“Get this indecisive woman a peach iced tea,”

ALANA

The next morning, I'd reserved a romantic spot in some flashy hotel down the road and texted Hanie the location. Taking out time to personally supervise the dim lighting, red heart balloons plastered on the walls and a cozy seating arrangement consisting of two plush chairs and a pretty gold-and-black table, I heaved a sigh of relief the minute I got a break.

I barged into Knight's office, finding his robotic eyes fluttering while he continued to work on his laptop. I rolled my eyes.

"You should take a break,"

His head snapped up, eyes performing a full perusal. "And you should definitely consider knocking,"

Throwing the door shut, I dramatically plopped onto the sofa, some feet away from the broody guy who happened to be my childhood bestie—and boss, but who was counting.

"Oh, come on," I laid my head to the side, well aware of the awkward positioning of my body. I was too tired to care. "I've been laying your decorations for the date since morning. A thanks and some delicious food would suffice."

His mouth opened and closed, yet no words emerged. "I'm sorry?"

I shook my head, faux scolding. "I was looking for 'thank you' but I guess sorry is fine too. It's okay; you're forgiven," I widened my eyes and pushed out my bottom lip at his astonished look. "My food?"

Stunned silence greeted me. I almost chuckled. Yeup, I was in a bubbly mood. Early in the morning, I'd asked for a pre-payment and the five-digit money had not disappointed. Not at all. My parents were taken care of, I still had a roof over my head so who was I to complain?

I'd likely go shopping sometime since I was running out of dresses. All I had was one pencil skirt, a bunch of blouses and barely two dresses. I hated over-spending but I figured buying something cute wouldn't hurt.

"Need I remind you who I am?" The words were spoken slowly and the perplexed expression on Knight's face had me doubling over in laughter. In my head, of course.

"Yeah, yeah, I know," I muttered dryly. "You're my boss and you're sooo scary," I clutched a hand to my chest, gasping in horror.

He swung me an irritated glare, squishing some buttons on the telephone by his side and pressing it to his ear. "Hello. Yeah, wait," Our eyes met. "What do you want?" He questioned, patience already on a thin line if his tone or expression was any indication.

I gulped. Not because I was scared. Just because. He was kinda . . . never mind. I wasn't supposed to be feeling that for my friend. "Do they have some nice spicy, beefy burger?"

He repeated the question to whoever was on the other end in a voice that did not sound like me. Huffing, I made myself even more comfortable on the sofa. Kicking off my boots and sprawling my legs over the plushiness. It was quite simply nirvana.

"Yeah, get her that one. No ketchup,"

The last one caught me by surprise. For long moments I only stared at him, stunned. Did he know it was me? He must've caught the surprise on my face for he shook his head on a sigh.

"Sorry, I got you confused with someone else," was all the explanation he offered. "Would you like to add ketchup?"

"No," I said softly, hesitantly. "But I want extra cheese."

"And drink?"

I played with my lower lip, watching Knight's eyes drop before he quickly pulled them back up. Was I imagining things? Who knew I could be so desperate.

"What's good around here?"

"Everything,"

"Of course you'd say that. What's your fav?"

"Didn't realise we'd started talking in honorifics but my personal favourite is coffee," Noticing my bland look, he continued. "The fresh juices are good too. I guess you had passionfruit last time?"

I clapped in delight. "Oh my God, that was so good!"

"Great," he muttered to me and went on to speak to the person on the other end. "Get two—"

"Wait, no!" I held up both hands, propping an elbow over the hand rest. "I wanna try something new!" After all, you didn't get such opportunities every day. Delicious free food? Sign me up.

He rolled his eyes once more. "Get this indecisive woman a peach iced tea," And he slammed the phone back into place. His unwanted attention shifted wholly on me and I squirmed under the bright green intensity. "Now tell me why you decided to so rudely interrupt me?"