The Quiet Contract

Email - LisDian Kiss

Lisa POV

Jennie stood there, her hands clasped behind her back, swaying slightly as she bit her bottom lip in thought. There was a mischievous glint in her eyes that immediately put me on guard.

"What's that look for?" I asked, leaning against the counter and crossing my arms.

She hesitated, then glanced up at me with a shy smile. "I was just wondering... do you think you could take the day off today?"

I blinked, caught completely off guard. "The day off?"

"Yeah," she said, stepping closer, her voice soft and sweet. "I mean, you've been working so hard, and... maybe you need a break?" Her eyes widened just a fraction, making her look like an innocent kitten trying to get its way.

I couldn't help but laugh, shaking my head. "Jennie, weren't you the one who told me just yesterday how busy you were? If anyone needs a break, it's you."

She pouted, her cheeks puffing slightly as she huffed. "I'm serious, Lisa. I barely saw you yesterday, and..." She trailed off, her gaze dropping to the floor. "I just thought maybe we could spend the day together. You know, relax a bit."

Her honesty caught me off guard. I softened, stepping closer to her. "Jennie, I'd love to spend the day with you, but don't you have a mountain of work waiting for you?"

She groaned dramatically, throwing her head back. "Don't remind me. I hate being a CEO sometimes."

I chuckled, reaching out to gently touch her shoulder. "You're amazing at what you do, though. And I know your team depends on you. Besides," I teased, "if you keep skipping work, what will I have to admire about you?"

She gasped, feigning shock. "Are you saying you only admire me for my job?"

I smirked. "Not only. But it's definitely one of the things I find impressive about you."

Jennie rolled her eyes, crossing her arms. "Fine. I'll go to work. But don't think for a second that I'm happy about it."

"Noted," I said with a grin.

She sighed dramatically but smiled as she glanced at her watch. "I should get going, then. But don't think this conversation is over. I'll find a way to steal you for a day."

"I'll hold you to that," I replied, watching her gather her things.

As I headed for the door, she spoke, I paused and turned back to her, her expression softer now. "Thank you, Lisa."

"For what?"

"For being here," she said quietly, her gaze holding mine for a moment before I turned and left.

-

She stood there, watching the door close behind me, my heart feeling unexpectedly full.

As I drove toward the office, the faint taste of French toast lingered in my mouth, sweet and tangy from the mango Jennie had carefully prepared. The road ahead blurred slightly as my thoughts drifted back to her.

She'd been so nervous, practically bouncing on her feet as she placed the plate in front of me. Her oversized shirt and pants made her look so unlike the composed CEO I was used to seeing, and it caught me off guard in the best way possible. She was just Jennie in that moment—shy, hopeful, and adorable.