Chapter 63: Chapter 63

In the quiet hours of the night, Ava grappled with the elusive nature of love. She contemplated the vulnerability that accompanied such a profound emotion, the fear of opening her heart to a sentiment that could reshape the very fabric of her existence.

As dawn approached, Ava found herself no closer to a definitive answer. Love, she realized, wasn't a destination but a journey—a journey filled with uncertainties, self-discovery, and the willingness to navigate the depths of one's emotions.

With a sigh, Ava resigned herself to the realization that the journey of understanding love, both for Bryan and herself, would unfold at its own pace. The echoes of Bella's question lingered, but in the quiet acceptance of the unknown, Ava found a certain peace that allowed her to welcome the dawn with a heart open to the complexities of love yet to be fully explored.

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The next day, Bryan strolled into Ava's office with a casual confidence that turned heads and raised eyebrows among her colleagues. Ava looked up from her work, a subtle surprise lighting up her features at the unexpected visit.

" Hi Ava, mind joining me for lunch? " Bryan asked, his tone casual and inviting, as if the notion of inviting her out was the most natural thing in the world.

A hushed silence fell over the office as her colleagues' mouths hung open in shock. The sight of Bryan, with his air of authority and the sudden disruption of routine, created a scene that left them speechless.

Ava, feeling the weight of their scrutiny, shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She could sense the collective gaze of her colleagues, their surprise evident in the atmosphere that hung between her and Bryan.

Bryan, perceptive to Ava's unease, arched an eyebrow and offered her a reassuring smile. " What do you say, Ava? " he added, seemingly oblivious to the effect his presence had on the office dynamics.

Ava, caught between the unexpected attention and Bryan's inviting gaze, managed a nod. " Sure, let me just grab my things, " she replied, her voice carrying a mix of surprise and gratitude.

As they made their way out of the office, the collective shock among Ava's colleagues slowly transformed into whispered exchanges and curious glances. The sight of Bryan and Ava leaving together created a buzz of speculation, leaving the office in a state of bewilderment long after they had departed for lunch.

As Bryan drove them to a nearby restaurant, Ava couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and apprehension. She appreciated the gesture but was mindful of the potential gossip that might arise from being seen with her boss in public.

" What are you doing? " She whispered, even though she knew no one else could hear her.

He smirked in a sexy sort of way. " Taking my girlfriend out for lunch? "

Her eyes widened " Bryan, we're at work! We can't do this. "

" Yeah I can, and I will. " Came Bryan's immediate response.

His reply got her excited somehow and she felt relief surged through her, knowing he wasn't trying to hide their relationship.

She sighed, " Let's keep this personal, Bryan. I wanna keep it a secret for now. "

" Why? " Bryan asked, taking a glance at her " You're not ashamed of me, are you? "

Ava frowned, " Not at all, why would I be? "

" The age gap. " Bryan answered with a smile which didn't reach his eyes so Ava could tell it was fake.

Ava placed her hand on his thigh comfortingly. " It doesn't matter, you know that, right? " She asked softly.

He nodded, fixing his eyes on the road. Ava let her hand remained on his thigh but after some minutes, she looked down when something caught her attention. His d*ck had perked up, in reaction to her touch. Ava licked her lips sexily, wanting a taste of his big cock in her p*ssy again.

Bryan saw where her attention was directed and smirked, " Missing my d*ck already? "

Ava rolled her eyes, " I've tasted a better one. "

Bryan laughed heartily, " Coming from a woman who was a virgin up until some days ago. "

Ava blushed and looked away, his dirty words having an effect on her body. " Shut up, " She mumbled.

Bryan grinned, " Sorry baby, I had to say it. "

Ava rolled her eyes playfully and looked out the window. Soon, they got to the restaurant and Bryan brought the car to a halt.

" Thank you, " Ava said softly when Bryan opened the car door for her to step out. Bryan responded with a wink and held out his hand, a subtle invitation that lingered between them.

Ava hesitated, her mind momentarily clouded by the fear of public scrutiny. She didn't want any rumors flying around about her holding hands with her boss, especially considering the professional environment they navigated daily.

" Ava? " Bryan called softly, breaking through her reverie. His voice held a warmth that tugged at her resolve.

Bryan's gaze met hers, his expression understanding. " It's okay, " he reassured her, his hand extended but not insistent. The understanding in his eyes eased Ava's concerns, and with a tentative smile, she placed her hand in his.

As they walked towards the entrance of the restaurant, Ava's initial reservations gradually faded. Bryan's easygoing demeanor and the shared laughter during lunch created a sense of camaraderie that transcended the professional boundaries they navigated at work.

The restaurant's ambiance provided a cozy backdrop for their conversation, and Ava found herself immersed in the easy flow of dialogue. Bryan's company proved to be both engaging and comforting, and the initial concerns about public perception gradually gave way to the enjoyment of the shared moments.

As they continued their lunch, Ava couldn't help but appreciate the unexpected turn of events. Bryan's gesture, both in extending an invitation and understanding her hesitation, created a bridge between the personal and professional aspects of their relationship, laying the foundation for a connection that transcended the confines of the workplace.