Chapter Twelve

Zoe POV:

We were coming back from our lunch break. Kevin had become part of us and joined us on our weekend outings. I looked up and I saw Philip staring at us from my window, hands in his pockets. He looked at Kevin before he looked at me and walked away. That sent chills down my spine. Was that jealousy I saw in his eyes?

Everybody went their separate ways, and I was back to my desk. The intercom buzzed. "Zoe?"

"Yes, sir?"

"My office…now." Philip ended the call.

Oops…what did I do this time? I adjusted my skirt and I knocked on his door. I didn't hear his voice saying I could come in, but I went in anyway.

"You called, sir?"

"I need these photocopied and sent to my father," he pointed to the bulk of paper on his desk.

"Why don't we just send him a PDF?" I asked.

"That old man is old fashioned. He prefers hardcopy," he replied. "I see you've been hanging around that guy lately."

"He's not Martin," I defended before he would compare them.

His brows shot up and he smirked. "Could you explain yourself, Zoe?"

"You were going to compare them, and I just wanted to let you know they are not the same."

"So, is he your boyfriend or what?" He asked with a smirk. Was he enjoying this or what?

"With all due respect, sir, that's none of your business," I replied. Two can play the game.

"Oh, really?" Philip stood up and began to walk slowly towards me, hands in his pockets and a wicked smirk on his face. He stood towering over me. "I like this new confidence. But you know…" He walked forward making me step back every time he came forward. The smile on his face made it clear that he was enjoying this, and he was doing this on purpose. "This new confidence can get into your head, and you know what it could cost you? Your job."

He walked back to his desk and continued typing, ignoring my presence like nothing ever happened. Like he didn't just have me reeling from the sexual tension. I walked back to his desk and took the pile of papers he had asked me to photocopy and left. I could swear I saw a smug smile on his face before I shut the door.

Philip was getting more annoying by the second. If not for the pay and the fact that I wanted to keep seeing his face every day and because I love my job, I would have quit. He knew he had an effect on me and he was enjoying it.

I photocopied all the papers and arranged them in a file before sending them off to Henry MacArthur's house. I returned the original copies to Philip's office. This time, he wasn't typing into his computer. He had his attention on his phone. I wondered what he was looking at that had all his attention like that. He was probably ogling at one of those Instagram models.

"Why are you peeking at my phone?" Philip asked.

"I wasn't peeking, sir," I defended.

"But I saw you peeking," he insisted.

"Maybe you saw wrong, sir."

"Oh, so, I'm seeing things now, huh, Zoe?" he asked. I could swear I saw a smile lingering at the corner of his lips. Was this amusing? Was torturing me today a source of amusement to him? Why was he finding this funny?

I wanted to slap the smirk off his face but as he said, my new confidence could cost me my job and I didn't like the sound of unemployment.

"Probably," I muttered, hoping he didn't hear that, but it seemed he did. "I have to go, sir," I scurried away before he could say anything else.

What's wrong with him today? I wondered. First, he was cranky, now he was being annoying on purpose and finding everything amusing. He was acting like he was on his period.

Why was he so bent on getting on my nerves today?

"Why do you look so pissed?" Kevin asked as he took a seat.

"I'm hungry," I replied. There was no I could tell him our boss was trying to annoy me on purpose and a few minutes ago, he had had my back against the wall, smirking into my face.

"It's like I could sense your hunger." He placed a Burger King pack in front of me. "Here. I felt a little hungry myself, so I ordered these for us. Hamburger, cream cheese, and some fries."

"Aww, that's so thoughtful. Thank you very much," I said sincerely.

Although I had made it clear to Kevin that I wasn't in for a relationship and the only thing I could offer was friendship, that didn't ward him off. He said he was okay with being friends, but he kept shooting his shots subtly.

Kevin spread out our snacks for us and we dove right in. He had gotten us Cola to sip on while we munched on our goodies. I couldn't be more grateful for these. My mouth was having a party.

"You look like you're enjoying yourself," Kevin joked.

"I sure am," I said with my mouth full.

"Oh, look, you have a little something here," he pointed to the corner of my lips.

"Where?" I asked.

"Just kidding." He burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, very funny," I said, wiping off the corner of my lips, just to be sure there was nothing there. "So, how is it like working for Philip MacArthur at MacArthur Industries?" I asked Kelvin.

He shrugged. "It's cool, way cooler than I expected. I expected working my ass off and getting home too tired to cook or take a shower. I was also expecting a very strict boss, but Mr. MacArthur is cool, the coolest boss I've ever had."

Yeah, sure.

"I just hope I don't make any mistake and fuck this up," he added.

"You won't," I told him.

We finished up our food before Philip would come out of his office and catch us stuffing our faces with junk food in our place of work.

"Thank you very much for the hamburger, chips, and also the Cola." I shook the almost empty cup.

"You're welcome. Let's do this again," Kevin said.

"Sure. I'm down for whatever."

He laughed. "I have to get back to work. See you later, Zo."

"Bye," I told him before he left. I felt full and a bit sleepy. It felt like I would doze off any moment, but I didn't want to be caught sleeping on duty, so I tried so hard to fight the sleep, but it won eventually.

I was awoken by a knock on my table. I opened my eyes to see Philip staring down at me with his hands in his pockets.

"It's the closing hour. Don't you have a home to head to?" Philip asked.

Closing hour? I looked around and realized it was already dark. Oh my God! How long did I sleep? When did I even fall asleep?

I gathered my things sleepily and stood up.

"Are you sure you can drive home in this situation?" Philip asked with a teeny tiny bit of worry on his face that he tried so hard to mask but I could still see it through my sleepy eyes.

"I have no choice," I replied.

"I could tell Mark to drive you home," he insisted.

"No need, sir. I can manage," I assured as I walked towards the elevator.

"Are you sure?" Philip asked when I got into the elevator.

I nodded. "Good night, sir," I said before the doors of the elevator closed.

I didn't understand Philip, one minute he was a jerk, the next he was a gentleman. What was he playing at? Or was I overthinking the entire situation as usual?

The elevator doors opened, and Mark was standing right outside. "Mr. MacArthur said to drive you home," he said.

"It's fine, Mark. I'm no longer sleepy."

"I could drive her," Kevin appeared behind Mark.

Mark looked at him. "Who are you?" He asked.

"Uh…I work here. Aren't you Mr. MacArthur's bodyguard?" Kevin asked.

"I am. Now, if you will excuse me, I have to take Miss Ortega home," Mark said.

Philip stepped out of his private elevator. Oh great, this should be fun. He walked towards us with his briefcase in one hand and the other in his pocket. "What's going on here?" he asked.

Kevin stared at Philip like he was a mini god. Kevin had always talked about how much he adored Philip and working with him was a dream come true for him.

"Nothing, sir. I was just about to leave." I walked out of their midst before any of them could argue over who would drive me home, except Philip, of course.

I got into the car and started the ignition. I was out of the parking lot like someone was after me.

***

Philip POV:

"Good evening, sir," the guy beside Mark greeted.

"Good evening. Kevin, right?" I asked.

He looked like he was going to piss his pants seeing as I knew his name. "Yes, sir," he replied.

I was going to ask if he was dating Zoe, but I figured that would be too far and there's no way she was dating him. Why do I even care?

I began to walk away, and Mark followed suit.

"Good night, sir," Kevin hollered from behind.

I waved at him without looking back. Mark and I got to the parking lot and got into the car. "Why didn't you take Zoe home, Mark?" I asked as I set my briefcase aside.

"She insisted she was okay, and Kevin offered her a ride before you came, sir." Mark replied.

I sighed. I knew she would refuse. Zoe was way too stubborn. Why did I care this much? I closed my eyes and settled into my seat. "I told you not to address me formally when it's just the two of us," I said.

"That's not appropriate. We're still at work," Mark defended.

"You've been working with me for years, Mark. Just call me Philip. Sir makes me feel old, it's okay that Zoe and the others call me sir."

Mark started the ignition. "I call you Philip once in a while, you're acting like I always call you sir."

"Whatever. Take me home, Mark. I'm so tired."

"Got it, boss." He pulled out of the parking lot.

Mark had been my bodyguard for as long as I can remember. I was a teenage boy and my Dad had hired a bodyguard two years older than I was. I hated it at first, I didn't need anybody following me around. Then, we went to college together and became very close. He was like the big brother I never had. Still, Mark never liked to address me by my name when we were at work.

"Mark, when are you going to get yourself a girlfriend?" I asked sleepily. I was still very much aware of my surroundings.

"I should be asking you that, Philip," he replied.

I snorted. "Rude bastard. I don't have time for love. I’m too busy with work. I wouldn't have time for her."

"That's what you think but love changes you."

"Why do you sound like you're in love?" I sat up. "Did you fall in love behind my back?"

Mark snorted. "I have a girlfriend, sir."

"You say what? Since when?" I asked. "Oh, whatever." I settled back into the seat.

"You know you can't be a playboy forever, Philip. You need to settle down soon enough, you better find yourself a woman before your Dad does that for you."

I laughed. "If he finds one, he should marry her himself."

"I saw you staring at Zoe the other day. In fact, I've caught you staring at her countless times," Mark teased.

"I was staring at something else, and Zoe just happened to be in that direction," I defended.

"Yeah, sure. You know she's very pretty."

"So?" I asked.

"What are you waiting for?" Mark asked.

"I don't mix business with pleasure," I replied.

"Ugh," he groaned. "What's with all you businessmen and that line?"

We arrived home. Mark parked in the garage, and I got out sleepily. "When you mix business with pleasure, it never ends well," I told him.

"What if it ends well?" Mark asked as we got inside.

"Wait, why are we talking about my love life?" I asked.

"You're not getting any younger, Philip."

"You sound like my dad. I'll fall in love when I find the right woman. Right now, I haven't found her, I'm just going to relax until she comes around," I took off my tux. "You don't have to stay here tonight. You can go home if you want to."

"Don't act like you don't need me. You might just bawl your eyes out while I'm gone," Mark joked.

"Very funny. Don't you have a girlfriend to get home to?" I asked.

"We don't live together." Mark took off his tux and began to go up the stairs. "Good night. Tomorrow, we'll get you a Tinder account. You badly need one."

"Very funny, Mark."

He gave a peace sign before he disappeared. I took my tux and went upstairs to my room. I took a long, warm bath and laid on my bed, staring at the ceiling, wondering what it would be like to be in love, running around the place with roses and chocolates. Nah, I'm good.

I turned off the lights and closed my eyes, ready for the wings of sleep to take me on a ride.

The next morning, I woke up and couldn't get up. My body had finally broken down from stress. I had canceled numerous appointments with my doctor because I didn't have the time. I turned off my alarm and went back to sleep.

I was rudely awoken by the sunrays shining brightly into my face. Mark had shoved the curtains aside. I turned to the other side of the bed. "Mark, close the curtains. I don't feel good."

"You won't get better when the room is as dark as night." Mark laid his palm on my forehead. "Jeez, you're burning up. Take off the blankets."

He tried to pull the blankets away, but I held on to it tightly.

"Suit yourself. Do you want me to call the maid?" He asked.

"No, let her be. It's her off day," I replied.

"Should I call your doctor, then?" Mark asked.

"No, it's just a fever. I'll be fine by evening."

"If you're not fine by evening, I'm calling her."

"Whatever. Could you make me breakfast?" I asked.

"This is why I said you need a girlfriend." He stood up and left.

I took my phone from the bedside cupboard and dialed Zoe. She picked on the first ring like she was expecting my call.

"Good morning, sir."

"Good morning, Zoe. Please, cancel all my appointments and meetings for today. I won't be coming to work today."

"Is there a problem, sir?" She asked with a bit of worry in her tone.

"I have a fever," I simply said.

"Oh. Do you need me to come over, sir?" She asked.

"No need, Zoe."

"Okay, sir."

I ended the call and put the phone back on the bedside cupboard. I could smell fried eggs from the kitchen. It was weird that I had a fever and still had an appetite, then I remembered the last time I ate was yesterday afternoon. I got out of bed and put a thick sweater on. I brushed my teeth and filled up the jacuzzi with hot water.

Days like this was when I missed my childhood Korean nanny, Mrs. Kang. She would fill up my bath and make me a Korean tea and a bowl of Korean soup that I never learned their names.

I got into the jacuzzi. Of all days I could be hit with a fever, it had to be now? The constant business trips, meetings, and everything business-related was beginning to tell on my body.

"Philip, your breakfast is ready," Mark hollered from the bedroom.

"I'll be there in a minute," I said.

Getting out of the jacuzzi was a hassle. With each movement, I felt chills run through my veins. I dried my body with a towel and wrapped it around my body. I went to the bedroom, but Mark was no longer there. I changed into comfortable clothes before going back to bed to have my breakfast. I took a sip of the tea and my tongue almost got burnt.

"Are you trying to kill me?" I asked Mark when he came back to the room. "The tea is so goddamn hot."

"You're welcome."

I began to chew on my bacon and eggs slowly until I finished up the food. I sipped the tea slowly while I went through my notification.

"Do you need me to go to the office or anything?" Mark asked.

"No, you can take the day off. I'll be fine, I just need rest," I told him.

"Are you sure? I can't leave you like this."

"I'll be fine."

"Alright."

Mark returned the tray to the kitchen. I turned on the TV. I couldn't remember the last time I sat to watch TV, except a few occasions in the office when I had nothing to do. I was watching an animal documentary when Mark informed me that he was leaving but would be back soon.

"Are you sure you’ll be fine without me?" he asked.

"Get the hell out of my room."

"Okay. Call me if you need anything," he said before he closed the door. I was left alone to continue my animal documentary. This was nice. I switched to Netflix and picked the movie I wanted to watch. I relaxed into the bed as the movie began. This was so nice.

***

Zoe POV:

Not having Philip around was weird. I had made his cup of coffee earlier and had to drink it myself. I had canceled all his meetings for today.

My phone buzzed on the desk. It was a call from Mark.

"Hello, Mark."

"Hello, Zoe. How're you doing?" Mark asked.

"I'm fine, you?"

"I'm good. Umm, do you think you could drop by at Philip's say after work? He keeps insisting that he's fine and I don't know if he is."

I could hear the worry in Mark's voice. Philip was like a little brother to him even though they had a boss-bodyguard relationship at work.

"Can I go see him now?" I asked eagerly.

"No, he's going to scold you for leaving the office at work hours even though it's for his own cause. Maybe you could go there after work or around evening."

"I don't know his house address."

"Are you for real? You don't know where your boss lives? Hey, babe," I heard him say to someone. Mark had a girlfriend? Oh, wow. "I'll text you his address, okay?"

"Okay, no problem."

"Thank you. No matter how much he nags, please, try to put up with it. I know how annoying Philip can be."

"I'm glad someone else thinks the same way," I joked.

"Let this stay between us or we're fired. Gotta go."

"Bye."

Mark ended the call and sent the address a few seconds later. The place sounded posh. I couldn't wait till evening so I could go see Philip. I couldn't deny the fact that I missed him, and I was worried about him. It was so unlike Philip to miss work or fall sick. He had the strength of a giant.

Time refused to move fast but evening eventually came, and I was out of the building in a blink of an eye. I stopped by the grocery store first to get a fruit basket and a few other things. I put them in the back seat and went back into the car. I put Philip's address into my car's GPS and hit the road. The traffic was worse than I expected. I eventually arrived at an exquisite part of the city with posh houses everywhere. I found Philip's house and parked my car. I got down and stared at the beautiful body. It was simple yet elegant, like those Miami houses.

I walked to the porch and pressed the doorbell. I stared at the small screen on the wall and Philip's face appeared.

"Zoe?" The shock on his face was so funny I wanted to burst into laughter. I waved at the screen with an innocent smile. "How did you…? Ugh, Mark," he groaned. The screen went blank, and Philip was at the door in no time.

"Hello, Philip," I smiled sweetly.

"Philip?" He raised both brows.

"We're not at work. I got you these." I showed him.

He stepped aside so I could come in. I went in and it felt like I had stepped into another dimension, probably the future.

The interiors were to die for.

"Your house is nice," I told him.

"Thank you," he replied.

"Where can I drop these?" I asked.

"In the kitchen," he pointed behind me. I went into the kitchen and my jaw was on the floor. Oh, wow, having money must feel so good. I put the cereals into the cabinets. I washed some fruits and put them into a bowl. I cut them into bits and made a fruit salad, I squeezed some oranges and made an orange juice.

I took them to the living room and set them on the small table beside Philip.

"I made these for you," I told him as he typed into his laptop.

"Thank you," he said sincerely and took a sip.

"Aren't you supposed to be sick? Why are you still working?" I asked.

"I feel better now," he replied as he took a piece of fruit. "This is nice. Thank you again. What happened at the office today?" He asked.

"We're not talking about work," I told him confidently.

He raised both brows and smirked. "Who's the boss here?"

"No one. We aren’t at work, so there isn’t any boss here."

"Oh, wow. Okay." He nodded his head and went back to typing. "Did Mark make you come here?" Philip asked without looking up from his laptop screen.

"Not really. I wanted to see how my amazing boss is doing." I smiled sweetly.

"Whatever."

"So, have you had something to eat?" I asked.

"Yeah. I made some mac and cheese earlier. You can have some if you want."

"No, I'm good, thank you." I wasn't good, I was famished, I was busy worrying about Philip that I didn't get something myself safe for the chips I had during lunch break.

"Lies. I can see the hunger in your face. It could be for me; it could be for food, but it's definitely hunger I see."

"I'm hungry for food."

"You sure don't expect me to serve you. The kitchen is that way."

"Cocky bastard," I muttered as I stood up and headed to the kitchen.

"I heard that," he said.

"You were supposed to hear it," I muttered again as I went to the kitchen to microwave some mac and cheese for myself. The microwave dinged and I took out the food and dished out a little portion for myself. "Do you want some too?" I asked from the kitchen.

"Nah, I'm good," he hollered.

I dished out a little portion for myself and returned to the living room. The mac and cheese were divine. "Did you really cook this?" I asked and he nodded. "Do you have a magical recipe or something? Mac and cheese never tasted this good."

"A chef never reveals his secret," he replied, and I rolled my eyes, expecting that answer. I turned on the TV and watched a show while Philip continued to type into his laptop. Whatever this was, it was so nice. There was no awkwardness between us. At that moment, I wasn't the secretary and Philip wasn't the boss. I wished things would remain like this, but we had to get back to our reality tomorrow.