Page 20 of Marrying My Orc Boss

Sally extends her hand across the table, a solemn look in her eyes. "In that case, let's shake on it.”

I reach out and take her delicate fingers in mine.

As Sally and I finish discussing the details of our arrangement, I feel a sense of relief wash over me. I watch her as she turns to hail a cab, and before I can second-guess myself, I call out to her.

"Sally, wait." She turns around, looking at me expectantly. "I'd like to take you to dinner tonight if you'll let me."

She looks surprised for a moment, but then a smile spreads across her face. "I'd like that."

We agree on a time and place to meet. As she climbs into the cab, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. This partnership with Sally is unconventional, to say the least, but I have a feeling that it could also be the start of something special.

It doesn’t hurt that I’ve developed a bit of an admiration for her. She’s steadfast and keeps going even when things are difficult.

I watch the cab pull away, then turn and start walking in the opposite direction, my mind already racing with ideas for how to make this arrangement a success. With Sally by my side, I'm ready to take on whatever challenges come our way. Our path forward may be unconventional, but I have a feeling that it's also going to be one hell of an adventure.

CHAPTER 11

Sally

“It’s not a real date.”

That’s what I keep telling myself, anyway. Because it’s not. It’s not a real date, real relationship, real affection–and therefore I don’t feel real anxiety.

Then why does my reflection look so nervous?

Adjusting the fit of my best dress, the fabric hugging my figure elegantly like a second skin, I take a moment to appreciate the way it flatters my curves. The deep blue hue is soothing, a touch of reassurance against the backdrop of uncertainty that lingers in my mind.

As I move on to apply makeup, each stroke deliberate and precise, I take extra care with every detail. The soft glow of the vanity lights reflects off my features, highlighting the subtle changes in my expression. My hands move with a practiced grace, a ritual of preparation that belies the flutter of butterflies in my stomach.

The lipstick glides smoothly over my lips, a bold shade of red that exudes confidence, or so I hope. I study my reflection in the mirror, searching for a glimpse of the resolve I so desperately seek. Instead, I find the reflection of a woman on the brink of something unknown, her eyes betraying a hint of nervousness that she tries to mask.

I take a deep breath, inhaling the faint scent of my perfume, a delicate blend of jasmine and sandalwood. It's a small comfort, but it helps to steady my nerves. I square my shoulders and remind myself that this is just a business meeting, nothing more.

A business meeting with a handsome orc who I’m planning on marrying. I decide to shove those thoughts as far back as I can.

But as I approach the entrance of the restaurant, I can't help but feel a pang of hesitation. The soft light from within casts a warm glow on the sidewalk outside, and I can see Drakar sitting at a table near the window. His dark hair is slicked back, and he's wearing a tailored suit that fits him like a glove. He's leaning back in his chair, one arm draped casually over the backrest, and he's watching the door with an expectant gaze.

I hesitate for a moment, wondering if I should turn back. But then I remember the reason I agreed to this meeting in the first place. I can't let my nerves get the better of me.

Taking a deep breath, I push open the door and step inside. The restaurant is dimly lit, with flickering candles casting shadows on the walls. The air is filled with the rich aroma of expensive wine and expertly prepared cuisine. It's the kind of place where every detail is carefully planned and executed, and I can feel the weight of expectation pressing down on me.

The moment he sees me, a subtle shift in his demeanor occurs. His eyes soften, and he gets up from his chair, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

I feel a flutter of nerves in my stomach as I make my way over to him. He pulls out my chair for me, and I take a seat, feeling the warmth of his hand on my shoulder as he pushes me in.

"You look beautiful," he says, his voice low and sincere.

I blush, feeling suddenly self-conscious. "Thank you. You look very handsome yourself."

Drakar chuckles, a low rumble that sends a shiver down my spine. "Well, I do try."

We make small talk for a few minutes, discussing the weather and the latest news. But I can feel the tension building between us, the unspoken question hanging in the air.

“So,” I murmur, fiddling with my silverware. “Tell me about your family. What are they like?”

He hesitates for a moment before responding, and I can tell that there's more to his story than meets the eye.

"They’re good people, despite what I said about not having much of a childhood," he says, his voice quiet and measured. "My parents aren’t perfect, but they really did try their best. The circumstances for them were very hard, and we all did what we had to do. It wasn’t a storybook life, though, that’s for sure."

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