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“Hey, it’s okay.” I stiffen at Lycus’ soft reassurances. “Why didn’t you tell them you’re afraid of flying?”
I can’t answer him, because I’m trying to suck air into my lungs.
He leans down next to my ear and whispers, “Take a deep breath and let it out slowly. You’ve got this, beautiful.” His voice is soothing and calming, and I find myself following his instructions.
Inhale. Exhale. Inhale. Exhale. Slowly, my racing heart begins to calm down, and my breathing returns to a normal rhythm.
I lift my head and look at him, realising for the first time that he’s not just some annoying coworker. He’s actually kind. His face is etched with concern, and I can tell that he genuinely cares.
“I...I didn’t want to seem weak,” I mumble, embarrassed by my fear.
“Everyone has fears,” he says softly. “It’s nothing to be ashamed of. You can ask management if you can stay here?—”
I cut him off, shaking my head vehemently. “No.”
“Okay. Okay. Look,” he continues. “I know you’re scared, but I promise I’ll be there with you every step of the way. And we can work through this together. You don’t have to face this alone.”
I nod slowly, still feeling a bit shaky, but somehow comforted by Lycus’ words. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all. Maybe with someone by my side, I can conquer my fear of flying and turn this into a successful trip.
I’d just feel better if it was anyone but him. Why does he have to be the one to see me like this? I hate being vulnerable.
“Thank you,” I whisper, reluctantly grateful for his support and hating having to admit it.
“Anytime,” he replies with a smile. “Now let’s get started on planning this event. We’ve got a lot of work to do and apparently it starts with getting a clean bill of health from the physician.”
“What?” I ask, scrunching up my nose in confusion.
“It’s standard policy for overseas trips and of course for the club event. We’re both booked in with the company doctor this afternoon.”
I don’t say anything. I’ve never been on an overseas trip with the company before, so who am I to question procedures? Maybe the company doctor will prescribe me something for the anxiety of flying as well.
As we sit down to start discussing the event, I can’t stop myself from stealing glances at Lycus. His chiselled jawline and piercing green eyes are incredibly distracting. I’ve always known he’s ridiculously good looking, but his personality and arrogance always turned me off. Since last week though, I’m seeing him in an entirely new light. And I’m not sure I like it.
I try to focus on the task at hand, but my mind keeps wandering to him and how he’s been nothing but kind to me today.
“Are you okay?” he asks, breaking me out of my thoughts.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” I reply quickly, hoping he didn’t notice my staring.
He gives me a small smile and we continue talking about the event. As we go through the details, I find myself enjoying the conversation and feeling more comfortable around Lycus.
We work well together, have similar visions, and bounce ideas well. Maybe his soothing presence is rubbing off on me.
Before I know it, the planning is over and it’s time to separate and work on our other projects after lunch.
As I’m packing up my things to escape the office and picnic outdoors, Lycus comes up beside me. “Hey, about earlier…” he starts.
“Yeah?” I look up at him, curious.
“I just wanted to apologise again for my behaviour last week. I was a real ass to you and it wasn’t fair,” he says, looking sincere.
I’m taken aback by his apology. It’s not often that Lycus admits fault or apologises to anyone at work. “Thank you,” I reply softly. “I appreciate it.”
He nods and then hesitates before speaking again. “Listen, I know this may be out of the blue, but do you want to grab dinner tonight before we go away?”
My heart starts pounding against my ribcage. Is he asking me out on a date? I’ve never really thought of Lycus in that way before last week, but the idea is intriguing since we shared that kiss and I’ve been unable to banish him from my mind since.
“To go over the strategy and itinerary for the trip,” he clarifies.
