Chapter 6.2

The surprise came too fast and it was too much for him to bear.

Her offer was like Manna from Heaven.

Of course, he would like to be her first and last man.

Why would he ever pass off on a good deal like that?

When he saw her come to his side, he felt his head spin. When she handed him the cup, he felt warmth wrap up his heart. When her hand left little pats on his back, he felt a current rush through his body. Everything she did was magical.

Finally, he gained his breath again.

"I am really sorry. I didn't mean to catch you by surprise. Just force of habit."

'You really did catch me by surprise alright!' he thought to himself.

He noticed how her eyes fell on him. Her gaze was so gentle, like she was looking at someone she loved.

'Does she like me too? She did seem really worried during my cough spasm. If that's the case, I'll seize my chance."

Without thinking about any horrible scenarios, he went for it.

"I don't mind being your first. I'll take you up on your offer."

Although he looked calm on the surface, his mind was in total chaos and he used all of his self-control to prevent his knees from going weak.

"Sorry. I was distracted there for a minute. You said?"

Not knowing whether she was faking it, or she genuinely didn't hear him, Jeff calmed his heart and said it again, "I'll take up the offer to be your first boyfriend."

Her reaction was way within his expectations. She wouldn't be Tina if she agreed on first thought. It seemed like they were similar in that respect. They both tend to overthink things.

"You are so funny Jeff. I just said that as a joke. There was no offer made."

No offer? Well…

"You wouldn't want to go back on your word now, would you?"

"It's just something I say when asked whether I have a man in my life. You wouldn't take my words seriously now, would you?"

Contemplating on what method to use, silence took over their table.

He never thought about confessing this soon. He only wanted to take the chance that presented itself. Now that taking that chance wasn't working in his favor, he might as well go all out with his confession.

"Well, I take every word you say seriously."

Knowing Tina, he was prepared for every and any type of rejection. From the few 'non-work' conversations they've had, she held herself back. Once in a while when she let go, she quickly drew herself back and drew a clear line. Her usual pattern was to use work as a clear demarcation.

True to his observation, Tina did not disappoint him.

"I would say you should since both of our outputs matter during the decision-making process of the ID," she said innocently while also resuming her meal.

All of this did not make him angry. He had known her for about a week now. He wanted to know her more. There had to be a reason she shut herself in. She had a positive outlook on love, but why did it feel like she didn't?

He tested the waters.

"I like you. I've been interested in you since the moment I laid eyes on you. Trust me, it makes no sense to me either. I am one of the 0.1% who firmly believes that love at first sight is a myth, but here I am now."

Her reply was still the same.

This time around, he held back nothing.

"Tina Lawrence! I've known you for about a week now. When I first saw you, I felt like I've known you for a longtime. No, not the first time I saw you. When your CEO appointed you to my project, I've been curious about you. When I finally saw you, I was even more curious. You have this magnetic pull over me, fueling my need to know more about you."

"I didn't expect my confession to come this fast. I wanted to ease you slowly into it. I wanted you to get comfortable around me. I wanted to take care of you a little more. I wanted to know you better. I didn't want to come across as a man who lusted after his female partners. I didn't want to be unprofessional, so I held back."

"I didn't want to miss a good chance, so I took you up on your offer."

Taking a breather, he continued.

"Tina, I like you."

"Although my confession seems to come out of nowhere when I didn't even know who you were two weeks ago, I genuinely like you."

"I would like… no no… I would love… no no…"

"It would be my honor to have you as my first… and last… girlfriend."

"Give me a chance to know you, and I promise, I am not so bad myself."

Jeff leaned back against his chair exhausted.

Now the ball was in her park.

What was she going to do about it?