Chapter 8

"It's fine; come along Saya. I will drive you back to your place after. It's just dinner. Also, if you come, that would be a way of thanking me." He said as he ignored her astonishment and continued toward his car.

"Mr. Burton…I really don't think it's a good idea. Won't we give them the wrong impression."

"Saya you're overthinking again. You should really get rid of that habit."

"But..." she began speaking but he hurriedly replied leaving her no resolve.

"This is no different than you giving the wrong impression to my employees by coming here after everyone has left; waiting until I get off work to invite me to dinner for not keeping your promise," he stopped unexpectedly, turning to look back at her.

Her softness collided with his muscular chest, and her familiar scent enveloped him. It intoxicated him, creating a deep urge to tilt her chin toward him and kiss her passionately.

Without stepping back, Trevor looked down at her, and she, in turn, looked up at him as she spoke. The proximity between them created an unspoken tension, a palpable energy that hung in the air.

"I'm sorry. I didn't think you would stop so suddenly."

There was no immediate response. As Saya's eyes locked onto his, it felt as if sparks were igniting between them. They held each other's gaze, a silent exchange unfolding, only broken when the garage door made an opening noise after three seconds that felt like an eternity. Hastily, they averted their eyes as the sound signified the approach of the security guard doing his night rounds.

"Mr. Burton, are you heading home now Sir?" The security guard asked, oblivious to the warm atmosphere enveloping Trevor and Saya.

"Uh, yeah," Trevor replied, resuming his stride toward the door. The unspoken tension lingered, the air still charged with the fleeting connection they had shared.

"Good evening, miss," the guard greeted Saya when he noticed her.

"Hi... Hello..." Her soft voice was almost a whisper.

"Come on, miss," Trevor called out to her when he reached the door, seeing she was still standing in the same spot.

The walk to his car was a quiet one, both deep in their own thoughts. Each wondered what would have happened if the guard had not interrupted. Trevor's heart pounded, and he secretly prayed Saya couldn't hear it. Little did he know that she, too, hoped he wouldn't notice the quick rising and falling of her chest. After driving for a few minutes, the silence became unbearable. Trevor decided to break it.

"How did you know that I was the one who sent the fruit and candy basket?"

"No one knows my favorite foods. Only my two, and trust me, they're not that generous even on their happy days."

"Haha, Oh, I see. Guess I got caught," Trevor chuckled.

"Thank you, Mr. Burton. It's been over a year, and you are still caring for me."

"Don't worry. Unlike someone, I know... I keep my promises. I am simply doing this until you get a good-paying job and can treat me to expensive meals." Trevor's words carried a lightness, a teasing tone that hinted at a deeper connection between them.

"You're a good cook. There is no way you need me to treat you. Let's not forget you are making a lot more money than I ever will."

Trevor smiled as he listened to her. The awkwardness had disappeared, and the two were now chatting heartily like old friends.

"I'm curious. Where were you taking me for dinner?"

"Ah, I found this really good hole in the wall a few weeks ago, and I wanted to try it."

"So, you wanted to try it with me?" Trevor asked.

"Uhm. I saw it and thought you would like this place. I wanted to ask you the day I met you at the café, but I did not have the courage to ask," Saya replied honestly.

"How about I accompany you when we're both free?" He glanced at the passenger seat and saw her smile happily. The air was filled with a newfound warmth, a connection that transcended the mundane aspects of their lives.

Really?" She seemed thrilled he had agreed.

"Yeah..."

"I guess she really wants to take me there," he thought.

"Mr. Burton, are you seeing someone now?"

"That's an unusual question. Are you interested?"

There was a pause before Saya answered.

"Well, while I was waiting for you, there were many attractive women who walked by. I couldn't help wondering which one would interest you."

"Are you worried about my love life, Saya?"

"I'm not worried. You're a good guy, and you're also very handsome. Women like that."

"What about you?" He said it so quietly, Saya had no idea he had spoken.

Realizing what he said, Trevor quickly covered it up.

"Then why are you curious about it? Unless you truly fell for me..."

"I was only..."

"You always seem happy when you see me. Remember, we hardly see each other. You ask inquisitive questions and have always wondered about my love life when we were together at the mansion. You get flushed when your eyes meet mine. You came all this way to invite me to the hole-in-the-wall you saw and thought I would enjoy. Tell me, Saya, do you think it's only out of curiosity? Do I fascinate you this much? Ah, maybe you did fall for me. What exactly are you doing with me at this moment? Am I a test subject for your thesis?"

He teased her. She remained quiet, but Trevor was not oblivious to her embarrassed face. He wanted her to understand him, to be curious about him, but he also wanted his secret to remain hidden. He had been jealous when he heard her call that guy's name the other night. Yet, that was not something he could tell her. Even though she came all this way and he was tired, he was happy to be with her.

"We're here!"

He spoke softly, yet still, his voice echoed inside the quiet car.