Page 8 of Redemption
“I’m not trying to.” She said, her tone cool and controlled.
I smiled, slumping into the chair across from her. She didn’t even look up, just continued scanning whatever document she held in her hands. “I’m glad this is going to be a cohesive working relationship,” I said, leaning back in the chair, trying to read her face.
“Mmm,” was her only reply. Silence hung between us, thick and heavy.
“Well, don’t let me disturb your work,” I said, standing up. As I opened the door to my office, she spoke under her breath.
“You already have.”
I paused mid-step, glancing back at her over my shoulder. Her gaze was still fixed on the document in her hands, but her lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, as if she scored a point.
“All right then,” I said, leaving my door open. I returned to my office and eased myself back into my chair. "I'll try to keepthe disruptions to a minimum," I said, kicking my feet up on my desk, loud enough for her to hear.
“So why are you still disturbing me?” she shot back, her voice cutting through the quiet.
"Sophia, I need to see you in my office.”
She sighed, then appeared in the doorway, her gaze finally meeting mine. Her eyes were sharp, cutting into me, yet there was something there—an undercurrent of curiosity, maybe even a little desire.
“You have nothing scheduled for today, so feel free to leave at any time,” she said politely, her tone laced with indifference.
I flashed a smile at her. “You’re very diligent, memorizing my schedule so quickly. What about tomorrow?”
She crossed her arms, pulling her eyes away from mine. “There’s a dive at noon to collect some ocean samples.”
“Great, who’s going?” I asked, leaning forward slightly.
"I am," she replied, her tone flat and unamused. "And an intern who works in the lab. I suppose you'll want to come along to watch us work?”
"Actually,” I drawled, leaning back in the chair and lacing my fingers behind my head, "I think you could handle it. You're clearly capable."
She rolled her eyes at me, the motion full of disdain. “You'll need to fill out and sign the necessary liability forms."
"I'm sure I can manage that. Where are they?" I asked, flashing her another smile.
She shook her head, a small, exasperated sigh escaping her lips. “Under your feet.” Without another word, she left my office. The door closed shut behind her with a soft click, leaving me in the thick silence of my own thoughts.
Stretching out in my chair, I glanced at the pile of paperwork that sat innocuously on one corner of my desk and spent the next hour completing the forms. It was pretty straightforwardand hardly required any effort. As I worked, my mind kept drifting back to Sophia. There was something about her—a fire beneath the surface. I found myself staring at her signature on the liability form, alongside the line for the intern to sign and four more empty lines for other potential signatures. I could use a coffee. The small amount I had this morning was not cutting it.
I stood, the chair squeaking in protest, and exited my office. Sophia was still at her desk, her eyes focused on the papers in front of her, but I knew my presence had her complete attention. "I'm heading over to the break room for some coffee and the interns signature if I can find her. You want anything?" I asked, standing close enough to catch a note of her sweet perfume. It was subtle, but it lingered in the air between us.
She glanced up, her plump lips parting in surprise for a moment before pressing back into a tight line. She shook her head, her light brown hair swaying gently as she did so. I walked past her, then stopped. There are few things I can’t stand more than issues festering due to a simple misunderstanding. Exhaling, I turned back to face her.
“Sophia.”
She ignored me, her eyes fixed on her work.
“Look at me.”
She did what I ordered, but now staring into her eyes felt like looking off the side of a steep cliff. “I didn’t order that painting knowing I would have to cancel it. It was an unexpected decision I had to make after my card declined this morning. You understand that, right?”
She narrowed her eyes and shook her head before harshly saying “Yeah.”
I scoffed and made my way to the break room.
It was mostly empty, but a few people ate their lunch at the round tables, talking in soft whispers. I followed Sophia’s coffee recipe and scanned the room while it brewed. I should have beenpaying more attention when Edward was giving me a tour. I may have forgotten the intern’s name that I needed a signature for, but I couldn’t forget her freckled face and braided blond hair. She sat at the other side of the room, staring at her phone. She didn’t notice me until I took a seat next to her and cleared my throat. She quickly looked up at me, her eyes growing wide, as they had when Edward introduced her.
“Oh hey, it’s great to see you again. Are you taking a break with me?” she asked. Her voice was high-pitched, cute at first, but quickly becoming annoying.
