Bare Your Soul

4- What They Don't Know Won't Hurt Them

Once again, Ariel had rushed out the house in hopes that she'd make it to work early. Levi had cooked breakfast and made her coffee, but she only took a few sips before she placed the cup on the dresser and dashed out. She checked the time on her phone while driving with one hand. 6:47 AM. She nodded to herself, Okay... I'm not going to be late. Maybe I'll get there right on time.

Ariel placed her phone down and continued to speed. She glanced around every now and again, hoping that a Texas ranger didn't catch her going over the speed limit. Ariel had a habit of driving like a race car driver—she'd slowed down a lot since having children but every once in a while, she just couldn't help herself.

When she arrived at the school, she parked and let out a sigh of relief. It was 7'oclock on the dot. She gathered her belongings and hopped out of the car. She was clutching her Hydro flask, her laptop, her handbag and briefcase, trying her hardest not to let anything fall.

She was beyond relieved when someone reached over her frame and held the door open for her.

            "Good morning Mrs. Davis." The sultry voice greeted. Ariel peeked over her shoulder, seeing his grey suit before seeing his handsome face.

Ariel's face instantly curved into a smile. "Morning Mr. O'Riley."

He helped her inside, grabbing her briefcase from her. "You're early and still rushing," he laughed. "You do this every morning."

Ariel chuckled. "If I'm not early, I feel like I'm late." She sheepishly admitted.

Mr. O'Riley's eyes locked with hers. "And that is admittedly, one of my favorite traits about you." His lips curved into a smile after saying that.

They walked side by side, both of them slyly checking out the other. He smells so good, Ariel thought, inhaling his cologne. With only a few spaces between them, Mr. O'Riley was stealing glances at her curvaceous bottom every now and again.

They both entered the office together. Mr. O'Riley walked Ariel to her office and set her bag down on the empty chair.

            "Thank you Mr. O'Riley." She tucked her bob behind her ear.

Mr. O'Riley waved her off dismissively. "You don't have to thank me." He lingered there for a few more moments before he exhaled a breath. "Alrighty. I'll let you get to it."

            "Yeah. Thanks again." She said, turning around to turn on her computer.

Mr. O'Riley studied her from behind, subconsciously tugging at his tie. Ariel had this affinity about her that drew him in. He knew she was married and had no intentions of disrespecting her marriage... unless she was willing to.

            "Hey Davis, it's still early. You don't have to start until 9. Wanna go grab something to eat?" Mr. O'Riley offered.

Ariel did a half turn, raising her eyebrows. "A-are you sure?" She asked, honestly feeling a bit flustered.

            "Yeah. I'm a bit hungry and you know... it's not good to work on an empty stomach." He laughed nervously.

Ariel did a half nod while contemplating. She could use a bite to eat. Ultimately, she ended up agreeing. She grabbed her handbag and together the two headed back out of the office. They walked side by side down the sidewalk.

            "So where were you thinking about eating?" Ariel asked, glancing from him to the empty street around them.

Mr. O'Riley did a half shrug. "Starbucks, maybe? We can get some coffee and a light breakfast like some egg bites or something." He suggested.