Chapter 17 XVII
I was panicking. I have actually been panicking since last night. I can't believe Alessandro Ricci almost kissed me, and I almost let it happen after making out with his sister in her room.
I mean, how sick can this situation get?
True, I'm still confused about what it is I felt for him, but me almost kissing him is kind of too low.
How will I face him now? Why does he even want to kiss me? I'm definitely going insane to think that he was the one leaning in. It could be that I was the one leaning in.
Oh God! I know Alessandro is gay, but what if I creeped him out because I tried to kiss him.
I better get a hold of myself because I don't want our working situation to be weird, and I don't want him to be uncomfortable because of me. He must be shaken at the fact that his sister's boyfriend almost kissed him.
I shuddered at the thought. I have to act normal when Alessandro gets here. I will make sure not to bring up anything that happened last night, and I will make sure not to act weird around him ever again.
I should have listened to my instincts when it told me to just walk away. Maybe then I wouldn't have to think about this anxiety.
The door opened, and the reason for my anxiety walked into the office. My heartbeat picked up at the sight of him. He was dressed in the exact same suit we bought yesterday, and he looks completely breathtaking.
I found my eyes watching him like he was a shiny star in my night sky. I was starting to think that he was.
God! Why the hell does he have to look so handsome? I'm starting to doubt if he belongs to this world.
To worsen the situation, Alessandro let out a pleasant smile. It was so bright that I had to blink to make sure he was real and not an angel who just descended from heaven. His green eyes brightened, and he had the poise of a confident man who knew where he belonged.
"Morning Rowan." He greeted as he came closer. He stopped right in front of my desk with that same breathtaking smile. "How do I look?"
I tried not to give him a once over, but I couldn't help it. Seeing how good he looks right now, I gulp down my nerves.
I really am in trouble. I'm not supposed to feel this way. I'm not even gay.
I cleared my throat to get rid of these weird feelings. "You look... good."
He scoffed at my reply and took a seat across me. "Again, just gold. When am I going to get a better compliment from you?"
"That's compliment enough from me, Alessandro. Be satisfied."
He smirked mischievously, "You did tell me I looked good in everything. I like that compliment better."
I ignored the speed of my heart. "I said it at the spur of the moment. It meant nothing."
He leaned closer, still smirking. "Are you sure you didn't mean it?"
I looked him straight in the eye ready to tell him off, but when my eyes connected with that mischievous smirk and dark eyes, my breath caught in my throat and I had no idea how else to reply.
He wasn't that close to my face like last night, but him leaning in reminded me of last night when we almost kissed. I don't know if he doesn't remember last night, or if he chose to forget it happened, but if he doesn't want to bring it up, neither would I.
I stood up quickly from my chair and moved past him as fast as I could towards the door. I have to keep my distance from him.
"Where are you going?" His confused question stopped me in my tracks.
I didn't have the heart to look at him, so I kept my back turned as I replied. "We have a meeting to attend, remember?"
"Isn't it a little too early?"
As if to answer his question, my secretary popped her head in. "Sir, it's time for your meeting." Her eyes trail behind me to Alessandro, and I watched in disappointment as they lit up.
Wait a minute. Why am I disappointed?
"Hi, Mr Alessandro." She said in a low seductive voice, and that smile of hers was enough for me to know that she wanted him.
I can't blame her. Who wouldn't want a man like Alessandro Ricci? I mean, even me, who is a straight guy, can't get him out of my head. Of course, girls would go crazy for him.
It didn't help that he was dressed so mouthwatering today. We are definitely going to have a lot of eyes on us when we get to our meeting spot.
Alessandro cleared his throat and answered. "Oh yeah. Hi Tina."
The thought of him getting uncomfortable at her interest made me smile a bit. Maybe she's the only one interested.
Of course, she's the only one interested. Alessandro is gay. I don't think he has any interest in women.
But what if I'm wrong. What if he's not gay? What if he likes men and women? What if he's interested in Tina?
Wait. Why do I even care?
I shook my head and continued towards the door. "We should leave before we get late to our meeting."
"Wait, Rowan!" His voice called, and I stopped in my tracks. When I glanced at me, he was smiling with his tie lifted. I tried not to let that smile affect me. "I couldn't knot it." He explained, looking quite flustered.
I resisted the urge to go over and help him. To have control over my own sanity, I have to make sure I avoid getting too close to him.
I looked at Tina. "Tina, please help Mr Alessandro knot his tie."
Her eyes lit up in excitement. "Do you really mean that, sir?"
I nodded even though every part of my heart ached. "Yes. Make sure it is knotted neatly and perfectly, and you also have to do it fast. We don't have time."
She nodded firmly and hurried past me towards Alessandro.
When I turned and stared at Alessandro, I wish I hadn't. He looked so disappointed. His forest green eyes were now dull, and his shoulders slumped in disappointment. He tried to hide it with a polite smile directed at Tina, who was a blushing mess beside him, but I could see beneath that smile.
When his eyes lifted to connect with mine, I turned and walked out of the office.
This is for the best.