Page 21 of Room One Hundred and Twenty

Another sigh rolls out as I keep moving. Even with a simple stroll, I’m left overthinking everything.

I’m not too fond of this weakness of mine.

I shouldn’t be here, not with how much I have left to do. Despite all my responsibilities, I’m here anyway. All because I want a closer look at the woman who is currently stressing me out without even lifting a finger.

Sticking out like a sore thumb, nameless employees greet me in passing as they head in the direction of the elevators. Those who dare to meet my gaze get a nod of acknowledgment in return.

With the excuse of getting a freshly brewed coffee, I’m sipping at the burning hot liquid. Rather than enjoying the bitterness of my drink, I claim one of the seats in the lobby while watching our newest addition work hard behind the counter of her bakery. Hardly productive on my part.

Eloise Tanner. The blonde wears a smile for the entirety of the twenty minutes I watch her. Whether she’s dealing with sugar-crazed employees or taking a minute breather, her lips are curved. The only time I catch her slacking is when she thinks no eyes are on her.

Well, I’m always watching. Whether I like it or not. There isn’t anything that catches my attention like this woman. She’s an enigma, something I can’t seem to wrap my mind around.

What is so special about her? The way she’s got both Jake and Nicolas’ attention, I’m at a loss. Something as simple as this should come easy. Drawing blanks are only agitating me more and more the longer I ponder. Are her sweets so delicious that they’ve become addicted?

Is it the woman herself? From one look at her, I notice she looks as bland as any other woman who has crossed my path. Nothing sticks out enough to make a difference.

Well, I shouldn’t saynothing. Appearance-wise, she’s flushed as she moves about. Her tied-back blonde curls bounce with every step. She’s a bit shorter and probably would come to my shoulders if I stood near her.

If I had to pinpoint anything that came appealing to me, it wouldn’t be her looks. It’s the fire burning behind her gaze as she keeps going. Like a firebox with a never-ending supply of coal.

Coffee growing cold, I inhale it before it’s past the point of saving. Standing, I notice the trash can only a few feet away. While I could trash my cup and end whatever this is I’m doing with my time, I choose to make things a little more complicated. I stroll toward the small bakery, my attention glued to the can next to the counter.

Paper wrappers fill the bag with different colors of frosting clinging to the clear plastic.

The air smells far sweeter here. One inhale too deep and I’ll have to schedule a dentist appointment.

“Mr. Landersan?” Her voice matches the smell, a sweet tone that makes my fingers curl tighter around my cup.

I could toss my cup down in the wrapper-riddled can and leave without a word. Instead, I catch what few drops are left and take in this woman up close.

Eloise Tanner, the woman with forest green eyes. Well, up close, I can see the specks of brown scattered across her irises. Her smile reaches her eyes, despite how long she’s kept it on her face.

“Have you come for a muffin?” Her fingers tangle in front of the stained apron around her waist. She’s nervous, as she should be.

Despite Jake going behind my back to orchestrate all of this, all I’d have to do is say the word and this business would be shut down as quickly as it opened. Is she aware of how one bad first impression could affect the success of this business of hers?

“I’m not fond of sweets,” I explain as I take in the display counter. She has plenty of appetizing options, from muffins to cookies to cupcakes.

There’s a little menu on the counter, her handwriting all curves and loops. She’s drawn little images of chocolate chips in the corners. My nose scrunches.

“Then why are you here?” Leaning against the counter, she stares at me with those wide eyes.

“I’ve come to see what makes you so special.” Not the type to beat around the bush, I watch the way she blinks in confusion. “You’ve garnered quite the attention with this business of yours. Almost to the point where I can call this a distraction.”

The blonde straightens up at my words. “What are you getting at?”

I watch the nerves melt away from her body language. From the way her thumb taps against the counter, I’m sure of it. This woman is now annoyed. I’ll hand it to her, she’s good at keeping that smile on her lips.

Makes me want to find out what it’ll take to make it disappear.

“Don’t bother humoring Jake. He’s the sort to move on rather quickly,” I explain as I pitch my cup. “Honestly, he typically doesn’t talk to the same woman for longer than a couple days if he can’t get what he wants.”

I shouldn’t be throwing my friend under the bus here, but the words keep coming. I don’t like that she’s continuously looking at me, watching without a hint of fear.

“And when it comes to Nicolas, I’m quite well aware of your past and what you’ve done. For whatever reason, he can’t seem to understand why he should stay far away from you. Eloise, you are not a good investment, so don’t get comfortable. The moment you become a problem, I will happily send you back to whatever town you ran off to.”

Her cheeks flood with color as she stills. As my warning soaks in, I wait for her to shrink back and hell, apologize like it’ll change my mind.

---