The Red Dress

Percy POV

I stared at the large file on the desktop. As I scrolled through the pages, my mind rolled at all the red comments, suggestions, and edits. Zoe had returned my novel full of edits this morning.

Given the number of edits bleeding my book, I was surprised that they liked it. However, this is normal in the editing process. Zoe explained that as an editor, it's her job to fill the book with comments and edits. In reality, the Hunters loved my book.

Now, as I worked on the revisions, I could help but lull in exhaustion. It was after work, but I stayed behind to use the large desktop.

Athena Chase had already left the office. Most of the employees were also gone. I was lost in my work to notice anyone else.

I yawned while fixing another sentence in the fourth chapter. This was my fifth round of editing, and I was surprised that the book still had work to do. However, I wanted the book to be amazing when it finally gets published.

"Percy, it's late. What are you still doing here?" Annabeth asked.

"I could be asking you the same thing, Ms. Chase," I said without turning around. I fixed another punctuation error.

"Oh, is this your book?"

"Yeah. It's easier to read and edit the book on a large desktop. My laptop is pretty old, so this is just easier," I replied absent-mindedly.

"Bob?" she acknowledged.

Suddenly, I realized what was happening. She was silently reading my book from behind me. I quickly turned the desktop and gazed up at Annabeth. She was smiling while her gaze lingered on my computer screen.

Annabeth looked tired but still pretty. She was massaging her shoulder gently while trying to read more of my book. However, I was blocking the screen now.

"You're not supposed to read the book. It's not done," I exclaimed.

"Come on, Seaweed Brain. I'm curious, and it was right there. I couldn't help myself from taking a peak."

"Have you ever heard the phrase: curiosity killed the cat?"

"You're going to kill me now?" Annabeth chuckled. I sighed while turning back to my computer. I saved my progress on a drive before logging out. Annabeth's laughter died while she continued to rub her left shoulder.

"How are you feeling, boss? Is everything okay?" I asked with concern.

"Of course. Everything's great."

My eyes narrowed on her tired face. Annabeth was a very good liar, but I was very good at reading people. Something was bothering her for sure.

"Tip #8: you shouldn't lie to the employees who care about you. It's okay to be vulnerable, especially about your health and mood," I expressed firmly.

Annabeth rolled her eyes before walking back into her office. I followed quickly before the door could lock behind her.

She was already sitting in her leather chair, and her eyes were scanning the documents on her desk. She was busy working on the Amazonion project recently. There was a lot of pressure from the Olympus Magnate to get the renovations started. They were planning to reconstruct headquarters for many Olympus businesses.

I don't know what came over me.

I walked around Annabeth's desk and gently pressed my palms against her shoulders. She froze in confusion as I started to massage her back. Heat emanated from her body as my hands worked against her shoulders.

"Oh my god," Annabeth groaned without control.

"You're working yourself way too hard, boss. You're not even using the breaks that I schedule into your day."

"There's a lot of pressure from the CEOs of various Olympus companies to get the project started. Zeus and my mother aren't known to be patient," Annabeth explained. Her eyes closed as she leaned her head back.

I smiled while gazing into her face from behind her. My hands continued to massage her neck and shoulders gently.

This probably isn't appropriate, but neither of us is complaining.

"You're surprisingly a good masseuse. Where do you learn all these skills? You're a plumber, a coffee-maker, an author, and now a masseuse."

"I try to give people what they want," I answered.

"What do you want?" Annabeth asked warmly. Her gray opened and locked onto my sea-green ones. She twisted in her seat to face me, which stopped my massage.

I sighed while trailing a loose strand of her blonde hair. I gently tucked it behind her ear while gazing into her eyes.

What do I want?

I don't know. No one's ever seriously asked me that question. It was always me giving other people some relief. I try to make people feel better. That's what I do. THat's what I always did. That's how I was raised.

Yet, she was asking me what I want.

As I gazed into Annabeth's face, something clicked. I want...

I shook my head quickly to evaporate the thoughts from my head. Wanting Annabeth Chase is not an option. That was so wrong on so many levels.

Annabeth stood up suddenly. My hand was still resting against her neck. My fingers were curling around her silky, golden hair. Her eyes twinkled as she watched me. She was waiting for something. Searching for something.

I couldn't tell what she was thinking.

I cleared my throat just as Annabeth pulled away. We simultaneously put distance between us. We both seemed to realize what was happening at the same time.

"Um, how about you take a break?" I asked"Take the night off, Annabeth. You deserve a relaxed evening."

"Right. I suppose I agree," she answered calmly.

I awkwardly walked back around the desk. The air around us became thick and tense. We're not stupid.

Well, I'm a little stupid but not about social things.

A moment had developed between us, but it didn't go anywhere. Something could've happened, and it would've led to disaster.

I left the building soon after. It was torturous to be in the awkward room with Annabeth after the realization that I had about her.

Rather than going home, I simply drove around the city. I usually do this when I need to clear my mind. I either travel around the streets or I go swimming. Since it was nighttime, I was driving around today.

Tyson's health was the same. My family was still under a huge financial constraint. The medical bills would only grow in the upcoming months.

Annabeth is my boss, I reminded myself. I need this job. I couldn't risk losing this job over a stupid decision, especially since I rejected the offer from Dare Industries. I decided to not work for Rachel. I didn't need all the drama.

I don't need any new drama with Annabeth Chase either.

As such, for my family's sake, I have to keep a level head. I have to be careful. I can't fall for my boss.

However, a part of me knew that it was already too late.

***

"PERCY, YOU LOOK SO HANDSOME" the little girl squealed. She ran towards my legs, and I scooped her into my arms.

"Thanks, Stella Bella. You look beautiful as well."

Estelle squirmed and giggled in my arms as I tickled her stomach. I watched her happy self with joy. My baby sister could lighten anyone's day. Finally, I let Estelle down, and she ran out of my room. She was screaming for Tyson and Hestia to come to look at me.

I did look handsome today, but I don't look like my usual self. I was dressed in my new navy suit and a sea-green tie that matched my eyes. My hair was combed with some gel.

I'm nervous about the business formal scheduled for later today.

It would be my first time seeing the entirety of the Olympus Magnate. Furthermore, it would be my first time seeing my father in years. I don't necessarily want to see him, but I don't have a choice.

"Wow. Estelle wasn't lying. You look good, Percy," Tyson said. His voice was tired, but the smile on his face was real. He was just finishing a chemo cycle.

"Thanks, Tyson. How are you feeling?"

"Much better. I'm happy that this month's chemo cycle is over. I can't wait to relax for a few days."

"I know that this is a lot, Tyson, especially for a kid like yourself. If you ever need anything, you can ask your older brother and Hestia as well."

Tyson smiled while answering with an 'I know.' Hestia walked into my bedroom with Estelle in her arms. My aunt was taking pictures of me.

"You should dress like this more often," Hestia exclaimed. "You look so sharp."

"I better look sharp. This suit cost a fortune," I replied sassily.

Suddenly, I received a notification. I rushed towards my phone at the message. Annabeth had ordered a limo to pick us up at Olympus Architecture.

I didn't want to ride with Annabeth and Athena, but I don't have any other option. On the bright side, I wouldn't be the only other person in the car. Athena was bringing two of her employees to the formal as well.

"Oh, the limo is on its way. I have to get going, guys."

"It's so unfair that you get to ride a limo,' Tyson snapped. He was being playful, of course. Estele excitedly agreed with her second brother.

"Maybe, I can take you guys sometime," I whispered.

I kissed Estelle on the forehead before embracing Tyson. I told them to relax and have fun tonight before leaving my apartment. The drive to Olympus Architecture was shorter in the evenings due to less traffic. I arrived within 15 minutes.

Athena Chase was already waiting in the lobby. She was sitting on the couch in the waiting area. The building was empty besides us, her two assistants, and some security.

"Hello, Ms. Chase," I greeted politely.

"It took you long enough," Athena answered with a cold glare. Yup, Athena doesn't like me much. I don't even know why because I always try my best at work. She couldn't hate me just because I gave her coffee that she doesn't like.

Besides, I don't care whether she likes me coffee or not. The only opinion that mattered is Annabeth's.

I bit back a sarcastic comment while looking around for Annabeth.

"My daughter is fixing her hair in the restroom. As soon as she's done, we will be leaving for the business formal. Please escort her to the limo," Athena instructed. Then, Athena and her two assistants walked to the main doors. A limo was waiting outside. They got into the limo, which left me to wait for my boss alone.

"Hello, Percy. I'm ready to go," Annabeth called from behind me.

I turned around, and my jaw dropped.

Annabeth looked absoltuely gorgeous. I never thought that she could get more pretty than she already was. She was wearing a floor-length red dress. The dress hugged her physique as she walked towards me.

Oh. My. God.

"Woah," I breathed in awe.

My eyes shamelessly gazed up and down her body.

Annabeth looked beautiful. Her stormy eyes were sexy. Her hair flowed down her back like a waterfall. Even though she looked physically stunning, my mind raced with memories of her pride, intelligence, and personality.

Every aspect of her exploded in my mind.

"You look amazing," I exclaimed. I couldn't help myself. She blushed slightly while tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"Thank you. You don't look that bad yourself," she commented.

My face burned. "Thanks. Um, right. Your mother is already waiting in the limo. We better get going. I'd rather not get yelled at today."

"Agreed," Annabeth smiled.

I let her walk in front of me, which allowed me to gaze at her some more--ladies first for a reason ;) . I sighed before shaking my head to empty my mind.

Gods, control yourself, Percy. Get a dam grip.