🖤
By the second day, Cassy realized something important— Caleb Garcia didn't just demand perfection. He expected people to anticipate it.
"Coffee. No sugar. Black." That was all he said when she entered his office that morning. No greeting. No acknowledgment. Just orders.
"Yes, sir," Cassy replied softly. But this time, she was ready.
—
When she returned, she placed the cup neatly on his desk.
Caleb didn't look up. "You're early," he said.
"You usually arrive at 8:30," she answered. "It's 8:28."
That made him pause. Slowly, his eyes lifted to meet hers. "You've been observing."
Cassy smiled lightly. "It's part of my job."
His gaze lingered for a moment longer than necessary. Then he took a sip of the coffee. Perfect. Exactly how he liked it. His grip tightened slightly around the cup. Annoying.
—
"Sit."
Cassy blinked. "Sir?"
"I said sit," he repeated, gesturing to the chair across from him.
She obeyed, her posture straight but relaxed.
Caleb closed the file in front of him. "I need a report summary," he said. "You have one hour."
Cassy nodded. "Understood."
He slid a thick stack of documents toward her. She took it carefully. But as she stood, one of the papers slipped. It fluttered to the floor between them. Both of them moved at the same time. Their hands brushed. Just for a second. But it was enough.
Cassy froze. So did Caleb. The air shifted. Something quiet… but noticeable.
Cassy quickly pulled her hand back. "Sorry."
Caleb didn't respond immediately. His eyes remained on her for a fraction longer than usual. Then— "Focus on your work," he said coldly.
Like nothing happened. Like he didn't feel it.
Cassy nodded, though her heart had already betrayed her with a slight, unfamiliar flutter. "Of course, sir." She left quickly.
—
Back at her desk, Cassy placed the papers down and exhaled deeply. "That was… nothing," she whispered to herself. Just an accident. Just work. Nothing more. But why did it feel like something? She shook her head and focused. She didn't have time for distractions.
—
Inside his office, Caleb hadn't moved. His fingers rested lightly on the desk, but his thoughts were elsewhere. That brief touch— It lingered longer than it should have. Unwelcome. Unnecessary.
He stood up abruptly, walking toward the window. "This is exactly why I don't hire people like her," he muttered. Too soft. Too warm. Too distracting.
—
One hour later, Cassy returned. "I finished the summary," she said, placing it in front of him.
Caleb sat down again, his expression unreadable. He skimmed through the pages. Once. Twice. Then he stopped. Silence filled the room. Cassy waited.
Then— "It's correct."
Her eyes widened slightly. Not praise. But not criticism either. From him… that meant something.
"Thank you, sir."
Caleb closed the file slowly. "You're efficient," he admitted, almost reluctantly.
Cassy smiled gently. "I try my best." There it was again. That smile. Unshaken. Unforced. Too real.
Caleb looked away first. "Don't get comfortable," he said. "This isn't permanent."
For a moment, something flickered in Cassy's eyes. But she didn't let it stay. "I understand," she replied softly. And she meant it. Because she wasn't here for comfort. She was here for something more important.
—
As she walked out again, Caleb leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting toward the door. Something was changing. Slowly. Subtly. Dangerously.
And for the first time in years— He didn't have complete control over it.