Exhaling a deep breath to calm himself, Noah walked into the company building, trying to shake off the awkwardness of the encounter. He couldn't help but replay the moment in his mind, feeling a mix of emotions—embarrassment, fascination, and a hint of excitement at the unexpected connection he felt with Adrian.
As he settled at his desk, Noah tried to focus on his work, but the memory of the encounter kept distracting him. He wondered if Adrian had thought anything of the collision, or if it had simply been a fleeting moment in the CEO's busy day.
Throughout the day, Noah found himself stealing glances at the entrance, hoping for another glimpse of Adrian. He was curious about the man behind the enigmatic facade.
As evening approached, Noah finally finished his work for the day. He packed up his belongings and prepared to leave the office. Just as he was about to head out, he received a message on his phone.
Noah's eyes lit up with surprise and excitement as he read the message from his friends. They wanted to meet up at a bar, offering him a chance to unwind after a long day at the office. It sounded like the perfect way to relax and enjoy some quality time with the people he cherished.
Feeling a surge of anticipation, Noah quickly replied to their message, accepting their invitation. He knew he deserved a break, and spending time with his friends was the perfect remedy for the day's events.
With a smile on his face, he made his way to the bar where they had agreed to meet. The place was alive with laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses, creating a vibrant atmosphere that lifted his spirits.
As he walked in, he spotted his friends at a corner table, waving him over with excitement. They greeted him with warm hugs and wide smiles, and he instantly felt at ease in their company.
Amidst the laughter and lighthearted banter, Noah's thoughts occasionally drifted back to the unexpected encounter with Adrian earlier that day. He found himself sharing the story with his friends, who listened with rapt attention, eager to hear every detail.
"He caught you? That's so romantic!" one of his friends teased, earning a playful nudge from another.
"No, it wasn't like that," Noah blushed, but he couldn't deny the tiny spark of excitement that the encounter had ignited within him.
His friends cheered him on, offering their support and encouragement.
Amidst the raucous revelry, the atmosphere in the bar was growing increasingly intoxicated. Noah, too, felt the effects of the drinks weighing on him. Pushing back from his seat, he announced, "I'll be right back," intending to take a break.
Curiosity piqued, one of his friends inquired, "Where are you off to, Noah?" Playfully, another friend chimed in, "Maybe he's off to find his boss!" The unexpected tease caught everyone off guard, but they quickly joined in, adding fuel to the humorous speculation.
"Yeah, he's just going to the bathroom to freshen up his admiration!" another friend joked, sending the group into fits of laughter.
Noah was taken aback by their teasing, but a faint blush betrayed his true emotions.
His cheeks flushed with a subtle blush, but he laughed along with them, not wanting to spoil the jovial atmosphere. His friends knew him well, and while there might have been a hint of truth to their teasing, Noah was determined not to read too much into it.
Inside the bathroom, he took a moment to collect his thoughts.
"Am I really interested in him?" Noah pondered, trying to make sense of his feelings.
"That's impossible"
He splashed some water on his face, feeling the cool sensation soothe his slightly intoxicated mind.
After wiping his face, Noah walked out of the bathroom, but just as he turned the corner, he accidentally collided with someone.
"Fuck," he cursed under his breath, lifting his gaze to see who it was. His shock intensified when he found himself locking eyes with the same cold and void gaze that had intrigued him earlier.
For a moment, he wondered if he was imagining things, but he shook his head, assuming it was just a coincidence. However, when he raised his head again, the figure was still standing before him—Adrian Blackwood.
"Boss,"
A slightly slurred voice escaped Noah's lips involuntarily, his nerves and the drinks he had earlier contributing to his unguarded response.