THE AGREEMENT | #1

CH 11. THE UNCHARACTERISTIC APOLOGY

'I hate it when my little bunny is sad...no more tears.'

The simple and inoffensive line managed to make me cringe. What could have been mistaken for a sweet sentiment or concern seemed to carry a twisted undertone. Slapping the card shut, I released a harsh breath. "Um, Eli?" Looking over his shoulder he nodded for me to continue. "Do you know who left this for me? I'm new in town and I don't recognise the handwriting." I explained. Chuckling he turned to give me his complete attention.

"Secret admirer?" He guessed, shrugging as he examined the box, tugging on the baby blue ribbon wrapped around it. "It was here when I started my shift." He elaborated. Forcing a smile I watched the gift cautiously. "At least you got some free chocolates." Catching onto my unease, Eli tried to lighten the moment. The effort was adorable and I appreciated it.

"I guess, right..." Pulling the ribbon loose, I opened up the box of chocolates and held them out to Eli. "Want one?" Hesitating, he took a step closer. "Should I be worried about the safety of these chocolates, I mean you're inching towards them like they're laced with cyanide." Horrified, he shook his head furiously. "Kidding." I informed, chuckling softly. Shaking the box slightly, I urged him to take a couple.

"Thanks." He smiled, admiring the gesture; of I think receiving something from a complete stranger without being expected to give anything in return.

"See you later, oh and good luck." I nodded towards the thick texts books, cluttering the desk, before heading towards the elevators. Examining the card again I shivered. I couldn't comprehend why this gift had put me so far on edge. Slamming into what felt like six and a half feet of solid muscle, I stumbled back. Jolted by the force I released my grip on the box of chocolates. "Shit-I am so sorry." I rushed out; sinking to my knees I quickly gathered all the scattered pieces of chocolates.

When the initial shock from the collision had subsided my senses made me aware of whom I'd had the misfortune of crashing into. The unique scent wafted around me, taunting my senses; my body was just as hot as my mind was furious. Of course it would be him— Mother Nature just loved to kick me while I was down. This man had insulted me in so many ways and yet my body still refused to fight the attraction I felt towards him. Crouching in front of me he assisted me in collecting all the chocolates. "I've got it." I bit out, snatching a small circular ball from his large fingers. The small contact sent a surge of electricity shooting through me.

"It's all good, I have time to help." He replied smoothly, unfazed by my obvious determination to keep this exchange odious. Clenching my jaw I collected the pieces in a rush, all the while struggling to will my sudden arousal away. Slamming the cardboard lid roughly over the top, I pushed to my feet and scanned the space for a bin. Straightening to his full length, he watched me patiently. "Over th-" Before he could complete his sentence, I turned my back to him— taking a guess as to where the bin was located. Catching sight of the thin cylindrical trash can, I inwardly sighed a breath of relief. Making my way over to the metallic bin, I ground my molars together.

Tossing the box into it, followed by the card, I was left reeling by the level of comfort distance from the gifts had provided. I felt relieved that I was no longer touching them. Returning to the elevator I curved around my vexing neighbour and pressed the call button. "Boyfriend troubles?" He questioned; I wanted to slap him for being so god damn condescending. He'd already made it perfectly clear that he knew, for sure, I was available. The second the metallic doors, encasing the cart, slid open I stepped inside. Following he reached for the button to our floor. The doors sealed shut with a soft thud and I pressed my hip against the bras railing outlining the remaining three walls of the cart. Folding my arms across my chest, I kept my gaze fixated on the dial. "About last week-" He started.