“You know, Andy, he hasn’t smiled genuinely since his father’s death. I sometimes think he’s starting to become this stereotypical, rich businessman. All work but no emotions,” Maggie said to me one time.
I gave her a small smile in return.
“And the women... My god! The boy can never pick just one.”
I laughed at that and nodded my head in agreement. I figured that out the first time I met him. He doesn’t really have to do much to get laid but stand there and look rich and gorgeous.
By the fourth week, I was starting to wonder if William Maxwell even existed. Sure, I contacted his sister almost every day for reports, which was enough proof that he was real. But I didn’t see him for so long that he seemed like a figment of my imagination. Once he arrives, I wouldn’t really know how to react when I see him again, especially now that I actually know his reputation. He was smart, rich (very rich), and handsome to boot. In short, he was out of my league. Why I was even thinking about these things, I did not know.
As I made my way to the elevator, like any other day, I stopped for a second at the reception desk to greet Danny.
“Hey, girl. Has mister rich and famous returned?” I asked playfully, which was usual between us for the past few days.
“I don’t think so. The last news I heard was that he’s currently with someone…” she said with a huge grin, but was cut short as her eyes widened and focused on something behind me.
I turned around, curious about what got her gaping. I suspected that there might be some hot guy at my back. Soon enough, I was gaping too, because William was walking up to us. He was wearing a dark suit with a gray tie and his hair was styled back neatly. And judging from his expression, it seemed like he heard everything.
“Mr. Maxwell, good morning! Welcome back, sir,” Danny greeted behind me as soon as her surprise wore off. Her words brought me out of my trance.
“Good morning, Mr. Maxwell. Welcome back,” my voice choked as I lowered my head as if I was curtsying.
“Ms. Peterson, lovely seeing you this energetic so early in the morning,” he replied as he stopped about a foot away from me. It sounded like his voice had a hint of amusement. I couldn’t really confirm if he was entertained or not since I still hung my head in mortification. I gave him a curt nod in reply while keeping my eyes away from him. This is not how I envisioned meeting him again, which was a letdown compared to our last conversation.
“Aren’t you going up?” he asked after we both stood there for a second in awkward silence.
“Ah, yes.”
I quickly turned my face away from him as I felt it heat up. I dashed to the elevator as the metal doors opened right on cue. I was glad that we weren’t alone in the lift. But as the elevator travelled further up, people started getting out in each floor. By the time the last person left, my heart started hammering in my chest. I didn’t get why I felt so nervous. It’s not like I had feelings for the man. Plus he wasn’t threatening me. So, why did I feel so fired up?
“So, how’s your father?” he asked out of the blue. The doors closed shortly after, leaving just the two of us in the elevator.
“He’s doing great,” I replied, wincing at the sound of my voice, which was an octave higher. I mentally slapped myself for sounding so nervous and uncomfortable.
“Did he experience any complications with his medication since last time?”
“No. He is back to normal,” I replied more calmly, yet my heart was still pounding.
“Good,” he mumbled and nodded. “And how are you holding up at work?”
Why does time seem to slow down when you’re in an awkward situation? “I’m doing okay,” I replied softly, lightly tapping my feet in anxiousness. Tap. Tap. Tap.
“Is everyone treating you alright?”
“Yes. People here are very friendly.” Tap. Tap. Tap.
“So, Maggie and you are practically best friends now, I presume?”
“Yeah. Maybe.” Tap. Tap. Tap.
“Are you catching up well with the all the work Alexandra left for you?”
“Yes. They aren’t very time consuming.”
Why is this elevator taking so long to get to our floor? I internally screamed in frustration. As if God had answered my prayers, the elevator stopped and the doors opened right after my mental outburst. I went out of the lift before the door completely opened all the way through. I couldn’t care less what William thought of my actions, as long as I was out of that small compartment. It was starting to make me feel claustrophobic.
When I got to my seat, giving Maggie a brief greeting, I dumped my purse by my leg and turned on the computer. I acted as if I was already busy and in the middle of starting a report at that moment, hoping that William would ignore me and go about his business. But he wasn’t dense. How I forgot about that trait, I don’t know.
“Are you trying to avoid me?” he asked sternly, his tall figure in front of my desk. He set his hands on my table and leaned his upper body forward, casting a shadow over me.
I was caught unaware when he asked. I looked up at him and luckily, my confidence returned pretty quickly. “How did you come to that conclusion?”
“It’s obvious from the way you just walked out of that elevator,” he pointed out sarcastically. “Is this because you’re embarrassed that I overheard your conversation this morning?”
I opened my mouth to reply, but no words came out. The only sound that could be heard was me trying to choke out some of my jumbled thoughts. He raised an eyebrow and stared at me challengingly.
“Okay, I’m sorry about that. I didn’t mean anything by it,” I finally gave in, though my apology sounded stiff and forced.
“Are you trying to apologize?”
“Yes. Isn’t it clear as a bell?” I countered in exasperation.
“For someone who’s trying to ask forgiveness, you sure are very sarcastic,” he remarked with a grin, his eyes twinkling in amusement.
“Are you making fun of me?” I asked, a little annoyed.
He snickered in reply as he turned towards his office. “I missed you too, Andy,” he said, ending our cheerful morning conversation when he went inside.
As the door closed with a soft whoosh, I was left gaping at his last statement. I can’t believe he caught me off guard with his parting words. I missed you, too, Andy. What was I supposed to say to that? If I replied, I would indirectly be admitting that I actually missed him, which was kind of true. But nobody knew that except me.
When I put those thoughts in the back of my mind, I turned towards Maggie who was beaming at me with a teasing glint in her eyes.
“What?”
“You remind me of a lead actress in a rom-com movie. You know, the one that makes a fool of herself in front of the man she likes,” she teased.
Well, that wasn’t exactly a good analogy for the situation. I shook my head at her in exasperation and went back to work, which was sitting on my desk patiently. This was not the time and place to delude myself of a possible romantic relationship with my boss’ brother. No, I definitely don’t have the time at all.
By the end of my shift, I succeeded in not having any further conversations with William. I wasn’t verbally equipped to face him today. His sudden return caught me off guard.
After finishing my last report for the day, I quickly made my way down the lobby and smiled and waved to Danny as I passed by. When I reached the bus stop, I realized that I was a few minutes early. So I had no choice but to stand under the tiny shed that didn’t have a seat. I thought this was somewhat weird since the rest of the bus stops have them. I’m surprised I only noticed it now considering I’ve been working here for almost a month. Then again, I never had to wait for the bus this long, so that must be why I didn’t notice this before.
“You heading home?” a familiar voice asked, making me look up in surprise. I must’ve failed to see his black car slow down near the bus stop while I impatiently shifted from one foot to the other (my heels w
ere making my feet numb).
“What are you doing here?”
“I was just about to head home and saw you,” William replied sarcastically. “So, are you getting in or not?”
“No, I’m fine. The bus will be here any minute now,” I answered resolutely.
“But I’m here now.”
I eyed him indignantly for a second before glancing quickly at his car and my surroundings to check if there were people nearby. I didn’t want anyone to witness my stupid decision. William must have sensed my hesitation because he leaned towards the passenger door, opened it for me, and commanded, “Get in already.”
With a sigh of resignation, I hopped in and closed the door. “I’m definitely going to regret this,” I mumbled softly to myself.
When I finally buckled up, William hit the gas pedal and drove onto the busy street. As the minutes ticked by in silence, it was starting to get suffocating. I turned towards him to start a conversation I might regret in the end.
“Why are you driving? I thought you have people to do that sort of thing for you.”
“Is it a crime that I drive?” he retorted with his eyes firmly on the road.
Bless him, the man actually had some respect for traffic laws. “No, I’m just asking.”
It was quiet again for less than a minute before he said, “I like driving by myself sometimes. I only ask Mark to drive if I’m too tired to do it.”
I just nodded my head in understanding. “So, you like SUVs?”
“You know cars?”
“No, I don’t. I can only tell the difference between a car, a truck, a pick-up truck, and this one—oh, and sports cars, too. They’re those two-seaters, right?” I admitted. I perked up a little thinking about sports cars.
“Not all two-seaters are sports cars.”
“Oh. Yeah well that’s all I know, anyways. I would want to see that though,” I said wistfully.
“Well, you’re in luck. If I’m feeling generous, I might let you see one in the flesh,” he offered with a playful grin.
“Yeah, right. Like you own one,” I snorted.
“Uhmmm… I thought you already might’ve grasped the fact I’m a businessman.”
“Oh, right! Mr. Mogul. How could I ever have forgotten that?” I can’t believe I forgot who I was talking to.
“Mr. Mogul?”
I covered my mouth once I realized what I had said and turned towards him with wide eyes. “Sorry,” I mumbled sheepishly.
“Well, that’s a first,” he sniggered and turned his attention back on the road.
I can’t believe I just said that out loud. Now he knows what I think of him. Seems like I lose control of my blabbering mouth when he’s in the vicinity. How am I going to make it up after that blunder?
When we reached my apartment, William parked his car right outside the door and I didn’t hesitate to get out of it. I had enough of small talk with that man for today. I gave him a brief thank you and goodbye before sprinting inside the building. Before I left, I swear I saw him smile in amusement.
Finally in the safety of my apartment, I crashed down on the bed. I didn’t bother to change into my pajamas and I skipped dinner entirely. I curled into a ball and covered myself with the sheets. I don’t get why I’m so embarrassed now. I mean, I insulted and bickered with the man not so long ago. Well, at least I didn’t say that he was arrogant and imposing or something. I just said he was a mogul, which was quite true. But I still felt so embarrassed about it.
Me and my stupid mouth.
Eighteen
Ever since Mr. Mogul returned from his trip, my errand of getting coffee for all of us resumed. The guy at the café, who I slowly got to know, noticed the sudden increase of my orders. He was cute, which made me want to get to know him. He had cute dimples and a slight tan, but nowhere near as dark as mine. His dark brown hair was ruffled in that sexy “I just got out of bed” kind of way.
“Your boss is back in town?” he asked as I handed him the payment.
“Yeah, Mase. My happiness was short-lived.”
He gave out a loud laugh as he handed my change. “If you want to have some fun after work, I’m out at five,” he offered with a flirty wink.
“I don’t know. You don’t seem like the kind of guy that has fun things in his mind,” I bantered.
“You wouldn’t know unless you try.”
When he flashed me a suggestive grin, I rolled my eyes and moved away for the next customer. I waved goodbye before standing by the other end of the counter to wait for my order. I couldn’t believe the guy hit on me within three weeks. It’s not like we’ve made much conversation in that short amount of time. We had our occasional hellos and a few pleasantries here and there, but he never hinted that he was interested before. Well, maybe I’m oblivious to that sort of thing.
When I received my order, I checked each of the drinks to see if they’ve gotten everything right, because I had some occasional mix ups from time to time. Then, I noticed that one of the cup holders had a number on it with Mase’s name. I laughed as I glanced back at him manning the counter. He was already looking at me and winked when our eyes met. I shook my head in amusement as I waved another goodbye and headed out the door.
I was smiling from ear to ear when I reached the office. Maggie looked up when I approached her, her eyebrows raised as she studied me.
“Why are you smiling like that? Did something happen?”
“Oh, nothing really,” I replied nonchalantly as I placed the coffee on her table.
As she held up the cup in front of her, her eyes caught something that made them light up with glee. “Who is Mase? And, do tell, why is his number’s on my coffee holder?”
In one swift move, I grabbed the coffee from her hands and exchanged her holder with mine. “He is no one,” I replied defensively as I returned her coffee. She still had a mocking expression.
“No one, huh?”
Right on cue, the elevator door opened, ending our conversation. I got back to my desk as Maggie sipped her coffee, trying not to giggle. When William walked up to us, he stopped by my table and glanced at Maggie and me.
“Is that my coffee?” he asked as he faced me.
“Ah yes,” I answered and frantically handed him one of the coffee cups.
He paused for a second as he eyed the cup in confusion. “Who is Mase?”
That did not just happen to me twice. I stood up from my seat and stole the coffee from his hands. “He is no one,” I replied hastily. I placed the coffee on my table, grabbed the other one, and handed it to him. “This is yours.”
He looked at me with his lips forming a grim line as he got the cup. He assessed it again with a playful glint in his eyes. I rolled my eyes at his teasing gesture and sat back down on my desk.
“I’ll be in my office. I might give that Mase person a ring,” William said with a muffled cackle as he went inside his office. My head snapped up so fast in his direction that I must’ve strained a muscle and cringed in discomfort. I glowered at his closed door as I soothed my neck.
“Did he just tease me?”
“I believe he did,” Maggie countered, looking at me with a huge grin. This woman was all smiles.
When lunch came around, I was about to head out to grab something to eat when William’s door opened. There was someone on the phone since he was talking rapidly and looking serious and businesslike.
“Yes. I’ll be there in a second… I promise I will,” he said, ending the call with a sigh. He looked around for a second before his eyes landed on me. “Oh, there you are! I thought you’ve already gone down,” he exclaimed in relief.
I was a little baffled so I asked, “Is there something you want, Mr. Maxwell?”
“Yes. Can you come with me for lunch? Someone needs to talk to you.”
“Someone?” I looked at him uncertainly. I didn’t know anyone that he may know that would want to see me. Well, I knew one, but she was halfway around the world at that moment. “Is Ms. Maxwel
l back in town?”
“No, she is still in Italy. But her fiancé is here,” he replied in finality, grabbing my arm as he led me to an opened elevator.
“What?” I asked aloud in bewilderment. It was a good thing that the elevator doors were already closed, because if Maggie—or someone else for that matter—heard us, it would only lead to a series of questions.
“My sister has something for you. I told him I could give it to you, but he insisted on seeing you again. I couldn’t really refuse much or he’ll tell Alex,” he explained, sighing dejectedly.
“Why in God’s name does he want to see me?” I mumbled in confusion, but still loud enough for him to hear in the confined space.
“I have no idea.”
It was awkward as we both walked through the lobby then to his car. I mostly kept my head down, but I still felt people stare at us. I saw Danny, with her eyes wide open, from the corner of my eye as we passed by her. I didn’t have the guts to wave at the moment. It was noon and almost everybody working in the company was heading out to grab some lunch. This has got to be one of the most misinterpreted situations of my entire life, and my actions would only fuel their assumptions.
By the time we were inside his car, I thought I ran out of blood in my body since they’re all up in my cheeks.
“Are you okay?” William asked as he glanced at me for a second before starting the car. I was a bit confounded that he was driving, but didn’t press on the matter.
I nodded in reply and turned my head away from his line of vision. “If you are embarrassed about what people think, I could make a public statement if you like,” he proposed. There was a teasing edge to his words.
I turned to scowl at him and said in annoyance, “No, thank you. I can handle this fine. It’s not really my fault that you slept with most of your sister’s secretaries.”