I cleaned the sweat on my forehead and looked at the masterpiece I have created.

Smiling to myself.

Great work Ezra! You are the best cook in the world! I am telling you.

Patting my back in acknowledgement,I cover it and remove my apron. Going towards the sink and washing my hands.

Looking up I see it was 6:10 already and I try hurrying up. I still have to prepare tomorrow's lecture for the kids.

My thoughts are interrupted when I hear heavy footsteps approaching. Thinking it to be Ben or Neil,I ignore it till I hear his voice.

"What do you mean she left on a leave? It's her fucki** job! Call her back from her vacation!"

He sounded angry and I didn't dared to look back and see him. His voice was coming closer and I feel that tingles to erupt in my belly.

"Whatsoever may the reason be Evan. These are just excuses. I don't pay you guys to leave your work and go on vacations. Tell her to report back or she is fired."

Fired? He was firing an employee just because she is on a leave. To harsh I would say,maybe it was urgent.

He is just like those rude angry arrogant bosses then?

Staring at my hands under the tap water,I see them to be already clean and my fingers were pruney now.

I was pretending so I don't have to meet him.

To just buy some time for him to ignore me, do his business in the kitchen and leave.

However,only when I heard his voice just behind me did I freeze. He was too close,what is he doing?

"Yes and mail me the NK enterprises contract.See that the new clause has been altered."

I see him opening the cupboard above my head and I understood. The glasses..they are kept here.

He was trying to get a glass.

But he was too close,damn his arm was just next to my cheek and I can feel his body heat behind me. Freeze... don't move. Just freeze!

I don't want a cliche movie scene to happen ,where I turn around and our nose almost touches. Our eyes link and we fall in love.

What bullshit! It only happen in movies.

My eyes were lowered while his presence remains. Just hurry up! Why is he taking so much time!

"Yes. The second one regarding clausula rebus sic stantibus. See that the circumstances have been mentioned "

I see the glasses lined up in the further corner and he presses himself more closer,to finally reach it. I heave a sigh of relief as his fingers touch the glass and he lowers his hand.

Few seconds more. Just hold on.

But when I thought he will move back,I felt his breath near my ear and I freeze.

"The water is running .Stop wasting it."

His tone, I couldn't understand if he was serious or mocking me. Did he cared about the water bill? Is it why he is saying that to me or maybe he cared about water conservation?

I look down to see I was holding the shelf and my hands were no longer under the tap. Too anxious to say anything,I hurriedly moved it's knob to only see it stuck and the water flow increased instead.

Not now! Not now!

The knob has to be checked. Earlier also it got stuck and mom called the plumber but he was not here yet.

Oh man! This was so embarrassing. The water flow was too much , splashing on my face and clothes as I tried everything.

"Sorry....I...this tap...it gets stuck!...I ...."

I was pulling on the knob, trying to stop it with all that I could do. Stupid knob! Why does it has to be stuck now! Wasn't it very expensive? Expensive things are no good than others!

My arms and clothes were all wet ,but I didn't cared. When suddenly the knob I was trying so hard to lock.

Broke.

Like literally and I stared at in my hands. Lost not knowing what to do. I heard a groan from behind me and I clench on the knob tightly.

He was really irritated with me I guess. Not my fault. It is this stupid knobs fault! Can I throw it out of this damn window in front of me.

I tried again failing ,to almost leave the knob when I felt a hand clasp mine.

My heart starts thudding in my chest. His hand...it was on me holding it tightly. His fingers touching mine.

"Leave it"

Came his sexy voice ,just near my ear and I look at my side shocked. His face was just next to me,our cheeks almost touching.

With eyes narrowed at the knob and eyebrows arched to perfection. My heart was ready to come out of my chest.

Damn man! He looked more beautiful from close.

"Ezra"

He says,with a little irritation lined in his voice. And that's when he turns to look at me and our nose almost touch.

Shit! Shit! Shit!

To close! Warning! Step back!

But I was lost. To numb to do or say anything. My eyes get lost in his grey onyx as I see the sunset reflect in them.

"Huh?"

I blankly say, to only have his eyes narrow at me. He is angry again...at what? At you stupid.

"Leave the knob"

And I leave, everything. The knob ,his hand , my senses. Everything.

He looks in front ,not at all fazed like I was. Taking the knob from my hand he places it back and dies something.

My heart is audible to my ears. Thud...thud...thud....

His front...it's pressed to my back. We are touching. His arm is touching my shoulder. But he isn't affected by it.

Least bothered by it.

The water stops suddenly and I looked in front, surprised. How did he do it? My mouth opening in shock staring at it.

Moving back from me, he sighs and steps back.

"Get the plumber to fix it. It is just temporary."

He says and I merely nod like an obedient kid. Picking up the glass and pouring milk into it,he leaves without another work.

While I stare at the tap.

Few drops still falling out of it.

Stupid! Stupid! Stupid!

What the hell just happened here!

....................................................

"It's so good to have you here with us ,Son"

Said Mr Reed and Aaron smiles at him. He rarely smile but it is is sight worth seeing,trust me.

Ben nudges Neil and he clears his throat. He looks at me and I nod at him, giving him a thumbs up.

"Mom,dad..brother. Actually I want to introduce you to someone."

He says and Mrs Reed looks at him with a raised eyebrow, pouring herself the Lasagna I have made.

"Go on son. We are listening."

Neil taps on his phone in anxiousness and that's when we hear the sound of heels clicking on the Italian floor

Stel enters with her elegant and confident steps,and I see everyone turning around to look at her. Her anxious eyes stop at Neil and he gives her a small smile.

"Good evening Mr and Mrs Reed. It's a pleasure meeting you."

Mrs Reed looks at me instead mouthing 'is she the one?' and I nod at her. A big smile comes on her lips and she gets up to meet her.

They hug each other the elegant way, the one where they touch their cheeks on either side and give a side hug.

The talks progress and as expected, Stel was able to impress them. They were laughing and everyone seemed to enjoy her company.

Just like expected.

When suddenly Aaron who looked least interested in the conversation ,busy taking 4th servings of Lasagna speaks up.

His question making everyone to sober up.

"So Stella , in which studio are you working for presently?"

Stel wringles her hands in nervousness. Aaron can be really intimidating when he has to, me being the most experienced in facing it.

"RN Studios. I have been working with them since last 2 years and they are best in the industry."

He merely nods. Placing down his fork. Balancing his elbows on the table and folding his hands.

His eyes fixed on her,only her.

"And what are your thoughts about marriage?"

Ben bites on his tongue and Neil looks at Aaron in disbelief.

"But brother we...."

Aaron shows Neil his hand and Neil shuts up and leans back in his seat in silence.

"I am still talking. Don't interrupt. "

Mr and Mrs Reed share a look and I just stare at Aaron's face. Beautiful yet stoic face.

"Marriage? I never thought about it much..I was always focused on my work.....but then I met Neil and..."

Stel and Neil share a look and I knew this was going the right way, Aaron wanted a commited and loyal relationship between these two. And he was just making sure Stel is as serious about Neil as Neil is.

"And?"

He asks her to continue and Stel nervously and shyly replies.

"And I realised he is the one I want to spend my life with. I...have talked to my parents already and they have met Neil as well...I want to get married to him if he accepts me. "

"Neil."

Aaron says to only realize Neil was already up from his seat. Approaching Stel,he offered her his hand.

"I love her brother. I love you with my everything."

And that's when Aaron looks at Mr and Mrs Reed who nod at him. Asking him to give the good news instead.

Aaron smiles at Stel for the first time since the beginning of their conversation,his next words making screams to erupt in the dining hall .

"Welcome to family Stel. "

Stel looks at Neil and he lands his lips on her while Mr and Mrs Reed hug each other in happiness and Ben jumps from his seat in excitement.

Aaron remains seated leaning back on his seat , seeing the smiling faces of his family. While I stare at him , intrigued by him more than before.

He really cares alot for the ones he love.

His eyes met mine and the smile on my lips vanish, looking down at my plate I start stabbing my food.

Everyone again gets seated after congratulating each other. With Neil sitting next to Stel, their hands held together.

"That's the best news of the year my Son. I am so proud of you. Stel looks like my perfect daughter in law."

Mrs Reed says , smiling at her.

"However your marriage has to wait a bit. Aaron being the eldest should be married first. And then if possible we will hold your marriage together!"

Aaron's face hardens and he keeps down the fork. While Neil and Ben beam in happiness.

"Of course Mom ,Stel and me are not in a hurry to get married anyways. However I think we should be thinking of bro's marriage now. "

"Bro! Why don't you tell mom and dad about-"

Aaron narrows his eyes at Ben interrupting him and daring him to continue.

"Not now Ben. Eat your food."

However Mr Reed took interest in the conversation.

"Do you have someone in mind Son?"

"No Dad. I am not thinking about it right now . I am quite busy in my work these days."

Mr Reed nods in understand, Mrs Reed wanted to ask more but Mr Reed stops her.

"Let him take his time. The work load is tremendous. He needs time to adjust."

And Mrs Reed agrees to him reluctantly.

I thought he was serious about Adriana, well this was new.

Why do I feel this content and happiness in my chest? Is there hope?

Stop it Ezra! Do not expect. Don't you understand it once!

"How are you adjusting Son, any problems?"

And Aaron sighs ,irritation evident on his face.

"Everything was doing great dad untill that useless secretary of mine decided to go for a vacation without prior notice . I am struggling with the schedules, with the meetings...everything is a mess right now."

Everyone silently eats.

"I know how it feels. Why don't you appoint a new one? "

"I have been trying dad. But it seems no one matches my requirements. I never thought finding a secretary will be this difficult."

Mrs Reed looks at me, taking the last bite of Lasagna.

"I can tell from the very aroma Ezra ,that you have made it. Trust me my child, no one makes it better than you."

I smile shyly at her.Feeling someone's heated stare on me.

Aaron's

He didn't realise this till now. But I can already see he has eaten more than half of the dish himself.

He liked it.

"I remember it used to be Aaron's favorite when you all were young. So thoughtful of you to make it on his arrival today."

The stare remains and I was feeling too nervous to even look up. I hear Mr Reed chuckle and my cheeks were burning.

"Trust me Rose. He still loves it. It is the only dish he had from the entire cuisine laid on the table."

I look up finally to see he was already staring at me. His grip on the fork tight and his expression was unreadable as usual.

" Ezra my child how is school going? I thought the summer break has started?"

"No Mrs Reed..."

"Call me Rose Ezra."

"It's been years trying to convince this girl but she still calls me Mrs Reed"

"I...I am sorry Mrs..Re......Rose "

She was sitting beside me,giving me a side hug she kisses my cheek and smiles at me.

"Don't be sorry Ezra. You are my favorite, don't you know it?"

I nod smiling back at her.

"The school is great Rose. I love the kids,they are so much fun to be with. The summer break...no it's starting from day after tomorrow. "

"But Ezra my child I really fail to understand why you work as a teacher when you have graduated from one of the best college in the country and hold a masters in business. " Mr Reed says to only be screamed at by Rose

"She loves doing her work Drake! Why do you compel her? Don't question her."

"But Rose-"

"Let her do what she likes. Her happiness matters most to me."

There was silence was few minutes when suddenly Mr Reed looks at me and then at Aaron. He has something in his mind,I can tell.

"You are on a break Ezra,right"

I nod at him gulping my food when he smiles at me.

"Great! Problem solved! Aaron needs a secretary for a month, you hold a masters in finance, and you are free.Why don't you both work together?"

I choke on my food, not expecting this. Everyone rushes to give me water, except one person

Aaron.

If looks could kill I will be 6 feet deep. He just stares as I struggle to get my breath back.

"I am fine! I am fine!"

I say, trying to calm them. Gulping the water with tears in my eyes.

Once sober, I look back at Mr Reed who was waiting for our answer.

"Son? What do you think?"

He stares and doesn't say anything. I thought he will scream in denial ,but he sits there silently. Neither agreeing nor denying.

What is he even thinking and taking this into consideration? How can I work for/ with him? It's impossible!

"I..I am just an ameture Mr Reed. I don't have much experience and I...."

"But you are intelligent, first in class, responsible, diligent, trustworthy. What else does one want in a secretary? Plus you will get work experience."

"It's great! Ezra you were always interested in helping Dad and working with him. Brother will teach you the basics and maybe one day you actually help dad! "

Neil said excitedly and I wanted to take my 16 year olds words back. Yes,Neil was right. I took mba so that I could help mr Reed in his business,but my training in a firm changed everything.

I realised it was too much for me.

"Oh really ? It's great then! You both can start working from day after tomorrow. What say Aaron?"

Aaron gets up with a sigh and I lower my head. He will reject...I know it...why will he accept me?

"I am done. Goodnight everyone."

He says leaving. When Mr Reed's words made his footsteps to stop.

"What's the meaning of this son? Atleast tell your decision."

He looks at me over his shoulder,eyes hardened and jaw clenched. And the words he spoke made the fork to drop from my hand and my heart to sink.

"My office , 8 am sharp tomorrow."

"You will be interviewed first "

This can't be happening! Interview? He will be taking my interview?For what? His secretary.

I am dead!

Save me please!