Lucas rushed into the bathroom as if fleeing from a crime he hadn't done but certainly considered. He gripped the sides of the sink. Stared at his reflection, in the mirror.
"Alright… alright… alright " he murmured, tapping his face. "She mentioned she's into awkward guys. Which yeah, that's definitely me. Absolutely. Should I do the salute more? No chance. I can't repeat that. I need to erase that gesture from memory."
His mirrored image stared back at him indifferent.
Oh wonderful I'm still describing a guy freaking out over a wink. Just perfect.
"Does she have feelings, for me?" he inquired of the mirror. Then answered, "Certainly not.. Perhaps? Although likely not.. Suppose?"
The caffeine, from the day before lingered in his body like a raccoon hiding beneath a deck. His mind cycled, twisted collided and reshaped its thoughts every seconds.
Alright. Take a breath. She mentioned she's into guys.. What if she was teasing? No that wink was definitely sincere. Could it be she genuinely likes me? Maybe she's interested in my bowtie?. Perhaps she'd prefer my mom to craft her a bowtie? Hold on—no she said she wasn't interested, in that. Why would she say such a thing? Could she dislike my mom? No she doesn't detest her. Why would she? My mom creates bowties.
He sprinkled water onto his face.
Lucas, pull yourself together. You're unlikely to die. Most likely.
Meanwhile beyond the bathroom Miss Carter remained perfectly still. The flustered expression, on her face gradually softened into embarrassment then returned once more to assurance. She drummed her fingers on the desk mentally rehearsing Lucass salute.
Her cheeks puffed slightly as she fought to hold back a smile. "Adorable fool…"
But she wasn't by herself.
Victoria Hale, the manager exited her office clutching a bundle of documents. She moved silently resembling either a hunter or a mother who is simply dismayed.
"Miss Carter " she spoke, her voice steady.
Lily stiffened like a child caught stealing cookies. "Y-yes?"
Victorias gaze twinkled with a blend of humor and criticism—the lethal pairing. She nonchalantly rested against a desk.
"I caught all of it."
Lily almost let her water bottle fall. "E-EVERYTHING?"
"Yep. Every single word."
The boss's grin was similar, to another person laughing uncontrollably on the floor.
Lily hid her face feeling awkward. "Boss I'm really sorry! I didn't intend to—he appeared adorable and anxious and I messed up alright?! I messed up!"
Victoria lifted one eyebrow. "You mentioned to him that you were able to coordinate with his bowtie."
"That was—well that one was intentional " Lily confessed quietly.
"So you murmured into his ear?"
"That was also… intentional."
"And the part about loving nerdy boys?"
Lily moaned. "I freaked out! I never expected him to… salute—ugh."
The boss folded her arms, her voice flat. "I'm impressed Miss Carter. I didn't expect you to lose composure on his day. He must be quite exceptional."
"Chief…" Lily murmured.
Victoria continued, idly spinning one of her pens. "He's utterly oblivious you see. Entirely uninformed. You might place a bright neon sign in front of him that reads 'Touch me'. He'd likely wonder if it were an instruction."
". That's the problem!" Lily shouted. "He's cute. Hes also… Lucas."
"Exactly."
The pair of women exchanged a sigh—one feeling awkward the other amused.
Victoria set the papers down on Lilys desk.
Here. Lets complete his paperwork. Think of it as a penalty for attempting to consume the employee, in plain sight.
"I had no intention of eating him!" Lily snapped.
"I understood you."
"Alright, a little " Lily confessed.
United, the two formidable women in Lucas Reeds life took a seat and completed his paperwork in, under fifteen minutes. Naturally—they were extremely skilled. Unbelievably proficient.
After Lucas returned from dispelling his panic he stopped at the doorway to his space.
Every document had disappeared.
A tiny note was carefully positioned in the middle of the desk:
"I asked the boss to assist me in completing your tasks. I wouldn't want you to dislike the job on your first day! – Lily"
Lucas gazed at it.
He ought to have experienced relief. Most ordinary individuals likely would.
Rather he scowled.
Not due, to the completion of the task.
But because Lily wasn't there anymore.
'For a while more I wished to stay seated beside her…' he pondered, noticing his cheeks flush. 'Her scent was truly pleasant well.. She grinned often. I like her grin.. Her…'
No way. I'm not diving into that maze once more. I can only express this desire before HR steps in.
However Lucas wasn't foolish— occasionally.. Guys who are occasionally foolish often make bold decisions.
I must express my gratitude to her. Appropriately. A gentleman shows appreciation to a lady by presenting a gift.
Oh dear. Here it starts.
He took his keys. Left work ahead of time declaring, "I'll return tomorrow! Sooner! Really early!"
Something that nobody requested.
Lucas roamed stores across town, for the next few hours brimming with the enthusiasm of someone searching for a mythical treasure.
A clothing store?
Too personal.
A candy shop?
Too childish.
A perfume boutique?
Too obvious—she could believe hes imposing his fixation on scents, onto her.
A bookstore?
He didn't wish for her to believe he was attempting to change her.. Himself.
At last he located the spot.
A compact stylish boutique featuring velvet-trimmed shelves and soft lighting. It's the type of store offering products, in charming wrappers. Certain goods appeared harmless while others… decidedly less so.
Lucas naturally was completely unaware of the part.
He chose something. Sophisticated. Beautiful.
A little present that might come in daily yet also offered… unconventional functions for those, with an imaginative mindset.
(I'm not going to say what it is. Absolutely not.. Believe me: oh Lily will get it wrong.)
Lucas appreciated it as he exited the shop.
This is ideal. She will adore it.. If she doesn't perhaps she'll appreciate the wrapping. The wrapping is charming.
He gave a nod feeling content.
The morning, at the office he walked over to Lilys desk with the assurance of someone who had truly enjoyed a solid eight hours of sleep. Although he hadn't the present made him feel empowered.
"Miss Carter!" he shouted happily. "I brought you a gift to show my gratitude for your help yesterday."
Lily swiveled, her grin stiffening the moment she noticed the present.
Her eyes grew larger.
Her stance became rigid.
Gradually… gradually… a playful grin started to form on her mouth.
"Oh… Lucas…" she murmured gently moving nearer. "Did you get this… for me?"
Lucas gave a nod. "Indeed!"
"You realize what this is don't you?" she murmured, drawing nearer.
"Indeed! That's helpful!" he responded.
She pressed her lip with her teeth. "Quite handy…"
Lucas smiled broadly. "Exactly?? I figured you'd enjoy it!"
Lily simply gazed at him.
He looked back completely oblivious and shining like a sunflower.
Lily took a breath gripping the present tightly.
She considers him daring.
He believes he is courteous.
Everyone fails. Except, for me. I am completely reveling in this turmoil.
"Lucas…" Lily murmured softly her voice. Enticing.
"Yes?"
"Someday you will cause me problems."
He fluttered his eyes. "What?"
"Nothing," she replied quickly, placing the gift aside. Her face was flushed, her eyes sparkling, and Lucas had absolutely no clue what he had just done.