Chapter 76: Scared of the dark
1015words
I hummed along to the song I was listening to on my earbuds the following day at work while working on some files. Mr. Nathan had stepped out earlier. I wondered where he had gone, but I didn't care because it gave me some breathing space.
'That's one of my favorite rock songs," Mr. Nathan said.
'Goodness gracious!" I exclaimed, startled, my heart racing. 'Why did you appear like a ghost, Mr. Nathan?"
'And why are you listening to music during working hours?" he retorted.
I quickly pulled out my earbuds. 'I'm sorry, but I didn't make any mistakes. Besides, you listen to music too, so why can't I? I'm your assistant—can't I do what you do? You lead by example, right?" I stated.
He moved closer and sat on the desk, facing me. 'Why am I not angry?" he said, more to himself than to me.
'Because you're guilty?" I suggested, tilting my head.
He nodded, smiling. 'Is that your favorite song?" he asked, and I nodded. 'I listen to it too, but I have lots of favorite songs."
'I do too. Aha, that reminds me, why do you mostly listen to music while working? Is it because you're obsessed with music, or what?"
He sighed. 'Maybe…I had wanted to be a musician; I love music," he said sadly.
'So, what stopped you? Did you suddenly lose interest?"
'Not really. My parents wouldn't accept the idea of their only son becoming a musician when they have a legacy to protect."
'Hmm, so you allowed them to choose a path for you. Bravo," I said sarcastically.
'I had no choice, okay? My parents are the last people I would disrespect. I couldn't go against their wishes, and here we are; I'm stuck in this office, trying to get used to the idea that I can only listen to music, but not create it," he said.
'It does suit you, you know? Do you know how many girls' hearts you'd be stealing if you became a musician?"
'I don't understand."
'Never mind." I focused on my work. He held my chin and forced me to look at him.
'Tell me what you mean by that," he insisted, staring into my eyes.
I pulled his hand away from my chin. 'The truth is, in this world, most handsome musicians have millions of crushes dying to be by their side. You'd break a lot of hearts when you choose one," I said.
He chuckled. 'Is that your way of complimenting my looks?"
'Don't flatter yourself," I scoffed, and he stood up, walking back to his seat. I couldn't help but stare at his retreating back. He was just a perfect figure, one that captured my heart. He glanced at me, and I quickly looked down at my laptop.
'Just admit it," he teased, snickering as he took a seat behind his desk. I ignored him, my cheeks turning beet-red from blushing.
Some minutes later, the lights went off, giving me some relief. I relaxed in the chair, floating back, and crossing my legs. How amazing was it to have an extra break? At least, it would take about five minutes for the lights to be restored.
'Scarlett?" Mr. Nathan sounded terrified.
'I'm fine, boss," I said with a wide smile, hoping he wouldn't see it through the darkness.
'Turn on your phone's flashlight," he said, breaking something on his desk.
'What happened to your phone?"
'Please!" he said, sounding really scared.
I turned on my phone's flashlight and walked down to him. 'Are you okay?" I asked, flashing the light on his face. He looked like he'd seen a ghost. I leaned over his desk. 'Don't tell me you're scared of the dark."
'Just stay here, okay? Say anything you want until the lights are restored," he said, calming down. I smiled widely, turning off my flashlight.
'Scarlett!" he shouted, making me laugh hysterically.
'This is hilarious!" I almost fell on my butt, laughing.
'Turn on that bloody flashlight!" he groaned.
'It's good to tease you in the dark," I said, turning on the flashlight and walking to his side. 'You look like you've seen a ghost."
'Your ghost, I believe," he retorted.
'You have to be nice; you're at my mercy, you know?"
He grabbed my hand and pulled me down onto his lap, making me gasp. 'Now, what? Am I still at your mercy?" he asked, leaning closer to my face.
'Let me go, Mr. Nathan," I demanded, trying to sound bold even though I was screaming deep down. He had me on his lap, and my body suddenly broke out in goosebumps.
'Until the light is restored, you stay here," he said, pulling me closer against his chest. I couldn't breathe. His cologne filled my nostrils, and I began sweating. I could hear my heartbeat drumming in my head.
'You're harassing me," I said, my voice barely audible.
'It's a perfect harassment," he whispered, making my stomach flutter. I swallowed hard, hoping those silly maintenance workers restored the lights soon. 'I like it when you're close to me. I want you here forever," he added.
For a moment, I relaxed in his arms. I knew he was scared of the dark, even though that wasn't enough reason to harass me. Maybe I liked it here too. Then, bam, the power was restored, and I jerked up from his lap, stumbling back. He smiled, looking satisfied.
'I'm never coming to your aid in the dark again!" I groaned, rushing back to my desk.
'Can I take you out tomorrow?"
'Never!"
'You'd love it."
'I'd rather go out with a madman."
'But I'm madly obsessed with you," he retorted. I gritted my teeth, glaring at him from my desk.
'I'll treat you right, don't worry."
'I'm never going out with you."
'Why?"
'You're so annoying."
'But you love the way I am."
'You're delusional."
'I'll come pick you up tomorrow night. Dress to kill, okay? Flaunt your body for a while," he said, making my blood boil and, at the same time, making me blush.
