No More Waiting, She Chooses Love

Even when someone messed up, he wouldn't lash out or berate them directly. Instead, he had this way of gently nudging you back on track, a sort of roundabout reminder that somehow managed to be both motivating and sparing of your blushes.

So, with a chuckle and a grin, he became the boss, the kind that seemed to do nothing all day yet somehow had everyone working their tails off for him.

I found myself caught up in the act too, throwing out compliments like, "Even working at a snail's pace feels like letting Mr. Smith down."

Grant just laughed it off, "Hey, I'm not putting any pressure on you. Work's never-ending, don't rush it."

A boss who doesn't drive his employees hard? Grant was a first for me.

Well, when someone's offering kindness, turning it down would just be playing hard to get. So, I accepted with a smile, "Got it, I'll remember that."

"You've lost a lot of weight, you okay?" Instead of going over the report I handed him, Grant started a chat.

We weren't super tight or anything, but right from the start, it felt like we'd known each other for ages.

Still, I kept a professional distance, "I'm fine, really."

"Yeah right, you look like you've been drained by a vampire," he joked, pulling out a gift box from his drawer, "This was from a client a few days back, some sort of vitality booster. Take it, might do you some good."

I took a look, "This seems like it's for women, you sure it was meant for you, Mr. Smith?"

Grant flashed an awkward grin. "Yeah, it was for me. They thought I had a girlfriend. But you know I'm flying solo."

He always had a story ready, but his heart was in the right place, so I didn't tease him about it, "Thanks, Mr. Smith. I owe you a meal."

"Sure thing, I'll hold you to that," he replied, giving off a vibe that made everything seem easy-going.

"Alright," I noticed he wasn't in a hurry to sign off on anything, and given his philosophy that work never really ends, I didn't push him. Instead, I just left some candy on his desk.

He smiled. "Sweet, literally."

"Yeah, gotta walk the talk, right, Mr. Smith?" I said, leaving with the health drink he gave me.

Late in the afternoon, Grant finally

came by with the signed report, "Director Hudson, got a bit tied up today, hope it didn't cause any trouble."

Lon

Even though he was the boss and his laid-back approach was well known, I couldn't help but feel it dampened our efficiency.

So, I was pretty straightforward, "How could it possibly be trouble, Mr. Smith?"

"Director Hudson's got a point. I'll do better next time," Grant said, then, almost casually, "Dinner tonight?"

"Can't tonight, got plans," I declined, because Jefferson Daniels was getting out today, and I had to catch up with him.

"Another time, then," Grant was gracious as always.

"Sorry, Mr. Smith," I apologized, having just promised him a meal earlier.

"No worries, we'll just add another one to the list," he responded, ever so generous.

"Deal," I said with a laugh.

I distributed the signed reports before leaving, only to bump into him and Ernest later in the evening.

Our coincidental meeting made me

е

wonder if there was more to it, but

considering Ernest and I were

vel:

practically strangers now, I doubted

he'd go out of his way.

In the elevator, it was like the morning all over again, with both Ernest and I silent.

Grant, however, was all smiles, "Director Hudson, you're looking much better than this morning, right, Mr. Collins?"

He nudged Ernest, who didn't respond but did glance my way.

"Seems like that vitality supplement reallyNôvelDrama.Org content.

She did trick. Maybe Mr. C

get us a few more

from that client," Grant

chuckled.

I stiffened slightly, realizing the gift might have actually been from Ernest.