Desire: One Woman's Story of Love

Chapter Two

Reader's POV:

I couldn't stop grinning all day after the chat I had with Miss Winters. Hearing all the kind things she said about me, the way she looked at me and the feel of her tentative touch against my skin, it sent a wave of warmth throughout my body; a feeling I hadn't felt in a long time.

As I headed back into the office after lunch, I noticed it was quiet, too quiet, and not one single person was to be seen. I felt a flood of relief at the office being deserted; maybe I could actually get some work done without hearing the sound of Chris's voice, like nails on a chalkboard. Suddenly, I heard the sound of muffled voices followed closely by obnoxious laughter, and I made my way down the hallway.

"I mean who did Miss Winters have to fuck to get where she is?" Chris let out a throaty laugh as his colleagues joined in. "She's not even a good writer, although I would love to give her a good fuck, wouldn't kick her out of bed." He said making rude gestures. I was completely gobsmacked at what I was hearing, although not that surprised, it was Chris after all. Jerk. The way he talked about Miss Winters, degrading her behind her back. Doesn't have the balls to say any of this to her face though.

"I'm sure your wife would love to hear all about that." I couldn't stop myself from saying something as I hovered in the doorway. How dare he disrespect her like that.

Chris turned to face me, hands on his hips. "Excuse me?" He took a step closer to me as though to intimidate me. I was anything but intimidated by this poor excuse of a human being.

"I said, I'm sure your wife would love to hear all about that." I paused thinking he would respond with a smug remark but he just stared at me so I carried on. "You can't stand the fact that a woman is more successful than you that you have to degrade her and tear her down? Is your life really that sad and pathetic?" They all looked slightly stunned, probably at the fact a 24 year old female was speaking to them like this. Regardless of my age or gender, I was going to put these horrible men in their places.

"I'd watch who you're speaking to!" Chris lowered his voice, another act of intimidation and I couldn't help but laugh, stepping closer to show him that he couldn't scare me.

"Or what? What could you possibly do? Just because your dick is so fucking small doesn't mean you have to make up for it by acting like an even bigger one." A few chuckles erupted from some of the other guys and I saw a hint of anger in his eyes, but he also looked a little flustered. "If I ever hear you so much as whisper a bad word about Miss Winters, or catch you leering at her the way you were earlier I will make your life a living hell.. and that is a promise." He looked taken aback by my words and soon scurried out of the room followed by his colleagues. I was confused why he didn't say anything back to me, no nasty remark or comment. But it soon became clear why when someone cleared their throat from behind me and I turned to see Miss Winters leaning against the doorframe. My heart was beating rapidly, I hoped to god she didn't witness my outburst. "Miss Winters! How long have you been standing there?" I nervously nibbled on my lower lip, praying she hadn't heard anything.

A smirk danced across her lips which told me otherwise. "Long enough." She entered the room closing the door behind her. "You have a way with words." She giggled, and I saw a tiny spec of shyness peak out from behind her smile.

"I am so, so sorry, I just.." I tried to apologise but she just shook her head.

"You have nothing to be sorry for, darling."

My heart rate returned to normal when I saw she wasn't angry with me, and seemed to appreciate my earlier rant. "I just couldn't listen to them talk about you like that, it made me so angry. I was so close to punching that dickhead Chris right in the throat." She laughed at my comment and I had to refrain myself from joining in. "What?" I smirked.

"Nothing." She chuckled. "So.." She sat down on one of the chairs. "What were they saying that got you so riled up?" She raised a curious eyebrow and I averted my gaze as I took a seat next to her, I could feel her eyes on me and I felt slightly awkward having to repeat what they said. "It's ok," She reassured me. "Probably nothing I haven't heard before." She let out what seemed like a nervous laugh and I couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

"Uhm well.. Chris was making remarks about you, uhm.. fucking your way to the top, and they were making fun of your, uhm.. writing." She didn't look shocked by anything I said, like this was all normal for her. "He also talked about, uhm.. "giving you a good fuck" and he was just making childish comments." My voice was small and quiet as I recalled what he said and I felt myself grow hot under her gaze.

She shifted slightly to face me. "Thank you." Her hand reached for mine, and she brushed her thumb over my knuckles.

I stared at our entwined hands before my eyes met hers and I shrugged. "I did what anyone else would do."

She shook her head slowly. "No one has ever stood up for me like that before." Her eyes glistened and for a second I thought she was going to cry but she batted the tears away with a few blinks.

"Well, you're a woman worth defending. You don't deserve any of that." The awkwardness I felt before was long gone, replaced by admiration. How she put up with remarks like that on a daily basis, I'd never know. Her hand still gripped mine but I didn't have the heart to pull away, nor did I want too. I enjoyed the feeling of her hand on mine, her thumb gently stroking across my knuckles.

"You have no idea how much I appreciate that." I gave her hand a gentle squeeze and for a moment we just stared at one another. It was Miss Winters who broke the silence as she cleared her throat and got to her feet, letting go of my hand. "Well I best get back to work."

It was my turn to get to my feet as I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat. "Yeah, me too." I smoothed some imaginary creases out of my skirt and I could feel her staring at me, trying to hold back the smirk that was already evident on her face.

"Would you.. maybe uhm." She stuttered. "Want to grab a coffee after work?" Did she just ask me out as in like a date? My stomach did flips at the prospect of seeing Miss Winters outside of work.

I couldn't help the nervous giggle that escaped my mouth, at the fact she asked me to go for coffee and I hated coffee. "I uhm.. have a confession to make." I looked down at my hands as I fiddled with my ring. "I actually can't stand coffee, hate the stuff." I peeked up at her through my lashes and saw a slightly confused expression on her face.

"But I bring you coffee every morning?" It came out more of a question than a statement and I nodded sheepishly, biting down on my lip to stop from smiling.

"I have the biggest crush on you, and didn't have the heart to tell you." It took a second for realisation to hit me at what I'd just said, and my eyes widened slightly. Did I really say that out loud? Did I just admit I have a crush on her? Fuck. I felt her step closer to me and I lifted my gaze to meet hers.

"You have a crush on me?" She was stood so close to me that I could smell her sweet perfume, the smell that had become my favourite in the last few months. I nodded my head whilst keeping eye contact with her. "Well, the feeling is mutual." My stomach practically did a somersault. Did she really just admit she liked me too? "So, how about instead of coffee we go for something a little stronger?" She winked at me and my insides practically melted.

I nodded a little too enthusiastically and croaked out, "I'd like that."

Her hand found mine again and she squeezed it gently, before leaning in and placing a soft kiss to my cheek. "I'll look forward to it." She whispered in my ear sending a tingle down my spine, and before I could comprehend what just happened she was gone. I'm going on a date with Lana Winters? Fuck yes.

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Okay so here's chapter 2. Sorry it took so long to post, it's been a hectic day! Let me know what you think, I might end up changing a few things.

Also, please let me know if there's anything you'd like me to put in the story, any particular scenarios? I have no idea where I'm going with it tbh.

Anyway let me know your thoughts and suggestions.
~T ♡~