Under His Roof - Love Under Lockdown

I decide to stay in the bedroom as long as I can to avoid running into him. I read and surf the internet, watching the clock as it seems to run at half speed. Around the middle of the afternoon, I run out of things to do.

I wish I had packed my books from home. I feel like I need to use the bathroom. I’m also hungry and thirsty. I decide that I need to risk a trip out of the room. I don’t want to, but I’m desperate.

I don’t hear anyone outside, so I open my door and hurry across the hallway to the bathroom. I assume that he’s working in his office or the bedroom. I want to sigh with relief. After I finish in the bathroom, I feel more calm and I decide to venture into the kitchen. I think about what I am going to make myself to eat.

As I turn the corner, I stop in surprise. My breath catches in my chest. He is seated in the kitchen working. He has his papers and computer in front of him, but a full breakfast is spread out on the rest of the counter space next to him. I quickly avert my eyes to the floor as I feel embarrassment overwhelm me once more. I wasn’t expecting to see him like this. I was actually hoping to avoid this whole situation. I don’t think I will be able to now.

He looks up and does a slight double take when he sees me.

He pulls out one of the stools next to him at the breakfast bar and asks, “Please join me?” in a soft tone.

The food looks and smells delicious. I’m also extremely hungry after being stuck in my room all morning. I’m still extremely nervous, but I know I can’t resist.

I nod and slowly walk over to him. I take the seat next to him and grab a plate with eggs and bacon. I pick at the food. I’m too jittery to really eat, despite how much my stomach is growling so I just nibble on a piece of toast.

As I chew, he turns in his chair to look at me. I don’t want to, but I can’t stop myself from looking up at him with curiosity. He meets my gaze without flinching, but speaks to me softly, almost tenderly.

“I don’t want there to be any tension between us, but I just want you to know that I do want you. All you have to do is choose fast or slow, because I know you want me too,” he murmurs.

His gentle tone surprises me, but not as much as the blunt truth of his words does. I want to say that this is like a dream come true, but I’m still in shock that my strictly professional boss actually feels anything for me.

As much as I want to confess my secret crush aloud for him, I need to tell him clearly that I think us being together is a bad idea for the major reason that he is my boss and we work together. Before I get a chance to say anything though, he takes advantage of my hesitation.

“You already are mine. You just need to choose and tell me how you want me to be.”

I am at a loss for words.

Could this really be happening?

He gets up and gathers his papers and laptop.

He looks at me a second time, then plants a soft peck on my cheek.

“Decide fast,” he whispers before walking out of the kitchen with his work.

The peck on my cheek leaves me feeling dazed. I have to shake my head to concentrate. Numbly, I go back to eating my breakfast in silence while thinking about all that was just said. My brain and my stomach are both going to need a long time to digest.

Later in the evening, I find myself walking down the hall towards his office. He’s called me there for work again. I’m worried about what might happen tonight, and I hesitate as I enter. He nods at me in a professional manner as I take my seat next to him at the desk. Everything seems normal for now.

A few hours pass and we finish working on another project. He double-checks my contribution before filing the case away. I stand next to his desk very nervously. The night has been carrying on in a surprising way.

There’s been nothing more than a few glances, and he seemed professional throughout it all, almost like this morning never happened. As very confusing as that is, however, the ending of the work night was the part I’ve been the most nervous about.

He surprises me again by maintaining his businesslike manner and merely escorting me to the door like a proper gentleman.

The only exciting part is when he gives me another soft peck on the cheek before bidding me a quiet “Good night.” I’m breathless as I watch him walk away.