𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫 | 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐢

Afternoon Delight

It wasn't long before the two of us were walking along an elevated linear park, looking for a spot to stop and eat.

"What about there?" I pointed to a bench near the railings, surrounded by beautiful bell flowers.

Cheryl smiled. "Perfect."

We made our way over and sat down before rifling through the picnic basket to see what the company chef packed.

I look at Cheryl skeptically. "Are you telling me that they managed to whip all of this up after a 'quick text'? There must be enough food for twenty people in here!"

I held up the board of Greek appetizers, including fresh tzatziki sauce and homemade spanakopita, to prove my point. "And this is just the appetizers!"

Cheryl lowered her head sheepishly. "I admit, I was hoping you would take me up on my offer so I planned ahead a little bit. But really, all the chef did was pack what they were serving in the cafeteria into a basket instead of onto a tray to send up to my office."

"Wait. You have this kind of food every day?"

"One of the perks of the job." She nodded.

I took a bite of the pastry, trying not to moan out loud as swirls of savory deliciousness covered my tongue. "Mmm.. my compliments to the chef."

Cheryl smiled at me as she reached for an olive and dipped it in tzatziki. "So, first impressions. What do you think of B.E.?"

"B.E.??" I chuckled, shaking my head. "It seems like a great place to work, especially if you get to eat like this all the time. Everyone's friendly and excited about their jobs here. I could see myself working here in the future. Assuming things aren't too complicated between us."

Cheryl reached out and covered my hand with hers for a moment. "I think you'd be a great fit. And the last thing I want to be is a complication for your career. Regardless of what happens between us."

I nodded. "I know you're not the kind of woman to hold that sort of thing against me but still, it's nice to hear you say it."

She gave me a soft smile then looked over the view from the railing. Despite the good weather, the park was quiet as if we were the only people in the world up here.

"I hope it didn't bother you too much to see me tense in the Milan meeting."

I shook my head. "Not at all. This company is your baby and sometimes that requires tough love. I admire your strength and levelheadedness. You handled that crisis with such control."

Cheryl sighed. "I don't always. Especially around you. It feels like every time my control snaps, you're the one taking the brunt of it. That's not fair to you."

I swallowed thickly, knowing exactly what she meant. "I understand. I help you.. release pressure from time to time."

She scoffed. "You have no idea how often you've factored into me releasing pressure."

"Cheryl.." I warned.

She cleared her throat and a blush warmed my cheeks. "Dessert?"

I hummed. "Dessert. Yeah. Sure."

Cheryl dipped a bright red strawberry into a dish of chocolate and offered it to me. I leaned forward, wrapping my lips around the fruit and intentionally brushing against her fingers before taking a bite.

"Oh! Looks like some of the chocolate dripped a little. Let me get that-" I held Cheryl's hand steady as I sucked on one of her fingertips, then another.

"Toni.."

I flashed her an innocent smile as my tongue darted out to lick her finger again. "What?"

She shuddered. "Are you trying to kill me? Because it's working."

I glanced down at her pert nipples straining against her white dress shirt. "I can see that."

Cheryl took a deep breath and leaned back, putting space between us. "Toni, I'm sorry you're caught in the middle of all this."

"All what?"

"My life. My engagement. My.. desire." Her voice was but a mere whisper. "It's not fair for me to put you through this. Not when I can't give you everything you deserve."

She reached out to gently cup my cheek, her thumb grazing the corner of my mouth. "But I can't seem to stay away."

I barely focused on anything other than how much I wished she'd just kissed me already. "What if you are what I deserve?"

Her lips spread into a watery smile. "You have no idea how much I wish I'd met you first."

"Cheryl. It's okay. We'll figure it out. I'm not going anywhere. Not after finding you." I told her earnestly.

She looked at me with wide, tearful eyes. "Really? You'll wait?"

I nodded, leaning into her touch. "I'll wait forever if you want me to. Although, I'd rather we worked something out sooner than that."

We laughed. "Me too." She said. "I will find us a clean way out of this mess. I promise."

I nodded again, not sure if I believed her yet, but certain that she believed what she was saying.

"For now though, let's just enjoy each other's company for one child-free day?"

"Definitely."

We finished our lunch on the rooftop together, chatting idly and trying to forget how bad it would be if our conversation were overheard by listening ears.

- early update bc why not?