She is sitting at his desk (don't worry everything is still organized) with a bottle of wine, and a fancy cheese board.
"Mmm I know you are a busy man, but I was wondering if you had a few minutes to share a little treat with me?"
She is not above giving him the puppy dog eyes, come on Elijah she just wants your attention for a little bit. Have some wine and cheese with her, it's fancy.
⠀⠀⠀⠀he had not intended to be away for long. what had begun as a brief matter requiring his attention elsewhere within the estate had occupied somewhat more time than anticipated. not excessively so (perhaps half an hour) but sufficiently long that he returned expecting nothing more remarkable than the order in which he had left his office.
⠀⠀⠀⠀instead, the moment he opened the door, he stopped. his gaze settled first upon the woman occupying his chair with entirely inappropriate confidence, then upon the bottle of wine, the carefully arranged cheeses, fruit, and bread spread across his otherwise immaculate desk.
⠀⠀⠀⠀there was something almost absurdly domestic about it. an image he certainly had not expected to encounter upon returning, and yet also not one he found himself particularly eager to interrupt.
⠀⠀⠀⠀his eyes lingered on her a moment longer than propriety strictly demanded before the faintest smile touched the corner of his mouth. only then did he lower his wrist slightly, drawing back the cuff of his sleeve just enough to consult the face of his watch.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"..." another thoughtful pause followed. "okay."
⠀⠀⠀⠀the single word was spoken with resignation rather than reluctance. he slipped the watch beneath his cuff once more before closing the office door behind him with measured care. "i believe i can spare a little time."
⠀⠀⠀⠀his gaze drifted briefly toward the elaborate arrangement she had assembled before returning to her. "though i suspect this exceeded the original purpose for which my desk was designed." the observation carried the faintest trace of dry amusement.
⠀⠀⠀⠀"now the only remaining question is where you intend for us to enjoy it." his head inclined ever so slightly. "the rooftop terrace, perhaps. the weather appears rather accommodating. alternatively, we might take it into the garden or a park and allow you to convince me that picnics are not exclusively designed to invite insects."
⠀⠀⠀⠀another almost imperceptible smile appeared. "or, should you prefer something considerably more civilized, the dining room remains a perfectly respectable option. the decision, however, is yours." || @malka-lisitsa
