Tormented by his past, Dmitri is consumed by his need to keep anyone but his family at arm's length.
He tries to resist his attraction to Jordan, she's perfect in every aspect; smart, beautiful, and kind but he is confused by emotions that he cann...
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It's the final workweek of the year, and Christmas is just around the corner. The office has been buzzing with activity—closing deals, shipping off devices, and making preparations for the annual charity event.
The event, scheduled for this Saturday, is something we hold every year to raise money for orphans, not just in Australia but across the globe. It's always been a highlight of the season, and this year is no exception.
Ironically, for the office gift exchange, I pulled Jordan's name. At first, I was at a loss about what to get her. But then I remembered a conversation I overheard on a Friday a few months ago. Her coworkers had invited her out for drinks, and she'd turned them down with the excuse that she had a book to finish reading.
Anyone who turns down a night out to read has got to be a true book lover. That's when it hit me: books. I tracked down her Amazon wishlist from the link in her Instagram bio and picked out a selection to create a book bouquet. I wrapped it beautifully, complete with ribbons and bows, and now I can only hope she likes it.
Throughout the day, employees have been exchanging gifts, laughter echoing through the halls. The head of HR, who pulled my name, handed me a Newton's Cradle Pendulum for my desk.
I've found myself absentmindedly fidgeting with it ever since. The soft, rhythmic clinking of the pendulum balls has been oddly soothing amidst all the year-end chaos.
As the week winds down, I can't help but feel a sense of quiet satisfaction. Between the work we've accomplished and the anticipation of the charity event, it's shaping up to be a good end to the year.
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Packing my bag to leave for the day, I spot Mr Park making his way into my office with something in his hand.
When he is fully standing in my office I can see he is holding a bouquet.
"I pulled your name and I didn't really know what to get you then I realised that whenever you don't have anything to do you're deep in your Kindle which I assume you use for reading..." he rambles on.
I laughed " I don't think I've ever seen you nervous before"
"Well I'm giving you a gift that I'm not sure how you're gonna receive it urmm, so yeah I'm a bit nervous" he chuckles rubbing the back of his neck.
I smile at him and he smiles back giving me a warm fluttery feeling inside.
"Here" he placed the bouquet into my hands.
Turning it around it was a book bouquet with books that I had on my Amazon wishlist books that I've been wanting for a long while especially The Brown Sisters series by Talia Hibbert. The books were wrapped in blue and white wrapping paper with a big red ribbon made into a bow.
"Om my God, this is so sweet" I look up at him with a big smile on my face "I love it, thank you" I exclaim. This has got to be the most thoughtful thing he could have ever done and I genuinely appreciate it.
"I'm happy you do and you're welcome" he smiles back.
As I hold the book bouquet close to my chest, I catch his gaze and see something in his eyes that I haven't seen before. The way he's looking at me makes my heart skip a beat.
"Is everything okay?" I ask, feeling a little nervous.
He takes a deep breath and steps closer to me, his hand reaching for mine. "Yes"
His eyes move along my face and I feel myself leaning towards him, drawn by an inexplicable force. I can feel his breath on my cheek and my heart is pounding in my chest
Without any hesitation, he leans in and kisses me softly on the lips. It's a gentle, yet passionate kiss that sends shivers down my spine. I kiss him back, my lips moving in sync with his. For a moment, the world around us fades away and all I can think about is the way his lips feel against mine.
A door slamming close brings me back to the present, I pull away from him and take deep shallow breaths to get some oxygen in.
"We shouldn't be doing this" I take a step back from him looking at anywhere but at him before ultimately focusing on his eyes.
He looks at me with a mix of confusion and disappointment in his eyes. "Why not?" he asks, his voice low and husky.
I shake my head, still not able to meet his gaze. "I just don't want to complicate things," I say quietly.
He takes another step closer to me, his hand reaching out to touch my cheek. "We don't have to complicate anything," he says.
I close my eyes, savouring the feeling of his hand on my skin. "I don't know," I whisper.
He sighs, taking his hand away from my face and stepping back from me. "I'm sorry, you're right it will complicate things here at the office"
"Okay," I agree even though deep down inside I know that I'm gonna regret it.
"Have a good night" He turns to walk back into his office.
"I'm sorry" No I'm not.
"It's okay," I think he also knows that I am not sorry as well.
Sitting on the edge of my desk I took a deep sigh. What just happened? I just kissed my boss, Oh my God!!!.
I knew it was wrong, but I couldn't help the way the kiss made me feel.
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Thank you for reading!
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A/N: I have noticed that I've been posting new chapters every Thursday so look out for new chapters on Thursdays from now on.
If no chapters for that day I will let you guys know.
