Selene stretched slightly, leaning back in her executive chair.The grumbling sound of her stomach echoed her through her bones as she suddenly remembered,she hadn't eaten lunch today,She had also completely forgotten about food the moment she saw Frank,that bastard made her miss lunch.
The emotions that followed after had been extremely
overwhelming, pushing aside the blinding hunger she had been feeling. The second she stepped into her office, she had thrown immediately herself into researching about Sterling Industries and snapping right back into work mode,ignoring the thought of lunch all together.
Selene's gaze fell to her fingers,which were Slightly shaking, evidence of the intense hunger gnawing at her. She glanced at the clock and abruptly shot up from her seat.
"How is it 5:30 PM Already?!"she muttered in shock.
As if on cue, her mind flashed back to earlier some hours back, when Helene had buzzed out for the day. She had called Selene through the intercom to let her know she was already on her way home.
Selene's heart pounded in her chest as she checked her phone,still no missed calls or any notifications from Cassie. She twisted her lips, debating a thought whether to call, but she quickly decided against it. She had promised Cassie that she would be home by 5 PM. Now she was at least going to be an hour late,On her first day.
Cursing under her breath, Selene hurriedly gathered her bags, stacking the files she had planned to work on later. She quickly shut down her computer and dashed out of the office.
walking along the very long hallway, Selene scolded herself for losing track of time. Seeing Frank had completely thrown her off. How could she forget about her son? What kind of mother does that?
On getting to the front of the elevator she punched on the button, tapping her foot impatiently as she waited for the doors to open. As she scrolled through her phone, her thumb hovered over Cassie's contact.
This was the second time she had almost called her within minutes. She wasn't worried about Cyrus, she knew he was safe. But she was worried Cassie might refuse to work for her after today's delay.
Shaking her head, she decided against calling. It would be better to apologize in person. If necessary, she'd even off to pay Cassie more just to get her to stay.
Selene ran a frustrated hand scratching through her hair, loosening several strands from her neat style just as the elevator doors slid open.
Her heart flopped in her chest leaping into her throat.
Nikolas stood inside.
His hazel green eyes widened slightly as his gaze fell on her, but he quickly composed himself.
Selene felt her leg wobble,What was he doing here at this time? Shouldn't he already be home by now? The Questions came spinning inside Selene's head as she stood her feet rooted to the floor in front of the open elevator.
"Are you coming in?" His deep voice cut through her thoughts.
"Ye…s, sir," she muttered, as she hesitated slightly before stepping inside.
she moved forward to press the button but her fingers accidentally brushed against his. A sharp jolt shot up her spine, and she quickly pulled her hand back.Good Lord,help me.She prayed.
"Good evening, sir," she murmured, as the air inside suddenly felt thick and suffocating.
"Good evening, Miss Selene," he responded calmly,without looking her way.
The way her name rolled off his lips made her abdomen clutch slightly.
Selene suddenly felt lightheaded,not sure if it was from the from the blinding hunger she was feeling…..or maybe it was the woodsy smell of his cologne, that filled her nostrils,spreading warmth all through her chest. Whatever it was, she needed to not be in this enclosed space with him.
Her stomach betrayed her, releasing a loud growling sound that echoed all through the elevator.
Nikolas gaze immediately lowered towards her but he said nothing. Heat flooded her cheeks,embarrassment burning in them.Did he hear that? Of course he did.
Selene groaned wishing the ground would open and swallow her whole. "Stupid elevator" she muttered under her breath.
But Before she could open her mouth to speak, his voice sliced through the silence.
"You didn't eat lunch today?" he asked, his tone drenched in concern.
Selene shifted her gaze up to meet his, and her heart did a somersault as their gaze locked simultaneously. His expression was unreadable, but the concern in his eyes was unmistakable.
Why does he care?
"I… er… I was too busy with work. I completely lost track of time," she mumbled,as her brain struggled to form the words.
"Oh…"
Before he could say anything else,as though on cue the elevator doors slid open. And Selene didn't waste a second. She immediately dashed out, half-walking, half-running,as she headed straight for her car.her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Safely inside the confines of her car, she exhaled deeply easing the tension in her lungs as she pressed a hand against her pounding chest. Her heart was racing as it threatened to break free from her ribcage.
Why does my body keep reacting this way toward him?
As she slipped her keys in starting the engine and pulled into the empty street, her gaze shifted to the rearview mirror.she grasped as she caught sight of her reflection, her stomach dropped.
She looked awful,way worse than she did this afternoon.
No wonder he was surprised when he saw her.
Groaning, she let her head fall hitting it slightly against the seat. As she mumbled a prayer to God, for the power of invisibility because there is no way she could face him at work again after that embarrassing display.