Elena's POV
"Alice…"
My brows pulled together slightly.
Alice? Who is that?
Before I could think further, his fingers moved gently against my cheek again, slow and absent, like he was not even aware of what he was doing.
"Alice…" he said again, his voice lower this time.
"I miss you…" He murmured, his eyes barely open. "So much."
My breath hitched.
For a brief moment, I lost track of everything, including the fact that I was still seated on his lap.
He leaned forward slightly, his face drawing closer to mine, and it took me a second to register what was happening. Then it clicked, and I realized exactly what he was about to do.
My eyes widened a little, and I snapped back to reality immediately.
"Sir…" I said quickly.
I gently removed his hand from my face and pushed him back just enough for him to fall properly against the sofa. He didn't resist.
He just sank into it, completely unaware. I stood up at once, putting some space between us.
My heart was beating faster than normal.
"That was close," I muttered under my breath.
I looked at him again.
His head rested against the back of the sofa, his shirt slightly open, his usual sharp appearance gone. There was something different about him like this.
Something…
I frowned slightly, wondering what could have gotten him this drunk.
The issue earlier?
I didn't know.
Before I realized it, I had been standing there for minutes, just watching him, concern slowly settling in.
"The driver."
I turned immediately and walked out of the office. After making the call, I packed my bag and gathered my things from my desk. I took a deep breath before heading back into his office. I stood at the door for a moment, looking at him.
"How am I supposed to get you downstairs?" I said quietly to myself.
As if he heard me, his eyes opened slowly. They landed on me.
"You're still here?" he asked.
"Yes, sir," I replied. "You can't exactly stay here like this—"
He tried to stand.
Bad idea.
The moment he pushed himself up, his balance gave way. I rushed forward and caught him before he could fall.
"Careful, boss," I said, adjusting my hold on him.
He leaned on me heavily.
I reached for his jacket and phone, picking them up from the table before wrapping his arm over my shoulder. As we began to walk, I couldn't help it.
"Why would you even drink this much," I muttered under my breath.
"I can hear you," he said quietly.
"Sorry, boss," I replied immediately.
We got into the elevator, and I pressed the button for the ground floor. The doors slid shut, sealing us inside. Everything was quiet except for the soft sound of the elevator. I stood there trying to focus on anything but how close he was.
His weight shifted, slowly, until his body leaned more into mine. My breath hitched as the closeness became impossible to ignore.
I stiffened instantly, unsure what to do, my body going still as I tried not to react. I didn't move away, and I didn't try to adjust him either. I just stood there, holding him up, aware of every second passing and every bit of space between us that no longer existed.
The seconds stretched longer than they should have.
When the elevator doors opened, he shifted slightly.
"Tiny body," he murmured under his breath, so low I almost didn't catch it.
Then he straightened a little, pulling away from me.
I blinked. "What did you say?"
No response.
He was already losing his balance again. I sighed softly and helped him out of the elevator.
Getting him to the car took a bit of effort, but we managed. The driver opened the door quickly, and together we got him into the back seat. I stepped back once he was settled.
"Drive safe," I told the driver.
"Sure," he replied.
The car pulled away.
I stood there for a moment, thinking.
Tiny body?
"Me?" I muttered.
Shaking my head, I turned and left the building.
On my way home, I made a quick stop at the convenience store where I used to work. The bell above the door rang as I stepped in.
The owner looked up and her face lit up immediately.
"Elena!" she exclaimed. "Look who decided to show up!"
I smiled. "I missed you."
She walked around the counter and pulled me into a quick hug. "I heard you got a new job. I'm so happy for you."
"Thank you," I said, smiling.
She waved her hand dismissively. "Whatever you're buying today, it's on the house."
My eyes widened. "Are you serious?"
"Of course."
I grinned. "Then I'm not holding back."
She laughed as I grabbed a few groceries and picked up some packaged snacks for Drake.
When I got home, I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Drake was standing in the living room, his back facing me, phone pressed to his ear.
"I love you more," he said softly.
I froze.
"…bye."
He kissed his phone and ended the call.
My eyes widened.
"I love you?" I repeated loudly.
He turned sharply, clearly startled. That was when he saw me.