The Playboy's Crush By Deborah A. Olaleye

FIFTEEN

"Morning, morning, morning," Lara said in a sing-song voice as she stretched awake on the bed, a pleased smile on her face as she sat up on the bed.

She was always ecstatic to get up on Monday mornings and resume work, as opposed to her usual response when she worked at her part-time jobs.

She was even more happy to get to work this morning, courtesy of spending more time in the company of her oh-so-handsome boss, the legendary Shane Williams.

A smile touched the corners of her lips as she got down from bed and slipped her feet into her slippers, heading towards the bathroom to get dressed for work.

The alarm had yet to ring. The familiar tinge of excitement not associated with waking up before the alarm—a competition she had become obsessed with lately—speared sharply with a thrilling shiver through her veins.

She took extra care to pamper her skin, feeling particularly delighted about making an impression this morning.

On someone, isn't it? Her treacherous mind giggled.
Shane, perhaps. 

She lifted her lips briefly to the bridge of her nose, a scowl flashing across her face.

"I'm not," she argued heatedly. "I just felt like dressing up today. I feel good about it. It's definitely not for him." She frowned. "Maybe a bit for him. To tease him, perhaps?" Lara muttered to herself as she assessed her appearance in the mirror. She loved how Shane ogled and exaggerated his attraction for her whenever he saw her.

It made her belly do flip-flops and cause a rush of excitement to spread through her body.

Taking one last look at herself, she smiled and nodded in satisfaction, picked up her bag, and headed for the company.

"Here comes my heartthrob!" Diana squealed with delight as she saw Lara approach the lobby. She blew a kiss in the air toward her, a smitten look on her face. "I could glue my eyes on you, Lara," she breathed, shaking her head in adoration as she took in Lara's physique and appearance.

She gave her two thumbs up. "You get an 100."

Lara pinched the inside of her cheek to hold back from smiling widely at Diana's lavish compliments.

"Please don't flatter me, although I don't mind the part where your eyes are glued on me," she teased.

Diana rolled her eyes, making a face, and they both laughed. She tsked. "You are too beautiful, Lara."

"Says the lady who looks like the sun goddess herself," Lara returned, her face beaming with smiles.

She loved Diana's vibe. It always gave her a fresh start for her day at work. She just had that way of making everyone around her feel alive.

"Please." Diana waved dismissively in the air, a blush painting a healthy glow on her face. "I can't believe I'm blushing."

"Right? I'm surprised anyone can blush as quickly as you do."

The ladies laughed again.

"It's good to see you again. I missed you over the week."

Lara pressed her hands to her face. "Uh-uhn! I'm flattered. I missed you too. It's a happy Monday morning for me, as always, with you."

"Good morning!" Diana beamed at her.

"Good morning, Diana," Lara returned. "Enjoy your day."

"That's a given," Diana replied. "You too."

"Of course," Lara said, moving towards the elevator.
She spotted Andrea heading towards the lobby. Their gazes met briefly, but then she looked over her as if she hadn't seen her and continued walking.