The Royal Contract

1116 Was that even possible?

She rushed through the lobby and ran until she could reach the elevator. She only comfortably breathed when she was safely inside the packed metal box on her way to her floor.

She could not be late today. Her boss specifically told her that she had to be early today. But that stupid nightmare made it hard for her to sleep. Luckily, hearing his beautiful voice eventually lulled her to a dreamless and peaceful sleep.

But unfortunately, she turned off her alarm clock this morning, but her mind refused to wake up. She returned to her pillows and blanket, grabbing a few more minutes of sleep. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novelenglish.net . fire(.)nᴇt

“I am sorry.” She suddenly said as she accidentally stepped on a foot. They looked like a can of sardines without the red sauce.

Thankfully, a few were left on the top floors, giving her room to breathe. It was slightly suffocating inside with the assorted perfumes and the lack of oxygen. But she was glad when she finally came to her floor, breathing airconditioned and cold air.

“Ria, finally.” She heard her name across the hall as her boss peeked through the hallway. “Come. I need your help.” She said as she beckoned her to hurry and follow her.

She rushed toward her office, wondering what the problem was. She did not have to ask what as she entered her mini cubicle blooming with flowers. She could hardly wait to see the card, already knowing who had sent her three bouquets.

She picked the first one, the smaller one. But the card said three. Then, the next one, the same size as the first flower, she had checked. It said two.

“Who sent it?” Josey and Brenda simultaneously asked as they stood behind her and waited anticipatingly.

.....

Of course, they were also aware of the news circulating in the office grapevine.

She could hardly wait to see what the large bouquet had to say as she took three cards out. The first card was for her immediate supervisor, Brenda.

“It is for you.” She handed the first flower to her and the card.

It said that he hoped her boss would be more understanding today if she could be a little cranky.

She read the next card and gave it to her superior boss, Josey, with the card. It also said she should not be offended if she kept yawning during a meeting. Maybe her boss could give her a much longer break if it was not too much to ask because she had a rough night.

“What did you two do last night?” Josey asked, looking suspicious with a mischievous smile.

“How rough was he?” Brenda added with a giggle as the two suddenly bombarded her with questions.

Damnit!

“It is not like that.” She tried to explain as the two shrieked in excitement. She could see they were genuinely happy for her, but she could not say the same thing to the others.

She had to talk to him about this. Now, he was fueling the flames of their situation. He was giving the gossipmongers something to talk about with this stunt. Luckily, she could trust this two with her secrets.

“Then, what is it like?” Brenda asked again. “Was he gentle at first before she released your wild side?” She could not help but shake her head at what she was hearing.

She knew sex and read about it. But to talk about it in this manner. It was all a new experience for her. She did not even know how to answer them. Or whether she should dignify their questions with a response.

“You know what? I think we have work to do.” She decided to end the conversation before she started spilling every detail of her sex life. Then, that would be scandalous.

“Now, you are just being a killjoy,” Josey muttered. “What I will do to have a man like that on my bed.” She added dreamily.

But she knew Josey was only joking because she was happily married to a kind and decent guy with two kids. She doubted her boss would cheat on her husband for one great-looking piece of ass.

She could help but picture her boyfriend with nothing but his naked butt standing before her. It was these two’s fault, but she could not blame them for daydreaming about him. He was indeed a gorgeous specimen of a man.

“Come on, you two. Time to work.” Why did she feel like she was ordering her bosses? On second thought, she just did. She started showing her bosses to the door. “Give me five minutes, and I will join you at your office.”

How she suddenly wished she had time to get some coffee. She would have to wait till her coffee break. Then, she should probably call Zach to thank him for the flowers.

He did not have to do that, but she appreciated the gesture. Somehow, it made her feel very special. When was the last time she had received this kind of attention? Never. Her ex-boyfriend was never showy and romantic. But then again, Ryan was nothing like Zach.

“As much as I like your boyfriend and the flowers. I can’t give you a long break.” Brenda said to her. “We are just swamp today.” She reasoned.

“Don’t worry about that. Zach is just joking about it.” Although she knew she still lacked sleep. Still, she would push through until she finished her shift. She was here to work, and that was what she would do.

Finally, the two left her to arrange her things before starting her day at the office. She took the last card and read it while placing the flowers in an empty vase.

I WILL ALWAYS BE HERE FOR YOU. NO MATTER WHAT.

NEVER HESITATE TO COME TO ME FOR ANYTHING.

I AM HERE FOR THE LONG HAUL.

I. L. Y.

ZACH.

What?

She blinked her eyes a few more times, wondering if she saw things that were not supposed to be there. But it was still there, three initial letters that could mean anything.

But what?

I like you.

Maybe.

I loathe you.

She doubted.

I love you.

Was that even possible?