Rides of Our Promises (Original, English Version)

Chapter 19 - Charles Cross

She has always wanted me, she said. I still couldn't believe it.

She's much more outspoken than me. When we returned to the office, it was awkward a bit. I don't know how to approach her now. Should I be more thoughtful? Should I allow her more breaks? Should I help her with her work? Should I get her something to eat? I sighed as I leaned back on my chair. I'm not good with women or with relationships as I've never really gotten in one before. Whatever happened during college were nothing serious. When I finished school, I studied some more before snatching the executive assistant position. I worked hard to prove my worth. I worked seriously all these years, being the support Oliver needed as he ran his huge company. I originally wanted to reject Oliver's decision to leave the company in my hands. I'm not cut out to be a CEO. Or to be honest, I didn't want to be a CEO. It took Oliver a few weeks before he convinced me. He told me a lot of things, mostly covering what I was most afraid of, my reasons for rejecting his offer. With his guidance and his insistence, I figured he has no one else to leave it to. One he trusts. And having worked for him and with him all these years, he trusts me enough to leave the company in my hands.

But yeah, my weakness lies in wooing a woman I like.

"What issue are you having? Looks like you're facing a tough decision." I heard as her voice floats through the office. I sat up properly to look at her.

"Something like that." I answered as she put down the coffee she normally makes in the afternoon. She surprised me by leaning down and giving me a kiss.

When I looked at her, there's mischief in her eyes. "I think I should do that from now on. Life here in the office is boring. It will spice things up. Don't you think?"

I only grunted my approval as I took the cup and sipped the coffee.

She clucked her tongue. "I'd say your EQ when it comes to women, other than your mother, is pretty low. Should I plan our dates as well, or could I leave that to you?"

I raised an eyebrow at her. Usually, during breaks like this, I let her say whatever she wants and normally, she didn't need me to say anything back. She only needed me to listen.

I cleared my throat, "You can leave the details of that to me."

She smiled widely, "Thought you'd never say. I still am your assistant, though. But I guess I wouldn't really look forward to it if I prepare everything, right?"

"I'm still a man." I told her with a frown. She's just teasing me, isn't she?

She grinned again. "I like you like this, too. I have new things to tease you about. The others are getting pretty old, and I'm not riling you up like I used to."

I groaned. "You're not letting me off the hook?" I asked.

"Why would I? You're adorable when you're annoyed. And you've never fired me over it. Admit it, you like my sassy mouth." She dared and I'm more than happy to answer her.
"I love it." I admitted and that caught her off-guard. She blushed.

I grinned, "I thought I'd never see the day I could tease you. You're actually blushing. The vulgar, Ms. McDaniels, that embarrasses people with her words, is blushing. Are you shy or embarrassed?" In a way, I have adapted to her way of speaking. Though I make it a point not to be like that in front of clients, partners and senior employees.

"It's good to finally hear you talking back after all these years. I thought you're all about business, boring and unaffected. And oh, you aren't simply telling me to shut up and get on with my tasks." She winked before walking out the door.