5.

It's been a week , since I started working here. What was a doubt is now a fact. He definitely hates me.

He would not acknowledge my presence in the room when I serve coffee. He would ignore all my greetings. But weirdly,I feel like he stares at me sometimes when I am not looking. I don't know how to explain this but when I leave the room. Or when I am at my desk,I feel like this stare when his window is open. But when I look back in the cabin, he would close the blinds. On.my. face.

My work revolves around him. It's only been a week but I got to say I have got a hang of it.

The main principle is simple. Stay out of Mr.Blackwell's sight. Look at his calender and schedule appointments. Book reservations or order food for lunch depending on his availability. All these things I can do without interacting with him. The less we interact, the less he will dislike me right?

Now,once I got the hang of it, I tried to help Lisa with the work part as well. I didn't know much about all these legal terms but I can help somehow. I have started reading legal articles and all those related to the company. I am not completely knowledgable of what's going on but I know the generic one. In short, our firm is helping two major pharmaceutical companies to merge. And Me. Blackwell has been actively involved and that with this merger money has already started to rake in and thereby Mr. Blackwell's standing is unmatched.

Most of this week , Mr. Blackwell and majority of the senior associates have constantly been meeting with the companies and having luncheons. So it was perfect for me. Now with the successful merger expected next week,they all will have more time in office.

Lisa handed me some documents to print and file. Confidential documents were to be scanned in a seperate printer cabin near our secretary desk .

I walked into the cabin only to see a figure near the printer. The person was confused and was trying to get the jammed printer to work. He hit it on the side a few times.

When did he get here?

"Sir,if I may?" I offered to help politely.

Mr. Blackwell had a frown on his face. As he turned his face smoothened as if he was relieved that someone has come to help.

But that soon changed to pokerface when his eyes locked on my face.

"It's jammed. I can't get the paper out."

My ,My! Look at you ! Where is the coldness in your voice?Do you need this knight in shining armour now? So your voice can sound hot? Oh wait , not hot, I meant not cold. His voice can sound NOT COLD.

"You have to pull it sir. Let me help you ,I have experience in working with printers. " I said putting my best professional voice forward.

I did work for a courier service and was really good at printing those labels and papers.

I moved forward. The cabin could accomodate only one person as there were a lot of boxes inside which minimized the space. Both of us could barely stand there without invading each other's personal space.

I got on my knee and leaned forward to the side of the printer and opened it. There was paper stuck in the side of it . I will have to pull it one by one carefully so that the bits don't get stuck in there.

I could feel Mr. Blackwell lingering behind , trying to see what the issue was. Time to show my expertise to him.

Still on my knee , I turned to explain to him the issue.

Too close .

His face was right next to mine. I felt his breath on my face. We were too close. He had leaned in too to check the printer.

He stood there for a second and stood straight.

My face is hot . I think he is flustered too.

"It's the paper. It's stuck. I will pull it out." I said and turned back to the printer. I can't show my face to him right now. He would think I am a weirdo.

"Ah yes,the paper. Thought so. The paper right" He was stumbling. This was really awkward .

I pulled the paper out one by one. However the last three papers decided to melt into each other. I could not remove it. So I ,with all my strenth, decided to pull it as a bunch.

"Ouch",was all I could hear before I realized I had elbowed his knee.

Oh fuck.

"Sorry sir, I am really sorry." I stood up with the paper in my hands. I bend to touch his knee when he pulled his leg behind.

Oh god, it was my normal reaction . I am so stupid. This is a grown man not a kid. He thinks I am a pervert. I made him think I am a pervert.

"Sorry, are you okay?" I was embarassed. "I didn't mean to touch you. I am sorry."

I tried to find the words. I will be fired for assault. My boss for that matter. The one who is the treasure of the Firm even to outsiders as well. Will he sue me for assault?

"It's fine. Is the printer fine now?" He asked. Did he change the topic? If yes, I will not pursue it. Since he is not firing me, I will play along.

"Yes,yes. Let me scan the documents for you."

There is no space to let him bear the printer now without being close to each other.Any further physical touch with him and he will call me a pervert. Being known as a pervert is the last thing I want right now. It's not on the list.

I took the documents and started scanning them in the printer. It was awkward. He stood there silently behind me while I printed his documents. Weirdly, I felt like he was staring at me. Must be because he is right behind me.

After a minute, which felt like eternity, the documents ,I handed him his papers .

"Thanks." He turned around and closed the cabin door.

"You are welcome." I said to the closed door and heaved a sigh of relief.

Boy, that was awkward.

I started printing my documents. While they were printing ,I remembered how his face was close to mine. His face looked like it was cut out of marble. Smooth finish. And that jawline.

He smelled good to.

Wait. What am I thinking? Didn't I say I would focus on my life. If I have to stay here, I have to get this thoughts out of my mind. Focus.

I printed my documents and left the cabin. The time for printing helped me maintain back my composure. I returned to my desk and started filing the documents into the file.

I peeked through his window to see him looking at a file intently. He looked up and saw me . I quickly returned back to my work. I looked up again to check if he was still looking only to realize he closed the blinds.

What does he think I am? I am sure he is weirded out by me. I wasn't stalking him I swear. It was a involuntary check.

Oh my god. The embarassment .