A/N I know I said this was a one shot but it just keeps running in my head, so here we are. Thanks for the positivity sent my way for chapter 1 by the way. It's much appreciated. I still have no beta, so if I've made an "Ooopsie" here and there please forgive me. I've included the final moment of chapter 1 to help remind you all.
Sing it with me- "I DON'T OWN CHUCK."
Chapter 2
The door closed behind her, making Chuck turn away, bringing the world back into existence. Looking over his shoulder at the wooden panels with a sense of melancholy Chuck moved quickly, surprising Morgan. Reaching the door in a few strides he opened it to see Sarah reaching for the handle herself, the look of surprise on her face giving way to a beaming smile.
"I just…" she looked up at him through her lashes nervously.
"Wait, right there, don't move, don't go, anywhere, please…" he choked out, almost pleading at the end, leaving her momentarily hovering at the entrance to the room, her broad smile becoming more a subtle smirk. It took almost no time for her to ignore his words, slowly closing the distance between them automatically, feet moving as if on autopilot. She pouted slightly as he quickly turned, leaving her alone as he strode across to the table and retrieved his jacket,
Morgan's gaze followed his friend the whole time, dropping himself behind the camera to hide the happy dance that fought to control his limbs, his bearded face covered with a broad grin.
Sarah's lustrous eyes shone with amusement as Chuck almost jogged back to her, she greeted him with a toothy smile as he stopped only a foot or so away. Reaching into his jacket pocket he pulled out a card, gesturing with it for a moment. "I forgot to give you this…" He placed the card in her hand, their fingers touching for a millisecond "… in case you weren't joking about trying that new ice cream." he added cheekily. Taking in a deep breath he tried to calm himself, fixing his face with a slightly lop sided grin. His beaming smile returned quickly when she took it from him. He looked away briefly, failing completely at hiding his nervousness as she looked deeply into his own chestnut orbs. Unable to completely hold her gaze, the question held within.
Sarah stood for what felt like an eternity, not responding, simply looking back at him, her fingers playing with the card. The flow of energy between them returning, immediate and all-encompassing even with such a brief touch. She was unsure of herself in that moment, unsure of the world around her. The only surety she held was his gaze, its warmth, openness and obvious tenderness.
The strange emptiness she'd felt when leaving the room a few minutes earlier had vanished, replaced by the intensity of their connection. She'd felt it during their interview, her emotions swirling and could tell that he'd likewise been affected. The thought that he also wanted to continue their time together, filled her briefly with a feeling close to mild euphoria, which unnerved her in itself, never this close to losing control. His nervously spiralling commentary seemed to mirror her own inner confusion. Whilst she found everything he did unbelievably endearing, they'd just met. Not trusting herself to speak she simply chuckled at him briefly, taking the card and placing it in her rear pocket. She decided to just listen to him, finding she really enjoyed the way he was rambling. Jumping from extreme nervousness to surprising boldness, his mouth running rampant. It surprised her that in the back of her mind she found herself toying with the idea of using her own lips to silence him. Down girl…
"Chuck, we could do that now if you really want." She gestured over her shoulder towards the door, the offer came out so quickly that she surprised herself. What was she doing?
He looked surprised for a second, his face fixed with a dreamy smile before letting out a breathy "Yeah?" Quickly clearing his throat as he attempted to regain his composure, noticing the way she was tenderly nibbling on the corner of her lip a little. Gesturing with her head in a "come with me" motion, she turned and headed through the still open door.
Across the room Morgan had quietly been watching the two of them, a broad grin on his face. Pulling out his phone he dialled the office.
"Hello, this is where the world comes together. How can I direct your call" the heavily accented ladies voice answered, sounding a little bored.
"Hey there Daphne, it's me." He replied, keeping his voice low.
Suddenly recognising his voice she answered more cheerily "Oh… Hey Morgan. What's up?"
"Is the Colonel in?" the bearded man asked a little nervously. Hearing a small chuckle before an affirmative answer he continued "Can you put me through then?"
"He'll kill you if he ever finds out you call him that you know?" she gently chastised him.
"Then don't tell him" he added cheekily.
The line went briefly silent before suddenly changing to an instrumental version of Bonnie Tyler's "Holding out for a Hero", just as the chorus hit the song silenced abruptly.
"Casey here, what is it moron?" came his gruff voice, followed by a frustrated growl.
"Hey boss. Yeah, we're still at Frozen Kingdom." Casey groaned and began to interrupt but Morgan carried on, predicting his boss' questions. "Yes Chuck's just done the interview. It's went well. No he didn't embarrass himself… Yet." That got him a snort across the line. "I'm just letting you know that Miss Walker has invited us to look around the chocolate factory, so to speak. So we won't be back in the office 'til late" he recognised the pleased grunt that followed. "And no, they didn't talk about their lady feelings." He could almost hear the relieved smile that Casey must've had. Stopping abruptly Morgan finally remembered the greeting he'd received. "Hey…" he said, a little louder than he'd intended. Afraid that he'd spoiled Chuck's moment he looked up and saw the door close, his friend disappearing with the beautiful Miss Walker. He was alone, suddenly stunned into silence.
"Moron? You there?" Casey growled in his ear.
"Err, yeah" Morgan chirped distractedly. The line quickly went silent. "Love you too big guy" he said into the now silent room, putting his phone away.
"I'll just pack this up then…" he called towards the doorway, as though Chuck could actually reply.
The door opened a minute or two later surprising Morgan, as he sat on the edge of the table, rolling up some cables humming to himself tunelessly.
"Where are they?" Zondra asked gruffly as she walked in, looking around the room, her arms crossing tightly across her chest.
"Err… I think Miss Walker is showing my boy around the place." He offered contritely with a wink and a smile, quickly looking back to the cables he was tying as he received a flat stare.
"Blondie took him downstairs?" she asked with a slight lift in her voice.
"I guess so…" he offered, seeing her eyebrows raise in surprise.
"I don't believe it." She muttered to herself, shaking her head gently and turning quickly to leave the room, the door closing rapidly behind her.
Morgan decided to watch the footage in case they needed any more shots before they left, so he picked up the camera, playing the tape back. This time noticing the fleeting touches, and obvious looks the couple had shared during their 'chat'. He'd uncharacteristically only spoken a few times during the whole thing, seeing his friend enjoy talking to such a beautiful, interesting woman, obviously smitten. Caring about every word she uttered, with no nervousness apparent for the first time in a number of years. "Best wingman ever" he muttered, turning off the camera as he puffed out his chest and smiled.
The ride down in the elevator was an interesting experience for both Chuck and Sarah. Both felt real heat, but needing to appear at least outwardly professional they calmed themselves. Furtive glances were thrown between them as they easily made small talk and enjoyed the proximity of the other, no longer desperate to touch despite their racing thoughts. Chuck, always the gentleman gestured for her to leave first when the doors finally opened, smiling sweetly she led them from the elevator.
Keeping at least a little distance between them they walked into the large quality and tasting area of the building, handing him a clear visor. Sarah walked a little ahead of him, looking back over her shoulder, feeling even more need to appear professional now that they were in front of her own employees. She found herself trying to hide behind her mask, showing her staff nothing of herself, simply walking by them, coolly.
"So… in here we sample every new flavour and our quality control team run their tests on every batch." She began in a more business-like manner, gesturing to a group huddled together across the room.
"Best job evah." Chuck called out, pointing at the white suited group, earning him a head shake from the blonde, her mask began crumbling before his childlike enthusiasm. "You guys…" he gave his best finger guns.
Fighting not to laugh Sarah called over one of the white suits "Hey Emmitt, take five." she gestured with her head for the group to leave.
"Yes Miss Walker" the bespectacled man retreated, gently ushering his colleagues to the door.
"Wow… you really are the Iced Cream Queen. All of your subjects doing your bidding?" He chuckled and gave a quick curtsy.
"Except Zondra, yeah" She rolled her eyes at the gesture, her mask letting out its terminal breath, toothy smile returning. Leading him away from the retreating group towards the large freezers at the back of the room she unlocked the door reached in and removed a small non-descript container, placing it on a nearby desk. Opening a drawer, she took out 2 spoons, handing him one.
"So what are we trying?" he asked enthusiastically, tapping the spoon on the edge of the container.
"See if you can guess." She answered, raising her brow in mock challenge.
Both taking a spoonful, he waved his around briefly, running it under his nose as though he were tasting wine. He wiggled his eyebrows, giggling back at her before eating the iced cream, accidentally letting out a small moan of pleasure. "I'm getting pistachio, a little mint…" seeing her nod "and is that salted caramel?"
She nodded slowly "I'm impressed."
Eyeing the container hungrily, "So what did you name this one? Its soooo goood." he drawled, toying with his spoon again. Shaking her head quickly, she turned the gesture into a subtle nod towards the ice cream, smirking "You can have some more you know." Taking herself another spoonful. "…we haven't named this one yet" she added, licking the edge of her spoon slowly.
His brow raised in surprise, eyes focussed like a laser on her lips. "Really?" his pitch rising, dipping his spoon distractedly. "It's that new?" she nodded as he took another mouthful with a little more reverence, contemplating the flavours and trying not to fixate on the way her tongue had swept across her lips a moment earlier.
"Any ideas?" she asked innocently.
"Plenty…" he breathed out suggestively eyes widening in shock at himself, causing her to snort in amusement. She realised now that he'd completely lost his filter around her, his mouth running amok, brain not even a close second. "I meant the name" she chuckled loudly at his slip. Shaking her head and pushing her palm against his chest, feeling the way his heart raced, matching her own in cadence and rhythm. That rhythm escalated at the contact, much of the earlier heat returning but Sarah shyly stepped away, just a little, and chose to simply bask in the warmth that emanated between them. Sarah had never laughed as hard, or felt as comfortable as she did with this man. Not with anyone in her life. Chuck had through his own openness and honesty, warmed the beating heart hidden within the woman she'd become.
Sarah's earlier confusion around her feelings towards this man cleared, replaced by an absolute certainty, something in the way he looked at her gave her a confidence she'd never felt. Every man in her life had, in one way or another hurt her but she KNEW in her core Chuck was different. That in itself was a revelation that caused the walls she'd built around her heart to tumble, their foundations split asunder.
Her swirling emotions gradually left her at a loss for words, quietly listening to him tell a story about some of his old co-workers and a game they played on their customers. Whilst she found the story amusing, she'd fixed a smile to her face as she tried to understand the enigma of a man before her. Eventually a comfortable silence spread between them as they finished the iced cream.
A short while later they heard Emmitt clear his throat from the doorway, interrupting their peaceful interlude as the white suited employees tried to file back in. Taking that as their cue, the couple quickly cleaned up their mess and began to head back to the elevator, once again sneaking quick glances at each other. Each knew that their "date" as she was starting to think of it, was nearing its end but were reluctant to voice any kind of goodbye as the elevator slowly ascended.
Heading through the doors to the conference room to a grinning but obviously bored Morgan, they smiled sweetly at each other. Both offering apologies for leaving him for so long. Morgan lifted his bags and began to stride towards them, his brow furrowed in mock disdain. As he reached his friend, he dropped the bags, gripping Chuck in a tight hug he leaned close to Chuck's ear and whispered "My boys all grown up…" before stepping back. Smiling wickedly at his friend he nodded at Sarah "Miss Walker…" picking up the bags, he left the room.
As the door began to shut Zondra appeared, frowning at the retreating man. Her arms folding across her chest, eyeing the couple expectantly. Sarah's brilliant blue eyes flashed briefly in annoyance, eventually rolling them at her friend. The trio stood silently for a few seconds.
Looking between the two women Chuck had mixed emotions, Sarah's sapphire eyes beckoned him towards her but the brunette definitely made him feel that he'd overstayed his welcome. A sad smile briefly took over him as he cleared his throat gently, reluctantly reached a decision. Holding out a hand, he briefly took Sarah's, feeling the anticipated thrum of energy, missing it instantly as he let go. Smiling warmly he thanked Sarah for her time, reluctantly moving away. Walking over and standing before Zondra he offered his hand again. She raised an eyebrow in challenge but firmly took it, squeezing his hand tightly causing him to wince. Letting go as quickly as he could, he left, looking back and giving Sarah a small grin as the door closed.
Sarah looked over to her expectant friend, Zondra returning the look quizzically. The interrogation was about to begin…
"So you going to tell me what just happened?" Zondra enquired quickly, coming over to sit on the desk.
"I did the interview." Sarah answered in mock frustration.
"I can see that. What about after? I know I said we need people to like you but taking him down to your inner sanctum?" she pointed in front of her to the floor with an index finger.
Sarah looked at her friend unfortunately pointing towards her crotch, something she was oblivious to, Sarah chuckled at the image "Nope, not gonna touch that" she quickly added, chuckling at her own unexpected innuendo before sobering a little "You know I'm your boss right? And I've obviously been spending WAY too much time around Carina"
That caused a patented Zondra eye roll, this one followed by a mocking tone "Please Blondie, my boss? …and yes you have." Causing Sarah to chuckle again.
"Are you done?" Zondra chastised gently, her brows rising.
"Are you?" Sarah challenged playfully, a small chuckle erupting again.
Stepping over and inspecting Sarah closely, Zondra slowly turned Sarah's head by gripping her chin a little, "Who are you? And what have you done to Blondie?" narrowing her eyes with a smirk.
Sarah gave her the flattest look she could as she swatted Zondra's hand away from her face, remaining quiet.
"So are you gonna tell me what really just happened?" the brunette leaned in conspiratorially.
"He asked if we had any new flavours that he could try, so I let him have some." Sarah answered innocently.
"I bet you did…" Zondra chuckled to herself.
"Now who's been around Carina too much?" Sarah countered.
Ignoring the comment Zondra asked "Which one? Which one did you give him?"
"The salted caramel…" Sarah answered quickly, as though it was nothing.
Raising her brows to the roof, Zondra cut in "Really? Your baby from Budapest?"
"What's the big deal?" Sarah countered.
"Well, let's see… You haven't even let me try that one yet." Zondra pouted at the end.
"I guess… I WAS keeping it a secret." Sarah shrugged and tried to look contrite "it's just…"
"So why him? I mean he's cute n' all but why?" Zondra dropped herself to sit on the edge of the desk again. "You know this isn't my thing, but talk to me."
"There's something about him that I just can't…" she trailed off, looking away meekly.
"Holy Shit!" Zondra muttered.
Sarah spent the next few minutes trying to explain everything she'd felt as she talked to Chuck, leaving out any mention of the physical effect she'd experienced. Zondra to her credit sat quietly, not interrupting her friend. Getting Sarah to speak about her feelings was an unbelievably rare occurrence and she understood the power of her silence. Seeing that her friend was trying to make sense of her swirling emotions.
Zondra had known Sarah for close to 5 years and never in that time had she once opened up about her past, her love life, or lack thereof. Carina, their other friend had on rare occasion told vague stories of the blondes disappointing childhood, broad strokes of Sarah's history. Over the years she'd also mentioned a couple of guys that had made it past a first date with Sarah. She'd thought of them as Mr. Right, they were handsome, charming, but they were looking for their Miss Right Now. Shallow assholes, leaving her heart even more closed off.
Somehow this 'Chuck' in a little over two hours had turned Zondra's usually cautious friend giddy. That piqued her interest, getting a little concerned she promised herself she'd look into this guy. There was no way she'd let anyone else hurt Sarah.
For the first time in their friendship Sarah seemed to be struggling with something that shook her very being, Zondra sighed, offering a cautious smile.
"I mean we had fun…before you came in, scared him off" Sarah's sighed in frustration "…and then you just stared at him…" she trailed off.
Noticing something white on the floor, Zondra crouched and picked up the card. Turning it over slowly, Zondra's brow raised. "So what do you want to do about it? Him?" the brunette challenged, holding the card between them.
Sarah's eyes widened, reaching to her empty trouser pocket before taking the card meekly. "Call him." Zondra offered with a sincere look.
"You're really good to me" Sarah smiled softly, "…sometimes" she smirked, nervously reaching into a pocket for her phone. Zondra stepped away, as though affronted. Huffing loudly she gave her friend a faux glare, "Well don't go around telling everyone." she smirked back at the blonde as she walked away. Stepping through the door she left Sarah tapping the phone against her leg, eyeing the card in her other hand.
Sarah sat there for a few minutes struggling with her thoughts. Should she call? Wait for him to call? Would he even call? She'd felt a little colder inside after he'd left and not only wanted, but needed to clear her mind. Letting out a breath she didn't realise she was holding she put the card and her phone into a trouser pocket. Huffing to herself she fished her keys from a different pocket, hurrying to the elevator. Maybe a drive would calm her, it always had in the past. Arriving at her Porsche, she got in, hit the accelerator and sped away.
A/N - I hope you've enjoyed this so far. I know there isn't really much of a plot yet but it has to go somewhere right? I'm still trying to stick to something around 6 hrs to write each chapter, although this one fought me a little and was closer to 7. Please R&R, they're much appreciated.