Chapter 2013 - Secret Audit (4)

Chloe was sitting on the sofa in Noah's office and looking at the food that was arranged on the low table in front of her. It was lunch for her and Noah.

There was nothing wrong with the food, other than the oddity of how everything was in twos. 

Chloe was embarrassed when Noah said that lunch is covered, and she does not need to pay for it. Now she felt like a moocher.

She didn't take much time picking from the menu because Lizzie and Scarlet were staring at her, and when she was done Noah said: "The same for me…"

Chloe thought how the man is really not picky about what he eats. He was talking to Scarlet while she told Lizzie what she will have. Did Noah even pay attention to what she ordered?

Chloe started working on her salad and wished that it's less crunchy. Can Noah hear her chewing? Probably. Why didn't she order something that makes less noise? And why did he sit on the sofa next to her? If he sat further, the likelihood of him hearing her eating noises would be less. Or maybe she should have picked the sofa chair, but now if she moves it would be odd. 

She found the whole situation embarrassing, but she skipped breakfast and forced that horrible coffee down her throat and she was hungry and unable to stop eating. However, Noah was observing her with a small smile on his face and she had to ask: "What?"

"Do you have any questions for me related to the files you are reading?", Noah asked.

Chloe shook her head. "It's still early for that. Will Lizzie and Scarlet going to be my contacts when I have questions about the audit?"

Noah frowned a bit. "What made you think so?"

"You said that they will help me if I need anything."

"Yes. If you need a coffee or water or a snack. They can set up your meetings and manage your schedule. Also, if any of the directors and managers are giving you a hard time, Lizzie and Scarlet will deal with it. But if it's related to this audit or the company, I will answer your questions."

Chloe thought how it sounds that she got two assistants. Wait… Noah will answer her questions related to the audit? "Aren't you busy?"

"Not for you."

Chloe's eyes widened and she held her breath while Noah continued: "This audit is important, and I will make sure to be available for you anytime."

'Of course, what was I thinking?', Chloe chided herself. 'Get yourself together, Chloe, or you will end up fired if you allow your imagination to run wild.'

Chloe stuffed a forkful of salad in her mouth and repeated silently that Noah is not the handsome bodyguard who came to her rescue; he is director Bennet and this is a totally different situation.

"So, what are your thoughts so far? When can you start the audit?", Noah asked.

"Uhm… I think I can start right now."

"That fast? You didn't finish going through the documents."

"I didn't, but I reviewed three departments and I saw a few patterns. Also, there is no need for me to finish everything because each department will be audited separately. I can start with Human Resources, as that one is first in the folder. While I audit the Human Resources department, I will familiarize myself with the others…"

Noah thought how that makes sense. She is smart and efficient. Maybe too efficient. At this rate, she will finish work quickly and he will need to come up with something else to keep her by his side.

"Sounds good. After lunch, you can ask Lizzie and Scarlet to give you official reports from the Human Resources and you can start from there."

The rest of the day passed in work for Chloe while Noah was mostly observing her. He was never so idle, yet the time passed quickly.

Chloe asked him a few questions that were on point before resuming her work, and when Scarlet got their coffees in the afternoon, Noah took note that Chloe likes hers with a splash of cream and one spoon of sugar.

Noah admired Chloe's focus and her work ethic. Since he became the sergeant of the Army of Chaos, women would often try to get into his good books either by flattery or by showing off and some even tried to seduce him, yet Chloe was acting like he is nothing special. There were a polite smile and eye contact just enough to acknowledge his presence, and she didn't try to drag the conversation for more than necessary. Sure, Chloe does not know about the Army of Chaos, but she is aware of him being the director at Blanc. 

It all reinforced his initial thought how there is something different about Chloe and he couldn't help but crave for more time with her. Would it be too much if he moves into the same apartment building with her? There are eight apartments on Chloe's floor, and all are taken, but Noah can easily arrange for someone to move.

Chloe stifled a yawn and stretched her arms above her head while checking the time. It was after 6 PM, and most of the people went home, as normal work hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM.

"Is it OK if I go home for the day?", Chloe asked.

"Do you have dinner plans?"

Chloe paused. Is Noah thinking about them having dinner together as well? That would be too much. Lunch in the office can be justified with a lot of work, but staying late for dinner can have many implications. "I don't have questions at this time, director Bennet, and I'm tired so I would like to get rest."

Noah was not pleased that she rejected his indirect dinner invitation, and there was one more thing… "Can you call me Noah?" He saw that Chloe was about to object, so he added: "At least when we are alone. Or should I call you Miss Long all the time?"

Chloe does not like when people call her 'Miss Long' because it reminds her of her family. She concluded that Noah does not want to be labeled as a director. "OK. Noah."

Noah saw Chloe getting her things, ready to leave and he remembered that she walked to work that morning.

"Let me walk you home.", he offered.

Chloe panicked. If they walk together, who knows who will see them? "No need. Really. Thank you but I've got it."

With Eve-lens Noah saw that Chloe's anxiousness shoot through the roof and he didn't want to push it, but he had to say… "Why do I have a feeling that you can't wait to escape from here?"

"It's not that but… I know you are busy. I don't want to take more of your time. Thank you for today and I will continue working tomorrow."

Noah knew that she was lying, but if he continued pushing for it, he would need to explain how he knows that she is not telling the truth, so he decided to let it go, for now. He pointed at the folder which she took. "Are you planning to work from home?"

"If I have time, I will continue familiarizing myself with other departments.", she responded.

"I don't need to remind you that the information in there is for your eyes only."

Chloe hesitated. "Should I leave it here?"

"You can take it if you want, but make sure no one else gets their hands on it."

"I understand. No one comes to my place, so it will be safe.", Chloe assured him and moved toward the door. "Good night, dir… I mean… Good night, Noah."

Noah looked at the woman who scampered out of his office like a frightened rabbit. What was that about?

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