Song of the chapter: Heaven by Julia Michaels

As the words "Hello Elizabella" are uttered out of the pillowy lips of Theodore Harrington I am left speechless, unsure how to respond. Do I pretend like we've never met or do I acknowledge our short past? Am I meant to take the fact that he is using my first name, as given by Monique, rather than Ella, as he knows me, as an indication that he has chosen to the former option? Or is he simply teasing due to finding out this new fact about me?

Regardless of this internal conflict, the way he says my name stirs something in me that I'm not completely comfortable with. The way the name rolls so easily and huskily off his tongue, with a touch of a melodic Mediterranean accent put on to suit the name, added on to the usual smoothness of his English accent -- I am forbidden from tearing my eyes away from those lips of his. The smirk he has established across his face in response to my blatant reaction to him only falters so that he can move to take his bottom lip between his teeth, pulling on it irresistibly. I know he is most likely only doing it so that he can prevent the laughter from spilling out of his mouth in front of Monique. However, regardless of his intentions they have me addicted to this toxic drug called Theodore.

Once I am able to tear my attention away from my consuming observation of Theodore, I am truly confronted with the completely intimidating sight of Theodore Harrington and Monique standing before me at my desk. They are both watching me intently, most likely entertained by the sight of me sitting there looking like a deer caught in the headlights. Or, at least Theo is. 

Theodore is back in his formal mode, with his navy slim fitted suit and white button up top under enhancing the intense and commanding tone that resonates from him. Standing next to Monique, they truly do look like a magnificent duo straight out of Ancient Greece with their long limbs, smooth pearl-like perfect skin, chiseled faces and structure along side many other breathtaking features.

I stir my throat as subtly as possible to try and savour it from the dryness which having my mouth gaping open has caused before I get up from my seat to properly greet the duo.

"Hello Theodore." I simply reply, holding back on any sense of attitude which would probably disgruntle Monique and simply adding a slight nod of acknowledgement in his direction with enough of a smile to please her. I leave out any 'pleasure to meet you's and choose to be transparent with the fact that we are already acquainted, knowing I would not have the patience to act like any of the other individuals in this office who would look at him with eyes of awe and respect.

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Ella." he replies, ever the charming fellow.

I don't know what to say back to him, not wanting to lie and tell him that it was indeed a pleasure for me too but fully aware that I couldn't be blunt or rude to him in front of Monique.

Thankfully, Monique cuts in before I can even reply; clearly too intrigued to simply observe. "You two have met?" she asks us, not restraining from a blatant display of shock that I have somehow been associated with Theodore, so much so that he even remembers my name.

"Yes, once or twice actually." Theo answers for the both of us, wisely skipping the whole complicated explanation of how we met in a picture perfect moment where I was clearly enchanted by him only to find out how he is now dating my little sister.

"Well then", Monique begins, quickly composing herself so that it may seem as though nothing could throw off that invulnerable force of hers, "All the better. You'll have a friendly face close by then  who can aid us through the day."

I internally groan, knowing that any amount of time that I would have been forced to have been within the presence of Theodore initially has now been increased due to Monique's knowledge of us having met already. However, of course, on the outside I'm putting on the lovely and kind smile that good girl secretary Elizabella should have on.

"That sounds perfect." Theodore interjects, ever the suck up in the presence of Monique and rapidly lowering my patience of his shameless charm. Monique moves ahead to lead the way for the two of us to follow her to a designated location. When stops by her second assistant Lisa to ensure she is aware of our departure from the office, I take the opportunity to stare back at Theodore with a clear look of intolerance; my eyebrows lifting so as to  question his actions.

Nonetheless, we both follow Monique's lead all the way to the elevator which, when it arrives, is full to the rim yet we must enter due to her insistence. Somehow, the three of us manage to fit in. However, with all the nudging around I end up pushed up against Theodore; my back pressed up firmly against the firm structure of his torso with myself not wanting to think about what else I could be in contact.

We stand there pushed against one another and I wonder how it is possible for the elevator to move ever so tortuously slowly. As the seconds go by and the feeling of his body against mine continues, I can feel not only mine but Theodore's breathing accelerate. Whether it is my embarrassment or me being claustrophobic, I am unsure, but I am anxiously aware of the way the temperature in this confined space seems to be building. My only relief from the impeding humidity appears to be the cool touch of Theodore's breath as it brushes the sensitive exposure of my neck. However, it seems as though Theodore is also suffering from the growing heat within this space as I notice the gradual increase in warmth as his breath hits my skin.

As it rushes out, me being able to hear the way he is deeply breathing in and out through his mouth now, the air delicately brushes my skin sending shivers down my spine and initiating a tingling within every fibre of my body. I can feel the hairs on my arm swiftly stand up from the first contact of his breath with my skin, my mind having absolutely no control over how my body so easily reacts to him.

Although we are surrounded by countless other individuals, I easily pick up his heady scent which I had briefly detected earlier. I can instantly recall his intoxicating yet cool scent which had captured my attention with the way it reminded me of the addictively refreshing aroma that engulfed you within your bathroom after taking a shower combined with the scent of aftershave. As my body seeks more air to respond to the tightness of this space and its reaction to Theodore, I find myself unable to take in this smell just as one cannot live without breathing.

When the elevator finally arrives at our floor I feel the air rush out of me and the virtual bubble which had been created around us had been popped, breaking us out of this undeniable friction. We seem to have both been anxious to leave the close confines of that elevator, the both of leaving its four walls quite rapidly so much so that we both seemed to forget about Monique who we had pushed past and now remained behind us.

As we both turn to look for her, our eyes seem to meet for one moment but we both quickly turn from one another to look for Monique. Theodore joins Monique's side and they begin to converse, saving me from having to interact with him and allowing me to recollect my thoughts. I dawdle behind them, following their lead. 

Once we reach the location of today's photoshoot we go our seperate ways, Monique explaining what would now happen whilst I am left to do the organising; running back and forth to set things up and ensure everything which is needed is available. Time goes by quickly as I go from one person to another, gathering props, equipment, clothing, you name it. I barely recognise what Monique and Theodore are doing as I rush around, like the ball in a pinball machine getting knocked from one side to another amongst the mayhem of the office.

When I finally do get a chance to catch my breath, I can't seem to see Theodore around. Disregarding his absence, I rush over to the snacks table where I am quick to grab a choc chip cookie and set aside my usual abstinence from coffee to satisfy the need for caffeine that my fatigue is crying out for. Thankfully my stomach has settled down for now and I quickly finish my cup of coffee. I take a moment to lean against the edge of the table and recollect myself, taking a deep breath and mentally preparing for the rest of my strenuous workday.

I watch with both horror and awe at the way individuals rush around chaotically from one spot to another across this office floor, wondering if I look just as lost and determined as they do when I'm working.

It is only once there seems to be a gap in migrating coworkers, as they all seem to disappear momentarily, that I appear to catch a glimpse of movement behind the privacy screen which has been set up across the room. The minuscule gap between two individual privacy screens provides the perfect amount of exposure for me to catch an insight into what I presume is the photoshoot taking place. My view seems to be obstructed by only the slightest bit so I lean over to my left a bit to gain better visibility.

After making this movement it then that I am able to truly see the figure behind the curtain, watching as Theodore appears to be moving around while he prepares himself for the photoshoot. He's still in the suit he arrived in but it seems he'll be changing out of it soon with someone discarding a set of garments into his arms. He takes a quick look at the clothing he is provided with and seems to approve of it as I before I know it he is resting it on the table while his hands move to his jacket.

I know what is coming but I can't seem to tear my eyes away, watching guiltily on the sidelines whilst he smoothly removes his jacket and then begins undoing the buttons of his top ever so slowly as if he knows someone is watching. This makes me paranoid for a moment, realising that I've been standing out here for quite some time now blatantly watching Theodore get dressed with anyone able to easily catch me. However, after quickly scanning the room I find that everyone is either still busy rushing around to notice me or has departed. 

So I continue. 

I am quick enough with this scan of the room that when I do return my gaze to the show Theodore is unwittingly putting on for me he is only just finishing up with his buttons. He now shrugs the sleek linen, of what I now can see in the sunlight is actually an extremely light blue long sleeve button up, off his shoulders. I find myself unconsciously remarking in my mind about  the shade of that top would compliment his eyes remarkably, something I missed when I was trying so desperately to avoid his close presence.

Once he has successfully discarded of his shirt, my guilt instantly escalates as I am exposed to the intimate sight of a shirtless Theodore Harrington. I'm unable to prevent the multiple 'dings' that go off in my head as the hormonal me recognises that if it wasn't for the current situation I was in with him and Lexi then I would find him physically perfect in every way possible.

Despite the positioning of the privacy screens and curtains to prevent any exposure to the visibility and light of the windows, enough light is able to creep in to the area so that it is able to touch his skin. It kisses his skin whimsically so that a touch of golden is able to be picked up from his delicate beige skin tone, reminding me of the wet sand of the beach on a summer day.

I also gain my first real glimpse of the toned physique I have only been able to imagine from my close touches with Theodore. If there was one way for me to have to describe with ease the way Theodore's body appeared to me this would be it: soccer player. It was what you would be secretly and corruptly wondering about while you watched one fit soccer player after another sprint across the field with the ball, as they seem to effortlessly dribble or tackle and then you would revel over once they cheekily removed their shirt in celebration.

Be mindful, I say soccer so as not to confuse you with the type of body which instead comes with sports such as rugby or that you'd see during the Super Bowl; something which may arise if I use the term football. No, Theodore's body was nowhere near the level of excessive muscle bulk which could come with playing sports such as gridiron. Rather, he possessed a leaner and toned physique which sits his long limbs, with chiseled abs which led down to the defined 'V' that rested where his lower abs and obliques met.

His chest possesses minimal hair which caresses his muscles and leads me to the recognition of a tattoo hidden away on his side. It isn't particularly large and appears to be some writing but I can't determine what it is with the way its placement on his ribs shifts it as he moves and due to my substantial distance from him. I am pleasantly surprised by this discovery-- I never imagined him to be the type of guy with a tattoo. He just seemed so clean cut and reserved, so proper. All this does, as much as I hate to admit it, is intrigue me further.

Theodore finally moves to put on the top which had been provided to him for the photoshoot, thankfully not changing his bottoms but also ending the display I had for the last minute or two. As he finishes putting on whatever the fashion department had delegated him and disappears again behind the blocked out walls of the privacy screens, I find myself shaking my head with judgement at myself as I walk away to whatever job I should be doing while eating away my feelings with another cookie.

Hours pass by in a tiring blur once I get back to work with Monique setting numerous tasks for me to do not only related to Theodore's photoshoot and interview but also for numerous other aspects. By the time I complete the long list of tasks she has assigned me I have completely forgotten about Theodore's presence today and unfortunately my lunch as well. The only reason I realise that I have disregarded my obligation to my stomach is the loud rumble that takes place as I finally sit back and relax in my chair.

Deciding that I've done enough for the day with the sun basically hidden away so that the moon could unleash its own ethereal light, I get up from my spot and go to find Monique so that I can let her know of my imminent departure in case she planned on making me do more work for her. Having to go for a short walk around to try and find her, I finally find her at the head of the conference table which sits near where the photoshoot and interview would have presumably taken place, surrounded by countless work materials which would have me overwhelmed.

"Monique?" I hesitantly call out, testing the waters with me not wanting to scare or irritate her.

"Oh Elizabella, you're still here," she remarks, surprising me with her shock regarding my more than usual late work days. "Did you need something?" she asks, clearly still focused on whatever laid in front of her despite my presence.

"I was just going to head out for the day and wanted to check if that was okay or if you still needed me to do something?" 

I pray that she can't think of yet another thing for me to do.

"Yes, yes, that's fine. Go relax and eat something. I imagine you didn't get to stop and have your break today with all this mayhem that took place." she comments, surprising me yet again with her newfound attention to me as she looks up from her papers to me where I stand by the doorway.

"No I didn't and that Italian place down the road is calling out for me." I reply, trying to make actual conversation with her for one of the first times and without her seeming completely disinterested.

"Oh, yes, I do love that place." she remarks, closing her eyes as if dreaming of their delicious meals she so regularly gets me to order for her on one of our many late nights.

Once she opens her eyes they seem to flash with recognition as though she just seemed to realise the way she was behaving so differently with me. As this happens I dread her imminent shift back to her usual rigid self but am thrown off when I hear a voice behind me instead as a welcoming smile comes across Monique's face.

"Still at it I see." I hear, causing me to turn around only to find Theodore walking to stand beside me where I rest against the structure of the doorway. I notice he is back in his original outfit which he arrived in, reminding me of my sinful little peeking session earlier and instantly making me blush so that I have to quickly turn my eyes back to Monique so as to stop.

"Very much so, unfortunately. It seems I have a long night ahead of me thanks to my need to be a perfectionist," she seems to joke, yet another thing I don't see her do very often. "You're heading out I presume?" she asks Theodore.

"Yes I am. I believe I'm all finished for the day." he answers, showing clear signs of exhaustion like the rest of us despite his best attempts at trying to still appear all put together.

"What I wouldn't do to be your age again." she quips in response.

Whilst Monique was still quite an appealing women and looked very well composed to this day, the stresses of her past and abundance of pressure resting on her shoulders was clear from the way her shoulders seem to have slumped by the end of the day and the wrinkles which have started to peek through despite her best efforts (a.k.a as botox). She still looked quite fresh but it was obvious the days of her early twenties had well and truly passed.

Somehow always knowing how to respond, while I would awkwardly try to reassure Monique that she was still well and truly as youthful as the two of us, Theodore is quick to respond with his own remark. "And what I wouldn't do for some good food right about now," he adds, with a mixture of his charming smile and slight smirk to make any person respond how he desired no matter what he said.

As I stand there still slumped against the doorway I feel my fatigue well and truly begin to overwhelm me as I begin to drift off. Hence, when Monique replies "oh perfect, Ms Adams was just about to head off to get some food as well. I'm sure she'd be more than happy to accompany you" I almost miss it.

"Hmm?" I seem to mumble, not wanting to blatantly ask 'what' so as to reveal that I hadn't been paying attention. They have both turned to look at me and I begin to crumble under their attention, not sure how that sound I struggled out would be interpreted. Did it sound like I was confused or like I was agreeing?

"You'll accompany Mr Harrington?" she asks, looking at me so intently that I know there is only one way for me to answer.

As Theodore continues to watch me, anticipating whatever my response would be with curiosity, I look between the two of them and reluctantly reply "Sure. I'd be happy to." 

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Ooooo the tension continues and Ella just seems to be digging herself into a hole deeper and deeper. Plenty more Ella and Theo