10:
It had been days since that heated kiss in the lab, and Amelia had managed to calm herself down, immersing herself in work to keep her mind off Sebastian. She hadn't spoken to him since, not out of avoidance but simply because she was swamped with tasks. Her chaotic energy seemed to amplify as she juggled multiple experiments, leaving little room for idle chatter.
Derek, however, was a constant presence, pestering her with questions and comments that ranged from insightful to downright annoying. Amelia was both pissed and amused by his antics, finding his persistent nature a curious mix of endearing and exasperating.
"Amelia, did you notice?" Derek's voice broke through her concentration as she analyzed a set of data. "Sebastian seems to be hitting it off with Alexandra."
Amelia looked up, her eyes following Derek's pointed finger to where Sebastian stood with Alexandra. The two were deep in conversation, Alexandra’s shy smile and Sebastian’s charming demeanor making for an intriguing sight.
Derek observed Amelia closely, expecting some sign of jealousy, but her expression remained indifferent. She simply watched them, her mind not registering any sense of jealousy or concern. Derek furrowed his brow, confused.
"You're not bothered by that?" Derek asked, genuinely surprised. "I thought you and Sebastian had something going on."
Amelia shrugged, turning back to her work. "No, I'm not surprised. Sebastian was always a playboy in college. What’s changed now that he's even more attractive?" She continued typing her observations, her tone nonchalant.
In her mind, Amelia reflected on the past. She remembered the pangs of jealousy that used to stab at her whenever Sebastian went home after sleeping with another woman, despite their engagement. It was one of the reasons she had left him and their engagement behind. The hurt and frustration of those days had fueled her departure, driving her to seek a place where she could focus solely on her work without the complications of a tumultuous relationship.
Derek looked at her skeptically. "Really? Not even a little bit jealous?"
Amelia sighed, rolling her eyes. "Really. I have more important things to worry about than who Sebastian is flirting with."
"Come on, Amelia," Derek pressed, his curiosity piqued. "I know you liked him back then, even if you were cold and emotionless on the outside. You told me yourself how you felt."
Amelia shook her head, a wry smile on her lips. "Yes, I liked him, and I was silently jealous. But things change, Derek. I’ve moved on."
Just as she finished speaking, Sebastian glanced in their direction, his eyes meeting Amelia's for a brief moment. He seemed amused by something, perhaps Derek’s incessant questioning. Amelia offered a small, polite nod before returning to her data, her expression unreadable.
Derek, still not entirely convinced, gave her a sidelong glance. "Alright, if you say so. But I gotta say, you’ve changed, Amelia. The old you would’ve flipped out."
Amelia chuckled softly, shaking her head. "People change, Derek. Besides, I have my own priorities now."
Despite her calm exterior, Amelia couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. The days of feeling insecure and jealous were behind her. She was in control of her life and her emotions, and nothing—not even Sebastian's charm—would derail her from her path.
Derek noticed something that made him raise an eyebrow. Alexandra and Sebastian were packing up their things, chatting quietly as they prepared to leave. He saw them exchange a look and walk out of the lab together. Derek knew Amelia had noticed too—she always seemed to be aware of Sebastian's movements, even if she pretended not to care.
Determined to distract Amelia and lighten the mood, Derek suddenly exclaimed, "Hey, Amelia! We should get a drink together tomorrow. It's our day off, remember?"
Amelia, who had indeed seen Alexandra and Sebastian leave together, turned to Derek with a slight frown. Before she could respond, their co-workers, who had overheard the conversation, began to beg to come along. "Can we join you guys?" one of them asked eagerly. "It sounds like fun!"
Amelia turned to them with a firm yet playful smile. "Sorry, folks, but Derek and I are the only ones drinking together. It's non-negotiable."
Tim, always quick with a joke, grinned and said, "Sounds like a date to me!"
Amelia smirked, giving Derek a sideways glance. "Well, if it is, you better bring your A-game, Derek. I expect nothing less than your finest jokes and charming company."
Derek laughed heartily, shaking his head. "You got it, Amelia. I won't disappoint."
As the laughter died down, Derek noticed that Sebastian was staring at Amelia, his expression unreadable. Sensing an opportunity to tease, Derek nudged Amelia. "Hey, Amelia, do you think we should have a 'who can drink the most' contest tomorrow? You know, to see if you can actually keep up with me."
Amelia rolled her eyes dramatically. "Derek, the only thing you're going to win is a one-way ticket to the floor. Besides, I don't need alcohol to outwit you."
Their co-workers burst into laughter. Tim, not one to miss out on the fun, chimed in, "Maybe we should have a 'who can make the worst joke' contest. Oh wait, Derek would win that hands down."
Derek put his hand over his heart, feigning hurt. "Ouch, Tim. That one actually stung a little. Amelia, back me up here."
Amelia shrugged, a playful glint in her eye. "Sorry, Derek. Can't back you up on this one. Your jokes are terrible."
More laughter erupted, the tension in the lab dissolving into a sea of giggles and playful banter. Amelia, caught up in the fun, added, "Maybe we should all just take turns roasting Derek. It’s a lot more fun and way easier."
Derek gasped, pretending to be scandalized. "Traitor! I thought we were friends."
"We are friends," Amelia said with a smirk. "Which is why I'm doing you the favor of toughening up your skin. You'll thank me later."
Their co-workers roared with laughter, and even Sebastian couldn't help but crack a smile at the scene. But Derek, ever the observant one, noticed the lingering intensity in Sebastian's stare whenever Amelia was involved.
Determined to push the teasing further, Derek leaned closer to Amelia and said loud enough for everyone to hear, "You know, Amelia, if this turns out to be a date, you better not fall for my irresistible charm. I don't want to break anyone's heart."
Amelia laughed loudly, shaking her head. "Derek, the only charm you have is in your imagination. But don't worry, I promise not to fall for it."
The lab echoed with laughter once more, and Derek, satisfied with his work, winked at Amelia. "Challenge accepted, my friend. Challenge accepted."
Amelia playfully rolled her eyes again. "Just make sure to bring your A-game. I don't want to be bored to death."
As the laughter died down, Amelia and Derek continued their banter, the playful exchange lifting everyone's spirits. Meanwhile, Sebastian, though not showing it, felt a strange mixture of amusement and unease. He watched them interact, a part of him unable to ignore the dynamic unfolding before him.
The day wound down, and as the lab began to empty, Amelia prepared to leave. She glanced over at Derek, who gave her a thumbs-up. "Tomorrow, then. Drinks on me," he said with a grin.
"Looking forward to it," Amelia replied, her smile genuine.
Sebastian, still watching from a distance, clenched his jaw.
******