Unspoken Desire JenLisa AU

Chapter 11 (M)

Jennie's POV

The morning air in Jeju was crisp, tinged with the salty scent of the ocean. I stepped out earlier than usual, deliberately avoiding the possibility of crossing paths with Chaeyoung. I couldn't bear the thought of facing her, knowing what had happened last night.

I told myself it was necessary to go to work-I was the boss, and the restaurant project couldn't afford delays-but deep down, I knew the real reason. I needed to see Lisa again.

When I arrived at the site, it was still quiet, save for the hum of machinery being set up. I slipped on my helmet and ran my hands over the draft plans for the restaurant, going through them one last time to distract myself from the rush of emotions building inside me.

And then she arrived.

Lisa stepped out of a black car, her figure striking against the backdrop of the unfinished construction. My breath hitched as her eyes scanned the site, searching for someone or something. When her gaze finally landed on me, a flicker of warmth crossed her face, so subtle it was almost unnoticeable to anyone else. But I saw it.

And my heart soared.

She approached with purpose, her professional demeanor intact, but there was a softness to her steps as if she were treading carefully, just for me.

"Good morning, Ms. Kim," she greeted, her tone formal yet laced with something only I could feel.

"Morning," I replied, just as composed, though my chest felt like it might burst.

The hours ticked by as we worked, discussing measurements, layouts, and schedules with the architects and engineers. We were all business, two professionals dedicated to a shared vision, but beneath it all, there was an unspoken connection.

It was in the way her fingers brushed mine when she handed me a blueprint.

In the way her voice softened ever so slightly when she addressed me.

In the way her gaze lingered for just a moment too long when she thought no one else was looking.

And then there was the moment with the tape measure.

We were reviewing the placement of the front entrance when Lisa stood behind me, stretching the tape over my shoulder to demonstrate the measurements. Her breath grazed my neck, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

"Like this?" she asked, her tone neutral but her proximity anything but.

I nodded, my voice caught in my throat. "Yes, that's perfect."

Her fingers lingered on the tape for a beat too long before she stepped back, resuming her professional stance as though nothing had happened.

But something had happened.

And it kept happening, in every glance, every touch, every subtle exchange.

I couldn't help the way my mind wandered back to last night-the feel of her hands on me, the way she whispered my name like it was the only thing that mattered. For a moment, I felt a pang of guilt, thinking of Chaeyoung. But then I remembered how Lisa had looked at me, how she had chosen me, even if only for a fleeting moment.

I told myself it was enough.

By midday, the site was bustling with activity. Workers moved about, and the hum of construction filled the air. Lisa stood a few feet away, discussing the logistics of the outdoor dining area with one of the engineers.

I watched her from afar, my heart swelling with a mixture of pride and longing.

She caught my gaze and, for a split second, let her guard down. A faint smile tugged at her lips, one that only I could see.