Page 28 of Grumpy Orc CEO

She meets my gaze again, her eyes filled with conflicting emotions. "And that's exactly why we can't do this," she says firmly. "Like you said, we have to think about the bigger picture."

I let out a slow breath, trying to rein in my frustration. "Fine," I say through gritted teeth.

I watch as she composes herself, giving me a nod as she walks out of the conference room. The pang of frustration, of need, aches in my chest. There has to be a way to make her see. Damn it. This can't be it.

Back in my office, I can't concentrate. Lucy's rejection replays in my mind, fueling my annoyance. I pace the room, my thoughts a chaotic mess of strategies and emotions. Every step feels like I'm treading on a battlefield with no clear way forward.

Finally, I slam my hand down on the desk, the sound echoing in the quiet room. The sting in my palm is a welcome distraction from the turmoil inside me.

I glance at the clock, realizing I've been stewing for too long. I need to clear my head. With a sigh, I decide to call Sam, an old friend who always has a knack for giving blunt advice.

"Hey, man," I say when he picks up. "I need some perspective."

"Jarvin! What's got you so wound up?" His voice is casual, but I can hear the curiosity.

"It's this woman," I begin, pacing again. "We had this... moment. But now she wants to keep things professional because we work together."

He laughs lightly. "Sounds like she's got her head screwed on right."

I bristle at his comment but press on. "You don't get it. There's something real here. She refuses to acknowledge it, and I can't just let it go."

"Look," he says more seriously. "You've got to stop being pushy about this. Let her come to you."

"Come to me?" I repeat incredulously. "That's unlikely."

"And throwing a tantrum about it isn't?" He chuckles, and it's clear he's enjoying this a bit too much. "Jarvin, try seeing things from her perspective. She's probably scared of losing her job or being seen as less professional. You're the CEO, man."

His words hit me hard. I've been so focused on what I want that I haven't fully considered how she must feel. I've been pining after her all this time without ever looking past my own desires.

"You're right," I admit reluctantly.

"Damn straight I am," he says with a laugh. "Just give her space and time."

Later that evening, I sit in my dimly lit living room, nursing a glass of whiskey. The events of the day play on a loop in my mind, but now, with Sam’s words echoing in my ears, I see things differently. Lucy's resistance isn't just stubbornness; it's a defense mechanism. She’s protecting herself from potential heartache and professional fallout. Something I should have recognized from the start.

I lean back on the couch, letting the realization sink in like a heavy weight. Pushing too hard will only make her retreat further into her shell. I've got to be smarter about this, more strategic. Our chemistry is undeniable; it’s like a spark that refuses to die out, no matter how much we try to ignore it or pretend it’s not there.

I can't help but think of how she felt against me, the intensity that strummed between us. No, I need to give her space, but I won't give up. Not when I know what we could have together.

A determined smile slides onto my face. I can work with this. Instead of forcing encounters or making grand gestures, I’ll create natural opportunities for us to interact. I’ll let the tension build, allow our mutual attraction to simmer just below the surface. The idea fills me with a new sense of resolve.

I take another sip of whiskey, already planning my next move. Tomorrow, I’ll start with something simple—maybe a casual conversation about a project we’re working on or a shared lunch break that feels spontaneous. I’ll leverage those moments when we’re alone but keep it professional enough not to spook her.

The key is patience and subtlety. I need to let her see that I respect her boundaries while still making it clear that I'm interested. No sudden moves, no overwhelming gestures. Just a steady, consistent presence. I’ll be the one she turns to when she’s ready, the one she trusts implicitly.

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a new approach—a more measured and strategic one. And this time, I’m confident that Lucy won’t be able to resist what’s brewing between us for long.

CHAPTER 16

Lucy

Ever since that moment in the elevator, I’ve started noticing the little things more and more. Jarvin's lingering touches, the shared looks that seem to last just a second too long, and those fleeting smiles that make my heart flutter despite my best efforts to stay composed. My walls are still up, but I can’t help watching him as he walks by my desk. Each time he smiles at me or winks in passing, I feel an annoying sense of excitement.

At the morning meeting, I find myself sitting across from him. The discussion drones on around us, but my attention keeps drifting back to Jarvin. His presence is magnetic, drawing my eyes to him despite my attempts to stay focused on the agenda.

When the meeting wraps up, we both reach for the same document. Our hands brush against each other, and the touch is brief but electric. It sends a jolt through me, a stark reminder of the kiss we shared in that confined elevator. My heart races as I quickly pull my hand back, trying to regain my composure.

I glance up and catch Jarvin’s subtle smile, a knowing look in his eyes that makes it hard to breathe. It takes all my willpower not to react, not to let on how much that simple touch affected me.

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