Beyond Just Friends

Chapter 8: Stirring The Pot

The next morning, Julia walked into the office with a spring in her step, feeling more energized than she had in weeks. The late-night crab leg feast with Marcus had brought back a sense of normalcy she hadn't realized she was craving. It reminded her of their simpler days, when everything was about laughter, challenges, and companionship. Now, as she approached her desk, she was ready to tackle the tasks for the day and prepare for the business ball the following evening.

There was a lot to do. The ball was a major event, bringing together investors, executives, and key players in the tech world. Julia knew that she needed to study the backgrounds of the potential investors attending, identify their interests, and understand how they could benefit Marcus's company. She had always been detail-oriented, but this task required a particular level of precision and focus, given the stakes.

As she dove into the profiles of the attendees, time flew by, and it wasn't until her stomach growled that she realized she had worked straight through the morning. "Time for lunch," she muttered, pushing away from her desk.

On her way to the cafeteria, Julia passed by Marcus's office. Through the glass walls, she saw him sitting at his desk, engaged in conversation with a woman she didn't recognize. The woman was young and attractive, her bright smile and stylish attire standing out in the otherwise professional setting.

Julia's eyes lingered for a moment longer than necessary, and as if sensing her gaze, Marcus glanced up and their eyes met. For a brief second, Julia felt a twinge of something unfamiliar—something like jealousy—but she quickly masked it with a smile, waving casually before continuing on her way. Her face felt hot, and she bit her lip, trying to shake off the strange feeling creeping up on her.

Don't overthink it, she told herself, making her way to the cafeteria.

When she arrived, the usual group of coworkers was already gathered at a table, chatting and enjoying their lunch. Julia joined them, settling into the comfortable buzz of conversation. They talked about work, deadlines, and the upcoming ball. But soon, the topic shifted in a direction Julia hadn't expected.

"So," one of the women at the table, Lauren, said with a playful grin, "I know we're all professional here, but can we just take a moment to acknowledge how gorgeous Marcus is?"

A chorus of giggles erupted from the table, and Julia immediately felt a twinge of embarrassment as she sipped her water, hoping to avoid eye contact.

"I mean, seriously," another coworker chimed in. "That man is like a walking ad for a men's magazine. Tall, confident, and that jawline? Please."

Julia forced a laugh, trying to focus on her lunch as her coworkers continued to gush about Marcus. She didn't want to be part of this conversation. He's just Marcus, she reminded herself, trying to ignore the way her stomach twisted at the thought of him sitting in his office with that attractive woman.

"So, Julia," Lauren asked, leaning forward with a teasing smirk, "you work closely with him, don't you? What do you think? Does the CEO's good looks distract you at work?"

Julia froze, her fork halfway to her mouth. She could feel all eyes on her, and her heart began to race. She hadn't expected to be put on the spot like this. The truth was, she had never really thought about Marcus in that way—at least, she hadn't allowed herself to. But after the dream and the dinner the night before, the feelings she had been trying to suppress began to bubble to the surface.

"Uh... he's okay," she said, trying to sound indifferent. She hoped her response would be enough to deflect the question and move the conversation along.

"Just okay?" Lauren pushed, her grin widening. "Come on, Julia. We all know he's more than just okay. You work with him every day. He's gotta have something that stands out, right?"