Hidden Love

Chapter 14

Two months later

Another Thursday and my morning starts off horribly. First I sleep through my alarm, which rarely happens, and then when I stop for a cup of tea at a coffee shop on my way to work, someone bumps into me, spilling coffee on my blouse. I make it to the office and quickly change before heading to my desk, passing Kelli on the way, rubbing at the pounding in my skull. "Good morning Kelli, is Mr. Bourgeois in yet?" Kelli smiles at me then gives me a frown as she catches the movement. "Good morning Dei'ani, and yes he is, he just went into his office. Are you okay, you don't look so good. Anything I can do to help?" Flopping into my chair and closing my eyes, I nod before speaking. "Could you please bring me a bottle of water and an ice pack from the freezer? My head is killing me and I don't really like taking medicine if I don't have to." I took the water from Kelli, swallow a few sips then set it aside and picked up the ice pack. I wrap it in a piece of cloth, placing it on the back of my neck as I ease my head onto the desk. Kelli walks over to my desk and touches my forehead, a frown evident on her face. 

"Are you sure it's only a headache Dei, you look a little peaked. Maybe you should go home and get some rest, I'll let Mr. Bourgeois know you're not feeling well." Sitting up, I wave her off before getting to my feet. "I'll be fine Kelli, I just need to get something to eat. I skipped breakfast because I slept through my alarm. Standing to my feet, I start for the door when I stumble a little. It's a good thing Kelli was nearby and caught me. "Let's get you back to your chair Dei and I'll go get you something to eat." Helping me to sit, Kelli left to do as she said. I continue to sip my water as I start up my computer and pull out some files and notes. A few minutes later Kelli returns with a to-go box of eggs and toast with a small container of oatmeal and a bottle of orange juice. "Thank you, Kelli, you're a lifesaver." Giving her a smile, I sit everything aside and start eating. Within a few minutes, I'm feeling better and the food is gone. I throw everything away and thank Kelli again then get to work. Going through some files and making notes, I'm putting everything into the computer when the door opens and Laurent steps out. Good morning Ms. Holt, do you have the files for the Haverson meeting next week?"

"Yes sir, I have them right here. If I could have a few more minutes to finish putting my notes into the computer and I'll bring them right in." I gave him a small smile before turning back to the computer to finish up. He returns the smile and nods as he turns to head back into his office. Five minutes later I gather the files and walk to Laurent's door, knocking before stepping inside. Here are the files you asked for. Just let me know when you're done and I'll file them for you." I set the file on his desk and turn to leave when he grips my hand, pulling me to him. Standing from his desk, he wraps his arms around me, holding on tightly. "I know it hasn't been that long since I last saw you but I miss you, mon amour." Holding my face between his hands, he gently pecks my lips. I sigh as I grip his shirt, leaning into him. All of a sudden, I feel totally drained and I wasn't sure why. Letting me go, he places a kiss on my forehead, dropping his arms from around me. I turn to head back to my office when I feel a sharp pain in my head causing me to stumble. Laurent swiftly moves around his desk and grabs me, leading me to the couch. "Amour, are you okay, is there something I can do?" 

Leaning my head back and closing my eyes, I massage my temples as I turn to face him. "I'm not sure what's going on with me. This happened earlier and I just thought it was because I skipped breakfast but I ate and felt better afterward. I'm sure I'll be fine, I'm going to rest here for a minute and then I'll go back to my desk. I'm sure it'll be okay once I get back to my desk." Laurent looks skeptical as if he doesn't believe me but he doesn't call me on it. "Okay bébé but if the pain gets worse or you just don't feel well, let me know and you can take the rest of the day off. Actually, I want to talk to you about something. Our sixth month anniversary is coming up and I want to take you somewhere so I was going to suggest that you take tomorrow off so you can get packed and do anything you need to before we leave. I'm going to come in tomorrow but I'll be leaving at noon. That way I can pick you up and we can be on our way." I sit dumbfounded by what he says. I knew our anniversary was coming up but I had no idea that he was planning to take me away for the weekend. I was so in my head that the only thing I could do was nod.