Chapter 005
Josh’s POV
To unwind from the week's stress, I head to a bar, relaxing with a bottle of wine, swaying my head to the song blasting from the speaker.
Looking around the room, I noticed a figure that looked familiar, her back turned towards me.
I moved closer and found out it was Chloe.
My heart races, leaving me breathless and unsure of how to react.
"Hi Josh, good to see you. It's been a while," she says, pulling me into a hug.
I was surprised to see her in town, she had been away a long time. "When did you come to town?" I ask.
"Last week," she replies smiling from ear to ear, it's obvious she was happy to see me, I don't think the feeling is mutual, Chloe is like a leech, she doesn't take no for an answer, despite the I had told her time and time again that I felt nothing for her.
I was lost in thought. The next thing I noticed is she smashes her lips to mine.
The touch of her lips against mine ignites a mix of a sense of familiarity, igniting undeniable chemistry between us. I can't resist; I kiss her back, moaning as the world around us fades into the background.
"Get a room," someone says behind me. That brought me back to reality, then I realized that I was close to losing my self-control.
Chloe is a hottie; I can't resist her. Immediately, I pull away from the kiss before I do something I'll regret.
She stood there smiling, obviously happy to see me.
"Let's catch up some other time," I told her, and then we exchanged contacts.
"Sure thing, Josh," she said as she brought out her phone to take in my number.
It was time to leave the bar. Chloe and I walked hand in hand.
Once we arrived at the car park, she got into her car with a promise of meeting up again and gave me a soft peck on my cheek.
The next day, I woke up with a splitting headache.
I had slept on the couch; it was uncomfortable. I stroll out of the living room to get drugs to help with the headache and prepare a cup of coffee.
After a refreshing shower, I stand in front of my closet, contemplating my outfit for work.
As I button my shirt, my mind drifts back to the events of the past few weeks.
Memories of Harper and our meetings. I always feel a sense of longing to see her again, but I notice that she's avoiding any direct interaction with me.
It doesn't bother me as long as work is not affected.
I check myself in the mirror, ensuring every detail is in place. I run my fingers through my dark hair, giving it a final touch. Satisfied with my appearance, I head out to work.
Before diving into work, I take a moment to check my phone for any messages.
I noticed a few missed calls from Chloe but decided to focus on work first before addressing anything personally.
Amelia walks in. "Good morning, sir."
"Good morning, Ms. Jones."
"Here are the files you asked for from the operation unit for today's meeting."
Without looking up, my gaze focused on my system, I signal her to drop them on my table.
Then she leaves.
But Harper is in charge of operations. I thought. That confirmed my thought earlier this morning about Harper avoiding me.
Then suddenly my door opens, and Chloe walks in.
"God damn it, what is she doing here?" I mutter to myself.
"How are you, handsome?" she teases in a sultry voice.
"Why weren't you picking up my calls?"
"Chloe, what are you doing here? You can't just show up at my workplace like this.
I called to find out how you are faring. She said with a pout like she was offended by what I said but she still came closer.
She slowly brings her lips to mine. As our lips move in sync. I must admit, I find it pleasing as it helps to divert my attention and move on from the thoughts of my ex-fiancée.
I know it's only a passing interest. I can't bear to open my heart once more, to love again.
I noticed the door to my office opened and I hastily broke off the kiss as Harper unexpectedly entered the room, anger pouring over me.
Chloe, on the other hand, seems extremely offended and irritated at the interruption.
Harper stands frozen in place, her face turned sideways, avoiding direct eye contact, and she stutters in response. "I-I'm sorry, sir, ma'am."
"How rude! Is this how your employee barges in without knocking?" Chloe said as she conveyed her displeasure.
"Harper, what do you want? You should have just sent an email?" I ask her with anger lacing my voice.
She apologizes again "Sir, I'm sorry she quickly leaves my office, leaving behind a tense atmosphere.
Chloe insists on continuing the kiss, but I realize I'm no longer in the mood for any more make-out.
My recent encounter with Harper has left me feeling uneasy.
"Let me walk you out; I have a meeting to attend. I'll call you again," I say to Chloe.
As we step outside, Chloe gives me a sultry smile. "I'll be waiting for your call."
I watched as she left till she was out of sight, god damn this woman.
My father calls, informing me to come over this weekend; he has some vital news.
As I get ready for my meeting with Dad, anxiety takes up a lot of my thoughts.
When I get to my parents' house, my sister Jane greets me, 'Welcome, big bro.'
'Good to see you, Jane,' I say as I pull her into a hug.
My parents welcome me with open arms as I enter the house; I can see the joy in their eyes.
We gather around the dining table as a delicious meal is served, enjoying our meal and engaging in lively conversation.
After enjoying a tasty dessert, my dad clears his throat; that's a hint of an important discussion.
He asks about the state of the company, and I eagerly share details of our recent progress and accomplishments.
As I speak, I notice my father is impressed with the strides we've made so far.
My father's question turns to the employees. 'How is Harper?'
My heart skips as soon as my father mentions Harper, which surprises me.
'She's fine, Dad.'
I can't deny that I've purposefully avoided running into her since that day at work.
'She is a stunning, committed, and hardworking team member,' my father remarks.
'Yes, Dad,' I responded.
He says something I find unbelievable and surprising, and then I ask again, 'What?’