OPPOSITE ATTRACTION - Part 2 Episode 7

Clara’s POV

My heart is beating faster than ever. I feel like a scapegoat.

I walk to the receptionist on his floor. She looks up from the computer.

I have only met her once before when I came to meet Mr. Bryant.

“Good morning, Ms. Edwards. Mr. Bryant is expecting you.” Aria says with a kind smile.

“Good morning, Aria.” I say walking past her with a smile in return and reach his door before knocking it.

“Come in.” I hear his commanding voice. I start feeling nervous again.

I still don’t know if I want this job change or not.

I am happy with my current work. Should I tell him that I don’t want to leave my current position?

Of course I should! According to company rules, they can’t change my designation unless I agree.

Good! Now go in. Tell him that you don’t want this! Get out!

Pushing open the door, I walk him gathering some confidence and courage.

He is so engrossed in his work, looking at the file in front of him while signing it.

Stay strong! “Good morning, Mr. Bryant.” I greet as I walk up to him.

He suddenly stops what he is doing before looking up.

The memory of me calling him gay and him listening to it when we were in the lift comes to my mind.

I just want to bang my head against the door I just opened.

I can fight this! That was not the first time I embarrassed myself in front of him. Hope I don’t do anything today.

“Ms. Edwards. Please have a seat.”

I nod and sit in one of the two chairs placed neatly in front of him.

“How are you?” He asks and I look at him. Am i supposed to tell him what happened this weekend?

I don’t think he would be least bit interested in it. Concentrate Clara! This is workplace!

“I am good.”

He doesn’t say anything about it. “I expect your HR head has already told you about the change in your designation.”

“Yes, he did and I was told that I am supposed to start today.”

“Yes. But you look like you have something to say.” He puts the file aside as he says that. Now I am nervous.

He is looking at me with those curious eyes. God! Come on!1

“Um…”

“Ms. Edwards, you can say what’s on your mind.

No need to hesitate.” He encourages. I take a deep breath.

“I am doing well in my current position and I don’t have any to change from it.”

“Sure, you are doing well and that’s why you have been selected for this particular job.

But I don’t understand why you don’t want to change.”

“I don’t know… I don’t think I can manage this particular job well.

” I am not supposed to take too much stress and this job has stress written all over it.

He gives me a look of understanding. I don’t want to bite more than I can chew.

“Well, as a person working in HR department you are well aware of the job responsibilities.”

He says and I nod my head. “Then you are also aware that there will be a three month training before you are given the full authorities with respect to it.”

“Yes, I am.”

“Then, I suggest you go through the training and then decide whether you want to continue in it or not.

Although, I suggest you take it as you might learn a lot through this.”

He is right. I might learn new things and expand my knowledge, but why me?

“I have one last question.”

“Go on.”

“Why me? There are many other employees who are qualified for this post.

Also, you told me to not show my face to you.” I said the last line almost like a whisper looking down.

“Sure, there are other people most qualified for this job, but I needed someone from the HR team who has a clear idea on the resources and finances of the company.

Chris recommended your name so here you are. Also, it was rude of me to say that. I agree. You don’t have to use menu cards anymore.”

I blush at his words due to embarrassment. I will never be getting past that menu card thing.

That was so stupid of me! That makes sense. But, why would Chris recommend my name?

Also, I feel good that he acknowledged that he was rude.

“My assistant, William, usually handles all the things about my information of the companies owned by Bryant Group.

You just have to co-ordinate with him and look after my schedules and work concerning with this company.”

Okay. I can do that!

“Any other doubts?” He asks.

“No.” Guess I am taking up this job then.

“Good. Then you can start today if you are comfortable with it.”

“Is it fine if I start tomorrow? Cause I have to hand over my work in HR department to Chris.”

“Chris said he will look after it, but sure. You can start from tomorrow.”

“Thank you, Mr. Bryant.”

I get up from my seat feeling proud for not doing anything clumsy this time.

I almost pat myself for the good job. Now that I come to think about it,

this is the first time since I met him that we had a good conversation without me creating some rukus. Little did I know that it was too soon to think so.

“I will hand over my work today and start from tomorrow.”

“Okay. I will email you the details of William. Contact him today and get the necessary information and resources ready for starting from tomorrow.”

“Okay. I will see you tomorrow then.” I say turning around. Talking with him in so formal manner seems awkward. Why though?

I walk to the door and was just about to open it, but I just wanted to look at his face once more before leaving.

I was about to look over my shoulder to get a peak and suddenly the door opened and before I know it I let out an ‘ow’.

“Clara!” I hear his voice but I fall down clutching my leg where the door has bumped.

The nail on my little finger is torn and blood is starting to fall on the floor.

God! It’s hurting! “Fuck!” I hear someone curse. I am in too much pain to look up and see. “It must be hurting badly.”

I look beside me and see Mr. Bryant crouched down to observe my feet. His hands are already on my feet as he observes.

“Aria! Why didn’t you knock?!” He almost yelled at her.

“No. It’s fin-ah.” I squeal as I feel him lift me in his arms and carry me to the couch that is placed for clients.

He gently laid me there and put my feet on his legs.

“Bring the first aid kit from the security.” He barks at Aria.

I turn to look at her, but she is already going out. He slowly blows on my finger.

I am in pain, but I am more in shock to see him like this.

This man is my boss and he has my feet in his lap.

What is happening?! Why am I so moved by him?!

“Mr. Bryant.” I call him. He looks up at me with concern written all over his eyes and face.

My heart flips as he looks at me like this. “I…” I trail off looking away.

“Is it hurting badly?” He asks. He removes my heels and holds my feet in his hands lightly pressing it to ease the pain.

The feel of his rough fingers stirs my stomach. It just feels too intimate.

But for some reason it’s not freaking me out. It feels comfortable. I pull my feet off his lap and try to sit down.

“It’s not.” I clutch my leg as it still hurts. God!

“Let me-”

“Mr. Bryant, it’s fine!” I cut him off. If he looks at me like that for one more minute, I might want to kiss him.

First of all, he is too Handsome and secondly, he is looking at me with such concern on that good-looking face.

What is wrong with me? Here I am in pain and I am still having such thoughts!1

“Clara! Your finger is bleeding!” My legs are back in his lap again.

The door opens again, but I am still in shock as he treats my leg.

“Here, Mr. Bryant.” Aria hands him the box.

“You can leave.” He says without looking
“I am sorry, Clara. I didn’t know you were behind the door.” She looks really sorry.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”

She gives me a sorry look again before leaving. I am back to looking at him.

He was about to clean the blood from around my finger when I stop him.

“Mr. Bryant. You don’t have to. I can do it myself.” I try to pull my leg away again, but he stops me.

“You always get hurt.” He almost scolds me and I just want to pout and say no.

He cleans the finger with cotton and I hiss lightly at the pain. He looks up with concern and I look away.

He goes back to cleaning and wrapping a small white cloth around the finger.

“Thank you.”

He looks up and our eyes lock. I want to move closer to him and smell him again. The way he smells is too comforting.

He slowly puts my feet down and helps me wear my heels.

“Please. I can manage.” I stop him from helping and get it done on my own.

I try to take a step and damn it’s hurting. I need to get out of here first.

I have to hold it in. I bite my inner cheek and smile at him.

I try to take a step and let out a hiss. I hold his hand, like I held his shoulder last week when I almost fell down. He holds my hands to stand steady.

“Clara.” He calls my name with concern again. I look up at him.

I want to say his name too. There goes my heart again.

Thump!