A Melody of You: Book Five

Emma

I hang up Jordan's drawings on a board as if I were a detective trying to solve a case. I stare at it every time I enter my office and I only smile at the small drawings of animals she has in each paper.

It looks like she connects with nature a lot.

I ran my finger once over her latest drawing with a quiet smile. But a sudden voice from behind made me jump. I quickly turned to see Alex standing behind me with a smirk.

"I should thank Jordan for these drawings, too. Everyone gets to see your beautiful smile now."

I frowned at his sudden appearance and firmly said, "How the hell did you get in so quietly? Next time, knock."

"Why do you always act so mean?" He leaned on my desk with his smirk still there. A sudden intrigue passed by my heart for a second at the glance of his reckless eyes. I had to admit that I've always found men with that shine in their eyes dangerous enough to stay away from them. They're just like me and I know I'll make the mistake to get wrapped up with someone like that. I once did in the past...

But that feeling disappeared the moment the door opened after a quick knock and I quickly stepped away from the tension that held us inches apart. It was Danny and I didn't know why I became so nervous. He walked in talking and then froze when he saw us so close.

I did nothing wrong. I promise. But my heart began to pound because it had an intrigue for someone who didn't have those sad, gentle eyes.

I looked into those sad eyes and cleared my throat, "Danny! I'm so happy to see you! I almost forgot you work here."

I meant it as a joke. My stupid mouth made the situation worse again. He looked at the scene between us as Alex sat back in my chair. I frowned at him but I couldn't find the words to make him stop. I only let my nervous eyes burn through Danny as he softly said, "I was just dropping off a small report from our department for your presentation. Everything is ready on our part."

"Oh, okay. Thank you!" I nervously said.

The hint of sadness in his voice made him smaller than ever. My heart no longer pounded. My thoughts raced knowing that he saw something that was never there and my words did not comfort him.

Alex seemed to perceive the tension in the air and the unspoken words between us. So he said with a scoff, "I was just telling Ms. Nam that she has a beautiful smile and we're all so happy to see it. Would you agree, Danny?"

He briefly looked at me and then sadly said, "Mm. I suppose. I have to get back. Here you go."

He gently left the report on my desk and then gave us a small head bow before stepping out. My every muscle asked me to run after him and try to gently heal the pain running through his heart. I wanted to ease his confused thoughts, but I knew it would blow our cover. I knew it was a bad idea with a growling predator sitting in my chair watching our every move.

I couldn't concentrate all day and I tried to find him after work. His hiding spot is the tech department and he was in there all day. He didn't even pass by the small cafeteria for his daily coffee.

Today, I'm determined to catch him. I can't have this problem on my heart when I have that important presentation tomorrow. It'll get the best of me. I need to see his little smile among the crowd.

I finally catch him coming back to the building after hanging up his phone. I quickly slip out with a reckless heart. He tiredly holds his suit jacket in one hand and I take the other in mine as I pull him towards the back of the building.

His eyes are wide with surprise and he says, "Emma! What are you doing?!"

I do a little giggle and close the distance. His soft lips finally remind me how much I've missed him. He gently pulls away and I run a tender hand through his dark brown hair. It used to be down but now he gently parts it to the side so I can have a glimpse of the middle of his forehead. He even wears a tie now and I sweetly accommodate it.