Elliot's POV
"Just wait here until I'm done, will ya?" I said to Michael before closing the door to the vehicle.
I was pissed.
I broke my phone, again.
I need to stop doing this.
I need to stop taking my anger out on my phones, but they are the only things I can safely take my anger out on.
You know what, maybe I should stop checking emails on my phone.
That might be the problem.
I paused when I saw her lock her vehicle and head towards the building.
I'm surprised that she drives herself.
I expected her to hire a fancy driver and ride around in the back like the rest of us.
When her eyes spotted me, she quickly changed course from the building to my standing figure.
Great.
She smiled. "You should've told me you were coming here. Maybe we would've carpooled."
"I don't think we would," I answered bluntly.
We began walking towards the entrance. "I thought you were going home."
She shook her head. "Why would I go home when I can come here?"
I looked down on her. "You'd rather be at a homeless shelter after a hard day at work than home?"
She happily nodded. "I love helping people."
"So why the hell are you in finance?" I asked. "We hurt more than we help."
"Not me," she said confidently. "I'm here to help. Those that get hurt by me had it coming."
"Well, that was dark," I told her as we walked into the building.
"Do you think I'm dark, Elliot?" she asked. "Wait, can I call you Elliot?"
"I think we should keep things professional, new girl," I told her. "I'm your boss."
"Well, if we're keeping things professional, you have to stop calling me 'new girl'."
I don't want to.
"Okay," I said and she seemed surprised by how easily I gave in.
"You still didn't answer my other question," she said. "Do you think I'm dark?"
I thought about it for a second, struggling to find an answer.
"I don't know," I told her. "I don't know you well enough to make such a heavy judgement on your character."
My words seem to have put her IÂ deep thought.
"Great, you guys came just in time to hand out dinner," Will said as he pushed us to the table and handed us gloves.
He then rushed off searching for more people to help.
Tonight really did look packed. According to Michael, there was supposed to be a big storm later.
She stayed quiet as she put on her gloves.
It felt weird to me because this was very uncharacteristic of her.
She would usually be murdering me with questions.
The line started and we began handing out the meals.
"Even though I don't know you well," I started. "I don't think you are dark."
I don't know why I felt the need to tell her this but I did.
She gave me a faint smile. "Neither are you."
"I know I'm not," I confidently said. "I'm the CEO of the greatest finance company."
She sighed from my arrogance. "I love the confidence, but you need to tone it down a little."
"And why is that?" I asked as I handed out another meal.
"Because the Harrington Group isn't the greatest finance company," she obviously lied.
We are and will always be.
"Then who is?" I played her game.
"Walter's Finance," she said and I laughed.
"Are you kidding me right now?" I asked even though her face was dead serious. "Out of everyone, those people?"
Those people were not even on our level.
"You do know that is where I worked before I transferred here, right?" she asked and I nodded.
"You left them," I said. "That explains a lot."
"Not because they aren't the greatest company," she said. "I told you I had my reasons for picking this company."
I nodded. "Right."
"Are you sure I can't call you by your name?" she asked. "I love your name."
I looked at her confused. "You love my name?"
She nodded proudly. "Mmm, it sounds like a name given to a prince; Prince Elliot."
Her eyes widened as a smile grew on her face. "King Elliot! That sounds way better."
I shook my head from a sudden excitement.
"What's the backstory behind your name?" I asked. "Were you named after a princess Sereia."
"I wish," she said. "My mother is Portuguese. My name means mermaid."
I gave her an amused look and she raised her hand in surrender.
"She isn't the most sane of mothers so you have to cut her some slack," she said.
"I didn't say anything," I told her. "I think your name is unique."
"Wow, this might have been the most romantic thing you've said to me all week," she said and my eyes widened.
"Romantic?" I asked confused.
It was just a fact. Her name is unique.
There is nothing romantic about what I said.
"Don't worry, your secret is safe with me," she said as she handed out another meal.
I scoffed from her boldness.
I think our conversation has extended way longer than it should have.
"Elliot," she called my name and I looked into her hazel-green eyes.
I could already feel myself getting lost in her eyes.
It's a good thing that I don't know anyone else with these eyes or else I'd get distracted all the time.
"Yes, Sereia?"
I called her by her name.
"Thank you for hiring me," she said and I shook my head.
"I'm not in charge of hiring, HR is-"
She cut me off. "I know how it goes. I know that you had to approve me. Just accept my thanks."
A loud thunder rolled which caused the building to shake a little.
"You're welcome."
I pulled off my gloves when I realized everyone had been served.
"Looks like that storm is coming in earlier than I expected," I told her and she made no attempt to leave. "You should probably head home."
She shook her head. "Oh no, I can't. There's still so many things to do. I have to hand out blankets."
"The blankets are on the shelf. I'm sure know know how to walk and get them."
Who was she trying to fool?
She began to nervously play with her fingertips.
I leaned my head feeling concerned. "Is everything okay?"
"Why do you care?" she asked and I honestly couldn't find the right answer.
"Because you play an important role in my company and I'll have to look for another replacement if you die while trying to get home during the storm."
I was proud with the answer I came up with.
"Chicago's traffic and rain don't mix well," I warned.
She finally took off her gloves. "I guess you're right."
I stepped back and allowed her to walk out first.
We silently walked in sync until we reached her car.
"Stay safe," I told her before turning around on my heel.
"Wait," she said as she grabbed my hand.
I slowly turned to her and looked down at her soft, warm hand. "Do you always walk your employees to their cars?"
I removed my hand from under hers. "Of course I do; especially the ones in senior positions."
What kind of CEO would I be if I didn't? I take the well being of my employees very seriously even though I can get a bit moody sometimes.
I could see a hint of anger in her eyes but before I could question it, another loud thunder rolled.
I looked back to see Michael patiently leaning on the car. I think I've kept him waiting long enough.
"See you tomorrow, new girl," I told her.
"I thought you said you'll stop calling me that."
"Changed my mind," I told her. "You didn't hold up your end of the deal."
A small smile threatened to escape her lips; a real one.
However, she bit the button of her lips and morphed her face into a serious expression.
I opened the door for her and she got in.
She watched me in shock.
"What now?" I asked her.
She shook her head. "I'm just surprised that you know how to open doors for people."
I narrowed my eyes at her before closing her door and walking to Michael.
"New friend, sir?" he asked as he held the door open for me.
I ignored his question and looked at him. "I'm a grown man, I can open doors for myself."
He smiled. "I know you can sir, but this is included in my job description."
"Well, take it out," I groaned before I got in the car and shut the door myself.
He laughed at me before walking over to his side.
What does she mean she's surprised that I know how to open doors?
Everyone does.
...
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