Of course not!
I want to explain, but seeing him lean closer in concern, I panic and cry out, "D-Don't come any closer!"
We chased each other around the bed. He pulled me back with the chain and scooped me into his arms so I couldn't escape.

He cradled me with one arm while rubbing my back gently with the other, trying to soothe me.
Soon, the churning in my stomach fades and I start to relax.
"Do you want some water?" Daniel asked.
I shook my head, "No, I'm okay now."
Then a low, self-mocking laugh reached my ear, "You reacted so strongly when I touched you, and you kissed me first…" "Nina, is that what you call loving me?"
I nearly forgot about that. Weakly I said, "Mr. Vale, it was breakfast…"

After a moment, it hits me. I often skip breakfast at work due to late nights and tight deadlines.
Today, faced with all my favorite foods and being fed by him, I ate too much, too fast. My stomach just couldn't take it!
Daniel cut me off.
"It doesn't matter. As long as you're with me, that's enough."

"You have nowhere to go anyway."
I couldn't shake the feeling that Daniel looked oddly familiar in that moment, just like the expression he wore when he sent one of our team proposals back for revision.
It seemed he was seriously offended by something.
"Where exactly are you dissatisfied with my reasoning?" I wanted to ask.
Daniel reached up and traced from my brow across my nose to my lips, as if outlining my face.
I almost laughed out loud.
I grabbed his moving finger, but his face fell and he bit back words he seemed to want to say.
I decided to have a proper talk with him, but he suddenly stood and said he had to go to the study for a meeting.
This was tied to my work and the company's interests, so I didn't block him.
Maybe worried I'll be bored, he leaves a laptop and projector—no internet, but loaded with movies of every genre.
What to do? A crush doesn't come with witnesses, and the boss won't take my word for it…
Wait, there is evidence!
I once texted my best friend about liking the boss, even sent her a sneaky photo of him. The chat history should still be there!
I started to make plans to show him, but before I could, I settled down and tried to watch the movie.
Daniel came back only for lunch and dinner to feed me, and otherwise he was out — very busy.
That only reminded me of a week of brutal overtime, and I watched to calm down while waiting for him.
As the hours passed, I grew sleepy.
Half-asleep, I heard a door open. Too drowsy to speak, I just sensed someone switching off the projector and seating themselves beside me.
They looped the chain and pulled me into their arms — and I smacked them away.
It was hot; even with the air on, I couldn't stand the heat.
After I pushed him off I fell asleep again.