Chapter 3: Lunchtime Scandal: Secrets Unveiled
As I pushed the heavy glass door open, entering the dimly lit bar, the cool, somber air from the establishment washed over me like an inviting balm. The smell of stale beer and liquor permeated the surroundings, leaving an indelible mark on my senses as I moved towards the barstools.
The wooden seats creaked softly under my weight as I sat down, surveying the space. Hearse, the bartender, was standing tall behind the counter, his defined muscles rippling under his snug, black t-shirt.
His eyes locked onto mine the instant I walked in, and he offered me a charming smile that sent a jolt of electricity straight through my core.
“Sophie, it’s good to see you again. What kind of trouble are you into today?” He asked, his voice dripping with playful sarcasm, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.
“Troy and I argued again the other night. I’m starting to believe there is no hope for us anymore. But, how have you been?” I sighed heavily in response.
"That's rough, Sophie," he said, his tone earnest and understanding. "Things are going well at home. My girlfriend still works a lot, but she’s really starting to open up during our dinner date nights.”
Hearse turns to the rows of liquor bottles behind the bar, scanning the ample selection before settling on an expensive aged whiskey. He poured a generous amount into my crystal tumbler and slid it towards me, as he lifted his own glass to join me in a toast saying,
“Listen, you deserve to be happy, after all you've been through. Here’s to finding happiness amidst the chaos and uncertainty of life.”
As Hearse spoke, I couldn't help but feel a magnetic pull between us. I found comfort in his warm, sincere smile, somehow feeling connected to him through our shared experiences.
Our eyes met, and we exchanged an intimate smile before swallowing our respective drinks in one smooth motion.
“Damn Sophie!” Hearse exclaimed as he reached over the bar, grabbing my hand. “Troy is a really lucky guy to have someone like you.”
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the bar felt charged, the sensual tension crackling between Hearse and me thickened as the seconds slipped by into minutes.
I clutched my drink tightly, lost in thought as I then leaned in, and whispered, "I wish Troy was as understanding as you are." Hearse's deep brown eyes sparkled with a hint of gratitude at my words.
His thoughtful gaze lingers on mine for a moment as the room seems to move ever so slightly around us, cocooning us in an invisible bubble.
I fought back a gasp, my resolve shattered like glass as I met his gaze.
"I should probably get back to work,” I declared, as I downed the last bit of my drink.
Hearse nods, hesitating slightly. Before I can walk away, he moves closer, desire now coursing through my veins like wildfire,
“I really mean it, Sophie, Troy is fortunate to have you.” Hearse continued, ensuring I grasped the sincerity of his parting words.
I couldn't help but let a small smile dance across my lips, appreciative of the kindness and empathy he had shown towards me.
Now ready to leave the bar, I took one last look at Hearse before stepping out into the crisp, afternoon air.
At a bustling lunch spot across town, Troy and Tess convened to delve into crucial company events on the horizon.
The humdrum atmosphere gradually transformed into an electric charge as Tess employed her charisma to infiltrate the more forbidden territory of business and personal affairs.
“So, Troy, I think you know how important it'll be for our company to make a good impression at the gala,” Tess began sweetly, her honeyed words swathed in the aroma of her lightly seasoned chicken wrap.
"Yes, of course," Troy replied, snapping his attention back to Tess. He knew how crucial a successful event could be for the future of their business.
But Tess seemed to have another agenda on her mind. Leaning in slightly, her eyes sparkling with mischief, she flashed him a coy smile.
"I was hoping that I could be your plus one at the event."
Every word she spoke seemed dipped in suggestive innuendo. She tilted her head, a playful smile unfurling on her lips, "Wouldn't you like to make a statement at this season's gala? Think about it, darling—a show of partnership, intimacy, and commitment. It's not just about appearances... It's about making a point."
She moved her chair even closer. Her leg brushed against Troy's, sending a jolt straight through his core.
"I've been thinking about what happened the other day — the package that was delivered at the office. If we attend together, people might gossip. If I attend with Sophie, it could dispel any rumors of office impropriety. Why don’t you come to the gala and bring a date, Tess.”
Troy said with as serious a tone as he can muster under the tense circumstances.
Tess lets out a devilish laugh, “No worries, darling. I’ve got just the man to make the gossips’ tongues wag! A real hottie—all the ladies at the office will be green with envy. Well, except maybe Sophie.”
Taken aback by Tess's response, Troy stammers, "No, I think it's important that I bring my wife, to make it clear that there's absolutely nothing between us."
Tess raises a perfectly arched eyebrow and smirks. "Suit yourself." Her eyes rake over Troy's body, leaving him uncomfortable. "But I can promise the night will be much more enjoyable if you don't bring her," Tess purrs, oozing confidence and seduction as her hand finds Troy's knee beneath the table.
Troy's heart pounds a wild rhythm while he clears his throat, and gently pushes her hand away.
"Tess, please, we're here to discuss the gala."
Tess withdraws her hand, giggling, while Troy attempts to keep a professional demeanor under the circumstances.
Suddenly, Troy’s phone buzzes with an email.
“I know your location, and I have proof of what you’ve been doing.” Troy reads the message received by an anonymous source, his heart sinking.
The weight of the accusation threatens to suffocate him, his relationship hanging in the balance—a tenuous thread tying him to Sophie and their life together.
Tess’s mocking expression vanishes as she becomes aware of the intensity of Troy’s change in demeanor. Genuine concern replaces the mischievous glint in her eyes. “Troy, what is it?”
He slowly lifts his phone, displaying the damning message for Tess to read. The gravity of its contents settles over her features as she processes the shocking information. Reaching across the table, Tess squeezes Troy’s hand,
“It’s probably just another office prank. Don’t stress yourself, we’re going to sort it out at the gala,” she consoles.
As they finalize arrangements for the gala, Troy can hardly focus on the task at hand.
While Troy struggles to navigate his conflicted feelings, Tess seizes the opportunity to unleash her true motives. She draws her chair closer, maintaining a closeness that is no longer professional.
"I understand you're worried, but I'm positive it's another prank. Don't worry, I'll make sure you have everything you need for a flawless night at the gala," Tess assures him, her touch still warm and supportive.
"We've got this, Troy. Let me worry about the logistics."
The words of encouragement ease his tension, and he nods, grateful for her reassurance. "I appreciate it, Tess."
The pair wraps things up at lunch, with Tess assuming responsibility for the gala preparations. Troy, still wrestling with the anonymous threat, attempts to compartmentalize as he returns to the office. But, the message lingers ominously at the back of his mind.
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