Bloom [Completed]

Chapter Eight

Why do I ramble on like that when I'm nervous around someone I like?

Especially when that person is beyond gorgeous and has a magnificent beard, that I just know must smell amazing only by looking at it.

I would understand completely if he kicked me out of his office right now. My usefulness has reached its limit I'm afraid.

I chance a look up at his face and see he's looking down at me.

He doesn't seem mad though, his eyes are alight with confusion and his lips bite down to hide a smile.

"Miss Dalton, " he begins quietly but I interrupt him.

"Billie, " I say. "Please call me Billie. "

"Billie, " he sighs. And I can see all the effort it takes for him to remain stern-faced.

"The people downstairs don't know me very well." He says gravely.

But I get the feeling he's just saying that as a defence.

"They say you're a monster."

"Do they?" his eyebrows raise.

"It's not true though, I don't think that. At least... You're not a monster to me."

His response falters a little. I've caught him off guard.

He runs a hand through the side of his beard.

Why is it that every time I stare at those beautiful grey eyes I say whatever is on my mind?

"What am I to you then?" He asks with a hint of mirth in his tone.

Well, that's a loaded question if I ever heard one.

"You're my bosses, bosses, boss," I reply with a smile.

He chuckles slightly at this and my insides do a flip of excitement knowing I was the cause.

"That's true at least, " he says.

We both stand there staring at each other for a moment. I watch his eyes flick down to my lips and back. The space between us suddenly feels a lot smaller. Was he always standing this close?

I don't want to leave. I know I have a cart with letters to be delivered by the end of the day but at this point in time, I couldn't care less. I want to stay here talking with Oliver Daley.

A knock at the door makes me jump, however, Mr Daley is unaffected and cooly takes a step back.

"Come in, " he calls his eyes still holding mine.

The girl from the front desk pops her head through the door. "Your 5:00 is here, shall I send them in?"

"Just give us a minute to finish debriefing, " he tells her and she quickly retreats.

"I'll get out of your way, Sir," I say politely.

"Thank you again, for the short notice." He says slowly.

Perhaps he doesn't want me to leave either.

His face is back to serious and controlled. I sigh and walk steadily over to the door.

Just as I'm about to leave I hear him say his final goodbye.

"Billie, "

I turn around and he gives me the smallest of smiles that I know is only meant for me.

"Oliver, " I nod my goodbye and quickly close the door on his shocked face.

I can't believe I just called him Oliver to his face! No one ever uses his first name.