She walked quickly to the black lacquered cabinet and pulled out a charcoal marble cup and pitcher. When she reached the coffee machine, which lay on the kitchen island in the shadow of a raven's wing, she stopped and said.
"Here, this is where you'll always get his coffee. Remember, no sugar, he doesn't like expensive brands. He imports these beans from the heart of Jamaica. It's the only coffee he drinks, and he's very particular about it. Luckily, I've already prepared for today, so that'll save you some time. And get your tie from the sales department."
Many things are right. Even if I've had coffee from anywhere, as long as it's drinkable. But Mr. CEO had to drink his own. I wanted to roll my eyes, but I held back.
Seeing that I looked a little taken aback, she leaned over and put her hand on my shoulder.
"Don't worry, I'll teach you." I nodded approvingly at her.
The hot brewed coffee sat in the pot. I placed my bag and file on the marble surface. Picking it up by the handle, I poured it into the heavy cup Miranda had given me.
"What is with this man and the color black?" Nova asked.
"Is he the devil in disguise?" I answered Nova.
Shaking my head, I focused on the task at hand. I hurried back, holding the hot coffee in one hand and the box with the blue tie in the other. I quickly glanced at my watch and saw that I still had two minutes. I hurried and approached the massive door to his office.
Pausing... I took a deep breath... and allowed my body to relax. This was something my father had taught me. He was a patient man and always emphasized the importance of it in our lives.
Using the box, I pressed the blue rose again.
There was silence as I held my breath, waiting for his permission to enter.
The jerk was taking his time with his answer, and almost made me wait a full minute.
"Asshole!" I cursed under my breath, and finally, his deep voice rang out.
"Come in!"
I elbowed his door and stumbled inside, rather awkwardly.
This was going to be a nightmare.
Unlike how I had left him, there was no file open in front of him. The cocky man sat and stared at me like a smug wolf, his head cocked in a spot.
I put as much confidence into my gait as I could and walked up to his desk.
He glanced at his expensive-looking watch and wrote with a quill.
"Just in time, I thought you'd miss it."
I smacked my lips and did laugh so as not to argue.
"Be polite, Zara," Nova advised me.
Carrying the cup of coffee in front of him, my hands shook no matter how hard I tried to keep them steady. The cup rattled slightly on the pitcher, and I tried not to sneak a glance at the smug man. I set the tie box right next to the cup.
"Sir! Your coffee and tie, as requested." I gave him a professional smile. Strands of his dark hair kissed the tip of his nose, and he brushed them away with his long, slender fingers before reaching for the cup. The white mustache was still standing profusely, promising that it was hot.
I waited, holding my breath, as his index finger curled around the handle, and he lifted it, taking a careful sip with pursed lips.
I didn't even blink, staring at his reaction. He put the cup down, and his honey, surprised eyes found me.