Mysterious CEO's Last Surrogate
Chapter Twenty - Two

Danica's heart rate increased. Mixed feelings of excitement, intimidation and fear, smearing over her. However, a warming smile escaped her because he came. She was happy that he obliged her request and said to return the next day. She saw from his back that he wasn't a beast or anything. Even though she hadn't seen his face, she was sure that it wasn't going to be a scary one.

Loney sat thoughtfully in the office. For the first time, he couldn't concentrate on work. He waited in anticipation of what Danica wanted to tell him. He was completely clueless as to what her demand will be but the thought of seeing her again in a few hours was immeasurable. He wished he could express himself in front of her. He wished he could be bold again like he was in college. He was strong, handsome, dominant and had control over top politicians, billionaires and even the mafia. He feared no one but why did he feel nervous when it came to Danica?

She would never guess the effect she has on him because he hides it well. Just as his mind was in deep thought, his phone rang. He looked at the screen eagerly and saw Doctor Jeff's name. He squinted his eyes in uncertainty and answered the call.

"Jeff?"

"Loney, the girl is here again. Herty. She wants to speak with Danica," Doctor Jeff said impatiently. Herty had gone to see him again because she needed to speak to her friend. She was uncomfortable with how things were turning out.

However, Loney's uncertainties made him reluctant to accept her request. He perceived that perhaps, Herty's discussion with Danica might change what she wanted to say and said, "no."

Doctor Jeff, frowned in confusion. "Why? and what do I tell her?"

"Tell her to come next week to speak with her. Make up an excuse. Tell her Danica is sleeping or anything that would make her indisposed. You are a Doctor so you should know what to say," Loney tacitly said but Jeff knew his friend, therefore he was curious.

"Loney, what is going on?" He asked, careful not to anger him.

"Nothing. I have a meeting with Danica tonight and I don't want any external information to influence whatever she has to say so tell her friend to come next week. In order not to create suspicion, tell her that you will arrange for her to meet Danica next week. At least it will be a pleasant surprise for Danica." Loney revealed.

Jeff was content with the information he had at hand. For as long as he could give Herty hopes of seeing Danica, then his explanation wouldn't be odd "Alright then, I will inform her." Immediately Loney ended the call, his secretary walked into his office. "Mr Hubert, we have a new proposal." Maria placed a file on his desk while she spoke.

Loney was overwhelmed. They hadn't finished with their new works and another one had just arrived. He studied the file, his expression unreadable, as he tried to confirm the source.

"From where?"

"The president's office. He wants to give you the contract for the construction of the escape routes," Marie clarified.

"That will be massive. Get the design team ready." Loney's passion jumped into action.

"Yes sir," Marie said. However, she didn't step out immediately.

"Is there anything else?" Loney asked.

Marie bit her lower lip and uttered, "No, but.."

"But what?" Loney was getting impatient. His work mode was activated and Marie standing there meant she had something important to say.

She stammered, "I...I just want to know if..ehm...you..you like ehhm have a...girlfriend?"

Loney frowned, not able to guess where the questions were headed. Marie never asked such questions. "Why do you ask? Do you want to be my girlfriend?" Loney asked his gaze on the file in front of him, his expression rigid.

Marie couldn't tell whether he joking or serious since she couldn't read his expression. Of course, she would be proud to be his girlfriend but she worried if she misread the meaning of his words, she might get fired. Thoughtfully, she said, "It's just that a lady came in here and introduced herself as your girlfriend. She said I should let her know when you return," Marie concluded, nodded and shifted her gaze to the floor.

Loney was sullen, "first of all, I don't have a girlfriend," Marie's heart did a flip at Loney's words, quickly washed with disappointment at his next words, "so deal with this girl, whatever her name is, I don't want to know and don't arrange for any meeting because I don't want to see her."

Marie thought at least, Loney would like to see or know the girl but not getting that, she didn't know how to handle the disappointment and murmured, "Okay." But she didn't leave.

"Is there anything else?" Loney had not spared her any glance and was clueless on the changes of her expressions.

"Yes," she murmured. Loney lifted his gaze questioningly. Marie felt uneasy but she couldn't give up. She had waited so long to get answers to these questions. "Please this is personal and I hope I don't get fired," she pleaded.

"Be fast, Marie, you are wasting my time," Loney's voice was deep and his features carried no expressions. Marie felt her palms get wet from sweat, the words forced their way out of her mouth, "are you gay?" "What?" Loney's expression fogged, his jaw clenched. Marie wanted to dig a hole and bury herself. Loney's burning gaze was enough to strip her bare.

"Sorry sir, but you usually don't have women coming around and you don't show interest in any of the staff around. Nobody came to look for you. I just made it up to replace out if you would be interested but you outrightly disagreed. I'm just concerned," her words were sharp and ended as soon as they began. Her eyes were on the floor, embarrassment not allowing her to make any eye contact.

Lucky for her, Loney was in a good mood because he was going to see Danica tonight. He closed the file and held it out to her, "let's pretend we never had this discussion. Now, get back to work," he said sternly.

The iciness in his tone made Marie freeze. "Did you not hear me? get out or would you rather get fired?"

Marie took the file, took two steps back shakily, turned around and strutted out of the office. Loney sat back in his chair, as his mind instantly activated with Danica's name. He went for the meeting with the designers, taking more time than usual. When he realized that time was far spent, he excused himself and left. The team of designers were surprised because Loney never did that before.

Usually, he would wait till everything was agreed on and most probably, be the last to leave. Yet, they couldn't question him directly. After all, he was their boss. Loney drove at fast speed, hoping to see Danica before she slept. Still, he couldn't help thinking of what she would think of him when she replaces out who he is? Will she reject him like he did the first time or will she love him because of his wealth? Both options scared him. He just wished that Daniella hadn't rejected him the first time. The wound was so deep, it made him insecure.

Every time he spent with her drew him closer to her like a magnet. He began to wonder what was happening to him...