Page 15 of Grumpy Orc CEO

I'll respect her boundaries, but she’s going to have to interact with me, and hopefully she'll warm up to me like she did when we met. This coldness is bound to thaw at some point.

I watch the sharp intake of air she inhales before she replies. "Of course," with the control of a saint. It’s almost infuriating watching her shut me out, after she so willingly let me in even for a little bit the day we met.

I nod, with half a smile to dismiss her so I can reconcile the boss I need to be with the way I want to feel her lips against mine once more.

The thought of her personally handing me every file in my office brings about a certain thrill. It’s too soon for drastic measures, but I’m hoping that with time she'll be reminded of the easy rapport we found at the airport that ended with the most memorable fucking kiss of my life.

Satisfied with this first step, I return to my work with renewed focus. There’s something exhilarating about this challenge—navigating the delicate balance between respecting Lucy’s professionalism and wanting to know her beyond these office walls.

But one thing's for sure: I'm not giving up on Lucy Bennett. Not by a long shot.

CHAPTER 9

Lucy

Isit at my desk, fingers poised over the keyboard, staring at the screen. My mind drifts back to Jarvin’s earlier attempt to engage me. A twinge of annoyance flares up.

I was determined to keep things strictly professional, but his presence is more distracting than I anticipated. And now he has me personally handing him every report. My stomach flutters as I think about all the times, I'll have to be alone with him.

Jarvin's presence is so commanding, so damn alluring that it’s going to be hard to keep my boundaries up if I'm going to have to interact so closely with him.

I take a deep breath, reminding myself to maintain my composure and keep my distance. This job is important, and I can't afford to let my emotions get in the way.

A stack of documents sits in front of me, waiting to be sorted and filed. I focus on them, trying to immerse myself in the task. Each paper I touch feels like a step away from the memory of our airport encounter, from that kiss.

My thoughts keep drifting back, though. The way he looked at me earlier, that warm smile—hopeful even. It made my resolve waver for a moment. But no, I need to stay strong. I flip through another document, determined not to let his charm unravel me.

“Lucy, do you have the quarterly report?”

I look up and see Susan from accounting standing there. She’s holding a mug that says, “Boss Lady” and looking expectantly at me.

“Yes, it’s right here, boss lady,” I say, attempting to break the ice as I hand her the report from my desk. She doesn’t even crack a smile at me for the first few seconds.

Oh my God, just kill me.

But then, she gives me the dignity of a laugh. “Thanks.” Susan saunters away without another word.

For a moment, the interaction grounds me back in the reality of work. I pick up another file and start organizing it. The steady rhythm of sorting and filing brings a sense of normalcy.

I glance at the clock; lunchtime is still an hour away. Time seems to crawl when you're trying to avoid thinking about someone.

Each tick of the clock feels like an eternity. I tap my pen against the desk, trying to focus on the numbers and charts in front of me, but my thoughts keep drifting back to his infuriating charm.

As the day drags on, I can't help but notice Jarvin through the glass window of his office. His commanding presence is hard to ignore. He stands tall, with a confidence that seems to radiate through the room.

He's on the phone now, brow furrowed in concentration. I find myself watching the way he gestures when he speaks, the way his hands move expressively to emphasize his points. It's captivating, and despite my best efforts, my eyes keep drifting back to him.

He runs a hand through his hair, revealing a glimpse of vulnerability amidst his usual assured demeanor. It’s those small details that make it harder for me to maintain my professional distance.

I try to refocus on my work, but my thoughts keep wandering back to Jarvin. I notice how he interacts with his colleagues, the genuine smiles he gives them, the respect they seem to have for him. It’s clear that he’s well-liked and commands a room effortlessly.

A colleague knocks on his door and steps in. Jarvin greets them with a warm smile, his entire face lighting up. It’s a rare sight—one that sends a flutter through my chest. I hate how easily he affects me.

I glance back at my screen, attempting to immerse myself in the task at hand, but it’s no use. My mind is replaying our brief moments together—the banter at the airport bar, that unexpected kiss.

The memory of his lips on mine sends a shiver down my spine. The chemistry between us was undeniable then, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore now.

Another glance through the window reveals Jarvin leaning back in his chair, still on the phone. He laughs at something the person on the other end says, and I catch myself smiling too.

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