"I hate this," I mumble before smashing my forehead to my desk. "I hate this so much."

"It's the post-holiday rut. You'd know if you took any vacations," Danny chuckles as he walks over to my desk. I hear a soft thump and look up to see a coffee placed on my desk. "You look like you need it."

I playfully narrow my eyes at him. "One day you're going to get in trouble for the insults you throw my way."

His eyes widen. "No! Shoot, I always do this! I don't mean–"

"And I'm always kidding," I cheekily remind him as I pat his arm. "Danny, you're like a puppy. Any harm you cause is from pure innocence. It's hard not to forgive you."

He turns slightly red and ducks his head down. I inwardly laugh. Man, I missed Danny. His blush was just what I needed.

"Oh! Hey–"

Before I can finish my question, my name's called from Daffodil's office, but not by her. In fact, it's a very male voice.

I turn to Danny and roll my eyes. "Is Alex just going to be here all the time now?" It seems like he's always here, especially ever since he's revealed he's Medusa's soulmate.

"Isn't he a CEO? Doesn't he have work to do?" Daniel mumbles back. I shrug in response. For being rich, Alex sure doesn't work a lot. Maybe he's just a title; the face of the company.

I walk over to Medusa's office, making sure to drop my coffee down at my own desk. The last thing I want is for her to steal it like she's done before. When I pry open the door, I'm hardly surprised to see Daff typing away at her computer while Alex is sitting across from her, papers strewn all over the desk. At least he's getting work done.

Unlike his cold soulmate, he actually looks up and smiles when I walk in. "Gorgeous! Good thing you're here. Come, come!" He clears the desk of papers and pats the chair next to his.

I take a seat and expectantly look at him since his girlfriend obviously isn't paying any mind to me. "What's up?"

"Take your lunch around noon. We need to discuss some stuff," he tells me. More like orders but with his sweet voice, it hardly sounds like it.

I raise my brows. "I don't get a lunch break."

His jaw nearly drops as he swirls to face his girlfriend, whose eyes haven't pried from her screen. As if she can sense his stare, she says, "She's messing with you."

He turns back to me, narrowed eyes. I innocently smile and bat my lashes. After seconds of glaring, he gives up and cracks a tiny grin. "Noon."

"Noon," I echo, then turn to Daff. "Do you need anything from me?"

Somehow she knows I'm talking to her without even looking. She pauses her furious typing to stare at the monitor in thought. "Yes, get me..." she trails, squinting at her computer before typing for a solid two minutes. Alex and I exchange glances.

"Babe," Alex chirps. It takes everything in me to not gag. The names Daffodil and babe just don't mix.

"Huh?" She looks up at him, then me. "Oh! Right. Um, get me an Acai bowl with extra bananas. And whatever Alex wants."

I look over at the blond. He waves a dismissive hand. "I don't need anything. Actually, I'm heading out to meet a client soon. But, I'll see you at–"

"Noon," I finish off. "Got it. See you then."

As I'm walking out, Alex calls out. "Thank you, El." Most likely because his girlfriend will never mutter those words. I smile appreciatively before shutting the door behind me.

After asking Danny if he wants anything, I make my way over to her favorite Acai place. Lucky for me, it's not the same store that makes her infamous kale smoothies. Even then, I wouldn't mind today. As Danny says, the post-holiday rut is hitting me in full force. I feel exhausted, even though I had a full day to recuperate. I think that vacation was more mentally draining than anything else.

My phone rings. Keeping up with my fast strides, I pick it up without even glancing at the caller ID.

"You've reached Ellie." Yes, that's my greeting. I hate how impersonal it is but I can never tell if I'm expecting a work call on my cell so I always answer like that regardless. Better safe than sorry.

"Hello to you too, love."

I subconsciously grin. "Sorry, just a habit. What's up? And don't tell me you miss me because we just saw each other hours ago."

A major pro of living with Harry is seeing him all the time. Honestly, it doesn't hurt. Unless we get sick of each other, I don't see how it's a problem.

I've also been sleeping in his bedroom, even though all my stuff's in the guest room. Honestly, I'm too lazy to do it. We've just flown back in and I can't bring myself to do anything but laze around.

What happened to me?

"I always miss you," he responds and I can hear his smile. "But that's actually not why I called. Are you free after work? Tom wants to discuss the logistics of going public."

My step falters for a split second before recalling I'm on a busy sidewalk. The last thing I want is to be trampled to death. I quickly pick up my face. "Oh. That's soon."

"We don't have to if you're not ready," he quickly adds. "But it would be nice to at least listen to what he has to say."

I nervously bite my lip, unsure as to why I'm feeling like this in the first place. Wasn't I the one who wanted to become official and do things right this time? Why was I even hesitating?

"Okay," I exhale. It wouldn't hurt to just listen.

"I'll pick you up after work," he says sternly. "And that means...?"

"Five o'clock," I grumble. A few hours too soon in my opinion.

"Good."

The acai store comes into view way too fast. "Alright, Harry. I have to go now. Love you."

All I hear is a sharp intake of breath, followed by, "I love you."

I smile.

"Have a good day at work," he adds.

"You too," I grin, realizing how cheesy we sound right now. "Don't miss me too much."

Right before I hang up, he mutters, "Impossible."

Swoon.

After gathering Daff's food, I head back to the office with more of a trudge than a walk. Not only am I confused as to what Alex wants to speak to me about, but I'm also anxious to see what Tom's opinion on Harry and me is. Maybe he doesn't want us to go public. Maybe he wants Harry to maintain his playboy image. It wouldn't be the first time it's happened.

It's all I can think about, even as I get back to work. To keep myself distracted, I edit some photos of Daff and draft up a contract that isn't due for weeks.

Once that's all done, I still have half an hour before noon. The nerves are eating me up at this point.

I groan as I put my head down. "This sucks!"

"I hope this doesn't discourage you from taking vacations," Danny calls out from across the room. I don't dignify him with an answer. He has no idea that is the least of my worries. When I don't respond, his chair rolls over to my desk. His hand clamps down on my shoulder, forcing me to look up at his softened eyes. "Are you okay?"

I almost go with the robotic 'I'm fine' response before biting my tongue. Why lie about it?

"No," I admit, mustering a weak smile. He looks surprised by my answer and I take it as a signal to keep going. "Going to Florida was really good, but also really awful."

He leans back in his chair and folds his arms in his lap. "Start with the bad, end with the good."

So I do.

I don't delve into details, but I tell him about Noah's coffee shop being empty and how Drew hasn't forgiven me yet. He obviously doesn't know these people but like the kind soul he is, he nods as if he does. I also tell him about my mom finally finding her soulmate. Something flashes in his eyes but it disappears before I can think too much of it.

My rambling only stops when the main door to the office swings open. Alex saunters in, stopping at my desk with a grin. "Ready?"

"One sec," I say, going to grab my things. At the same time, Danny rolls backward toward his own desk, giving me a questioning look as if this isn't the most normal thing in the world. If anything, it feels like I'm spending more and more time with Alex.

'I'll explain later,' I mouth. Danny should be used to this by now. He nods and softly smiles at me before returning to his work. What is he doing? Beats me.

Alex slips into Daff's office without me knowing. I frown at the closed door, wondering how I've gotten so terrible at my job. I used to be on top of it, especially getting rid of people who don't have appointments.

For a very brief second, I wonder what they're doing behind closed doors. Immediately my nose scrunches up in disgust and I banish the thought. Luckily it doesn't matter because Alexander strides out with a goofy grin on his face.

Okay, maybe they're a little cute.

He leads me by the small of my back into the elevator. As soon as those steel doors shut, I whirl to face him with raised brows. "What's this about?"

"Impatient," he says playfully. "According to Gina, we're discussing your housing agreements, which we will. But the main purpose is to talk about the engagement."

Engagement! I can't believe I almost forgot about that!

My mouth forms an 'o' shape as I sheepishly smile at him. "About the apartment..."

Amusement flickers in his eyes. "Let me guess. You're moving in with Harry?"

"Yeah..."

He chuckles, shaking his head. "I figured. That boy's mad about you, you know? It was only a matter of time before he convinced you to stay."

"Hey!" My voice is borderline defensive. "I made the decision myself, thank you very much."

He throws me an unconvinced glance before the elevator doors open. He steps out, me trailing behind like a puppy.

"I did," I continue on for some unknown reason. I really want him to know it was my choice. Maybe it's the stubborn side of me or something else, but I want to be seen as independent.

"I believe you," he unconvincingly calls over his shoulder before stopping in front of his car. Like a gentleman, he opens the door for me. Still not over our dispute, I grumble under my breath as I duck in.

Once we're settled in, I angle my body toward him. "Where are we going?"

"Buon Cibo," he casually responds as my jaw drops. That's only like one of the fanciest restaurants in all of LA! I'm pretty sure you have to pay just to get a reservation.

Then again, should I really be surprised? This is Alexander Walker we're talking about.

Looking down at my outfit, I grimace. If I'd known we were going somewhere nice, I would've dressed better than a modest work dress.

Alex must sense what I'm thinking because he glances over with a charming smile. "Relax, gorgeous, you look nice."

"You've got to stop calling me that."

"What, gorgeous? Why would I do that?" He sounds genuinely appalled by the idea.

I raise my shoulders into the smallest of shrugs. "Well, for one, it can be seen as flirting. I doubt Med– Daffodil and Harry would be too happy about that."

Alexander gives me the most dramatic eye roll to ever exist. "Gina says she doesn't care so she doesn't care. Trust me, she's not one to hide her feelings about stuff."

Yeah, she is blunt, isn't she?

His lips curl into a smirk as he focuses on the road in front of us. "And Harry's opinion is irrelevant. Besides, I'm only calling you the truth."

I snort to cover up the redness crawling up my face. In reality, I'm beaming at the compliment.

"Well, when Harry gives you a bloody nose, you know where I'll be," I nonchalantly reply, not doubting my words.

Alex doesn't doubt it either. "Yeah, probably nursing his bloody knuckles."

Okay, yes.

We pull into the restaurant much quicker than I expected for LA traffic. Alex tosses his keys to the valet as another man opens my door for me. I raise my brows at the gesture before crawling out and attempting to not drool in front of the employees.

Holy shit, this place is amazing!

I drop my drooling look as Alex gently leads me inside. He doesn't even bother telling the host his name for the reservation, and it seems like he doesn't need to either. We're promptly escorted to our table in the middle of a spacious dining area, only the finest and richest sitting among us.

"Holy shit, is that Oprah?" I whisper-hiss as we pass by a lady who strikingly looks like the celebrity.

Alex gives her a short glance before nodding. "It is."

I wonder how he's not freaking out about this before remembering who he is.

The hostess pushes my chair in for me and leaves us with the menus before disappearing. I dreamily sigh as I look around the grand room once again. The copious amounts of sunlight allow the chandeliers to glisten without electricity. High-class paintings are sparsely hung up on the dark-colored walls. Hell, even the napkins are high quality. They're napkins!

"I wish my soulmate was rich," I sigh as I scan over the menu.

"Harry has money," Alex reminds me, not even needing to see what he's going to eat. He must come here a lot.

I pause my skimming to look up at him. "Well, yeah, but it's different with you. Harry's rich but he's also famous. Until we make our big appearance, we can't really go out to places like this. Even when we do, fans will approach him all the time." My eyes widen in panic. "Not that I'm saying you're a nobody–"

He chuckles, eyes light. "Relax, I get what you mean. I might be rich but people don't know me. Hell, even after telling people who I am, they still don't know me."

Relieved, I allow myself to look over the beverages. "Yeah... it must be nice. Daff's a lucky girl. I am too, obviously, but sometimes I just wish I had someone... normal as my soulmate. Even when Harry and I went out years ago, we never went public. I'm scared that if we do, we'll never have alone time. We'll always be in the public eye."

"Harry's the lucky one, you know."

I smile. "Let's be honest, Daffodil's the lucky one. How the hell did she manage to get you?"

He ignores me. "You're understanding, kind, funny" –He throws me a knowing look– "and I honestly don't understand what happened between the two of you but I won't hesitate to bash his nose in because of it."

I gape at him. Even though his words were said in a light tone, I can see the seriousness swirling in his pale blue irises. Warmth bubbles through me. I have a friend! I have a genuine friend! Someone who would be willing to put up with Harry for me.

I'm so overwhelmed by the thoughts that I don't notice the waitress approach our table. Only when a slight pressure is felt on my foot do I look up and sheepishly smile at the poor girl.

"Can I get you started with any drinks?" she repeats for my sake. I send her a mental kiss on the forehead before ordering a glass of wine. With the day I'm having, it would be nice to loosen up slightly.

Once she leaves, Alex turns to me again, all seriousness gone from his eyes. "Alright, so let's talk about this engagement."

I nod. "You've got the ring, right?"

"Do I-! You saw me get it!"

I flash him a flat look. "I mean physically. Like, do you have the actual thing with you."

"Oh," he grins sheepishly before pulling out a velvet box.

Before he can open it, a gasp comes from somewhere. We both whip up our heads to see our waitress with our drinks walking over to our table, now frozen in her spot. She eyes the velvet box with sudden excitement.

Her noise, of course, causes a domino effect. People from all over the restaurant turn to see the cause of the startle, eyes growing wider when they see us.

My head tilts in confusion before I process what's happening.

Oooooh.

"Alex," I hiss to gain his attention. "Everyone thinks you're proposing."

"I am."

"To me," I add, unamused.

His eyes widen in realization before an amused glint overtakes them.

He dramatically clears his throat and grins like a lunatic. "Gorgeous, you've made me the happiest man alive."

People coo.

"Would you do me the favor of being the happiest married man alive?"

I almost snort before remembering that I'm in a room full of people and it's probably not appropriate to do so.

"What are you doing?" I harshly whisper to the grinning blond who's seconds away from popping down on one knee.

Then he does. He rounds the table and knees before me, opening the box to reveal a stunning diamond on a stunning ring.

For a second I'm so blinded by the ring that I forget everything else. It's beautiful! Even more so than the display at the store we went to.

"I can't disappoint these people. Just say yes," he replies through an over exaggerated smile.

I glance up. He's right. Everyone's sneaking dreamy looks in our direction, some more subtle than others. I also notice that no one is videotaping this, probably because they all know how much it sucks to have your life publicized like that. That's a good thing. No one will ever know this happened except me, Alex, and the crowd of people who most likely won't give a shit once we're sitting down again.

That doesn't mean I have to be enthusiastic about this.

Before I can blurt out a flat "sure," a shadow looms over the two of us.

"What," a silky British voice starts, "is going on here?"

Oh crap.