Once Upon a Cheesecake

🍽 II: Cheesecakes For The Soul 🍮

A/N: Thank you to ChickLit for awarding my story second place in the 'Tis The Season' 2019 Contest. I am so happy and flattered to receive recognition.

Thank you to everyone who supported me and thank you to my dear friend, Ino, who tagged me in the prompt. As requested by RoWasHere_82 (and my little sweethearts who pmed me), I wrote a few chapters post the contest for some people's enjoyment.

This is still experimental though, depending on your reaction. I'm not that sure if I want to keep writing this, haha. Happy reading~ ♡

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"What do you mean he is off-limits?!" Caralyn, my workmate, reacted violently against my warnings.

Immediately, I covered her loud mouth with my bare hands much to her muffled protests.

"Shh," I instructed. "Keep it low."

I discreetly scanned the room to check if anyone heard us. When I was sure that no one took notice of our personal commotion, I uncovered her mouth.

"I can't believe you ruined my lip make up." She pouted. "That was my favorite shade, Ash."

"Sorry, Car, I can't afford another batch of humiliation spree today," I explained, recalling what transpired between our CEO and me. "And, please don't call me that."

"Just what happened?" She eyed me with a curious smile. "You arrived with the hottest escort on planet Earth and now you keep telling me I can't call you your nickname?"

"Well, actually. . ." I began struggling to narrate about the whole thing.

Fifteen minutes earlier. . .

"Get up, Ashley Zhang. We are both fully aware you didn't faint." He laughed.

It was clear that he was totally enjoying this.

I opened my eyes to steal a glance at him. However, almost instantly I found myself averting my line of sight.

His gaze held a certain degree of intensity that made me uncomfortable.

"When did you get back?" I asked with a silent plea that the embarrassment I had was not palpable.

"Three hours ago?" He answered, still wearing the same boyish smile I used to melt over.

"Oh."

"Now, what was 'that' awhile ago?"

I stiffened under his gaze. It seemed the frustrations I had didn't go unnoticed by this guy.

Why did I have to rant and cry like that?

I cursed my confused hormones. I had failed to keep them at bay.

"You really love getting on my case, CEO Lee."

I referred to him with much indifference, in hopes that he would catch my subtle implication. I was not comfortable sharing anything too personal.

A tiny smirk crept on his face.

"Believe me. . . That's not the only thing I love."

My breath hitched and I felt heat rise on my cheeks.

This guy and his word play still had the same effect he used to have on me years ago.

I was flustered. It was a good thing that the blush on was a perfect camouflage for me.