Unexpected Conversations

Zane's POVThe next morning, I walk into the office, still buzzing from last night's charity gala. Honestly, I thought I'd be a nervous wreck the whole evening, but once things got rolling, it wasn't so bad. I even managed to survive conversations with some of Ash's high-profile clients without making a complete fool of myself. Ash seemed pleased, which is saying a lot. I mean, he's not exactly easy to impress.I make my way to my desk, setting down my coffee. There's something weirdly satisfying about the quiet hum of the office in the morning. Maybe it's because the day hasn't fully started yet, and it gives me a second to breathe before everything gets crazy. I open my laptop, ready to dive into the day's tasks when I hear footsteps behind me."Morning, Zane," Ash's deep voice greets me.I look up, and there he is, standing at my desk, looking as calm and collected as ever. How is it that this guy never looks tired? Like, does he even sleep?"Morning, Mr. Gonzalo," I reply, trying to sound casual.He glances at the coffee cup on my desk and smirks slightly. "Rough night?"I laugh, rubbing the back of my neck. "Not rough. Just... long. But I'm ready for whatever's next."He raises an eyebrow, clearly amused by my attempt at professionalism. "Glad to hear it. I wanted to check in about the gala. You handled yourself well, Zane. I know these events can be overwhelming, especially when you're still adjusting to everything here."I blink, momentarily taken aback. Praise from Ash Gonzalo? That's like spotting a unicorn."Thanks," I say, feeling a bit awkward under his gaze. "I wasn't sure if I was doing everything right, but... I'm glad it worked out."Ash nods, his expression softening just a touch. "You did fine. There's still a lot to learn, but you're getting there."Before I can respond, his phone buzzes, and just like that, the moment's over. He checks the screen and frowns slightly."I've got to take this," he says, turning to leave. "Keep up the good work."As soon as he walks away, I release a breath I didn't realize I was holding. What just happened? Compliments from Ash? That's... not normal. It's nice, though. I've been busting my butt since I started this job, and hearing him acknowledge that feels kind of good.I shake off the weird feeling and get back to work. The morning passes in a blur of emails, scheduling meetings, and organizing files. At some point, Jenna stops by to go over a few logistics for the upcoming week, and by the time lunch rolls around, I'm more than ready for a break.Just as I'm about to head out to grab something to eat, my phone buzzes. It's a text from Joshy.Joshy: Dude, lunch? I'm in the area.I grin at my phone. It's been a while since I've had a chance to hang out with Joshy, and I could use a little break from all the corporate chaos.Me: Yeah, sure. I'll meet you at that sandwich place near the office.We agree on a time, and I head out, glad for the chance to catch up with my best friend. When I arrive at the sandwich shop, Joshy's already there, sitting at a table with his usual laid-back grin."Hey, man," he greets me, pulling me into a quick bro-hug. "How's life as a big-time secretary?"I roll my eyes, sitting down across from him. "It's... something. Last night was the charity gala, so that was an experience."Joshy raises an eyebrow. "Gala, huh? Fancy stuff. How'd it go?"I give him a rundown of the event, trying not to make it sound too stressful. As I talk, Joshy listens, nodding along, though he can't help but crack a few jokes about me rubbing elbows with the elite. Typical Joshy."So," he says after I've finished my story, leaning back in his chair. "How's the boss-man treating you? You guys still at each other's throats, or is there some... sexual tension going on?"I choke on my drink. "Joshy! Dude, what the hell?"He laughs, raising his hands in mock surrender. "I'm just saying! You spend all day working with this guy who's basically a walking billboard for 'tall, dark, and mysterious.' You're telling me nothing's going on?"I shake my head, still recovering from his comment. "No, nothing's going on. Ash is... well, he's a tough boss, but he's been decent to me. He's just... intense."Joshy smirks. "Uh-huh. Sure, Zane. Whatever you say."I try to brush off his teasing, but the truth is, there's a part of me that's been wondering about Ash more and more. Not in the way Joshy's suggesting—okay, maybe a little—but mostly because he's such a closed book. I still don't get what makes him tick.After lunch, I head back to the office, my mind still racing with Joshy's words. Sexual tension? That's ridiculous. Right?But as I walk into the building and catch a glimpse of Ash in his office, focused and unreadable as always, I can't help but feel... something. I don't know what it is yet, but maybe Joshy isn't completely off the mark.Maybe there's more to this whole thing than I realized.