Page 24 of Love Unspoken

"Naya." I was so in my thoughts that I didn't notice Amias standing by my cubicle.

"Hi," I whispered and then dropped my eyes to the floor as I walked to my desk.

You have no reason to feel guilty! He doesn't want you around anyway.

I hated that he had told Ann and Kara I made him uncomfortable. I was sure he would do the happy dance when I resigned.

"Thanks for the cookies."

"Thank you for the dinner."

I stood by my desk, not sure what to do next. I was about to leave for home, but you couldn't do that when your CEO was standing in front of you.

"Did you have a good break?" he asked.

"Yes."

"I'm sorry you were alone."

I looked at him then. Here was my chance! "I wasn't. I spent the day at a shelter. It's something I've been doing for years."

I saw something move in his eyes, pity? I steeled myself against telling him to shove it where the sun doesn't shine.

"I'm…ah…glad that you were not alone."

"Did you have a good time in New York?" I asked and wondered if I'd revealed too much about how I listened to every conversation he had with anyone around me.

He was in a charcoal gray suit, one I loved on him, with a crisp white shirt. Even at the end of the day, he didn't have a wrinkled look. I on the other hand was in my trustee black pants and a black high-neck blouse that hung loosely around my waist. I'd started wearing loose clothes after the accident because my skin was still tender. Now, it had become a habit, and I found the clothes to be comfortable. The black color was to make my life easier when I got dressed.

"It was good," he replied succinctly.

We were both silent for a while and it was getting to be uncomfortable. "Do you need anything else from me?" I asked.

He shook his head. "No…actually, I was wondering if I could give you a ride home. My car is downstairs."

The way he said it got my back up. I didn't need a ride, I had one already. "That’s so nice of you but I'm good."

"It's fucking cold, Naya," he blistered, surprising me.

"I know," I replied calmly.

"Then let me give you a ride," he bit out.

His jaw was tight. I didn't know what he was up to, but I was starting to believe that he saw me as a charity case. First the job, then a meal like I was an unhoused person, and now a lift in his fancy car with a driver.

"I really appreciate your offer. But I am fine. Thank you again."

"Why won't you just take my help?"

I hated confrontations. Absolutely detested them. I couldn’t help it, I shrank within myself and heard his frustrated, fuck.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, looking at my shoes, wanting him very much to go away now. I stayed out of everyone's way to avoid such scenes. Even with Ann, it was Darren who'd gone after her at Legal Sea Foods, making me want to shrink and disappear.

He put his finger under my chin and lifted my face. This was the first time Amias was touching me beyond a hand shake. A shiver ran through me.

"You have nothing to apologize for," he murmured.

I licked my dry lips and saw his eyes land on my mouth. I cleared my throat because my words seem to be caught somewhere between my sinking stomach and my pounding heart.