It had been a week since Valentina started at Adrian's company, and somehow, everything felt worse than the day they first met. The office smelled like polished wood, strong coffee, and faint traces of his cologne drifting through the air conditioning.
She sat at her desk, fingers hovering over the keyboard. Her pulse hammered. She kept telling herself: Focus, Valentina. Just work. Don't look at him. Don't think about him…
Adrian's calm voice cut through the hum of the office.
"Valentina, did you send the Meridan report to Mr. Hollings?"
She jumped slightly, nearly dropping her coffee. "Uh—yes! I did. This morning. I mean… yesterday morning. I—" Her words tangled like a broken knot.
He raised an eyebrow. "Okay. Good." His lips curved into the smallest smirk. She's flustered again. This is dangerous.
She glared at him over the top of her monitor. "Don't smile at me like that!"
He chuckled softly. "Why not? You make it so easy."
Her stomach lurched. EASY? I'M NOT EASY. WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN?
"Are you done with the Anderson file?" he asked, walking past her desk. His shoulder brushed hers lightly, and her breath hitched.
"Yes! Almost! I just…" Her voice trailed. Her fingers trembled over the keyboard. DON'T LOOK AT HIM. DON'T DIE IN FRONT OF HIM.
"Almost isn't enough," he said, kneeling slightly to glance at her screen. "You need to finish it completely."
"I-I will!" She clicked faster, heart pounding.
Adrian's gaze lingered a second too long. God, you have no idea what you do to me. Every flinch, every stumble… I shouldn't want this. But I do.
Focus on your typing. FOCUS!
By lunch, the tension was practically tangible. She followed him to the cafeteria, trying to act casual.
"Do you want the usual?" he asked, smirking as he held the tray.
"I…uh… yeah. Sure." She sounded like a squeaky mouse.
SMOOTH, VALENTINA. SO SMOOTH.
He handed her the tray. Their fingers brushed. A spark shot up her arm. She froze.
"You okay?" he asked, soft but amused.
"I'm fine!" she snapped, cheeks flaming. OH GOD, WHY DID I SOUND LIKE THAT?
He didn't comment, just sat across from her. She's adorable like this. So flustered, so… helplessly human. I want to tease her more, but I can't…
Conversation flowed awkwardly. Reports. Files. Deadlines. Every sentence wrapped in tension neither dared to acknowledge.
"You've double-checked the Anderson file?" he asked mid-sip of his coffee.
"Yes!" she said, a little too loud. YES! I DID! I'M NOT STUPID!
"Good." He tilted his head, holding her gaze for a second. Every time you look at me, it's like you're daring me to forget about professionalism.
She almost dropped her spoon. "I… uh… need to… go back to my desk," she stammered.
"Yes, probably," he said smoothly. She's panicking again. I want to hold her hand. I shouldn't.
Back at their desks, small touches were inevitable. He leaned over to point out a figure in a spreadsheet, and her hand brushed against his.
AAAAHHHH. WHY IS THIS HAPPENING AGAIN?
"Watch your cursor," he muttered casually.
"I—oh! Sorry!" She jumped, spinning slightly in her chair.
He smirked. "You're jumpy today."
I CAN'T HELP IT. HE'S RIGHT THERE.
She huffed. "Maybe I have reasons!"
"Really?" he leaned in slightly, voice teasing. "What kind of reasons?"
"I—NEVERMIND!" She threw her hands up. TOO MUCH. TOO FLUSTERED.
He laughed softly, but it sounded like music. Her laugh. I can't. Not now.
Emails pinged, phones buzzed, but every interaction was underlined by unspoken tension. She accidentally sent a document to the wrong client.
"Oh! Shoot! I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, grabbing her phone.
Adrian leaned over. "Don't worry, I'll fix it." His hand brushed hers again. She froze mid-motion.
AAAAAAHHHH. WHY DOES HE KEEP TOUCHING ME?
"You really need to be more careful," he said, stern but with a hint of amusement.
"I—yes, I—" She cut herself off, cheeks burning.
By the end of the day, they were moving toward the elevator together. Every step felt heavier than the last.
"You heading out?" he asked.
"Yes," she said. "Uh… see you tomorrow."
Tomorrow. Great. Just survive until then.
He nodded, voice calm, but internally: She's leaving, and I want her to stay. I want to stop time. I want… everything. But I can't. Not now.
She waved awkwardly, almost tripping over her own bag.
WHY AM I LIKE THIS? I CAN'T FUNCTION AROUND HIM.
The elevator doors closed, and she leaned back, exhaling shakily.
This week… this week has been worse than the day we met. Somehow… worse.
Adrian remained at his desk, staring after her. Every inch of her leaves a mark. Every word, every glance… unbearable. And tomorrow, it will start all over again.
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