The Last Laugh

Chapter 26

***

Ace's POV:

That same morning at around nine, I left my office to go get myself something hot to drink. There was

an espresso machine down the hall of my floor.

I got there and served myself in a little mug. When I filled it, I turned to leave and that was when I

bumped into a lady with a mug full of hot coffee. Everything poured down on me. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Oh!" I yelled out in pain as I felt the hot coffee burn my chest and stomach, causing my own mug to

drop out of my hand.

My white shirt was stained. Luckily it hadn't touched my suit or trousers.

A lot of people passing by stopped to see what had happened. The lady was so embarrassed and

disturbed.

"Oh, I- oh my gosh, I'm so sorry. Sorry!" she stammered confused. I tried my best to control myself and

ignore the burning pain.

"It's- It's fine." I managed to say and walked past her. I headed straight for my office.

Once there, I didn't waste time and went straight to the washroom where I took my shirt and singlet off.

"Damn." I grunted as I soaked my handkerchief in water and began to clean my chest and stomach.

Some parts of my skin were already red.

After I'd taken care of myself, I tried to wash my shirt and singlet without soap, but the coffee stains

were too hard to wash off with simply water.

"Great!" I grumbled and hung them somewhere they could dry. I had to stay shirtless in my office for the

moment. I just hoped Christina wouldn't call or ask for anything. I leaned against the wall thinking. What

if she or any other superior worker within the company needed my help. How would I leave the office?

*

Sawyer's POV:

While I worked, I suddenly thought of Ace. I hadn't seen him since morning. I remembered the way he

spoke to me the morning before. Seemed like he had a good side too and I hoped it would last. I was

really interested in him. Especially because of his physique. If he was more friendly and social than

rude, I thought things would be just how I wanted.

I decided to go greet him in his office, hoping he would be as polite as he'd been the day before.

Without wasting time, I got up and left for his office.

I reached his door and gave a single knock. Without awaiting a reply, I stepped into his office.

"Good morning, Ac-" I cut my sentence short when he looked up at me. He was leaning against the

wall, shirtless.

"Oh..." I mumbled. Damn! His body. I found myself staring at his perfectly drawn abs, his slim waist, his

chocolate brown nipples and his chest. I was out of breath in an instant!

"Good morning, Sawyer."

his soothing voice brought my stare back to his.

"G- good morning, Ace." I stammered and stepped in, closing the door behind me.

He smirked and motioned me over to take a seat. I gulped and did so.

"I'm sure you're wondering why I'm shirtless." he said amused, sitting down.

"Um, yeah."

"Another employee accidentally poured a hot mug full of coffee on me."

"Oh, I'm sorry about that."

"Thanks. And the worst part is, I tried washing it but the stain is stuck."

I wasn't really paying attention to what he was saying. I was paying attention to the kind of physique he

had! He was eye candy alright.

"Um, well, I can get a shirt for you." I said. He smiled at me. Damn.

"Really? Cuz I really need one."

"I find you okay." I dared to say, as I stared at him one more time.

I saw amusement linger in his eyes. I smiled at him. He smiled back.

"Thanks. If it was a up to me I would stay shirtless the whole day if it'd make you happy, but I need a

shirt now cause I can get called at any moment."

Oh my gawd, was he flirting with me?

"Hm, I see." I stood up in a slow manner. If he wanted to flirt, I'd flirt a little too. "Fine Mr," I looked at his

chest before looking straight into his eyes again, "...Ace. I'll get you a shirt. But what would you give me

in return?" I asked in a seductive manner.

He leaned in against his table, looking up straight into my eyes.

"More than you can imagine." he eyed me a little, "But for the moment, as the good gentleman that I

am, I want to invite you for lunch with me during lunchtime."

I bit my lip. Was he trying to seduce me? I hoped so. I loved the totally new facade of him. Not the rude

grumpy side.

"Fine." I smirked, "Let me go get your shirt." I turned around and slowly sashayed my way out of his

office.

Ace's POV:

I who thought seducing Sawyer would be tough. It was so easy. I guessed it was destiny that made that

lady pour coffee on me.

It was kinda hard for me to act. Really. I hated both women and yet I found myself complimenting them

and wooing them, making them feel like something important. I hated it but that was the only way I

could try and gain their trust. I thought of Heather day and night though. I hadn't seen her and I felt very

uncomfortable with it. I couldn't wait for her to return to the office. At least my wooing of her would be

real and more than sincere. I had to do so without letting her know that I was Sheridan for fear that she

might tell her mother or Sawyer. I just hoped she would love me back. I wouldn't get over it if she

rejected me.

Sawyer soon returned with a clean white shirt which she gave me. I thanked her and she left the office.

I got dressed and continued to work. For the sake of my father's death, his company and uncle Ken, I

would finish what I'd started.