Page 7 of The Pursuit
“Two more weeks,” I shrugged. “So, let’s make the most of it.”
“Are you inviting me on a combat training date, Director?” she smiled again, making my heart flutter even more.
“Why not? But if you don’t like it, maybe we can settle for a real date… over dinner?” I suggested hopefully.
I really longed to know her better beyond our physical chemistry during training.
“We’ll see, Director,” she replied, letting the possibility linger tantalisingly between us.
Trisha then turned to leave, unable to hide her own smile. Watching her walk away, I knew I had to find out if whatwe had between us was more than just attraction. Being with Trisha made me believe that maybe, just maybe, I could experience a feeling deeper than anything I’d ever known—Love.
**************
A week later
Since that day, Trisha and I continued to cross paths during her morning workout in the gym or in the combat training room, where I practiced my combat skills. We slowly fell into easy conversation, chatting and joking about nothing of significance. With Trisha, things just felt natural and unforced. Time seemed to stand still during those perfect moments when it was just the two of us, all professional barriers forgotten.
I found myself sharing things with her that I normally kept private. I shared about my life as a Director at GLEN in Austria, the encouragement and trust I received from my father, and my close-knit circle of friends. About Ayaan Shergill, my best friend and fellow Director at GLEN in Austria, who held a special place in my life. I told her almost everything. Trisha was so easy to talk to, and she always listened with genuine interest. In return, I was fascinated by learning tidbits about her life outside of GLEN. Every new detail, no matter how small, felt like discovering a hidden treasure. She was slowly opening up to me like I was happily bonding with her.
It was a quiet Sunday morning, and I was in my office finishing up some reports that just couldn’t wait. As the Director of GLEN, the concept of a “day off” didn’t really exist for me. I was so focused on the task at hand that I didn’t even hear the knock at my door at first. WhenI glanced up, I was pleasantly surprised to see Trisha entering my office holding two steaming cups of coffee.
“Thought you could use a pick-me-up,” she said with a smile, offering me one of the cups.
“You read my mind,” I replied gratefully as I accepted the coffee. A faint electric spark surged through me as our fingers lightly brushed during the exchange. However, my attention shifted to her ring finger, adorned with a thin gold band. Discomfort settled within me at the thought of Trisha being engaged again. I knew she had a broken engagement in the past. Had they reconciled?
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” she remarked, noticing my gaze on her ring finger.
I nodded absentmindedly, hesitant to inquire about the ring but also not wanting to reveal my evident disapproval of her engagement, if it were true.
“I never noticed this on your finger before,” I mentioned, clearing my throat.
“I rarely wear it. We’re not allowed such accessories at work. But today is special, so I decided to put it on. I hope you don’t mind,” she explained.
I do mind if that is your engagement ring—my subconscious protested. But I held back from voicing my suspicions to Trisha.
“And what’s so special today?” I broached the subject again as I watched Trisha making herself comfortable, perching on the edge of my desk like she belonged there.
Seeing her dressed so casually in a t-shirt and jeans was a refreshing change from her usual tactical gear. She lookedbeautiful, bathed in the morning sunlight streaming through my window.
“It’s my Mumma’s birthday today,” she responded with a smile. “This is her ring; she gave it to me before she passed away a few years ago. I wear it every year on this day to honour her memory.”
“Your mother’s ring?” I clarified, exhaling in relief.
“Yes, my mother’s ring. What did you think?” she asked, and I shook my head, avoiding any indication of my earlier suspicions.
“Nothing,” I replied, sipping the coffee and smiling in relief before placing the mug on the table.
“So tell me, Mr. Director, don’t you ever take a day off?” Trisha asked, her playful tone seemingly aware of my discomfort, possibly thinking the ring meant an engagement.
I gazed up at her, smitten. “I do take days off, albeit not regularly. However, today, I had a hunch that a stunning woman I admire would drop by my office, bringing specially brewed coffee and a smile to brighten my day,” I flirted in response.
“Stop it.” She laughed and nudged my shoulder lightly. The sound of her laughter was music to my ears.
There was a ping on her phone, and as she read the message, I knew our impromptu coffee break was over.Too soon!
“Got to go. We have some intel on the drug lord we are looking for. Need to work on that,” Trisha conveyed,rising from the desk and heading towards the door. A pang of disappointment hit me; I wasn’t ready for this stolen moment of closeness to end.
Just as she reached the door, Trisha glanced back with a playful glint in her eyes. “You know where to find me if you need more coffee,” she said sincerely, raising her mug.
