The next morning, Karen wasn't planning to see either of the men from the top floor but apparently fate and Dani had other plans.
"Hey," Dani said, dropping two cups of coffee on Karen's desk. "CEO needs you to assist Mr. Luca today. Something about organizing event files for a presentation."
Karen blinked "Luca? The guy with the smirk and investor energy?"
Dani grinned "Yep and if you weren't straight, I'd be warning you to stay away."
Karen tried not to smile.
A Few Hours Later…
Luca's "office" was more of a modern lounge than a workspace. Jazz music played softly in the background, and he was leaning back on a couch in an unbuttoned shirt like a prince avoiding responsibility.
"Ahh, my favorite assistant," he greeted as Karen stepped in.
"I'm your only assistant," she replied.
"Details."
He handed her a file, then gestured for her to sit.
And just like that, the ice began to melt.
Luca was funny, easy to talk to, flirty but not in a creepy way.
He listened when she spoke, laughed at her sarcasm, and even shared stories about Alex.
"He wasn't always that cold, you know. Life happened, hard life."
"Still doesn't give him the right to treat people like dirt."
"True," Luca said, smiling "But I see the way he looks at you."
Karen frowned.
"Like I'm gum on his shoe?"
"More like something he can't control."He replied
Meanwhile… (Alex's POV)
Alex stood at the window of his office, jaw tight, fingers drumming against the glass.
He could see them, Karen and Luca laughing through the half-open blinds.
That sound, her laugh. It made something twist in his chest.
"She's here to work not flirt".
He told himself he didn't care. But he did.
He didn't like that Luca made her laugh. Didn't like that she leaned close when showing him files. Didn't like that she never looked at him like that.
That night, Alex called Dani.
"Reassign her."
"Karen?" Dani asked
"Yes."
"Why?"
"I don't want her near Luca again."
"Sir, she's just assisting"
"Do I need to repeat myself?"
"…No, sir."
Back to Karen
Karen was walking out of the building when her phone buzzed.
Message from Dani:
Hey, slight change. You'll be reporting directly to Mr. Knight starting tomorrow.
Something about 'efficiency.'
Karen stopped walking.
"Wait, what?!"
"It looks likes this is heaven's way of punishing me".
"I'M DOOMED!!!!!!!"