This is L.o.v.e. like it should be

XXV. Annoying presence

"Here you go. That's our last outfit for the day. The things we have to do just to please these crazy people. Who would guess? Adding weird adornments to suits and dresses," the assistant complained again, repeating what she had told Ava a million of times.

"And the delivery of the suits and dresses to their owners? The party is in five hours."

"We have our delivery drivers on standby at the garage and they even hired an express delivery company for those who live further away. The board is very aware of the rush they submitted us to."

"I suppose," Ava breathed deeply in desperation. Maybe she still had time to take care of her dress and review the monthly report. "Do you still need me?"

"Yes, just one more thing. I almost forgot! Can you finish the last outfit by yourself? I have to run to..."

Ava stopped listening to the assistant, she was as bored of placing pins and needles on suits and dresses as of listening to her, so Ava had to make her stop talking before she went on another tirade. "Sure, go."

The assistant left and Ava found herself stuck with the last suit in the HR meeting room and two tags remaining on the table. That couldn't be right. Ava tried calling out the other assistant but she had already left. Ava reluctantly began going through all the bags to try and find the one without a tag, with no success, all of them had their tags.

"I'm going crazy," she complained loudly, throwing her head black in despair.

"The way you say it, sounds like a bad thing," a deep voice came from the closing door.

Ava turned her head; she was sure that she knew that voice.

"You", she said almost annoyed. She wasn’t sure how she felt about this mysterious man, especially after the stunt he pulled on the street with Julien. Maybe seeing him with Ava was the reason Julien changed so much.

"Yes, me," he answered amused by her tone.

Ava got back to what she was doing, deciding to ignore his presence.

"How are you miss, besides going crazy?", he insisted, placing his elegant bag on a random chair.

Ava made sure to look away from him. She didn't want to see his face. "Quite busy, but if you need the room, I'll leave. I have no intentions of disturbing your work."

"No, it seems I am the one disturbing your work," he sounded even more amused.

"To be honest, I’m already done." Ava was becoming increasingly annoyed by his posture, especially his tone. It reminded her of his boldness and uninvited touch while they were on the street. "So, if you excuse me..."

He stepped in front of the door, barring her way.

"Are you angry at me?"

Ava was confused by his question.

"What?" She laughed, “How could I be angry at someone I don’t even know the name of?”

He glanced at her lips, and forcing his eyes to move up again, he charmingly smiled. "Let me open the door for you."

He opened the door for her, making her more nervous and confused as she noticed his glance at her lips.

"What does he want with me?", she thought, feeling a little annoyed and curious at the same time.

Ava gave him a nod as a thank you, pretending to be indifferent to his gentleman’s demeanor.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you in your dress for tonight", he made clear before closing the door, when she was already in the hallway, not giving Ava the opportunity to react.

She just stared at the closed door speechless.