Chapter 8

• "I don't know."
• A few seconds later, the elevator doors opened, and they walked toward the restaurant. Many hotel guests had already occupied tables, and they headed to the buffet area. Poppy brewed herself a cup of hot tea and poured some orange juice, while Harvey opted for coffee and mineral water.
• Poppy filled her plate with salad, oatmeal, and a sandwich, while Harvey went for an omelet, waffle, and a full breakfast with bacon, toast, eggs, baked beans, and fried tomatoes. They found empty chairs near the pool. The hotel's view was quite beautiful and peaceful. If you stepped outside the hotel, you'd see the hustle and bustle of the city.
• Harvey sipped his coffee, glancing at Poppy, who was peacefully eating her salad while he tackled the full breakfast.
• "How was your sleep last night?" Harvey opened the conversation.
• "Sound, how about yours?" It didn't feel right not to ask back, especially since he was her boss.
• "My sleep was good. Where are you planning to go today?" Harvey put some food in his mouth.
• "I'd like to buy souvenirs for my family. But maybe this afternoon; I want to relax in my room for a bit," Poppy replied casually.
• "Don't you want to explore New York City?" Harvey offered.
• "Well, I do want to."
• "If you want to go out, we can explore together. It's not every day you come to New York."
• "That's true."
• "Do you want to go to Times Square?"
• "I'd love to; I've been thinking about going there."
• "Alright, let's go there then, and you can also buy souvenirs for your parents."
• "Yes, but I need to go up to my room first. My bag is there."
• Harvey nodded. "Sure."
• Harvey stole a glance at Poppy, actually, there was something he wanted to ask her—why did Poppy kiss him yesterday? Why did she initiate the kiss? What made her want to do that? What did she feel after kissing him? Why did it happen? These questions echoed in his mind. He should probably refrain from asking so that Poppy wouldn't feel embarrassed or maintain distance from him, like she did yesterday when she didn't even leave her room.
• "Tomorrow we'll be heading back," Harvey said.
• "Yeah," Poppy replied, returning her attention to her sandwich. She glanced at Harvey, who was finishing his full breakfast. Now he was eating an omelet, and she couldn't help but notice how handsome he looked.
• "Why are you staring at me?" Harvey asked.
• Poppy couldn't believe that Harvey had noticed her watching him. She took a sip of her orange juice and tucked her hair behind her ear.
• "You eat very well," Poppy said, relieved to see Harvey's empty plate next to his coffee glass.
• Poppy continued to eat her sandwich. She saw Harvey smile.
• "To be honest, I'd like to 'eat' you while we're here in New York, the weather is cold, and we're in a hotel, the timing is just right. But it seems like you're keeping your distance from me, so you're channeling it into food and beer," Harvey said bluntly.
• Poppy swallowed hard; she understood the direction of Harvey's frank conversation. She couldn't imagine ever sleeping with her boss. Poppy didn't respond to Harvey's statement; she finished her salad. Her mind was uneasy as Harvey had brought up intimate matters.
• They locked eyes for a few seconds. Harvey's lips curled, and Poppy wiped her lips with a tissue.
• "Are you done with your meal?" Harvey asked as he saw Poppy crossing her fork and spoon on her plate.
• "Yes, I am," Poppy replied.
• Harvey finished his meal as well. They got up from their chairs and walked towards the elevator. Along the way, they remained silent, navigating the hallway. Harvey looked at Poppy, who avoided making eye contact with him. Now, Harvey's steps came to a halt right in front of Poppy's room.
• "Poppy," Harvey said suddenly, before she entered her room.
• "Yes," Poppy replied, looking at Harvey.
• "Why did you kiss me that night?"
• Poppy knew that Harvey would ask about the kiss. To be honest, she was unsure how to answer. She knew that Harvey would eventually ask about the kiss she had initiated. Should she explain that it was a reflex action on her part? Poppy swallowed hard and mustered the courage to meet his eagle-eyed gaze.
• "Sorry, but it was a reflex action on my part," Poppy said softly.
• "There's no reflex action for such a passionate kiss. It was a conscious decision. A few minutes ago, we were flying together. I know you wanted it."
• "Couldn't you get that kind of attention from your boyfriend?"
• Poppy closed her eyes for a moment, took a deep breath, and looked at Harvey boldly. "Can we not discuss this?" she said, inserting her keycard into her room door, and the lock clicked open.
• "It seems like I've changed my mind about going out with you," Poppy said, then opened the door handle, but Harvey quickly pushed Poppy's body inside.
• Harvey pressed Poppy's body against the wall, then he kissed her lips passionately. He nibbled Poppy's lips, sucking, chewing, and gently biting them without giving Poppy a chance to think. Harvey's hands firmly held Poppy's wrists up against the wall to prevent her from resisting.
• With his left foot, he slid the door, and instantly it closed. He noticed Poppy trying to resist, but Harvey pinned her body against his. The rhythm of their kissing grew faster, and Poppy no longer resisted. She couldn't muster the strength to resist and closed her eyes.
• Poppy knew what Harvey desired, and she responded to his kisses. Harvey felt that Poppy was reciprocating his passion, so he loosened his grip. His hands cupped Poppy's face to kiss her lips more freely. He played with his tongue and savored Poppy's lips.
• They were locked in a passionate embrace, unable to stop themselves. Harvey's hands explored Poppy's body, feeling her exposed back down to her waist. He didn't know that outside of work, she dressed in such revealing attire. At the office, Poppy always wore her stiff office clothes.
• Harvey released his lips from Poppy's and now moved to her slender neck, the fresh scent of peony flowers clouding his thoughts. He lifted Poppy's body and carried her delicate form. Poppy's legs wrapped around his waist as he gently kissed her neck, his tongue dancing. He carried Poppy to the bed.
• Harvey returned to kissing Poppy's lips, and at this point, it was hard to tell how long they had been locked in this passionate embrace. Neither of them wanted to stop.
• ***