Lol guys, I've had a few drinks so apologies for any spelling mistakes. Being Australian and 18 is awesome
□ NINE □

The next day as I got ready for work, I noticed the bruise on my cheek had faded. Finally, the last mark Harry has given me was gone.

I was finally free.
Pulling my leather jacket on, I shot my reflection one last look before walking out of my room. I trudged down the stairs, stopping on the kast step to adnire the view.

Michael was sitting on the silver couch, a coffee cup on the table and the newspaper in his hands. I bounced off the last step and moved to the kitchen.
"Good morning" Michael said as I walked past.

"'Morning" I replied, giving him a small smile.

He looked surprised ad folded his newspaper before throwing it on the table. He watched me make my coffee. "You're awfully cheerful this morning" he said, confused.

"You'd prefer me not to be?" I asked, tilting my head.

I picked up my mug of coffee and walked back into the lounge room. "No, I like this mood but I just thought.. never mind.. it's good to see you happy again" he said, standing up and fixing his tie. 

"Naww boss, you make it sound like you care" I said, grinning.

He rolled his eyes. "Of course I care, you're my employee, my roommate and my friend" he replied as he picked up his coffee cup.

"We're friends?" I asked, following him to the kitchen.

He shot me a look with a raised eyebrow before turning away. I saw the smile playing at the edge of his lips. "Of course you are my friend, I wouldn't let you live here if you weren't" he replied, washing out his cup.

I took a sip of my coffee, well tried as I was grinning too much. "That's the sweetest thing you've ever said to me" I said playfully.

He turned to face me, bracing his hands on the marble bench as he lent forward. "Trust me, that's the only nice thing you will get to hear from me if you don't hurry your ass and get in the car" he said before reaching towards me.

My eyes widened as he picked up the car keys in front of my hand and looked up as he shot me a sly smile. He moved away from and away from the kitchen.

Tease

I bit back my smile as I gulped the rest of my coffee and put my cup on the sink. I picked up my bag as I headed for the door and closed it behind me, waiting to hear the click.

Michael was waiting by the elevator and the doors opened just as I reached him. I stepped inside and tied up my long hair into a pony tail. "So are you meeting with the Tokyo dealers today?" I asked, glancing at my boss.

He nodded his head. "Yes, Eleven a.m. please make sure you are there because I doubt I can do it without you" he said glancing at me.

"Another a nice thing, my my Michael, aren't you on a roll" I said cheekily.

"Don't make me regret my decision to call you my friend" he replied before turning his head away.

My grin widened. "Of course sir" I replied and walking out first when the elevator doors opened.

I walked towards his car and turned around when I didn't hear his footsteps. He seemed to be staring at me. "Coming?" I asked.

He shook his head as if clearing his thoughts and walked out of the elevator. "You are trouble Miss Jackson" he said as he pulled his car keys out.

"My middle name sir" I replied, flashing him a bright smile as I pulled open the passenger door.

I heard Michael's scoff before we both climbed it the car. He turned the car on and music started blasting through the speakers. I turned it up as Michael shook his head and pulled out of his parking spot.

"Oh whatever you do, don't come back for me!" I sang out loud.

Michael winced as I missed the note. "After all, I've bled for you, I can hardly breathe and one more kiss could take my life" I kept singing as Michael drove.

He reached across and turned the stereo off and I looked at him in shock. "Hey!" I called out.

"I am not listening to that nonsense this early in the morning" he said before placing his hand on the gear stick and changing gears.

We drove through traffic and I sat in my seat fuming. "Remember to be ready for the meeting at Eleven, okay?" He asked as he pulled into the underground parking lot.

"Yes, I'll be ready" I replied.

He nodded at the security guard who waves us through. He parked and looked at me. "Don't leave the building without me" he said.

I sighed. "Michael.." I started to say.

"No, I don't care if you think you can handle him, do not leave without me, do you understand?" He asked, his jaw tight.

I nodded. "Good" he said, opening his door and stepping out.

I followed him out of the car and towards the elevator. "Hope!" A voice called out.

Both Michael and I turned sound to see Sarah jogging over to us. She had a bunch of flowers in her hand and a box of chocolates. "Happy Birthday!" She exclaimed, grinning.

I blushed and took the flowers from her outstretched hands. I could feel Michael's eyes on me. "Thanks Sarah" I said, giving her a hug.

I glanced at Michael who seemed confused and fustrated. "So what's your plans for tonight?" Sarah asked, glancing between her boss and myself.

"Just a quite one at home, by myself" I replied.

Sarah pouted. "Excuse me ladies, I must get to work" Michael said, his tone icy.

I frowned as he walked away from us and pressed the button for the elevator. I watched him disappear as I turned back to Sarah. She was grinning and watching me. "So, you and Mr Hayfield huh?" She asked, winking.

I blushed. "What? No!" I exclaimed before turning away.

"I saw the way you were looking at him, I saw the way he was looking at you" she added as we walked together to the elevator.

"I don't know what you are talking about, that's against so many rules" I replied before letting out a nervous laugh.

"So why we're you getting out of his car?" She asked, a knowing look on her face.

"He picked me up because my car is broken and in service" I lied.

"Yep, I'm sure" she replied as the elevator doors opened.

We stepped in, silence falling on us uncomfortably. I heard each ding of the numbers as we went up and up. "Well anyway Happy Birthday Hope" Sarah said as the doors opened again.

"Thanks Sarah" I replied as she stepped out and disappeared into the fray of office workers.

I walked to my office and closed the door against the noise. Mr Hayfield's light was blinking on my Intercom and I pressed it as I sat down. "Mr Hayfield?" I asked, hoping he was still there.

"You didn't tell me it was your birthday" he said, sounding as though he was hurt.

"It's really not important, just another day older" I replied, shuffling paper on my desk.

"I thought we were friends" he said quietly.

I stopped my movement and glanced at the Intercom. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you, we are friends, I just don't like celebrating my birthday" I replied.

"Why?" He asked.

I pinched my nose. "It doesn't matter, sir I have to go, I have to get ready for this Tokyo meeting, was there anything else?" I asked, fustrated that he wouldn't let it go.

He didn't answer. I looked at the Intercom and saw that his light was no longer flashing. He'd hung up on me silently.
I frowned.

He couldn't be hurt. Right?

A/N

Oh my sweet sweet summer child.
If you only knew.

Michael is indeed hurt and Hope doesn't know why it's important for him to know these things about his friends.

But she'll learn.

What did you think of the chapter?
Team Michael all the way, right?

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Love you all so much, T xoxoxo