the road" shaking my head. It would take all the strength in me to carry them back up to the top floor.

"You don't mind if I joined" he questioned standing up in front of his desk "I could help with whatever impossible task he's given you"

"You sure about carrying bags of pastries instead of enjoying your own time?" Raising a brow. I would appreciate the help, by the look on Gabriel's face it didn't look like he'd be much help.

"Sure" he clipped.

A grin crawled it's way on my face "I owe you one" I promised.

"I'll hold onto the that" he released a laugh creating a wider smile on my face.

I enjoyed my small interactions with jarred even if I rarely saw him. Thrice a week would be the most. Yet he always seemed to make my day better. Either from the terrible jokes or the small remarks he gave about his team.

Giving him an encouraging smile "let's go then".