Summary: Artie is attracted to Claudia and she has no clue. Rated T.
"Hey old man, what's on the agenda for today?" Claudia asked leaning over his shoulder to look at his computer. Artie could see a bright pink strip of hair out of the corner of his eye. He could smell her ocean themed shampoo that mixed with the citrus scent of her orange mango chap stick. He inhaled deeply, which she thankfully took for a frustrated sigh.
"Relax crabby, I haven't broken a thing in weeks." She smirked going over to lounge at her workstation.
"Exactly, all good things come to an end." He muttered grumpily trying to hide a smile at her being so pleased with herself.
"Ah not again! Why, why do I get the evil computer?" Artie grumbled as his computer froze on him again.
"Hang on I'll check it out." Claudia said wheeling her chair over, and nudging Artie out of the way with her hip. He nearly jumped when the back of his hand brushed her hip in the process. He suddenly felt very guilty thinking an old man like him had no business thinking about this young lady's hips. His face was flushed.
"You okay Artie?" Claudia asked giving him a concerned look.
"Fine, always am." Artie said defensively. Claudia's concerned look turned into a sidelong glance before her attention turned to the computer once more. As she busily typed away in front of him Artie couldn't help but glance every now and then at her neck, her shoulders, her slim waist, her delicate hands. He studied her profile, taking in each detail. The curve of her nose, her full pouting lips, her large innocent eyes, it was obvious she was innocent despite the sarcastic, cynical, tough girl act she liked to hide behind sometimes. He was looking into her eyes; she was looking at him expectantly. He hadn't heard what she said.
"Hmm? I mean, sorry, what?" Artie fumbled.
"I was just saying that the computer will no longer be evil, at least not for a little while." She smiled but her eyes showed her suspicion. She knew something was up she just didn't know what.
"Oh okay thanks Claudia." Artie said grabbing the back of her chair and rolling her back to her desk. "Now back to work." He said in a very business like no nonsense kind of way. Sitting at his own desk Artie tried to research an elusive artifact but his thoughts would occasionally drift to mangos, the ocean, and a certain little red head typing away behind him.
THE END
As always feel free to review my stories. Criticism is always welcome as long as it will actually help me.