“It's no trouble,” I insisted.“I can't have my assistant developing back problems on my watch.Consider it done.”
She blinked, clearly taken aback.Hell,Iwas taken aback.Since when did I care about my employees' lumbar support?
“Well, thank you,” she said, a small smile playing at her lips.“I appreciate it.”
I waved her gratitude away, uncharacteristically flustered.“It's nothing.Now, those contract revisions?”
“On it, boss.”She tossed me a cheeky salute before slipping out the door, leaving me staring after her.
Boss.The word echoed in my mind.I'd worked damn hard to earn that title.But there was something about hearing it from her lips.A flicker of warmth, of connection.
I shook it off, turning back to my blueprints with a scowl.I didn't have time for these...feelings.
* * *
“Are you all right?”The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.
She froze, her shoulders tensing before she plastered on another smile.“Oh, I'm fine.Just a little stiff from sitting too long, I guess.”
Bullshit.I recognized that look, that mask of cheerfulness.I'd seen it on my mother's face too many times to count.
“Take a break.”My tone was gruffer than I intended.“There's a yoga mat in the storage closet if you want to stretch.”
Surprised gratitude flickered across her face.“Thank you.I appreciate that.”
As she left, I stared at the empty doorway, a strange mix of emotions churning in my gut.Concern, yes, but also a grudging admiration.Despite whatever pain she was dealing with, Olivia had tackled every task I'd thrown at her.
I turned back to my work, trying to focus on the intricate details of the community center plans.But my mind kept returning to Olivia.What was causing her pain?How long had she been dealing with it?And why the hell did I care so much?
An hour later, I emerged from my office in search of coffee, only to find Olivia's desk empty.Panic flared in my chest before I spotted her through the windows, moving gracefully through a series of yoga poses in the courtyard.
The late afternoon sun bathed her in golden light, highlighting the lithe lines of her body as she flowed from one position to the next.Her face was serene, free from the tension I'd noticed earlier.I allowed myself to watch her for a moment, captivated by her quiet strength.
Then I caught myself.These were dangerous thoughts.Caring only led to pain and loss.I'd learned that lesson the hard way.
When Olivia returned, cheeks flushed and eyes bright from her yoga session, I pretended to be absorbed in my work.But I couldn't help noticing the way she moved more freely as she settled back at her desk.
“Mr.Cassidy?”she called.“I've finished compiling those market research reports you asked for.Should I email them to you, or would you prefer a hard copy?”
I looked up, meeting her warm hazel eyes.“Both, if you don't mind.”
“No problem!”
Her efficiency was both impressive and a little unnerving.By the time the end of her workday rolled around, we'd accomplished more than I typically managed in three days.
“I think that's enough for today.You should head home, get some rest.”
Olivia nodded and began gathering her things.“Sounds good.Is there anything else you need before I go?”
I hesitated, an unfamiliar urge to prolong our interaction tugging at me.“No, that's all.But...good work today, Olivia.Really.”
Her smile widened, genuine pleasure lighting up her face.“Thank you.I'm glad I could help.Have a good evening, Mr.Cassidy.”
And then she was gone, the click of the door echoing in the sudden stillness.I slumped in my chair, scrubbing a hand over my face.What was happening to me?I'd never been one for small talk.And yet, with Olivia, the words seemed to come unbidden.The urge to reach out, to connect, to...care.
I shoved the thought away, disgusted with my own weakness.I refused to let myself be vulnerable.Not again.
“She's gone, son.”My father's voice was hollow, his eyes vacant as he stared at the freshly turned earth.“She's not coming back.”
