Loving Mr CEO

CHARLES

"You are my African queen..."

Singing was part of my daily routine. Falling in love had only made it worse. This morning was no different. If anything, I was louder. Happier. Irritatingly joyful.

I stood in front of the mirror by the corner of my room, still undecided between a black tie and a dark blue one, singing like I was auditioning for a concert I was never invited to.

Love will turn you into a child.

I tilted my head, examining myself. Fresh haircut. Clean shave. I smiled at my reflection. Life was good. A little too good.

My phone buzzed on the table beside me.

Obviously.

I didn't even need to check the screen.

"Hey, babyyy," I answered, my voice already smiling.

"My loveeee."

"My heart."

"The angel of my life," I continued, stacking pet names like they were blessings.

If not for work, I would've stayed on the phone all morning saying nonsense with her.

"Are you at work?" Daniella asked, her voice soft and sweet.

"Not yet. I'm fighting a serious battle with my wardrobe," I said, glancing between the ties again. "But I think I've won."

"If you don't mind, let's switch to video call," she said. "Let me help you choose."

Tempting. Very tempting. But dangerous. Video calls with Daniella had a way of stealing time.

"I'll go with the black one," I said quickly. "Black goes with everything."

She laughed. "Okay. I just called to remind you about our date this evening. And I'm coming over today, so please, arrange your house."

"Don't worry," I replied confidently. "You're going to have the best time this weekend."

And I meant it.

After we hung up, I rushed through my morning routine. Toast. Tea. Keys. Bag. Out the door.

By the time I pulled up at the office building, I was still humming under my breath.

That was when I saw Mike.

He was just stepping through the entrance, calm as always, moving like someone who didn't need to rush because the world would wait for him anyway.

I slowed down slightly.

Funny thing about Mike, he never did anything loud, but people still noticed him.

I parked, grabbed my bag, and watched him disappear inside.

Then I hurriedly followed him and caught up with him

 "This is the first time I'm meeting up with you, which means I came early today"

He laughed a very weird awkward laugh

I