Page 32 of Grumpy Orc CEO

I can't contain the smile on my face, feeling a sense of accomplishment. The meal is coming to an end, but the connection between us feels stronger than ever.

She looks at me with those vibrant green eyes and smiles warmly. For now, that’s enough for me.

As we finish our meals, I reach for the check before Lucy can even think about it. “I’ve got this,” I say firmly, flashing her a confident smile. She opens her mouth to protest, but I cut her off. “Consider it my treat for such an enjoyable lunch.”

She hesitates for a moment, then nods with a smile. “Alright, thank you.”

We leave the restaurant together, the air between us now comfortable and warm. I walk beside her to her car, our steps in sync. The sun casts a golden hue over everything, making the moment feel almost surreal.

When we reach her car, I turn to face her, taking in the way the light dances in her green eyes. “I really enjoyed today,” I say sincerely. “We should do this again sometime.”

Lucy looks at me, emotions flickering across her face. She hesitates, and for a moment, I worry she’ll reject the idea outright.

But then she gives me that glimmer of hope—a small smile that lights up her face.

“I’d like that,” she says softly.

It’s not a declaration of love or even a promise of more to come, but it’s something.

She unlocks her car and gets in, pausing to look at me one last time before closing the door. As she drives away, I stand there watching until her car disappears from view.

Turning back towards my own car, I feel a sense of determination settling in my chest. It’s a small victory, but it feels significant. That smile means more than words can express.

CHAPTER 18

Lucy

Each morning, I find myself glancing at the clock, counting down the hours until lunchtime. What started as a chance encounter has now become a daily ritual. I notice a subtle shift in my mood—I'm more cheerful, more engaged with my work, and more excited about the day. Every day, as lunchtime approaches, my heart races a little faster, and I can't help but wonder what new stories Jarvin will share today.

When noon finally rolls around, I make my way to the small café down the street where we’ve been meeting. Jarvin always arrives with a warm smile and a kind word, making me feel at ease. His confidence is infectious, and his kindness is a balm to my often-stressed mind.

"Fancy seeing you here," he says, chuckling as he pulls out a chair for me. His voice is rich and steady, instantly calming.

"Likewise," I reply with a laugh, feeling a flutter of anticipation. We order our usuals, and soon enough, the conversation flows as easily as it did from the start.

Today, Jarvin talks about his recent trip to the mountains. "I was thinking of you," he says casually, "You mentioned how much you love hiking."

I raise an eyebrow. "Thinking of me while surrounded by nature? Should I be flattered or concerned?"

He laughs—a deep, genuine sound that makes me smile despite myself. "Definitely flattered."

I find myself opening up more, sharing bits of my life I normally keep private. "You know," I begin hesitantly, "I used to go camping every summer with my family. It's one of the few times we all truly bonded."

Jarvin's eyes never leave mine as he listens intently. "That sounds wonderful. Any memorable moments?"

I chuckle softly. "There was this one time my dad thought he could fish without any bait... needless to say, we went hungry that night."

His laughter joins mine, filling the small space between us with warmth and connection.

Our lunch dates have become a sanctuary for me—a brief escape from the pressures of the office and a moment to have Jarvin to myself. Jarvin’s presence is comforting yet invigorating. Each day, he shares more about his life, and in return, I let down my guard a little more.

He reaches across the table, his fingers brushing mine lightly. The touch sends a shiver down my spine, but I don’t pull away.

"You know," he says softly, his eyes locking onto mine with that familiar intensity, "These lunches are quickly becoming the highlight of my day."

My heart skips a beat at his words. “Mine too,” I admit quietly.

The café fades into the background as we continue talking, lost in our own world where everything seems simpler and more vibrant.

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