The Boss's Daughter [Richard Armitage fanfic]

Chapter 7 - Distance required

(Richard's POV)

On one hand, I could perfectly understand how Olivia was feeling. She lost everything more precious she had in her life and it's normal that she's afraid of her future. But, what was the big deal? I was just being nice to her, a friend that she could trust on. I knew, deep inside me, that I had some butterflies in my stomach everytime I talked to her or even see her, but I wouldn't risk falling in love with her... Just not now.

The dinner went well. All the staff from The Independent were there and they were all so nice with me. In fact, it was my welcoming party. Olivia kept a certain distance from me. Every time I caught her looking at me she turn around to face somebody else. Why was she acting like that, for God sake? When everyone was getting ready to leave, I saw her going in the bathroom and I knew I had only that chance. I followed her discretely and got inside the bathroom. She looked at me in the mirror and got scared, jumping a bit instantly.

-Gosh, you scared me! -she said, almost in a whisper, turning around to face me widened.

-I'm sorry, I didn't mean to. This will only take a second, if I may. -I said quickly, praying she wouldn't run away from me. She sighed and rolled her eyes.

-What is it?

-I don't want you to run away from me. I apologize for what I said earlier, but I didn't mean anything by. We are just friends, Miss Rogers. -I said deeply from my heart.

-I'm sorry, too. But you have to understand that I'm your boss and we can't have a normal friendship like everybody else does.

-But why not? Boss or not, if we get on well together than I see no problem at all. -I said, looking serious. She was really messing up with my mind, I didn't really understand her at that point. But still, I wouldn't put her under pressure.

-There are things you need to learn about me, before considering yourself my friend, Mr. Armitage. I hope I don't have to tell you this more than once. Now if you excuse me, I need to go home. -she said, harshly and... bossy. God, how I loved and hated that personality. I was feeling like a kid, I was beyond curious about her. Seriously, I needed to find out everything about her. This was more than a simple attraction, this was a crush! I was having a crush on my Director and that meant so many things. I will respect her, fully, but she will not get rid of me so easily.

The week finally returned and the days were getting colder with the Autumn. The wind thrown itself to my face and made me shiver that morning. I was on my way to the vet to get Theodor. He stayed there since the last night because he had a flu, but not that bad. I got him and left him at home first before making myself to work. Ah, Monday... So loving. When I got to my desk there was a note on a sticky yellow paper.

Write a text about Autumn.

Make it excellent and tomorrow it will be on the papers all over London.

O R

A new challenge left by her. She could have asked for my presence in her office, but instead, she kept her distance. I was determined to write the best I could to impress her. I sat down immediately and start writing and writing and writing. I erased and wrote again. Then erased and wrote again and again.

-Coffee? -Ian asked, putting his jacket on.

-Not now. -I answered. I needed no distractions from that moment on. I had only one day to make it excellent and impress the woman I wanted.

(Olivia POV)

There I was, at home, sitting by my window, covered with my white blanket and drinking a hot chocolate. The after-lunch sun was greeting me and I closed my eyes to absorb his blessing. A boring sound interrupted my moment. It was a text, on my phone.

He red your note. And hasn't stopped writing for a single minute yet. -said Evans. I sent him word to deliver that note to Richard, so hadn't had to face him. I knew what I was feeling inside me and I couldn't surrender to that, I just couldn't. Bringing Richard in my life was the same as betraying my beloved William and I would never ever do that.

-Why so alone, my dear? -said that so well known voice behind me. It was my father, my old man. I smiled at him and touched the chair next to me, so he came and sat by.

-I'm thinking, that's all.

-I know that look... Who is he? -he asked. It's unbelievable how he knew me so well, better than anyone else. With 40 years old, I was still daddy's little girl and that was a bond for life.

-He's an employer from the business. Richard Armitage. -I said, lost in the orange colour outside and the wind stripping all the leaves from the trees.

-Honey, I've told you this before and I'll say this again. You have to let go. You have a life and you can't hold on to your past... -he said, resting his hand over mine. I felt tears in my eyes and I knew I couldn't resist. My father was right, but...

-I know, father, but... I'm afraid I can never marry again and have children... They will die and I'll be lost again... -I said, crying. He pulled me to his chest and hugged me tight. I felt protected with that hug and I imagined how I missed a husband by my side.

-Give yourself a second chance to be happy, Olivia. You are so strong in The Independent, you are fearless to anything and anyone. Now it's time to bring that courage to life again and face this as a new opportunity to succeed on your happiness. -he said, with hope in his tone, looking deeply into my eyes. He was more than right... But still, I had a lot to think before I could speak to Richard again, personally.

Another week has passed and I red what he wrote and I launched it on the news. I knew he was thrilled with that, but, after doing everything at home and online, I had to be a grown up woman and face him. So I got ready and made my way to work.