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A pang of empathy crossed my heart — I knew that tired look well. Despite my irritation, I couldn't help but wonder what kind of day he had endured.
Maybe he wasn't intentionally trying to be rude; he was caught up in his world.
"So, you wanted to interview me for your little magazine," he remarked, his tone tinged with skepticism.
I felt a surge of anger rising within me. "Yes, that's right. But my 'little' magazine is respected and well-regarded,” I snapped.
His eyebrows rose slightly at my banter, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of surprise in his eyes. But it was quickly replaced by a guarded expression as if he was retreating into his professional identity.
I took a deep breath, my initial surge of anger gradually giving way to a calmer resolve.
"Look, Mr. Hartman, I understand you must have had a long day, and I appreciate you taking the time to see me today."
His jaw tensed, and I could sense his internal struggle. And then, to my astonishment, he sighed.
"I'm sorry if I came across as rude. It’s indeed been a long day.”
The apology caught me off guard. I’d been prepared for a standoff, for him to dig his heels in and maintain his aloofdemeanor. But his admission surprised me, and I found myself slowly softening, the tension in my shoulders easing.
He stood up, reaching for a cup of coffee and doughnut from the tray. Holding them out to me, he said, "These are fantastic. You have to try one. You met Hilda, right? She has a real talent for baking."
I hesitated for a moment, surprised by his change in demeanor. But then I accepted the coffee and the doughnut with gratitude.
Our fingers brushed ever so slightly as he handed them over, and a jolt of electricity shot through me at the contact.
I couldn't help but notice the softness of his hands, the brilliance of his blue eyes, and the not-so-subtle whiff of his cologne.
Chapter Four
Alexander
Iwalked across the study, the rich scent of leather and polished wood enveloping me. Elizabeth was sitting in a chair opposite mine at the desk.
She was dressed in a white shirt, her blonde hair styled in a way that made her look more mature than I remembered.
Her eyes were prettier, and she looked slightly taller. I glanced at her chest and noticed she had grown there, too. I quickly pulled my eyes away.
The tension in the air was due to my attitude. I knew I needed to mend that bridge, to make her feel at ease, or I wouldn't hear the end of it from Allan.
I took a deep breath, walked over, and sat across from her. I began, my tone softer, "I'm sorry if I came across as rude. It's indeed been a long day.”
She looked at me, a faint smile forming on her lips.
I sighed with relief. Trying to change the topic, I reached for the tray of doughnuts and two cups of freshly brewed coffee on the table.
I took a doughnut, savoring the delicate flavors that burst in my mouth.
"These are fantastic. You have to try one. You met Hilda, right? She has a real talent for baking."
A moment later, she chuckled. "Well, if you insist."
After a few bites, she sat up.
“Um, can we begin?”
Before I had a chance to respond, she continued.
"So, Mr. Hartman, tell me about your work. What's it like being a young real estate billionaire?"
