Page 33 of Grumpy Orc CEO
As the days pass, I find that these lunches are no longer just about eating; it's about the connection that’s slowly building between us. I start to notice the little things about Jarvin: the way his eyes crinkle when he laughs, the thoughtful pauses he takes before he speaks, the sincerity that laces every compliment he gives me.
I'm not sure when it happened, this shift within me, but now despite my reservations, I find myself wanting more. He has this way of making me feel disarmed, as if my insecurities don't exist. I tried so hard to resist him before, but now that's not something I want to do.
One afternoon, as we settle into our usual table, Jarvin pulls out a small package wrapped in brown paper. He places it on the table with a casual smile.
"What’s this?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.
"Just something I thought you might like," he replies, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.
I unwrap the package carefully, revealing a book I remember him mentioning during one of our conversations—a novel about a daring explorer who braves the wilderness to find herself. My heart warms at the thoughtful gesture. He remembered.
"I can't believe you got this for me," I say, my voice tinged with genuine surprise and gratitude.
He shrugs modestly but can't hide his pleased expression. "I thought you might enjoy it."
I run my fingers over the cover, feeling an unexpected surge of emotion. "Thank you, Jarvin. This means a lot."
We lapse into comfortable silence for a moment, both absorbing the significance of this small yet meaningful gesture. His thoughtfulness touches me deeply, and I can feel a deeper bond forming between us.
As we start eating, I find myself sharing more personal stories—things I haven't talked about in years. "You know," I begin, tracing patterns on the book cover absentmindedly, "I always wanted to go on an adventure like the one in this book. Something to shake up my life."
Jarvin's gaze is steady and encouraging. "Maybe you just need the right partner in crime," he suggests playfully but with an undertone of sincerity.
I laugh softly, feeling lighter than I have in a long time. "Maybe," I admit, looking at him with new eyes.
Lunch ends all too quickly, and as we part ways back at the office, I clutch the book tightly to my chest. It's more than just a gift; it's a symbol of our growing connection—one that I'm no longer sure I want to resist.
I watch Jarvin as he walks back to his office, his confident stride and easy smile making my heart flutter in a way I hadn't anticipated. Our lunches have become a cherished part of my day, a time where the rigid lines between boss and employee blur into something warmer, more personal. He’s not just the CEO anymore; he's Jarvin—the orc who remembers small details about my life, who listens with genuine interest, and who makes me laugh when I need it most.
One afternoon, we find ourselves laughing over a shared joke about our respective childhood misadventures. His deep, resonant laugh is infectious, and I can't help but join in, feeling lighter than I have in weeks.
"You really tried to ride a sheep?" I tease, wiping tears of laughter from my eyes.
Jarvin grins, a boyish charm lighting up his face. "Hey, I was six and thought it was a good idea at the time."
Our laughter fades into comfortable silence as we finish our meal. When we part ways back at the office, I find myself lingering in the moment, replaying our conversation and his easy laughter. Returning to my desk feels almost mundane after the warmth of our lunch together.
As I settle back into my work, my mind keeps drifting. Jarvin’s dedication to his work is something I've come to deeply admire. He's not just passionate about what he does; he genuinely cares about his team and their well-being. Watching him navigate the complexities of his role with such grace and determination is inspiring.
He's always there for his team, offering support and guidance without ever making anyone feel lesser. It's a quality that makes me respect him even more. Despite the power dynamics at play, he never uses his position to intimidate or belittle; instead, he elevates those around him.
I catch myself glancing towards his office more often than I'd like to admit. The memory of his thoughtful gestures—the book he gave me, the coffee he leaves on my desk—lingers in my mind, warming me from within.
It's odd how rapidly our relationship has evolved. He's no longer just the stranger I met at the airport, or the daunting CEO I was set on maintaining my distance from. He's turned into a friend, a confidant... and perhaps something beyond that. The idea excites me, though I'm not prepared to delve into it deeply just yet.
At the moment, I'm happy to let things develop at their own pace, relishing our lunches and the strengthening bond we share.
Today, as we finish our lunch, I feel a lightness in my chest that I haven’t experienced in ages. Jarvin’s laughter still echoes in my ears, and his warm smile lingers in my mind. The conversation had been easy, filled with shared jokes and genuine interest. It’s a stark contrast to the guarded interactions we had when I first started at Thraknar Financial Group.
Walking back to the office, I find myself glancing at him, realizing he's someone who’s become an integral part of my day. His presence has brought a new sense of excitement and comfort into my life—something I hadn’t realized I was missing until now. Each day with him feels like an adventure, one that I'm not ready to let go of.
Inside the office building, I watch Jarvin as he holds the door open for me, his eyes twinkling with a hint of mischief. “Ladies first,” he says with a playful bow.
I roll my eyes but can't suppress a smile. “I guess chivalry isn’t dead after all,” I tease back, stepping through the door. As I pass him, I catch a whiff of his cologne—something earthy and intoxicating that makes my heart skip a beat.
His laughter is rich and genuine, and it sends a warm flutter through my heart. As we step into the elevator, the memory of our kiss resurfaces, making my cheeks flush slightly. But this time, instead of feeling conflicted or nervous, I feel... content.
At that moment, I realize just how much Jarvin means to me. He’s not just my boss; he’s someone who genuinely cares about me. It’s evident in the small gestures—the thoughtful book he gave me, the way he listens intently when I speak, and the sincere compliments that never feel forced or superficial.