The a few days later at work, Basil continued to worm his way into Paola's trust. He had found the crack in her armor and would be damned if he missed the opportunity.

Basil's cheeks were flushed as he walked around the outside garden with Paola. She looked so beautiful in her long lilac colored dress. The dress was modestly long, but it showed her collar bones and he could see part of her shoulders teasing through. He liked that she never wore the exact same clothes in the exact same way. She was able to show off the real figure that Basil loved admiring so much. Her stunning tresses were in a simple up do with her hair framing her brown face elegantly. Her neck was exposed to him, tempting him to attach his lips to it and breath in her delectable scent. Basil almost gasped when he saw the sunlight hit her bare face. She simply looked glorious. She smiled and closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth on her countenance.

"So, boss lady, to what do I owe the pleasure of this walk?"

"Basil! It's been almost five weeks of knowing each other and you're still calling me that? I've told you just Paola is fine!" She giggled, making his heart flutter.

"My apologies, Paola, but I'm merely your humble servant. I do not deserve such honor." He bowed with exaggeration as she laughed more.

"That's preposterous! But really, I just wanted to say thank you for the other day. You make the perfect boyfriend." She said sweetly. Basil's eyes widened at her words. She cares about me! His heart was jumping with joy, he never though he'd heard those words come out her mouth.

"Don't even mention it. It was too easy with an impressive woman like you.." He said giving her a small smile. "I wouldn't just sit by and let someone disrespect my boss lady." He promised bowing down again to the young woman and taking a seat on a stone bench. I'll do anything for you, my love.

"I know it would have been better if I didn't lie... but they are so frustrating." She said sitting down just as he did.

"Why be around them?"

"The connections and the ghost of friendship past, I suppose. We used to be really good friends, they probably want to cut me out but don't know how. That's why I really enjoyed having you there. For once I felt wanted." Basil's eyes shined in admiration. I love you so much, you're so kind to me! I want you to be mine alone...

"By the way, Basil, you look very good today." She confessed with a close eyed smile, making Basil choke back a gasp. If he thought he couldn't get any redder he was wrong. His entire face was red, the blush even went down to his chest. She complimented me!

"Thank you!" He answered awkwardly loud, his heart felt like it was going to come out of his body through mouth. It was beating so quickly against his rib cage he felt like he could die at any moment now. "I'll have to wear flannels and jeans more often! I didn't know you like them."

Paola smiled at his cuteness and continued on sunbathing in the beautiful garden whilst admiring the flowers. Basil followed her lead, quietly admiring the breathtaking scenery. He thought this was the perfect moment to confess his undying feelings for her. But instead of a confession, different words came out.

"Do you want new friends?" He swore was going to do it. After all this time of longing for her and loving her in silence he wanted to tell her. But he couldn't.

Paola turned around with a worried expression on her face. "Why do you ask? Am I that pathetic with them?"

"No. They are pathetic compared to you. I could take you out with me to meet friends of mine. That's all I'm wondering."

"Oh." Paola thought it was a strange things to say, but discounted it as kindness. "Yeah, let me know I guess."