Chapter 77 An All-Nighter with Grandma
Noah's POV:
Eden is already at her desk when I arrive. She looks tired, like she hasn't slept well all weekend.
"Didn't sleep?" I ask, holding out the coffee to her.
She smiles gratefully as she takes it from me. "I was a bit late going to bed," she tells me.
It feels weird not knowing what she's been up to all weekend. It's frustrating too, knowing that if I ask her she probably won't tell me the truth.
"I was at my grandma's house," she says, telling me just enough that she's not lying.
"You had an all-nighter with your grandma?" I tease, pressing for more.
"God, no. She went to bed at a sensible time unlike me."
I reach out, brushing a strand of hair out of her eyes. It's hard not to touch her and I don't even think about the fact that someone could see us. Fortunately, most of my team wouldn't even consider coming to work this early.
"What were you doing up so late?" I ask softly.
I want to know more. Knowing that she's been lying to me, I feel like there's a whole side of her life that I know nothing about and not just because we've only just started getting to know each other.
It's impossible to miss the way her eyes dart to the left as if she's searching for an answer to give me. She doesn't want to tell me the truth or maybe, she just can't. I don't know which it is but either way I don't like it and it makes me pull my hand away.
"Er... I had something to do," she says hesitantly, "something I've been putting off."
I don't hear a lie in her words. Everything about her tone and the way she's looking at seems sincere. It's a relief.
"Did you get it done?" I don't bother asking what she's referring to. There's no point. She's not going to tell me.
"No but I made a good start."
"That's good then," I tell her. I stand there, leaning against her desk, unwilling to move even though I have no real reason to stay by her side. I should be getting started with my work so I'll be ready for the meeting I have to attend at nine.
"You don't exactly look like you've had a good night's sleep either."
I smirk at that. I don't imagine I do. Thinking about Eden kept me up all night. Taking her hand, I fidget, playing with her fingers. I can hardly tell her that it's her fault I'm tired.
"Are you coming over later?" she asks.
She seems almost nervous like she expects me to say no. Then again, we've not seen each other all weekend, spending time apart for the first time in weeks.
"Do you want me to?" I reply, tilting my head to look at her.
"Yes."
"You haven't got to carry on with whatever has you looking so tired?" I tease.
She bites her bottom lip and I wonder if she's really considering saying that she can't see me tonight. She looks incredibly conflicted and I almost feel guilty for putting her under pressure.
"No. It can wait," she says eventually, although she doesn't look completely happy about it.
"Are you sure?" I ask, kissing the palm of her hand.
"No. We've got a lot to do," she says sternly.
"I can carry on alone if you need..." It's disappointing that her mind went straight to the work we're doing, rather than spending time with me but I guess I can hardly blame her. It's her family's business. She must be stressed out of her mind with worry.
"No," she replies, shaking her head.
"If you're sure," I say, glancing behind myself to check that the department is still empty before leaning down and kissing her softly. It's brief, far too quick but it does wonders to improve my mood.
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