'Good morning Stacey.' Staceys usual stoic eyes became wide-eyed in utter surprise of my newfound behaviour.

I rolled my eyes at her, grinning playfully. She gave back a flushed face with the ends of her lips turned slightly upward.

'Come on, smile Stacey. It's a new day!' I said in a surprisingly cheery mood, making air quotations.

'I'mjustsurprised.' She pronounced each word so fast, I didn't catch a word of what she said.

'What?' I asked, sitting on top of her desk where she was now sitting but on a leather seat.

'I- I'm just surprised. I'm not used to this behaviour of yours.' She stammered. Never once have I seen Stacey this uncertain.

I bent down close to her face and smiled at her widely. Yet again she flushed and looked as if she was going to fly away in a second; flight mode.

She was inches away and I've realized that I have never noticed just how beautiful her chocolately and velvet eyes look, or how full her lips are or how there was only one fleck of a hair on her lovely face.

Her flawless, clear smooth skin that begged for a sun tan, yet she made it look good. How sharp, smart and patient she was with him.

Okay... Why in the world am I doing this? This is Stacey we're speaking about. She's different.

With that, Kimberly strides to the office and says curtly her g'afternoon at Stacey. But then glancing back she noticed whom was there.

Her body became rigid as she stared at us both. One to the other.

'Joshie?' As soon as the name rolled out of her tongue, her eyes were wide open as she realized she's just called me Joshie. She quickly cleared her throat with pain seethed in her green eyes. 'I mean, Mr. Montgomery. I didn't expect you here not that of course it's none of my business but- I got you the expresso, just the way you wanted. Here.' She reached me with wobbly legs and shaky hands as she gave me my coffee.

Damn. I feel as if I've just received a wake-up call. Is this how everyone sees me? I mean it's necessary the respect but- this isn't what I want.

I hopped off Staceys desk and went directly to the elevator punching any floor.

'Mr. Montgomery! G'morning. Uh- am I fired?' Ryan said timidly, looking at the floor. I looked at the floor and it read 12. Ryan... Ryan... Oh! Now I remember. This is the guy I have hired recently last month.

Just look at his eyes. It's full of- fear. Not respect. Not that I've done any physical touch to anyone but I guess that my voice and manner can be a good ring to why people look at me like this...

'I- I'll clean my office-' Ryan stammered.

'No! Stop, I'm not firing you! What is wrong with these people today? You all look at me like I'm this monster...' I was panicking. What has triggered this wake-up call in me? What's wrong with me?

'Ryan, just- keep doing your work. You do know that you're needed here right?' Ryan just looked at me like I had six heads.

I shook my head and walked away.

I need air. Is it hot in here or is it just me?

When I was able to get out of the building a soft hand touched gently my shoulder and when I looked back, electrifying chocolate eyes met my blue startled ones. Electrifying for that's exactly what I felt.

Electrified.

'Stacey? What are you doing here?' I asked totally clueless of my surroundings. Looking at her was surprisingly relaxing me because honestly, I'm freaking out.

Stacey remained quiet. 'Stacey, let's go for a ride. Call, I mean, please call my vice-president to take care of the company today. He'll have to take all the meetings, which today are like 11 and then he has to visit the charity party at 11pm. Well, you know... Just please be sure to get that done so you and I may go now.' She arched an eyebrow and I swear, I don't know if my eyes were deceiving me but I saw a hint of an amused smile.

Stacey, always efficient, made all the calls and all in a beat, done.

She clasped shut her cell looking at me and as she made her way to my car, I found myself watching her walk.

Oof, how come I've never noticed those curves?

She looks back at me smirking and for the first time in a long time I caught myself burning from embarrassment, combined with thrill.

The winter air was bitter with no remorse as it slapped my face. I tucked in my leather coat my hands, making my way with swift strides to my car where Stacey was already waiting for me.

'Okay Mr. Montgomery, now that we're in your car, now what?' Stacey said once again in the emotionless face.

I combed my hair back with my fingers and feeling frustration curse my veins I sighed. 'Honestly, just call me Josh please. Second, for the first time in years I don't know.'

Stacey shifted in her seat and studied me. 'Why the sudden change of heart? If you do not mind me asking.'

I looked directly at her eyes. 'Something triggered this. I don't know. I- look, are you hungry?'

'Ye-yes. I'm famished.' She stuttered.

I grabbed with all force the steering wheel with both hands and drove away. 'When we eat, I want you to tell me. I want you to tell me why are people treating and looking at me this way as if they're frightened of me. Anything you wish to say, you say it. Yes?' I said, not sparing her a look.

'Okay, Josh.' And I don't know why but my name in her lips sounded just right.