(next day)
7:25 a.m., Thursday
Ashley, over-thinking about yesterday, slept a bit too late and now, she was running late for her office. Noah, going to work a bit late, couldn't sleep for long after thinking about yesterday's conversation; so he woke up and was earlier than his usual schedule. Ashley, in a hurry left and Noah heard her door bang behind her. Then, Ashley reached for her car's door, when she suddenly saw that her tire was punctured. Noah followed in his cool, bossy office attire.
Ashley: Sh*t~!!! This day is beginning with a trouble! I was late as it was and now this...
Noah: (after silently observing her and admiring her figure from the back, looking stunning even in a black suit) Hey, Ash, can I help you?
Ashley: (recognized the voice, paused thinking how to avoid awkwardness and decided to act oblivious, turning towards him..) Oh, good morning Noah. Actually, no. I don't have a spare tire and it's flat as of now. I'm in a real hurry to go for it's repair. I really have no idea what to do, I HAVE TO attend this meeting.
Noah: Need a ride?
Ashley: Oh no no, that's too much to ask for, you might b in a hurry too. I'll search for a cab or something...
Noah: It's nothing big, come on. I'll drop you off.
Ashley: If you insist, thanks a lot Noah!!
Noah opens the door for Ashley and then drops her safely.
Noah: Here you go. Have a good day, bye. Meet you at night. Call me, I'll pick you up. I work nearby.
Ashley: Oh, great. Well then, sorry for the trouble.
Noah: Oh-- (Ashley cuts him off)
Ashley: I'll treat you to a dinner today! Please, don't deny. Um...in a hurry, bye (with a vigorous waving and a bright cheerful contagious smile)
Noah ends up unknowingly, rather instinctively waving and smiling back at her. He drives off to his office a while after.
Now that he has her office address, in the evening, he gifts Ashley some coffee, her favorite choice-Espresso. And, few other flavors for her colleagues too.
Ashley: (calls Noah as soon as she saw the name on the parcel) Hello..Mr. Noah!! (bit frustrated, but friendly tone) Why in the world would you do this? (turns to a side and speaks low to avoid any unnecessary audience--) Now, my colleagues know your name and think that you are my...boyfriend..
Noah's colleague picked up the call but didn't have a chance to introduce himself before Ashley started blabbering.
Noah's colleague: Uhmm..(clears throat)..Ma'am, I am his colleague. He was occupied in a meeting so i took the call for him in case it was urgent. If you want, I can deliver your message to him when he comes back. He actually forgot his phone behind so..
Ashley: Oh,...sorry, no need, I'll tell him later. Thanks! (hurriedly cuts the call)
Noah: Hey, John, who were you talking to on my phone?
John (Noah's colleague): Um...Ashley...
Noah: What did she say?
John: She said, that she'll like to tell that to you personally, but woahh budyy! great, congratulations (shaking hands with him)...Now, I'll get back to my work.
Noah: But congratulations for what?? What in the world just happened? Never-mind. Maybe she called to thank me for the coffees! Will talk to her at night...
Ashley's colleagues continue gossiping about her apparent boyfriend. Ashley heard and tried explaining it to them, but they weren't ready to believe her...
Ashley: Guys, it's a misunderstanding... Noah's just a neighbor...
Her colleague 1: Yeah, as if we would believe you so easily...Okay, we trust you...but her definitely has a crush on you girl!!!
(..to be continued...)