107. Steve’s Request
“Heidi, that idea is perfect.” Kate’s eyes shone with excitement. “I swear I can’t wait to see you kick Harold Olsen in the butt!”
“So you see,” Isla said. “We all support you, Ms. Olsen. We will do everything in our power to foster your dreams and cheer you up.”
Some of the anxiety in Heidi’s mind washed away, her heart warming up, and her lips pulled into a genuine smile. “Thank you, Guys.”
“You don’t need to thank us,” Steve said gently, touching her arm. “We will always be here for you, Heidi. At least, I know that I’ll never leave your side.”
“Oh, Steve.” Heidi felt embarrassed again.
Steve chuckled. “Why do you seem surprised? Among the thousands of ladies I have met, you stand out like a phoenix among ducks. My greatest desire is to spend as much time as we can with each other.”
“Ha-Aha.” Kate choked on her drink, and Isla couldn’t help but blush at his statement as if she was the one being showered with those sweet words.
“Ha! Suzie’s calling again!” Kate suddenly stood up, bringing out her phone which wasn’t really ringing. “I must see her immediately before she rips me apart.”
Isla stood up as well. “Ms. Olsen, if you would allow it, I’d like to accompany Ms. Anderson. She has another photoshoot later.”
Isla didn’t wait for Heidi’s permission, and she left with Kate in a hurry, leaving her baffled.
Heidi felt this to be more like a trap. Sitting alone with Steve, an intense awkwardness hung in the air.
“You’ve stopped eating.” Steve poured her a glass of wine. “You barely ate anything, should we order something else?”
Heidi shook her head, avoiding his gaze. “No, I’m good. Thank you.”
“Well, you have to eat.” Steve scooped a portion of the meal into a spoon, leveling it to her lips. “It’s clear that you aren’t feeling well. You must be overworking yourself nowadays.”
Heidi was flabbergasted by his gesture. Staring between him and the spoon, she let out a sigh and took the spoon from his hand, dropping it. “Steve, I know what you want.”
“You do?” Steve smiled. “In that case, you’ve saved me the trouble of beating around the bush. I’m not so good at flirting, you know. Heidi, will you give me a chance?”
Heidi was quiet for a few seconds. Meeting his gaze, she opened her mouth. “About that…”
Steve sensed her hesitation and he said in a gentle voice, “You recently got divorced, I understand that you’re still in the broken-hearted stage. Heidi, if you could let me, I promise to heal your heart. Then I can find a place to settle in, right?”
Heidi’s expression wasn’t good. In fact, she looked paler. “Steve, I know your heart is in the right place, but can’t we be just friends?”
Steve shook his head. “I don’t want to be just friends, Heidi. I won’t lie to you.” He shifted close and took her hands. “I am not as wealthy as your ex- husband, but I won’t let any harm come to you.”
He paused. “Heidi, I’m not in a haste. I only want the assurance that you won’t hide from me.”-
Steve was sincere in his words, being confident yet hopeful.
Heidi forced a smile. “I’m just a simple girl. Why are you so interested in me?”
“In my eyes, you’re not a simple girl…” Steve relaxed on his chair, sipping his wine. “Heidi, you’re the most perfect woman.”
The dinner didn’t last for more than five minutes, because the atmosphere was awkward and Heidi didn’t know where to keep her emotions.
Of course, part of her mind was still occupied with the thoughts about Lucas, and the other part was simply troubled by Steve’s request.
She made an excuse that she was tired. Steve helped her out of her chair and he followed her out of the private room.
As they walked down the hallway, heading towards the elevator, Heidi lifted her head at the sound of footsteps approaching and the familiar voice coming from ahead.
Her pupils constricted and she let out a gasp, seeing the last man she’d never expected to bump into so soon.
And to think that Lucas was together with Tracy.
