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The place looks spectacular. I had envisioned it in my mind, but it turned out so much better. The ceiling was turned into an underwater exhibit, artificial endangered sea creatures hanging above us.

Shiny blue drapes run down the walls all the way to the floor, making it seem as if you are below the water, looking up at its marine life.

When the main lights are turned off and only the installed lighting system plays, it creates this wave-like effect over the drapes, giving the whole room a blueish tint.

When we went over the design ideas and requests with Eleonor, I was afraid so much blue in one place wouldn’t look great. But now that I’m seeing the final image come to life, it’s simply magical.

“Oh, mes chéries! Mais c’est magnifique!”

I turn at the sound of Eleonor Margot’s heavy French accent.

She clutches her hands against her chest as she spins in a slow circle, looking up at the life above.

She’s dressed in a black jumpsuit with a white blazer, white pointed heels on her feet, and her shoulder-length blonde hair perfectly curled.

She’s professional and fashionable, perfectly combined. I don’t think this is the outfit she’ll have on tonight, but even if it were, people would still love it. That’s how well it suits her.

Looking back down in my direction, she offers me a beaming smile. “Oh, Cecilia.” She walks my way and reaches her arms out, holding me by the elbows.

She bends in and air kisses one cheek after the other while I do the same. I love the way my name sounds rolling off her tongue in her accent. “Comment vas-tu, ma chérie? This is absolutely beautiful! I can’t believe you made it happen.” For someone who resides in France, her English is impeccable.

“Thank you, it really did turn out lovely. It’s nice to see you again, Eleonor. I hope tonight will go to your satisfaction.”

“With you behind this whole night, I know it will be perfect,” she says as she pulls me into a fierce hug.

It’s almost midnight when I finally make it to my bed.

I’m exhausted and sore all over. Tonight was a success; everything went off without a hitch.

The event was still in motion when I left, but Eleonor assured me I could head home and that everything was under control.

I didn’t argue hard; my bed was calling me.

Me

Just wanted to let you know I just got home. The night went perfect, but I’m exhausted, and you’re most likely asleep. We’ll talk tomorrow. Good night, Silas xxx

Big Guy

My superstar, sweet dreams, Minnie. Heart emoji

~ The Next Day ~

I blink my eyes awake, feeling like the dead and wishing I could stay in bed. Caffeine will be my drug of choice for the day. With energy I don’t quite feel, I force myself out of bed and get ready for work.

When 11:00 a.m. hits and no gift from Silas has shown up, I start feeling a little saddened. And by 12:30 p.m., I’d say my disappointment is showing plenty given the pitying looks that Emma keeps giving me every time she glances into my office.

I try to shut it out and focus on work, but it’s impossible. I’m not upset about the gift. I don’t need him to buy me things. What’s really bothering me is that he hasn’t texted me yet. He usually always wishes me good morning, but not today. And even when I messaged him, he didn’t respond.

What if he’s already lost interest...?

It’s one in the afternoon when movement outside my office catches my attention. I look up and notice everyone standing by their office doors or cubicles, staring toward the elevators. I get up from my chair and step out of my office.

I’m just about to ask what’s going on when Emma grabs me by the arm. “OH... MY... GOD...” She’s not looking at me, she’s looking off in the same direction as everyone else. Her eyes are filled with shock, and... is that excitement?

Completely confused, I turn to see what’s causing such a disturbance, and then I see it.

Silas, he’s here. Walking straight toward me with a... gigantic teddy bear. And I mean, GIGANTIC . The thing seems to be as tall as him. It’s wearing a hockey jersey with the number nineteen on the back that I’m guessing is his number.

Jesus! I don’t even know his jersey number! That probably makes me a bad girlfriend. WAIT! No, not girlfriend. Slow down, Cecilia.

When he finally reaches me, he drops the bear against the glass wall of my office and scoops me up in his arms. My own go to his neck as my legs instinctively wrap around his waist as if they’ve been doing it for years.

One hand squeezes my ass while the other slips into my hair as he cradles the back of my head. I’ve missed this man .

His face nuzzles into my neck while I feel him take a big inhale of my scent, followed by a deep sigh. “Fuck, I’ve missed you, Minnie.”

We stay in our embrace for what feels like forever until he reluctantly puts me down. His hands don’t let go of my waist, and mine stay rested on his chest. “Hey, baby.” One side of his mouth lifts, giving that beautiful side smile that makes my ovaries go crazy on display.

“Hey, Big Guy.” We simply stand there, gazing into each other’s eyes, lost in our moment.

Reality finally sets back in as I look around, noticing everyone staring at us. And I mean... everyone , including my boss.

“Silas, what are you doing here?” I take a step back to get a better look at him and... 0h my... he looks delicious.

He wears his usual white sneakers, black ripped jeans, and a gray sweatshirt with the sleeves pushed back, exposing his mouth-watering forearms. But the best part is the baseball cap. The backwards cap sits on his head with curled locks falling out the closure hole.

Fuck me, I think I just got pregnant. He’s a walking wet dream.

“Delivering your gift. I thought I’d bring this one in person.” He winks. His hand comes up to caress my cheek. “You didn’t think I forgot, did you?”

I close my eyes, enjoying his touch and lowering my head as I admit the truth. “Maybe...”

His hand leaves my cheek and comes down to my chin, placing it between his index finger and thumb as he brings my head back up. “Look at me.” His words are spoken delicately and softly, yet they feel dominant and demanding.

I open my eyes and let him see the emotions coursing through my body, the fear that he was already done with me. “I could never forget you,” he says, and I know he’s telling the truth. I can feel it in my bones.

In that moment, all I want to do is kiss him, but we have an audience, and it’s not how I want our first kiss to play out. My throat clogs and my stomach somersaults, and all I can do is smile at him, afraid my voice will betray me.

“But there’s another reason why I wanted to come in person. I have something to ask you.”

“Yes?” I ask excitedly.

It’s then he looks up from me, letting go of my chin and noticing everyone around us, listening in and watching. I see the moment the nerves start acting up by the way he swallows and clears his throat.

It’s funny, you’d think someone who is so often in the public eye wouldn’t easily get nervous. But around me, it seems to be a permanent fixture.

His green eyes lower back to mine. “I was wondering if you were free tonight. Like, for a date. Just you and me this time. I promise.”

I open my mouth to answer, but he rushes on before the words can make their way out. “But if you can’t, that’s okay. I know I’m springing this on you last minute, and I don’t want you to feel pressured. I won’t be mad, so yeah... only if you want.”

He’s rambling, it’s adorable. My hand slides up to his nape as I fiddle with the strands sticking out from the cap, trying to calm him down. “I’d love to.”

He offers me a breathtaking smile, white pearly teeth shining with the light, and mine grows in response. “Okay! Cool. Yeah, good.”

I giggle. He’s too much.

His hand lifts to rub the back of his neck just as mine comes down. “All right, well, let me just put this big guy in your office, and I’ll let everyone get back to work.” He looks around, making eye contact with every bystander, and smiles at Emma.

Bending down, he picks up the giant teddy and sets it in the corner of my office. “I’ll pick you up at five so you don’t have to walk home with him. And we’ll stop at your place so you can change, sound good?”

“That sounds perfect, thank you.”

“Good. I’ll see you later, Minnie.” He lowers and places a tender kiss to my cheek. “Bye, Em.” He waves her way and walks back to the elevators, disappearing from view once the doors shut.

I’m lost in thought, staring in the direction he just left, too lost to realize how quiet it still is in the office. That is until Emma breaks the silence.

“When are we calling it?”

I turn her way with a questioning gaze.

“Seven months.”

“One year.”

“Nine months”

“Six months.”

All my co-workers start speaking at once, calling out over each other. I’m so confused; all I can do is look around at everyone as they talk, waiting for someone to explain what’s going on.

“Four months and there’s a ring on her finger,” Amanda says as she leans against the entrance to her office. “The man has it bad,” she chuckles, shaking her head.

I gasp in shock, finally registering what they’re talking about. “Woah! Wait a sec, no one is getting married. We aren’t even dating yet!”

“I bet he already has a ring picked out.” This time it’s Em. I look at her with a scowl and head into my office, ending this ridiculous conversation.