LINGERING STARES AND HUSHED WHISPERS

LUCY

It feels hot in here, wherever I was. My eyes felt heavy as I tried to open them. I squinted my eyes and blinked slowly a few times before opening them again. When I tried to stir, I couldn't move my body. Confused, I looked down and found myself entangled with Alex. Last night's memory zapped into my brain, making me flush like a tomato.

I'm only in my bra and Alex is in his boxers. His hands were wrapped around me, with his head buried between my breasts and our legs tangled inside the sheets. His thigh is directly in contact with my lower region, making it pulse with life.

A smile tugged my lips as I took in our position. I have never cuddled with anyone intimately before but I'm loving this. Sure, it's not as comfortable as cuddling with my pillows, but I can't deny the fact that I just had one of my best sleeps.

Gently untangling myself, I slipped out of bed and reached for my oversized T-shirt. I slipped it over my head and wore my panties before padding silently across the room.

My footsteps were soft as I made my way towards the kids' room. I sometimes cherish these quiet moments in the early morning where I can watch Vicky and Jay sleep, their innocent faces relaxed and peaceful.

Pushing open the door, I couldn't resist leaning down to place a tender kiss on their foreheads. I came out of the room and was about to go to the kitchen to make myself coffee. Gemma opened the front door and came inside.

''Buongiorno, Lucy. You are up early today. Have you had a nice sleep?'' Gemma asked, her voice laced with concern.

I smiled. ''Buongiorno, Gemma. Don't worry, I slept like a baby.''

Suddenly, Gemma's eyes widened in surprise. ''Well, well, well, what do we have here? Are those hickies on your neck Lucy?'' She teased with a mischievous glint in her eyes. ''Looks like someone had quite the night.''

I gasped and my hands involuntarily went to cover my neck, making Gemma laugh. I blushed, suddenly feeling shy.

I brushed a lock of hair behind my ear and tried to cover my neck with hair on both sides and tried to evade Gemma's playful inquiries. ''Gemma! You know I don't kiss and tell. Let's focus on breakfast, shall we?''

Gemma chuckled, clearly enjoying every second. "Alright, alright. Your secret is safe with me. But don't think I won't keep my eyes open!"

I blushed and looked at Gemma in disbelief. Before I could respond, Alex emerged from my bedroom, fully dressed and looking as dashing as ever.

A smile spread across his face as he spotted me and he closed the distance between us, planting a gentle kiss on my lips. My heart skipped a beat, but I couldn't help but kiss him back.

I can't believe that he is the same person who was rough and had me at his mercy yesterday is also the same person who is kissing me so gently right now. He is going to give me whiplash one day.

When we pulled away, he looked at me with a frown. ''Why is that every time I think you are on the bed, you'll just disappear?''

I smiled sheepishly. ''Sorry, I woke up early and you were sleeping peacefully, so I didn't want to wake you up.''

He shook his head. ''I don't care, next time I'll just tie you up to the bed.'' He said, pulling me close, brushed his lips against my earlobe and whispered ''and I'll not stop even if you beg me.''

My eyes widened as I clenched my thighs together and my pussy began to pulse as if its muscle memory was triggered. That fact that his voice alone turns me into a putty in his hands is both terrifying and intoxicating.

Gemma cleared her throat, making her presence noticed. ''Looks like I became invisible for a few minutes. Can you see me now Alex?'' Gemma asked, her tone turned even more playful.

Alex widened his eyes dramatically. ''How could I not see you Gemma? Good morning.'' He replied, his voice laced with amusement. ''I see you've already discovered our little secret.''

Gemma winked at us. "I have eyes everywhere, you know. By the way, do Vicky and Jay know about this?"

As if on cue, the bedroom doors burst open, and Vicky and Jay came bounding out, their sleepy expressions quickly replaced with excitement as they saw Alex.

Vicky practically leaped into Alex's arms, showering him with a hug.

"Alex! I'm happy you're still here!" Vicky exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with joy.

Jay nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, we thought you'd be gone when we woke up."

Alex chuckled, ruffling their hair. "Nope, I'm still here and you guys are stuck with me this morning."

Vicky squealed with delight, clinging to Alex as if afraid he might vanish if they let go and Jay was smiling widely.

As I watched them, my heart swelled with happiness. Seeing Jay so carefree and happy, warmed my soul. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the bond that formed between him and Alex.

After the initial excitement settled down, Gemma ushered everyone to the kitchen island. We watched, talked and laughed as Gemma prepared mouthwatering cloud eggs and Frittatas.

As we enjoyed our meal, Alex turned to me. ''I should head back to my place and freshen up. I need my laptop and some files. I'll see you at the office, okay?'' He said and kissed my cheek.

I nodded, trying not to look flushed. I'm glad he keeps it PG in front of the kids. ''Sure, I'll see you later.''

''When will we see you again?'' Vicky asked with a pout.

Alex chuckled, ruffling his hair. ''Soon buddy! How about we go to a theme park next time?''

''Yay!!! I love theme parks!'' Vicky exclaimed, bouncing on his seat.

Alex smiled and looked at Jay. ''And how about we make the best bread from scratch?'' He asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

Jay grinned and nodded his head in excitement.

With a final smile, Alex excused himself from the table. Jay and Vikcy also went to their room to get ready for school.

Gemma, who was observing us till now, started teasing again. ''Looks like someone has swept you off your feet, Lucy. Or should I say, you swept Alex off his feet. Because, I swear I never saw him smiling this much. I must say, I'm enjoying seeing this side of him.''

I lowered my gaze, a playful smile tugging my lips. ''You're impossible, Gemma. I can't deny that there is something special between us. I just... I didn't expect it to happen so fast.''

Gemma's eyes softened. "Love has a funny way of sneaking up on us when we least expect it, my dear. Sometimes, the best things in life come out of nowhere. Just embrace it and see where it takes you."

I sighed, my fingers tracing the rim of my coffee cup. "I'm trying, Gemma. It's just... I've always been shy and reserved. Opening up to someone like this feels new and scary. But with Alex, it feels right."

She placed her hand on mine. "I know it's not easy for you, but sometimes, the people who are worth it will make you step out of your comfort zone. Just trust your heart and let it guide you."

I smiled when I heard her words. My spirits lifted and I felt a renewed sense of excitement. As I watched Vicky and Jay interact with him, the way they laughed and bonded, I knew I shared something special with Alex.

>_<

After dropping the kids off at school, I went to the office. As I entered my floor, I could feel everyone's eyes on me. Even after I made my way towards my desk, I couldn't help but notice the strange glances and hushed whispers coming from my coworkers.

The uneasy feeling started to settle in the pit of my stomach, and I couldn't shake off the sense that something was wrong.

I tried to brush off the strange behavior and focus on my tasks. However, every time I talk to someone regarding work, I get lingering stares and muted conversations from everyone. It was as if the entire office was caught up in some secret that I was oblivious to.

I went to the secretary's department, to meet Nat. Maybe she knows something? Maybe it wasn't about me and I'm just being paranoid?

Nat was on the phone with someone when I approached her. She looked up and smiled when she saw me. I sighed, finally a normal response.

''What's up? You look like someone kicked your puppy or something.'' Nat asked after she hung up.

''Well, everyone in the office is giving me glances and whispering. Please tell me there is a new gossip that doesn't involve me.'' I asked, looking at her with hope.

To my disappointment, she sighed and shook her head. ''I'm sorry babe, I haven't caught up with today's gossip yet. I was busy making calls and had pending files to look up.''

''Oh.. well, tell me if you learn something. Okay?'' I said and went away from there.

As the day progressed, I began to feel a growing sense of anxiety that I didn't even go to see Alex. I decided to take a short break and headed towards the bathroom, hoping a few moments alone would help me collect my thoughts.

I entered the restroom, and the sudden silence enveloped me, providing a sense of peace from the unsettling atmosphere outside.

After finishing my business, I turned towards the sink to wash my hands. Suddenly, Carolina, one of my colleagues, appeared out of nowhere, startling me. Her presence caught me off guard.

''I heard you are trying to get Alessandro's attention.'' She said, inching close to me. ''Listen here you bitch, I don't know where you get your confidence from with that body of yours, but you need to stay away from him. You aren't worth being in the same room as him. He was supposed to be mine but that Martha got him. Now that she is fired, it's my chance.''

I was taken back by her words. The shock rendered me speechless, and I stood there, frozen, as she continued her banter. ''From now on, you better stay in your place. Or else I'll make your work life a living hell.''

The words struck me like a dagger. I had kept my relationship with Alex a secret, not because I was ashamed, but because I knew it would cause complications in the workplace.

I like him, and he likes me back, but I had made the conscious decision to keep our personal lives separate from our professional ones. And yet, somehow, everything started to get out. If this is happening just because they think I'm trying to get his attention, what's going to happen if they know about our relationship?

As Sara turned and walked away, leaving me standing there, trembling with shock, I felt a wave of emotions crash over me. Anger, hurt, and confusion mingled within me, overwhelming my senses.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart, and splashed cold water on my face. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I saw so many emotions etched on my features but I couldn't find the happiness I felt this morning.

Leaving the bathroom, I made my way back to my desk, my mind still reeling from the encounter with Carolina. The office felt suffocating. But I knew I couldn't let this incident consume me. I had a job to do, and I refused to let anyone's judgment affect my work.

Just as I settled on my chair, my phone rang, displaying Ria's name on the screen. I quickly answered the phone. ''Hey, is everything alright? I haven't heard from you for a while.''

''Hi. Yeah, everything's fine. I just got busy with things. Lucy, you trust me, right?'' Ria asked.

She doesn't sound like her usual chirpy self. But I was too consumed in my self-pity that I didn't give much thought about it.

''Yeah, I trust you. Why? Did something happen?''

''No, no. I just.. I'm trying something new, you know, to get information we need. I.... I couldn't tell you about it right now, but I swear we'll find our answers soon. So please trust me, okay? Give me a few days.''

''Of course, sure. Take your time. Uh.. I have some work to do. I'll call you later. Bye.'' I said and hung up.

I leaned back, closed my eyes and started to think what I should do about gossip and Carolina.