Chapter:82: The favor
Elena
The once busy sounds of the building had quieted to a soft murmur — a reminder that the day was winding down, but I was still glued to my desk, trying to finish everything I could before tomorrow's chaos began again.
I stirred the now lukewarm herbal tea sitting at the corner of my desk, barely having taken more than two sips, when the door burst open, making me jump slightly. The door moved, bringing Ethan to view, tablet clutched against his chest. He stood there with an expression that was halfway between excitement and terror.
He spoke, breathless, "Mr. Grey is here."
"What?!" I blinked.
He nodded vigorously. We were both surprised at Cornell's sudden arrival but we were each surprised over different things. Ethan would be surprised that Grey's CEO came here personally while I was surprised that the man I tried to kill just yesterday came looking for me.
My stomach twisted. I dropped my pen on the desk and quickly smoothed down the front of my blouse. After everything that had happened that day at his apartment, I thought I'd have some breathing space before seeing him again. Clearly, the universe had other plans in store.
"Let him in," I said, voice steady even though my heart skipped a beat.
Ethan disappeared and, a few seconds later, Cornell entered, bringing with him an energy that sought to snuff out the air I breathed. He had on, black slacks, with a fitted charcoal blazer, and a shirt unbuttoned at the collar just enough to look effortlessly handsome.
I stood from behind my desk as he approached. For a second, neither of us said anything. My eyes trailed down his sleeve and landed on the white bandage peeking out beneath.
"Mr. Grey," I said, forcing a professional smile, though my mind couldn't quite erase the image of his bleeding hand.
He arched a brow. "Mr Grey, huh?"
"I—" I cleared my throat. "I'm sorry aging—about your hand. I didn't mean to hurt you," my voice came out slow and low.
His lips curved into a smile, one that seemed to hold more. " Are you sure you're sorry?" He questioned his face now void of emotion.
"Y—yes," I nodded hastily.
"Why don't you make it up to me then?" His words came in swiftly.
"Make it up to you??" My nodding stopped.
"Yes. I want you to owe me a favor, how about that?" He said coolly.
"A favor?" I said still surprised at where the conversation was headed.
"Are you going to keep repeating my words?" He cocked his eyebrow.
"Err—no," I stammered out. Pulling my thoughts together I asked. "Isn't a favor too much?"
He relaxed into the couch in my office. "Well considering you initially tried to kill me," he turned to look me in the eye, "for helping you out, don't you think you owing me a favor is fair?"
"I-i di—" I tried to argue but stopped myself. He did have a point.
"Just one Favor, and it can't be anything illegal or immoral," I said giving in to his demands.
He chuckled. "Alright."
"Sooo, what favor do you need?" I asked curious to know what the whole CEO needed from me.
"I haven't thought about it yet," he said nonchalantly. "When I do, I'll come tell you personally," he smiled.
I pinched the bridge of my nose wondering what could be cooking in that brain of his.
" I got you something," he said raising the folder in his hands to me.
Was this what I was thinking, my mind screamed. I rounded my desk, taking the documents from him. I scrambled to open it, flipping through the documents, and lo and behold it was exactly what I thought it was.
He had signed the deal, which meant I was a step closer to getting the theme park project started.
You—you finalized it?" I stammered, feeling giddy. "But you said you needed more time—"
"I changed my mind," he said with a shrug. "You were very…persuasive."
I was about to launch into a heartfelt thank you when my stomach betrayed me, letting out a loud, embarrassing growl that echoed around the room.
I froze, my cheeks reddening with embarrassment, but Cornell only chuckled.
"Seems like someone skipped a meal," he teased.
"I was… busy," I muttered, heat crawling up my neck.
"Come on," he said, getting up from the couch. "Let's get you fed. And before you say no, it's non-negotiable."
"But I have work to do," I still tried to object moving back to my desk.
Not knowing he trailed behind me, he leaned in, voice dropping low. "Elena, I just handed you a deal worth millions. The least you can do is celebrate, not stay cooped up in your office."
"But—"
"No more buts." He took my hands in his pulling me towards the door. Luckily I was able to grab my iPad and bag before we left.
The moment we stepped out Ethan looked at me with shock. I tried mouthing him an explanation but I doubt he understood what I said.
I didn't know why I let myself get dragged by Cornell. Was it because I was hungry or did I still feel guilty or did I want to spend time with him?
We got into the elevator, as the doors slid shut behind us. Only the two of us were in the elevator, Cornell stood behind me as silence filled the air. I leaned against the side, scrolling through my last few urgent notes, determined to finish before we reached the restaurant.
But then… I felt it — his breath, warm against the side of my neck.
I stiffened, my skin prickling. 'What was he up to now?'
I turned sharply to tell him to back off, but I wasn't prepared for what came next.
Our lips collided and it was as if time stopped. I could feel his soft lips on my tongue.