Chapter 20

“I honestly have no idea which one to choose, Each place has its own beauty,” I said, shuffling through the dozens of pictures of different places we had to choose from for the project.

“It's a tough decision, but we also have to narrow it down to the places that have easy access to roads and other services,” he said only choosing three pictures and putting them side by side.

We were sitting in his office the photos spread in front of us. Killian was sitting beside me, staring at the photos in deep thought while I stared at something else: him. I was trying my best not to make it noticeable that I was looking at him.

I was questioning what happened like what changed that made him hug me. After my embarrassing outburst three days ago, things have been a little awkward between us. I know we didn't have a great start in the beginning but at least then, it was a total hate relationship we had. I'm not so sure anymore.

I know that near kiss was him playing with me but the hug? It was something else. I really felt his genuineness through it and he didn't even ask me what happened. He just let me hug him until I felt better and when I did I left.

That was what happened, there was no questions asked or explanations demanded. That night made me shift the way I see Killian. It made me see that even though he's cocky and bossy, he somehow cared. It showed me that I could rely on him. This put a smile on my face.

“Weslan it is then!” said Killian, pulling me out of my never-ending cycle of thought.

“Huh?” was my reply and of all the things I could've said that was what came to my mind.

“I said Weslan. It has great beaches, a variety of tourism sites, but yet, it is an undiscovered market. There are no standard hotels there and having a Raushan hotel built right there will get us a lot of profit,” explained Killian glancing between the photo and me.

“I think you chose great!” I complimented him amazed that he really thought this in such detail.

That's impressive.

“You have to remember, Joyce, this project is highly confidential. Everything must be kept a secret until the day we present it at the shareholders meeting, nobody should know about this. Our rival Company is like a little CIA, it studies our every moves so we must be really careful. Once information leaks about this project, the new hotel and its profits will go up in a puff,” he warned his serious face telling me exactly what this project meant for this company.

“Of course, I will be extra careful,” I assured him. As if I had anyone to tell in the first place.

“We will go there in two days. I've already booked a flight. So get prepared and make sure you don't bring too much stuff—it's a business trip, not a vacation,” said Killian leaning back on the couch and closing his eyes.

I shamelessly stared at him, wishing to seize this opportunity. His smooth hair made me want to run my hand through it and his pouty lips reminded me of the near kiss we almost had. I wondered how it would feel if he hadn't chosen to tease me that day. Would it have felt as amazing as those romance novels made it seem? I thought to myself.

“Stop staring at me, what is it?” asked Killian his eyes still closed.

“Why did you hug me?” I blurted the question that was bugging me for days.

I covered my mouth with both my hands, wondering why I had to ask that question. My eyes were the size of saucers, blaming my filter-less mouth for embarrassing me yet again. I wished I could just fall off this building rather than embarrassing myself like this. I hoped that in some absurd way he hadn't heard what I said.

“Well why did you cry?” he countered looking at me in amusement.

“Never mind. Let's pretend this never happened, okay? I didn't say anything and you heard nothing. Deal? okay.” I blabbered on refusing to answer his question while Killian just smiled shaking his head, probably thinking how he got a clown this funny for free.

Why are you so talented in the wrong field?

Wanting to avoid any further humiliation, I hurriedly started collecting the photos that were scattered on the table and some that had fallen on the floor. I noticed a newspaper on the floor and I got confused as to whether he left it there on purpose or it fell without him knowing. Choosing to ask Killian about it, I picked it up.

“Your newspaper was on the floor, did you know?” I asked waiting for him to answer so I can give it to him and leave the office.

“Please throw it away. I don't want to look at that bastard,” he said massaging his temples with his finger.

Bastard? Someone has anger issues.

Curious to see who the bastard was, I unfolded the newspaper that was folded in half. It was a business newspaper and I read the headline, 'The Cunninghams Win It All,' which was written in bold to get the attention of any reader that stumbled upon the paper. It did get my attention and I skimmed through the text and it was about a bid that the Cunningham company has won against the Raushan company.

The picture below the text was what made me freeze, I couldn't believe it. I was shocked and I was sure my face told it all. The newspaper slipped from my hand and I covered my face with my hands. Killian was seated at his desk saying something about migraine or something. I was in a state of disbelief that I heard none of what he was saying.

“I think I have to leave,” I said running out of the office eager to know if what I thought was right.