Chapter 6

CHERYL POV

Do you know how many times I've wondered if Mr. Heron is suffering from a case of spilt- personality disorder? Let's say like a thousand times since I started working for him three years ago.

But let's face it, for now, we only have Damien; the grump, Damien; the irate, and... aha! Damien; the asshole. Can't afford to forget the most important one.

Right now, we have the irate Damien. He came in this morning with a scowl darker than his heart and then began roaring fire at his lowly subjects. On days like this, I really feel like strangling him.

"Is he still angry?" A voice came from above me.

I raised my head and smiled... Well, it was more of a grimace, actually. "Yep, and he's not calming down any moment soon." I said to Ellie.

She expelled a tired breath and ran a hand through her perfect blonde hair. "God, that man really needs to get laid," She muttered under her breath.

I released an amused chuckle. Why is everyone around me saying things like this lately.

Ellie shook her head. "I just don't get it. How do you even cope with him?. I mean, you have been working for him for three good years. And no one, I repeat, no one has been able to work with him for a week without having a mental break down." She paused, leaned forward and stage- whispered. "So spill, how do you do it?."

I pushed my glasses up my nose with a finger and lifted a shoulder. "Daily doses of aspirin, washed down with a glassful of tolerance topped with determination to totally ignore him." I smiled. "Not so expensive, is it?."

Ellie threw her head back and laughed. "Yea, I thought as much." She cleared her throat, and sobered up. "Though, there have been some talks"

My brows slowly drew together in confusion. "Talks about what?"

Ellie cringed. "Well, I have over heard people saying that it's because you..." The tips of her ears turned red as if she is embarrassed about what she's about to say.

"That it's because...you sleep with him!" She blurted out so quickly and her cheeks instantly pinked.

"Oh... I see," I said.

Ellie immediately rushed forward to me, hands stretched out. "But, I never hesitate to set them right and tell them that it's not true." She then narrowed her eyes at me in a way that tells me she's waiting for me to either confirm the rumors or support her claim. I do neither.

This isn't the first time a co-worker has come asking this same question, all coming under the impression that they mean well but I know they're just fishing for gossip to spread in the coffee room.

I shrugged non-chalantly and smiled.

Ellie went quiet for a second waiting for me to elaborate more. "And that's it!" She exclaimed in disbelief.

She inhaled and exhaled "Look," She walked forward to me and clasps her hand over mine. "Am not going to judge you if you are. Who the heck cares about what people think if the man in question keeps you happy and is quite good in the sack."

I slipped my hand from under hers as my eyes rounded in shock. "Ellie!" I chastised her mildly as my eyes immediately scanned the arena for any possible listening ears and released a sigh of relief when I saw none.

Ellie rolled her eyes "Oh, please, Cheryl. God knows how many woman has sworn off hooking up with a man because it's quite hard to find one who's good and scales the requirements these days." She added an additional, exaggerated roll of the eyes as if annoyed with the whole situation.

A giggle escaped my lips and I immediately draped a hand over my mouth to smother them.

"And, hey!" She reduced her voice to a low conspiratorial whisper. "Damien is quite a gorgeous man, alright. And if not that I am happily married to the love of my life –and receiving some actions every night– I'ad totally do him." She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at me.

I couldn't hold it back any longer, I laughed. "Don't let Julian hear that, bet he won't be happy that his beloved is thinking of shagging another man."

Ellie huffed dramatically. "He knows I would never do such a thing!"

We both shared a hearty laugh. Julian and Ellie has been married for over 5 years now, and still dote over each other like newlyweds. Ellie totally loves that man to bits and would never do anything to hurt him.

The door to Mr Heron's office was suddenly flung open - abruptly bringing our laugh to an end- and a small man carrying a mini brief case hurried out with a panicked look on his face. With one last petrified look at Damien's office, he scurried away to the elevator.

"Who's that?" Ellie asked and I sighed.

"Another receptor of the irate Damien, I guess." I answered.

And yep, Damien the irate is still very much present and he's gonna call in three...two...o..

The intercom on my desk beeped, I exhaled, exasperatingly, and then press down the button.

"Yes, Mr. Heron."

"My office. Now," He said and hung up.

I sighed and turned to look at Ellie who just smiled. "You'd better go before he bursts his stitches and sets this building on fire," She said with her lips set into a firm thin line and gestured for me to get going.

I nodded once and then scooped up any important files he might ask of and stood to my feet.

Time to brace the lion in his den, Cheryl.

As I walked towards his office, I couldn't help but feel nervous. Despite having worked with Damien for three years, he still had a way of making me feel like a newbie. Especially moments when he was like this. I took a deep breath before knocking twice on his door.

"Enter," his gruff voice boomed from the other side.

I opened the door and stepped inside. The room was immaculate as always, with everything neatly organized on his desk. Damien sat behind his desk, his face stern and unyielding. He didn't acknowledge me as I walked in.

I cleared my throat. "You called for me, Mr. Heron?"

My gaze fell on him and And oh my God! My heart does this flip–flop thing that made me catch my breath... So a quick question, is it possible for a grumpy and irate man to be undeniably sexy on a hot, sunny afternoon.