Ophelia's POV

It's been a week, Keira was acting weird whenever we communicate since that night. She seemed like avoiding me and cutting down lunchtime with me.

I was glad I had my way to take out lunch for her. That was a little thing I could do for not let her get starve when she was busy.

I tried to reduce awkwardness between us, so I would make conversation. But, she would be stuttered or averted eye contact with me whenever she replied.

Did I scare her again? I couldn't tell. So, I did my best to leave a space for her instead of bugging her.

Somehow, she made me confused. She seemed resumed to her usual vibe and made fun of me. Of course, I would fire back the joke with her.

Phew! That was all I could express after an awkward situation hide-and-seek conversation time with my crush. Making her ghost me was the last thing I wanted.

I would put a tiny hope she liked girls too since she accepted and watched women's love stories and she never say anything whenever I mentioned my favorite Bechloe ship.

What if she was just a lady who openly accepted same-gender relationships? If that was the case, I didn't think it was a chance.

Well, it was fate to pull us to meet again. So, I should have put faith in it, right?

Honestly, I tried my best to subtle myself not to scare her, but I hated that I had gone a little too far. Pathetic.

How could I behave whenever I saw my favorite lady would react when I teased her? I knew I shouldn't have, but I was just too stupid to do that. She teased me either.

I was rewinding that night when we were sharing an intense nearly second-time lips meeting that never even happen. Yet.

I think I might carry it away if she never pins my hands. What if she never does that? Would that second-time lips meeting gonna happen?

I would never forget the way her gray eyes gazed at mine like a cupid shooting an arrow in my heart. Damn, that lips of hers, so alluring.

Hold on, I should have stop fantasy about her like a creep. Should I tell her the truth? I was still afraid to deal with her reaction after I told her.

Yes, I was such a coward.

******

"Dad, you gotta be kidding me!" I laughed at the black old school car in front the porch of our house. I was never good at cars but I could tell it was an expensive car.

"Well, you're Ophelia Wilson as PA of your Keira," dad stated with a chuckle.

"That doesn't make sense, dad!" I laughed louder and pointed out, "I don't think my paycheck is affordable to invest in this car."

"Well, it could be a gift from first-generation, sweetheart," dad reasoned with a light shrug.

No doubt take this classic car to work. Who knows I could send Keira home as my sweet return.

I walked toward the car and happily joined my dad as I reached my hand to the handle of the car door and grinned, "Thanks dad. I love you."

Dad only smiled at me in return as I quickly opened the car door, but my jaw dropped as I looked at my dad in disbelief, "Seriously, dad? I don't think anyone drives a stick nowadays, and you know I never into a stick."

"Language, sweetheart," my dad frowned and shook his head in disapproval.

"I'm sorry, dad. It is a bad joke," I quickly apologized and pursed my lips at dad as his face softened and chuckled, "Well, this is a charm for women to drive manual cars. Take this as an advantage, sweetheart. Who knows your Keira will fall into you after she watches you drive this."

"No way, dad! Here is New York City. I can't afford to let my legs cramp," I exclaimed.

"Started driving from home earlier and make a good practice. You have to be a great role for your employees in the future," dad grinned.

"Can you change to auto, please?" I pleaded and shot my puppy eyes at him.

Dad still chuckle as he gently patted my head, "Let's from agree to disagree, sweetheart. Be a big girl and stop being like a child."

I was still unhappy with the decision, I remained my puppy eyes on him and put a tiny hope that he would change his mind, but he dropped it instead, "Let's video call to mom."

"Fine," I sighed in defeat as dad smiled as he wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and walked us into our house again.

I didn't drive a stick for years after I got my driving license. Who would torture their poor legs if they can drive auto? I think only car racers would prefer a stick since they wanted to control their speed.

I had practiced driving my new car before ready to tour Keira around. I never want to get my car stalled which was so embarrassing. I was glad I finally became better and more than ready for this. Also, I would take this opportunity to test the water with her and try to find out more about her feeling toward me, and I finger crossed that existed.

I eventually reached the basement carpark as I parked my car. I looked at the breakfast from The Newton paper bag as I laughed that we had bought our breakfast twice. Keira was earlier than me to buy the breakfast, but right before she could text me I already bought breakfast for us either. We shared a laugh while looking at each other paper bag food from the same cafe.

We never wanted to waste the food, so we had to eat our extra breakfast for our lunch. Keira kept saying I didn't have to buy breakfast for her because she felt bad. But, she never knew I enjoyed doing this for her very much.

"Good day, Miss Harrison," I greeted close to whisper as Keira was startled since her back was facing me and looking at the window which was nothing fascinating like her.

The captivating beauty turned to me as she rolled her eyes at me with a smirk that made her look even more stunning with her side ponytail on her right side, a white blazer with a knee-length black dress beneath, and a pair of black high heels. Her favorite black and white clothing perfectly matched her classy and powerful style.

"Can you at least knock on the door before coming in?" Keira said in her steady and soothing voice as her attractive smirk still linger on her flawless face. I had seen two sides of hers in this place. Right outside of this room, her face will become stern and look intimidating but I found that was hot.

I mirrored her smirk in return, "The most intimidating woman in this hotel would be frightened by me. I assume I'm the scariest in this place."

"Yes, you are. Even though you're likable, your overpowering in this place will intimidate everyone. By right I should have kept a boundary to you," she explained and I wasn't sure if she was half-joking but I didn't really like it.

"We're friends, aren't we?" I asked as I felt a pang of hurt in my chest.

"Yes, we are," Keira's face eventually softened which I always like to see when she tried to comfort me. She walked closer to me as my heartbeat rate was increasing. She stopped a few footsteps away and leave a comfortable space for us to talk.

"Ophelia, you know better than me. I'm always happy to have a friend like you. In this place, I still have to respect you and Mr. Kendrick, and keep the boundary of everyone from you. So, I mean I should have kept boundaries with you in this workplace, not in this room or the time we hang out," Keira gazed at me softly and she seemed like feel bad to hurt me. She chastely held one of my hands and said softly, "I'm sorry about just now. Just remember you'll always have me got your back."

I smiled in return and grasped her hand and said truthfully, "Thank you, Keira. You and dad are the only people I can trust."

Keira nodded her head as she loosened her hand from me but I still hold her hand pretending I was never aware and made conversation to keep her, "You're early today. Most of the time you're here  half an hour before tardy."

"I tried to catch up with your time, and I made it," Keira chuckled and explained, "I'll have a briefing for the sales department. So, I have to be here earlier and get ready."

"Right, I forgot it's Thursday, and would be your occupied day," I trailed off for a while as she patiently waited for my but.

"But, let's out for lunch today," I said, and surprisingly she nodded her head in agreement, "Okay, I will look forward to taking a ride with you."

"So, my big mouth dad told you I drive with a stick," I said flatly as she only flash her attractive grin and gently pulled me closer while she started walking us to the coffee table and said, "It's nothing wrong a dad is proud of sharing his beloved daughter's achievement."

"You're mocking me now, huh?" I asked while she made us sit on the love seat she carefully took the paper bag of food from me and served the food on the table as she smiled, "I'm serious."

"You're not convincing at all," I said dryly as she chuckled and indicated the food which I had bought double for us, "Don't fall asleep."

"I'd rather fall asleep instead of throwing a tantrum in the room when I'm getting hungry," I argued.

"I can't argue with you about that, you're hungry all the time," she teased before taking a sip of her hot Americano.

"Hey," I whined as I could see her striking gray eyes smiling in victory while she was sipping her hot drink.

******

"So, where are we going?" Keira never gave up since I drove more than half an hour away from the busy city. It wouldn't hurt if we were late to work since her meeting would be at 3 pm.

"Well, you'll eventually know where we go. That place is nothing surprising," I shrugged casually as I added, "I'm getting boring stuck in the busy city and it won't be hurt to take our lunch in a quiet place." I shifted the gear as the car's speed accelerate and I leaned my back against the seat and felt proud when I saw Keira keep looking at me in the corner of my eyes.

"So, I assume you're more into manual, huh?" Keira asked as she angled her body to my side and gracefully tidy up the lock of her side ponytail down freely on her right shoulder.

"My dad didn't tell you?" I asked curiously as she only hummed in response as I scoffed, "Honestly, I never enjoy driving a stick. My dad just pull my leg. I have been begging him to change but he insisted." I rolled my eyes and mocked, "He said girls look cool when they drive manual."

"That's such a bullshit," I muttered.

"I agree your dad," I glanced at Keira before I focus on the road and I chuckled, "You're serious? Or you're trying to side your big boss, huh?"

"I'm a peacemaker. I have to keep both of my bosses happy," I could hear Keira teased with a hint of a smile.

"I can tell this peacemaker did a wonderful job," I smiled and asked, "So, what makes you think girls look cool when they drive a stick?"

"If you have watched the Fast and Furious series, you'll find out the girls look so stunning when they drive manual," Keira replied while she was still staring at me. I realize she would always stay her eyes on me whenever she talked with me. That made me feel bad didn't look at her as much as she did when I talked to her sometimes.

I didn't mean it. I just try not to stare at her too much.

"Yea, I heard that. I'm not so into car racing shows. No offense, please," I glanced at her with a smile as she shook her head to reassure me, "None taken. Everyone has their favorite genre."

"Do you think men are attractive in driving manual too?" I asked.

"Hmm. I think that's nothing special from them since most of the men choose manual instead of auto, and they look too common for me. But, a woman is stunning if they can do something that men think is impossible. I admire this kind of woman," Keira explained and I could see her gray eyes gleaming and she looks determined.

"Exactly! This kind of woman is a gem, isn't it!" I said with enthusiasm and quickly raise my hand for a hi-five and she gladly slaps it.

I had been debating for so long to ask her about this since the last time I overnight at her home. I drummed my fingers on the sterling while changing the shift of the car and hummed along with the classic song to ease my tension before I asked.

"So, do you have any feelings when you dated your exes?" I asked and grasped one of my hands on the sterling, bit my lips to calm down, and waited for her answer.

I never like to ask or intrigue anyone's personal life, but my fucking curiosity kills the cat.

"I have dated 3 guys. The shortest was one week and the longest was one month. I thought I won't be hurt to try since the men I had dated were good-looking men. They were nice and very gentlemanly, but I didn't have any spark or the excitement with them," Keira said as she seemed like relax and she exhaled softly and added, "Well, I thought I was wasting their time since I always stick to work instead of having a romantic dinner with them. Our dating time would be to go to a diner with a nice chat, my ex walked me home, and that was it. I only thanked him and he went home."

"Damn, you never invite your ex to your home for a coffee or a sit?" I asked curiously as I laughed uncontrollably.

"I get what you mean, but I never want them to get the wrong message from me," Keira explained.

I nodded my head in agreement, "I agree. But, I don't think all men will get the wrong idea."

I turn to her and shot a smile at her before turning to the windshield, "I like how thoughtful you are. You never invite them to your place since you never ready for anything instead of a chastely kiss or holding hand. I know once the couple shares in a private place, their intimate desire will bloom. I understand you never wanted to make things awkward. So, you decided to keep it in a friendly way."

Right, I could mentally tick off straight sexuality from her. But, I still have a few more criteria of the survey 'Keira Harrison's sexuality' to tick off. A crush or no romantic attractions? If crush can tick off, maybe the last one had to find out myself.

"So, aside from your puppy love dating, do you have anyone you like in your high school or university?" I asked.

"No, I'm busy with my studies," Keira replied.

"You don't have any interest in any boys or girls back in your school time?" I asked and I will stop asking since I almost get the answer from her.

"Hmm, I do admire both genders' charm but I have never had any attraction for them yet," Keira explained as I nodded my head in response and pulled up to the Mcdonald's drive-thru in a gas station which had a park next to it.

"So, we'll have an McD?" Keira asked with a soft chuckle and I was grateful she didn't get uncomfortable with all my ridiculous questions.

"Yup, the food is not the matter, but the place we gonna have our lunch is the matter," I winked at her and asked, "Double cheeseburger?"

"You already know the answer," Keira smirked.

"Who knows you already have something in your mind," I shrugged casually.

"I'm happy with your choice. I trust you," she assured me as I shook my head with a chuckle, "Fine. I think we deserve a Big Mac since we had a long journey to here."

"Perfect," she said softly with a smile.

It was an amazing lunch with the dark hair beauty, but I thought she might think I lose my mind by the evidence nagging at me. She sneezed a few times while I was driving us back to the hotel. Also, she complained she was still cold and I quickly took us to the lounge since that place was cozy and nearest to the carpark.

I made an order for two hot coffee for us and Keira walked briskly to the corner and she might think that was the warmest place for her.

"I have no idea why you enjoy doing this. It was freezing to sit next to the lake and eat," Keira said with a shuddering voice.

"You know what," I said as I slipped into the booth scooted closer to her, and teased, "So, that I can keep you warm." Deep down, I knew it sound stupid but I had no idea what took my gut to tease her. She quickly cover her mouth and nose to sneeze as she tried to scoot away from me, but I shamelessly followed her suit. In the same direction.

"What are you doing?" she asked close to whisper and I could tell she was trying hard to be calmed. I couldn't help but admire her natural shade cheek turned darker.

She was nervous and blushing. Could I take it as positive with the evidence she gets because of my effect on her? Fuck it! I was almost there and I have to find out.

"Are you gay?" I asked softly with a smirk, but I was damn worried she would push me away and ran off to our office. However, she couldn't run since I trapped her in the corner. Let's pray she wouldn't slap me and called me a scary creep.

She seemed like hesitate a while as she averted her eyes from me and replied, "I'm straight."

If she knew she was straight, she would answer me without a second thought, but she couldn't answer me straight and she didn't even look at me when she said it.

The witness of her shyness boost my confidence and I teased, "Yes, Jane." Keira's eyes darted to my face and I gently cupped her face and looked into her eyes, "Stop lying to yourself, Keira. Your feeling is telling you."

Keira's silver eyes dilated and she seemed to like having a self-debate. I had those feelings before, and I knew she was confused. But, she had to walk out of her closet on her own.

"Do you feel something right now?" I asked softly and I was kinda nervous. She remained still but she only responded with a loud swallow and from our close distance could hear her faint slow breathing and the pulse of the crook her neck was faintly pumped.

"Your heartbeat is beating fast," I commented as her alluring lips slacked and made me want to close for her with my own lips.

Keira's breathing hitched in her throat with her eyes close and I just realized I already leaned in closer to her. Was that an invitation for me? I slowly but surely leaned closer and she was startled when our cold noses brushed.

Damn! Are we getting there now? Calm down, Ophelia. You got this.

"You're cute," I said as I tried to ease the tension from us. Hold on, was she really ready for this? Perhaps I should keep that at the best time when she was more than ready for this?

I always thought a first romance kiss sharing cut off by a phone call was cliche in any romance movie, but I never expected this was gonna happen to us.

I wouldn't give a damn anymore, it was a great chance for me to be brave and stop being a coward. Somehow, the heat on me vanished when I felt the stupid phone vibrating inside my handbag which was right next to my hips.

I reluctantly slipped away from the dark-haired beauty as I groaned and quickly dug my hands into my handbag to find my phone like a treasure hunt. I hate that always happened whenever I was trying to get my phone in a hurry.

"Hello?" I eventually got my phone from my handbag and answered it like losing my breath after a 100-meter race for the Olympics.

"Where are you, sweetheart?" my dad asked with a chuckle as I rolled my eyes and didn't say anything. He ruined it!

"Ah, did I interrupt your date, sweetheart? I know I shouldn't call you, but you have to see me now," my dad said through the phone.

I was speechless and I snorted, "Fine, I'll be right there in 5." Nonetheless, I still love him. I sighed softly and said with a smile, "I love you, dad."

"Bye, sweetheart. Don't take too long," my dad said before ending the call.

I casually dropped my phone into my handbag as I turned and smirked at Keira, "Well, we'll talk again."

Keira remained still but her natural cheek shade was crimson with her eyes and lips widened and gaped at me. So adorable. I couldn't help but leaned in and plant a chaste kiss on her cheek and winked at her, "See you later, cutie."

I could hear her gasping softly and I had to go, but never forget to sway my hips a little more when I walked and left her, and I slipped my hands into my trench coat, but nothing. Wait, the car key.

"Wake the fuck up Keira Harrison! Stop watching!" Keira was shouting out loud behind me.

Seriously?

I quickly turned back, she was slapping her face and cursed out loud to herself. I walked toward her and tried to stop her from hurting her nice face as I teased for her attention, "Admit it, cutie. You're gay."

Keira's head whipped upward and she was shocked. I didn't mean to embarrass her, but I really had to take my keys and stop her. I carefully leaned closer to her side before taking the key behind her. I had no idea how it end up at her side.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt your nice little dream," I quickly showed her my car keys to her and shrugged, "Because I have forgotten this."

I couldn't help but pinched her face and blew a kiss, "Bye, cutie."

However, I never forget to walk nicely out of the lounge as I heard her scream again, "Dammit! That's so embarrassing!"

I should be relieved after I found out the last question myself. And now, I ticked it off and I would patiently wait for my only Keira Harrison to take my heart away.

A/N: Bam! Here we are! What will be next?