Chapter 8

“Is that your stomach or a trapped animal?”

“Very funny Bruce. You’re such a comedian.” Bruce loved to tease her. He knew she was hungry, and he was too but it seemed she was a tad more so than he was. 

The whole meeting felt like one long blur to her. She had had enough meetings today and couldn’t wait to wrap this one up. The presenter kept on talking and talking and talking. It felt like hell to her.

A hell made personally for her. She imagined how much more enjoyable life would be if she could fast-forward certain moments. She’d speed up this moment in a heartbeat. But as much as she’d like to speed up certain moments she’d love to rewind and relive others even more. 

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to relive certain moments, especially the ones with Bruce in them. Her mind had wandered off for a moment but hunger pains brought her back to earth. 

Her stomach growled once again and this time it was louder than it was the previous time. 

“Can’t you just adjourn the meeting? I mean the noises your stomach is making are starting to get me concerned,” 

“You’re concerned now? Moments ago you were making fun of my predicament.,”

“I’m sorry.” Ava stared at him and couldn’t help but smile. He didn’t need to apologize but he did. He did care about her. It was nice to have someone make you feel like a priority.

“And with that, our meeting comes to an end.” That was the man who stood in front of a white board. The meeting was over and they could leave. 

She got up and made her way to the door. People inside the conference room tried to stop her and speak to her but Bruce wouldn’t let them. 

“Miss Quinn is currently occupied and will see you all later.” 

She liked that her name sounded like him. ‘Miss Quinn’ he said and she replayed it in her head over a dozen times. Last time he was picked where they ate so it was l her turn to choose. She wanted to take him somewhere nice and maybe far away.

Somewhere they could be away from work and have some alone time. 

“You drive,” she said as she chucked her car keys in his direction.

“I thought you liked to be in control? 

“I do but if I drive in my current state we might die. Does that sound like something you’d want to do huh? Spend your last moments with me?”

As much as it was a joke a little part of her hoped he’d say yes. 

“Fine, fine you don’t have to make a big deal out of it. I’ll drive.” Her hopes had failed her. Still,

she had an entire afternoon alongside him to look forward to. They got a garage and headed and drove out.

“Where to?” Bruce asked as they backed out of the office building. 

“Follow the GPS I’ve put in the coordinates to our location there. As told Bruce followed the GPS and drove west. They were headed in the direction of one of Ava’s favorite restaurants. She rarely went there.

It was her safe space and she didn’t want to overuse it. She had never taken anyone there but now felt so comfortable taking Bruce there. 

One of her favorite parts of the restaurant was the route to it. Ava loved king drives. They were a safe space for her, like a pocket in time. One where the rest of the world seemed to be far away and she could recollect. 

Her head was on the glass as they drove through the city. She loved the sites and the streets. It all culminated in the beauty of the city. 

“We’re here.” His words broke the silence like a knife cutting through the cake. the ride here was faster than she had anticipated. At first, it made her wonder if they were in the right place. Maybe he had gotten the directions wrong. 

All her disbelief was put to rest as soon as she glanced at the sign outside. She stepped out and they went in. It was a casual place, not too fancy, and not lacking class. 

They took a seat at a table in the middle of the restaurant. 

“Good evening, my name is Maxwell and I’m here to take your order. What would you like to eat?”

“I’d like the…”

“Well, both have the special thank you.” Ava cut Bruce’s words short. He shot her a stare raising one of his brows as if trying to imitate Dwayne Johnson. 

“Just trust me,” she said, and trust her he did.

Maxwell came back soon enough with their food. As they satisfied their cravings they dove into conversation. She wanted to know everything she could about him. 

“You seem like the type to break a girl's heart. Tell about a few you’ve broken,” Bruce was stunned. She was so direct and to it.

“You think I’m a heartbreaker?”

“if you aren’t then prove me wrong,”

“well I don’t think I’ve ever broken a heart before, maybe it’s because I’ve never been in love,”

“You mean you’ve never liked anyone?”

“No, I have but that’s not love. Love comes with a certain intimacy and vulnerability that’s hard to mistake. I don’t think I’ve felt that. What about you?”

“I’ve been in relationships but they all ended horribly. You men have a real problem dating women who intimidate you.”

“That makes no sense. Why would anyone want to feel intimidated by the person they're in a relationship with.” Ava was stunned. She’d never seen it from that angle.

“I know you must’ve felt hurt or offended when all those men broke things off with you. But you have you remember relationships are supposed to make you feel happy and not like you’re not enough. So if these men ended things because they didn’t feel good that doesn’t make them bad guys does it?”

“I suppose you’re right but still I’d like a man who wasn’t intimidated by me enough to make the thing work.”

“See it’s not your fault and it’s not there’s. It’s just a matter of compatibility and varying interests,”

“I guess you’re right.”

“As I always am,”

“Cocky much?”

They both laughed and continued to talk. Soon after night had fallen and they went their separate ways.

Ava arrived home and couldn’t stop thinking about Bruce. From his smiles to his choice of words to the way he walked, she loved it all. 

Morning came and she arrived at the office. She was walking towards her office to continue some work when they bumped into each other.

“Hey,” Bruce said.

“Hey,”

“How was your night? Did you get home safe,”

“Yeah, I got by quite alright,”

“That’s good to hear. I just got in should we head in and get to work?”

“Lead the way, mister.” They both walked into her office and shut the door. What they weren’t aware of was the staff who had overheard them and now the tales of their escapades had filled the office.

Chapter 9

Ava came out of the elevator, responding to a few greetings before she began to trudge down the hallway. She was in a beautiful navy blue colour with a hint of shimmer. It was a sleeveless dress with a high neckline and a pleated skirt that fell just above the knee. The fabric was light and airy, perfect for a hot summer day. The dress had a subtle pattern of small white flowers that added a touch of femininity. 

The hallway was a long and elegant passageway, lined with polished wood panelling and adorned with tasteful artwork. The floor was made of gleaming marble, with inlaid designs of grapes and vines. The ceiling was high and arched, with ornate chandeliers casting a warm and inviting glow on the space. 

Large windows, framed with lush velvet curtains, let in streams of natural light that illuminated the hallway and made the colours of the artwork and tapestries seem even more vibrant. 

The aroma of fermenting grapes and the sound of machinery filled the air as Ava made her way to her office. But today, as she passed by her employees, she couldn't help but notice the hushed whispers and sidelong glances. Something was definitely up, and Ava intended to find out what it was. 

As Ava made her way through the halls, she couldn't help but notice the way her employees were behaving and how taut the atmosphere seemed to be. They were moving about in a hurried, almost furtive manner, their heads down and their eyes averted. 

Their work attire, crisp and professional, was now dishevelled and their faces were filled with worry. She caught snippets of their whispered conversations as she passed by, and it was clear that the rumours about her and Bruce were the topic of choice. 

Ava's anger grew as she watched her employees, the people she trusted, talking behind her back. Her eyes scanned the crowd, as she wondered what was going on. And then she spotted them. A group of three employees, huddled together in a corner, their heads close together as they whispered and laughed. 

Ava could feel their eyes on her as she walked past them, gazing in their direction. The smiles on their faces disappeared and they grew tense, looking around nervously. They knew they were in trouble and they were unsure of what to do next. 

They soon scattered, like birds taking flight. They quickly dispersed in different directions, their heads down and their steps quick. Some of them tried to blend in with other employees, but Ava could still spot them out, their body language gave them away. 

She stepped into her office, and the familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of typing on keyboards greeted her as she closed the door behind her. Roxie, her assistant, was waiting for her at her desk. "Good morning, Ava," Roxie greeted her with a smile. 

Ava walked to her desk and sat down, the leather chair creaking under her weight. "Roxie, what's going on? Why are everyone acting so strange?" Ava asked, her eyes scanning the room for any signs of what might be causing the strange behaviour. 

Roxie hesitated for a moment before speaking. "There are rumours going around about you and Bruce Clayton," she said, avoiding Ava's gaze. 

Ava's heart skipped a beat. But how had their relationship become the subject of office gossip?

Ava, after hearing that her employees were gossiping about her relationship with Bruce, felt a wave of anger wash over her. Her face grew hot and she felt the urge to confront each and every one of the employees and put an immediate stop to the gossip. 

She bawled her hands into fists, her nails biting into her palms as she imagined the confrontations. Her mind was filled with thoughts of how to put an end to the rumour and the thought of the consequences if it continues. She felt herself fuming, her body tense with frustration and anger.

Angry, Ava stood up from her chair, the wood floor creaking under her heels as she marched out of her office, determined to put a stop to the rumours and fire anyone who dared to gossip about her. She walked through the halls, her eyes scanning the faces of her employees, trying to find the source of the rumour. The sound of her heels clicked against the floor as she walked. She reached the main entrance, her hand gripping the door knob tightly. 

Gazing down at the floor, she crashed on someone while on her way out. But he caught her before she lost her footing and crashed on the floor. 

When Ava sees Bruce, her mood shifts dramatically. The anger and frustration that had been building inside her began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of warmth and contentment. Bruce's presence has an immediate calming effect on her, his tall frame and athletic build making him stand out from the rest of the employees. 

He was dressed in a tailored suit, the fabric hugging his body in all the right places. The suit jacket was cut to accentuate his broad shoulders and narrow waist, and the trousers are tailored to fit his long legs perfectly. His crystal blue eyes gleam as he meets her gaze, and his thick eyebrows and chiselled jawline give him a striking, almost otherworldly appearance. 

Ava can't help but feel a sense of attraction towards him, she sees him as very handsome and attractive. The way his suit hugs his body makes him look even more attractive and powerful. She can feel her heart racing and her palms getting a little sweaty as she looks at him. He exudes a sense of confidence and charm that makes her feel safe and protected. 

As Ava approaches Bruce, he turns to face her and gives her a warm smile. "Ava," he says, his voice deep and filled with affection. "Where are you rushing to look so annoyed?"

They stood there for a moment, holding each other, and Ava can feel the steady beat of his heart against her cheek.

"It's nothing, just some stupid rumours going around about us dating," Ava said, trying to brush it off, her heart racing. 

"And what do you intend doing?" He frowned slightly, slowly realising what she could have done. 

Bruce's crystal blue eyes searched hers, and he reached out to take her hand. "Ava, there's no need to correct them. Because it's true," he said, his voice soft. Ava felt her heart flutter as she looked into his eyes and saw the truth in his words. She felt herself melting against him, her body tingling with anticipation as he leaned in closer. 

They were like that for some time, lost in their own world, and it was only when Roxie cleared her throat that they remembered where they were.

Chapter 10

They walked back to Ava's office, Bruce's arm around her shoulder, the sound of their footsteps echoing through the halls. As they walked, Ava couldn't help but notice the way her employees looked at them, the way they were been glared at. She fought the urge to control herself. 

The rumours didn't die down, instead it skyrocketed even. 

The next day, Bruce and Ava arrived at Ava's office, and Roxie excused herself, leaving Ava and Bruce alone. They sat down in front of Ava's desk, Ava's hands on her lap, Bruce's hand covering hers. "I'm sorry for any trouble I might have caused you," he said, his voice sincere. 

Ava smiled at him, her heart full. "It's okay," she said. 

They sat there for a moment, lost in each other's eyes, before Ava leaned in for a kiss. 

As the day progressed, Ava couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. The employees seemed to be avoiding her and she couldn't help but notice the way they whispered behind her back. She knew that the rumors of her and Bruce's relationship had not died down, but she didn't expect it to escalate to this point. 

As she walked down the hallway, Ava couldn't help but admire the beauty of the space. The sunlight streamed in through the large windows, casting a warm glow on the polished wood paneling and artwork. 

The beauty of the hallway was tainted by the tension that seemed to permeate the air, the atmosphere that was once inviting and peaceful, now felt tense and uncomfortable. 

As she reached her office, Ava noticed Bruce standing outside, deep in conversation with some of the employees. She couldn't hear what they were saying, but she could tell from the way they were gesturing that it was not a pleasant conversation. As she approached, Bruce's eyes met hers and she could see the fire in his gaze. 

"What's going on?" Ava asked, her voice filled with concern. 

"Somw workers have placed bets on how long I'll last with you," Bruce said, his voice filled with disgust. "They're laughing and saying that I'll be out of the picture in no time." 

Ava's heart sank at Bruce's words. She couldn't believe that her employees would do something so disrespectful and unprofessional. She could see the hurt and frustration on Bruce's face and she knew she had to do something about it. 

As Bruce continued to talk the workers, Mason appeared from behind Ava. "Looks like someone's getting a little too comfortable," he sneered, a cruel smirk on his face. 

Bruce turned to Mason, anger clear on his face. "I don't know what your problem is, but you need to stay out of our business," he said, his voice filled with authority. 

Mason's smirk turned into a scowl. "You think you're so special just because Ava's been dating you," he spat. "But trust me, she'll never be satisfied with someone like you. She'll see through your act and dump you soon enough." 

Ava felt her blood boil at Mason's words. She couldn't believe that he would talk to Bruce like that, especially after all that they had done for the company. "That's enough, Mason," she said, her voice filled with anger. "I won't tolerate this kind of behavior any more" 

Mason's scowl deepened, but he didn't say another word as Ava walked away, Bruce by her side. 

After some hours, Mason marched into her office and slammed the door shut. Ava and Bruce who were tangled up a kiss, tore apart from the other, looking up in surprise. Mason gazed at them, an unwavering disgust in his face. 

"What is wrong with you Mason, can't you knock?" She asked, returning his steady glare. Mason was silent as he glared at Ava. She would have been dared if looks were layers. 

"What is it, Mason?" she asked. He looked like he was going to kick up another shindig, something she wasn't prepared for. 

Mason took a deep breath. "I know what's going on between you and Bruce," he said. "I know you're having an affair." Ava's face turned red. 

"That's none of your business," she said. Mason shook his head. "It is my business," he said. "I'm disgusted by what you're doing. You should be ashamed of yourself." Ava stood up, their light dying out of her face and pointed to the door.

"Get out," she said. "I don't want to hear any more of this. What is wrong with you Mason!" She thundered, flaring at him and wondering why he always had to be the cog in the wheel. It was very clear from the foregoing that Mason wasn't done with his mischief anytime soon. She had to be prepared for moments like this. 

"It's ok, Ava." Bruce tried to talk to her and calm her down but she stopped him abruptly with a wave of her hand so she could give Nason the bashing he deserved. 

Mason left, but not before he had one last thing to say. 

"You're going to regret this," he said. Ava slammed the door behind him. She was furious. 

Ava grumbled before slamming her fist on the table. Bruce reached towards her to calm her down but she wasn't ready to get calm anytime soon. She tried to push him off but Bruce wouldn't let her. 

As she settled on the table, she grabbed a glass of water and chugged it down instantly. 

How dare Mason accuse her of such a thing? She had done nothing wrong. She was left wondering why he was always this Impulsive, why he loathed anything that had to do with her. 

As she pondered on what had just happened, Ava knew what she had to do. She would promote Bruce to a higher position in the company, that was the only way that she could be able to throw Mason off his high horse. 

And she knew she had to be very fast about it or things would even get worse.