Here is one more chapter for you....
CHAPTER 2: We meet Again
Ana didn’t think she breathed during the ride down to the lobby. Once she stepped out of the elevator, her heart was pounding a million miles a minute. No man had effected that way on her before…..
Mint: Jumping and hugging Ana “Thank you Ana. I owe you”. She must be feeling better. “I’ll start transcribing the interview so it’ll be ready for print for graduation issue”.
Ana: "ok"
Mint: “oh, did you take any notes?”
Ana: “no, I didn’t”
Mint: “no prob. I can write a great story with what you have here. It’s a shame we don’t have any photos of him. He is very good looking isn’t he?”
Ana: “I guess”.
Mint: “So what did you really think of him?”
Ana: “He is very driven, controlling, arrogant but very charismatic. I can understand people’s fascination”.
Mint: Eyes wide. “You. Fascinated by a man? That’s a first.” Ana was making herself busy in the kitchen so Mint can’t see her face. A thought came back to her.
Ana: “Why do you want to know if he was gay?”
Mint: “because whenever he is in society pages and news, he never has a date”.
Ana: “yeah, that was embarrassing to ask”. Ana gave Mint a stern look as in how could you make me ask that question. “Got to go. I have a few more days left on my part-time job before graduation.”
CENTRAL DEPT.
Hardware section.
Ana is assigned here for one week. The regular window designer is out for a week sick… Ana usually works mostly with women clothing. She’s been busy with studies and work, she was somewhat successful of keeping the handsome CEO away from her thoughts.
A few days passed by.
Ana was busy at the computer in the back area where people pick their colors and DIY tools. She was done with her window design but was working on helping out with inventory working behind the counter on the computer .... for some reason, she glance up from her computer screen and her eyes locked with a pair of beautiful eyes. He is standing at the counter!
Christian: “Ms. Sperbund. What a pleasant surprise!”
Ana: “Mr. Kugiyama” in a whisper. What is he doing here?
Christian: “I was in the area” he stares at her with explanation. “I need to stock up on a few things”.
Ana just realized that her memory of him doesn’t do justice. He is breathtakingly handsome. It took a moment for her to respond…
Ana: “Ana. Please call me Ana. How can I help you today Mr. Kugimiya?”
Christian: “I need a few items"
Ana: "what's on the list?"
Christian: "cable ties”
Ana: “We have several lengths. Would you like me to show you?”
Christian: “yes please”
Ana trying her best not to trip or fall in his company again as she walks pass him to lead him to electrical aisle. Why is he here? She didn’t think he is the kind of man to shop for things himself. He has so many assistants who can do this task. Why then? Is he here to see her? No way, why would he want to do that? Ana shakes her head and tries to focus.
Ana: “What bring you to this area?”
Christian: “I had a meeting at the university.” He smiles.
Ana: “Anything else on your shopping list?”
Christian: “I’d like some masking tape”.
Ana: “Are you re-decorating?”
Christian: “No, not redecorating”…. He smirks as he speaks.
Ana: “This way”. She takes him to the decorating aisle.
Christian: “I’ll take that one”
Ana: She passed the roll of tape to him and their fingers touch. She felt her knees weaken. Shaking off the feeling, Ana asked “anything else?” she is a little breathy.
Christian: “some rope, I think”…. His voice was a bit husky too. Can that be? She walks to the aisle with ropes and he picked his choice. She cuts some ropes being careful not to cut on herself.
Christian: “How is the article coming along”
Ana: “Mint is the person who is writing it. She is the editor of the newspaper. She’s sorry that she couldn’t do the interview herself due to flu but she seems to be happy with it. Her only concern is that she doesn’t have an original photograph of you”. Wow, she really said all that stuff quickly because of her nerves.
Christian: “What kind of photograph does she want?” he thought for a moment “I am actually free tomorrow morning”.
Ana: Eyes wide “You’d be willing to do a photo shoot?” She can just see Mint jumping in their apartment and she gets to see his handsome face again too. “I’ll check with Mint to see if we can get a photographer this last minute”.
Christian: “Sure. Here is my card with cell number on it. Call me by 9AM” he smiles.
Ana: “Ok” she can’t hide her excitement. “Anything else to shop?”
Christian: “no, just these”
She rings him up and he pays. Ana glanced up at him and wished she didn’t. He is watching her closely, intently. Her heart is on speed.
Ana: “Would you like a bag?”
Christian: “Please, Anastasia”. The way he says her name makes her stop breathing for a moment. Her heart can’t beat any faster. She tries to focus on putting the purchased items in a bag and handed to Christian.
Christian: “Thanks. Until tomorrow, perhaps”. He turns to leave, then pauses. “oh – and Anastasia, I am glad Mint couldn’t do the interview” . He smiles then he walked away from the counter to the parking structure.
Ana stood there speechless, rejoicing on cloud9 before she returns to reality a few minutes later …
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