Miss Josefina: Nobody's Princess

Chapter 123

Josefina fidgeted in her chair. Her eyes darted down as she leaned back, causing the chair to retreat several inches.

Oliver’s lips curled into a wry smile as he leisurely took a seat across the desk. There was only the expanse of the office table between them, yet Josefina felt as if he was right next to her, especially with the heat in Oliver’s gaze.

“Oliver, did you need something from me?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

Oliver crossed his legs, with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes complemented by an indulgent smirk. “Do I need a reason to see you?”

Josefina’s mind raced back to the design draft she was anxious to keep hidden. She inched forward, hoping to shield it from view. “I’m a bit tied up today. If there’s nothing pressing, maybe you could come back later?”

Oliver’s voice was smooth as silk. “Oh, but there is something.”

Like a magician producing a rabbit from a hat, he placed a stack of business cards on Josefina’s desk. “Take a look. Pick any designer you like, and I’ll have them work on your company’s fashion line.”

Josefina’s heart warmed at the gesture. It was clear now; Oliver had come to lend a hand. Though he hadn’t spelled it out, the underlying message in his words wasn’t lost on Josefina.

She was stunned, pointing to the pile of business cards in disbelief. “I can pick any of these, and you can get them to come over?”

Oliver’s eyes sparkled with amusement. “Sure, all of them if you like.”

The look of utter astonishment on Josefina made her all the more endearing to him. He yearned to pinch her soft, adorable cheeks.

“Oliver, are you some kind of wizard or something?”

His lips quirked into a slight smile. “You might want to think even bigger.”

Her boldness piqued. She ventured a guess, “You haven’t already brought these people close to the company, have you?”

Oliver’s grin broadened. “You’re quite the clever one. Spot on.”

Josefina was in awe. Oliver really did seem capable of anything.

“Made your choice?” he prodded.

Josefina declined gracefully. “Thanks for the offer, Oliver, but I don’t need the help. I’ve figured out a way to handle things on my own.”

A thought struck Oliver, and with a playful smile he inquired, “Who did you have in mind?”

Josefina tensed, wondering what was behind his smile.

“How did you find out about the company’s trouble? Have you been keeping tabs on me, Oliver?”

“I’m your business partner. When the time came for the designs and you hadn’t delivered, should I not be concerned? Did you plan to deal with this alone?”

“The deadline isn’t even here yet. Don’t worry. Tomorrow’s launch will go off without a hitch.”

“So, you don’t need a single card from the table?”

“Not one, but thank you,” Josefina said with genuine gratitude.

“How would you like to thank me then?” Oliver’s question was unexpected, catching her off guard.

“I’ll treat you to dinner,” Josefina replied earnestly.

Rising from his seat, Oliver gazed down at Josefina’s glowing skin and large, appealing eyes. He gently pinched her cheek, chuckling softly. “Nice to the touch.”

Josefina touched her cheek with a frown and shot Oliver a disapproving glance. “You know, it’s not proper for men and women to touch like this.”

“If you’re willing, propriety can be set aside.”

Josefina was at a loss for words.

Oliver left the business cards on her desk, not taking them with him. “Keep these. If you need anyone’s help, just give me a call.” After saying that, he left the room, recognizing that Josefina was indeed very busy.

Josefina moved the files aside, revealing a design draft that was yet to be completed. Had Oliver actually seen anything?Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.