11 Chapter Eleven – The beginning of our Courtship

My office is basic. With white walls and big windows everywhere. I and Damon shared the cabin since we’re partners. I have very few employees as well. A Front-desk-executive; Marketing manager; Security, Accountant, few interns, and a guy who will take care of the canteen.

It was a small space for an office, compared to the number of projects we handle at a time. I wish to make it big, but for now, this is home. I loved all of them, and they loved me back. I was respected here which was always the motivation behind me staying back for them.

When I stepped out of the elevator, Jena; my receptionist greeted me.

“Good morning boss. These are for you.” She handed me a Lavender-rose bouquet. I raised one eyebrow to shoot her a question, but she already answered me. “Damon asked me to give these to you.” Giving me a warm-smile, she went back to her desk.

I looked at the roses, and touched it. A tiny note was tucked in it. For my love. With Love. From Love. I rolled my eyes involuntarily, too much love. Holding them cautiously, I went towards my cabin. I dropped my bags, and sat on my chair. I exhaled.

I was relaxing for a moment when I heard a knock on the door. “Come in.”

“Hi boss.” Joseph, my food-guy entered the room, Damon followed behind and stopped at the threshold.

“Joseph, do you mind taking my lunch to the canteen, please?” He nodded and took the bag. He poured my coffee in my CEO mug. Sipping my coffee, I went through all the social media updates on profile. Too many tagged photos of school. I untagged myself and hear a knock.

Damon knocked on the door to get my attention, and now he has it. Undivided.

“May I come in? Boss.” I chuckled and nodded. He finally stepped in, in all his glory. He was looking delicious. Dressed in all dark blue business suit, clean shave, hair combed back and gelled. His complexion was blinding in the sun light from the windows.

He sat back next to me and placed his hand on my thighs, squeezing it.

“You are looking gorgeous.” He said kissing my cheeks, making me blush. For the next couple of hours, I was trying to concentrate on my work; so hard. While he was busy; flirting, with me. Every now and then, he swung his chair and kiss me. Sometimes on my cheeks; sometimes on my nose. Making me weak in the knees by kissing my ear lobes.

“You are going crazy.” I whispered. But he was too close to hear my breathing.

“For you, always.” He was grinning, ear-to-ear. We were working when Joseph knocked the door, and informed us it was time for lunch. Here, it is a rule, that all of us will have food at the same time. Closing my laptop, I stood up. I handed Joseph some dollar bills to bring dessert for everyone.

“You are an incredible lady.” Damon whispered in my ear and grabbed me by my waist. I smiled and turned around. Wrapping my arms around his neck I whispered back.

“Only for my people.”

Then he leaned towards me and gave me the kiss I craved. I returned the favour and gave him a peck on his cheeks and on his neck. My kiss was a little rough on his neck, but I don’t care. He needs to prepare himself for everything.

He opened the door for me and motioned ‘after you’. I nodded and went ahead, calling everyone for lunch. In about ten minutes all of us gathered and started taking out our food on the table. It always felt like college or school days. Eating together and chatting. Specifically, not about work. Big no.

I took out our lunch and gave it to him for re-heat. We have joined the smaller tables to make it a big one, for all of us. We had coffee machine, fridge and a television. It had all walls painted light grey with funny quotes written on one wall, which was done by my employees. They all have their personal cups with their initials written on it.

I and Damon always sat at the front, just like the ‘head of the family’ sits. But together. Our platonic relationship was no secret. They have accepted our relationship, long before Damon accepted the fact that he loves me.

In the middle of the lunch, Mark, my marketing guy spoke up, “Hey. What’s on your neck?”

I choked on my food, and did not dare to look up. I can feel the blood flowing to my cheeks, reddening it more. I was embarrassed as hell. But he just smirked, like he always does and justified my actions.

He looked at me for a brief second, “she has started marking her territory.”

Everyone gasped at what Damon, but nodded in agreement. A second later, all of them burst out in laughing, and I could not stop myself from looking up.

“You guys knew?”

They were so chilled out about it, like it’s everyday their bosses make-out in their cabin. Jena placed her hands on my shoulder and smiled.

“We know that both of you are perfect for each other. And only a blind will be shocked after seeing what we saw. I mean we all knew Damon loved you from the beginning. He was just waiting for you to realise it.”

I was overwhelmed but Damon caught my attention. “Hey, it’s okay. I know this is overwhelming. But I am a very lucky man, to have you. Remember what I told you?”

I then replayed the words he said, in my mind. I will help you to find out what your heart wants. I exhaled the breath I was holding till now. It’s okay.

Bursting all the bubble of silence, Joseph stood up announcing, “dessert anyone?” All of them smiled at him, he took it as a Yes, and put a plate of chocolate fudge brownies for everyone. In the evening, we followed up with our upcoming clients, made video conferences, unlimited coffee, site visits etc.

It was Seven, when I decided everyone should go home. We were done for today, they were, not me. It was the two of us. Him and me. Our job was physically and mentally exhausted. He stretched on his chair and rubbed his face. A clear sign he was done.

I was exhausted too, but my work was not done. During the day, he took of his jacket and now it was lying on the couch. His sleeves were all rolled up. Even in exhaustion, I found him attractive.