Chapter 2 II

The entire floor is eerily calm, and I am currently engaged in a battle of silence with this person, who is attempting to take the shirt out of my hand. Would he be willing to just let go of the shirt?

I tried clearing my throat once more, hoping to get his attention. He grins as he glances at our hands before continuing. Is there anything that makes you laugh there, sir? After some time, he lets go of the shirt and walks to the sink with me. He is hovering over me. He needs to be made aware of the concept of personal space.

"It is possible that we can remove the coffee stain here. And if the restrooms have a hand dryer, we can now dry them. But do you have another shirt lying around?" I asked politely.

Because we are standing so close together, I can feel the heat coming off of his body. He is not making contact with me. Being so close to me is seriously making it difficult for me to breathe. It looks like he is sucking all of the oxygen out of the room because of his aura. I need some space. The anxiety I had previously has no bearing on the thoughts I'm having right now.

"I am sorry. I am talking too quickly since I am flustered now. Again, do you have an extra shirt that you could lend me? You cannot continue working for the rest of the day. I mean, you already know. You do not have a shirt on. Also, I know that t we are scheduled to have our pictures taken. As the photographer they hired to take everyone's headshots, I can tell you that you cannot proceed with how you look right now."

I experience a profound chill as he emits a low-pitched chuckle. Holy cow!

"I can't go like this, you say?"

Oh my god, what should I say in response to that? I was prepared to respond sarcastically, so I moistened my lips with my tongue. As I turn, I find myself staring into the fiery eyes of this guy. Because he is standing so close to me, I can't help but take in the refreshing aroma of mint that he exudes.

"Yeah?"

While talking to me in his deep, husky voice, he hums at me as he grabs the shirt I hold and gently leans down to my ear. His breath almost feels like it's caressing my skin. "Then I guess I'll get dressed in this wet shirt?"

My chest is tight, and I'm pretty sure I've turned red. I can feel heat accumulating in between my legs, and it's making me uncomfortable.

Then, with a grin, he takes the shirt I'm holding and straightens his back.

"Cat got your tongue, kitten?" After laughing at me, he turned and walked away. Even just seeing him leave is a display that will make your mouth water. Scars are interspersed among the tribal tattoos that cover his entire back. Yes, he may be frightening, but he is drop-dead gorgeous.

As soon as he leaves the room, everybody starts getting excited. When I looked up, the ruckus resumed, and the terrified man standing nearby was approaching me.

"Miss, are you alright?"

"More like frenzied." Praise God that he did not lose his cool and start shouting. I couldn't have handled a confrontation with him.

The guy is glancing in the direction of the entrance. "Yes. He did not detonate himself."

The fearful guy throws Luisa's hair around. Eyes of amber color, with traces of laughter lines. Even when dressed professionally, he has that aspect of getting hard-headed.

"So. Therefore, you will act as the photographer. By the way, my name is Stuart. I shall be your guide through the various buildings tomorrow morning. Since I have scheduled the entire day in preparation, how about we begin the day with breakfast? The doors here open at seven in the morning. Does 7:30 make sense?"

"I'm good to go at 8:15. First, I have to take my daughter to the after-school program, and only then will I be able to come over here."

"Oh? What is the age of your daughter?"

"Six. She is sweet and charitable but defiant and stubborn at times."

He chuckles. "That's the making of a strong woman there, don't you think?"

"May God look out for your potential husband. To handle her, he will need to have the same strength as she does and a lot of patience."

When we considered it, we both laughed out loud. "Ah. I have no doubt that her father will screen visitors to ensure that only the appropriate people enter."

There is a slight hesitation as he looks at the ring on my finger. I can only sigh. This makes people feel a little uncomfortable in general, and even though I have moved over my sadness, I still miss him very much.

"I have no doubt that he would have. No, she never had the opportunity to talk to her father." Sadly, Daddy went away while I was carrying her in my womb. Since then, there have only been the two of us.

"Oh, I am sorry."

"No, don't worry about that. Is it not a part of the story that I am telling? He was a terrific man who was also kind and caring, and I have no doubt that he would have been a wonderful father. I wish I could talk to him, but that won't happen."

"Oh, so you're familiar with my name. What is your name?"

"Liannah."

"Pretty Liannah?" He did more than just give me a wink at that point.

In answer, I give him an eye roll. "Don't even begin. At least you didn't sing my name."

"Oh well, it will be a good song". I snort with laughter and then shake my head.

"Listen, I have to get going. In five minutes, we will begin our photo shoot. I will meet you sometime today and then again at 8:15 in the morning tomorrow here."

"Sounds good, pretty."

Yup. He isn't going to change his mind about that nickname, is he?