Page 19 of Grumpy Orc CEO

“Anything spicy,” I reply with a wink.

As we continue talking about our interests outside of work, I can’t help but feel exhilarated by this connection we’re forming. But even as we chat easily, sharing bits and pieces of our lives, I constantly check myself—careful not to overstep the boundaries she’s set.

It's a delicate balance—one that I’m determined to navigate. I want to delve deeper into who she is, uncover the layers that make her Lucy, but I don’t want to push too hard, too fast. The last thing I want is to scare her off.

When lunch is over, I stand up and stretch, feeling the satisfying pull of my muscles. “Alright then, back to the grind.”

Lucy gives me another polite nod as I walk away, her eyes shimmering with curiosity. I can’t help but glance back over my shoulder one last time. She’s still watching me, her expression a tantalizing puzzle—one of intrigue and something deeper that I can’t quite put my finger on. It’s like she’s trying to figure me out, and I find myself hoping she’ll take her time.

I return to my office with a sense of satisfaction humming through me. It's not much, but it's a start.

CHAPTER 11

Jarvin

As the days pass, the struggle between staying professional and expressing my interest in Lucy becomes a delicate challenge.. Each interaction feels like navigating a tightrope, but I’m determined to make it work.

I start sharing small anecdotes from my life, hoping they’ll encourage her to open up. One afternoon, I decide to mention a recent hiking trip I took. “I went hiking last weekend,” I say casually as we both grab coffee from the break room. “Do you enjoy outdoor activities?”

Lucy hesitates, her eyes flickering with caution. For a moment, I worry I’ve overstepped, but then she relaxes slightly and replies, “Actually, yes. I went camping a few years ago with some friends. It was quite an adventure.”

My interest piques immediately. “Really? Tell me more about it.”

She looks at me, her green eyes shimmering with memories. “We went to this remote spot by a lake. It was beautiful but also challenging to get to. We had to hike quite a bit to get there.”

I lean in, genuinely captivated. “That sounds incredible. What was the most memorable part?”

Lucy smiles softly, a genuine expression that makes my heart race. “Probably the night we spent by the campfire, sharing stories and roasting marshmallows. It was so peaceful and... freeing.”

I nod, imagining her there under the stars, the firelight dancing in her eyes. “There’s something special about being out in nature,” I agree. “It’s like all the noise of everyday life just fades away.”

She seems to appreciate my understanding and adds, “Yeah, exactly. It was one of those trips that really sticks with you.”

I want to ask more—dive deeper into her experiences and thoughts—but I check myself, not wanting to push too far too fast. Instead, I savor the moment, watching the way her eyes light up as she talks about something meaningful to her.

“You know,” I begin thoughtfully. “Hiking always gives me this sense of clarity. Like all my problems shrink in comparison to the vastness around me.”

Lucy nods slowly, clearly resonating with what I’ve said. For a moment, we’re connected by our shared appreciation for nature’s simplicity.

But then she glances at her watch and says, “I should get back to work.”

“Of course,” I reply smoothly, hiding any hint of disappointment. “Don't work so hard! You'll make the rest of us look lazy.”

She offers a small smile before heading back to her desk.

As she walks away, I can’t help but feel my interest in her growing with each passing day. The balance between maintaining professionalism and expressing my want for her is challenging—but every small connection we make is worth it.

Returning to my office, I mull over our conversation, replaying her words in my mind. She’s opening up little by little, and each glimpse into her world makes me more determined to find a way into her heart.

I know it’ll take time and patience—qualities I’ve honed over years of running this company—but something about Lucy makes every effort feel worthwhile.

I dive back into work with renewed focus but can't shake off the warmth our conversation brought me today.

This is just the beginning; I remind myself as I start drafting another report.

When I finish, I check my watch, noticing how the rest of the afternoon seemed to slip away from me. Late nights at the office have become a routine for Lucy and me. Tonight is no different.

We’re both engrossed in a critical project that demands our full attention. The clock ticks past ten, and the office is eerily quiet, the hum of computers and occasional shuffling of papers the only sounds breaking the silence.

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