Chapter 29—Friends Again?

Lena nodded and slowly lifted her hands around Henderson's neck, he leaned closer to make it more easier for her to reach him since he was way taller despite the fact that she had heels on. She gulped at the close proximity, his head was just a few inches from her face. Due to how shaky Lena's hands had become, her hand accidentally brushed Henderson's hard chest and it made her breath hitch, her heartbeat heightened. Regaining herself she swallowed and moved her hand to his tie, after making sure it was well done, she fixed his collar before taking a few steps backwards. She forced a smile looking around making sure to avoid Henderson's gaze. "Aunt Lena, you look so beautiful." Itzel praised placing a palm on her cheek admiringly. "Yes, you look very beautiful Mommy, " Trent added, he and Itzel walked to Lena and embraced her. "Thank you, " she smiled placing a kiss on their cheeks and they giggled. "Daddy, your phone, " Itzel muttered as she took steps to her father. "What for?" Henderson arched his brows. "Please, please, my lovely Daddy," Itzel said in a sing-song making a cute face when she stood in front of him. Henderson took his phone out of his pocket and handed it over to Itzel who took it with a smile. She muttered a 'thank you ' before she dashed out of his sight to Cleo. "Please take a picture of us, " Itzel mumbled placing the phone in Cleo's hand and then she scooted back to Henderson. Grabbing his hands, she pulled him with her until they got to where Lena and Trent were. She let go of Henderson's hand and stood in front of Lena. Henderson and Lena glanced at each other before averting their gaze to Itzel who stared at them like they had done something wrong. "Daddy, come closer, " Itzel sighed moving her hand in Lena's direction. "Trent stand in front of Daddy, while I stand in front of Aunt Lena, " Itzel beckoned and Trent nodded in agreement before taking the spot like Itzel had said. Itzel smiled before she stood in front of Lena. "Come on Aunt Cleo, it's time to take the picture," Itzel whined. Cleo's face contorted in a frown, "And I'm the only one left out." "You can join us after taking this one, " Itzel smiled. "Fine, " Cleo grumbled. "Lena, Henderson at least smile. You both are scaring the camera." They all chuckled at Cleo's remarks and she clicked the picture that moment. She called one of the workers to come take the picture so she could join in and while she was at it she made sure Lena and Henderson stood close to each other. She was going to make Lena and Henderson take a picture, just the two of them but Lena said they were going to be late surprising everyone. "I didn't know you were looking forward to attending this ceremony or are you trying to avoid taking a picture with Henderson, " Cleo whispered to Lena and she got a glare from her even though Cleo was stating facts. "Can I have my phone back?" Henderson mumbled to Cleo who was busy admiring the pictures with wide smiles on her face. "Right after I send them to myself, " Cleo muttered and Henderson huffed. "Here, thank you," Cleo said giving the phone back to Henderson after she was done doing her thing. "You both have fun, make headlines ok!" A wide grin spread across Cleo's face then she turned to Trent and Itzel. "We should go upstairs now and watch the cartoon we've been talking about." Cleo raved and they cheered. They said goodbyes to Henderson and Lena before they sauntered upstairs leaving the two. "Lena you look really beautiful." Lena could feel Henderson's eyes hovering over her. A blush found its way to Lena's cheeks, she noticed it from how her cheeks heated up and tried to cover it up with a smile. "Thank you. You look amazing, " she complimented with a small smile. "Thanks. Earlier I didn't say anything because I was speechless. I mean you look gorgeous, I lost words..." Henderson chuckled and surprise crossed Lena's face. She wasn't expecting this kind of compliment from him. "I think this is going to compliment your outfit." Henderson took out a small gift box from his suit jacket and then extended it to Lena. Seeing that Lena was hesitant to take it from him, he held her hand and place the gift box on it. "Sir, why.." "Have a look, Lena. I promise it's not a bomb, " he joked stopping her from completing her statement. Lena smiled, as she opened the gift box. Her eyes lit up as she took the bracelet out of the box. But suddenly all colour drained out of her face. "I'm sorry but I can't accept it. You've already done a lot for me and..." "Trent, for how long will you keep saying that?" a sigh escaped Henderson's lips and he arched his brows. "I don't have any other motives if that's what you are thinking. It's just my way of saying thank you for agreeing to be my date for the awards, that's all. Also, you can't say no because I'm not going to take it back." Henderson smiled. Lena tilted her to gaze at Henderson who had inched closer to her. He took the bracelet and wore it around her wrist before he let go of her hand. Henderson's hand on her skin sent a tingling feeling down each nerve of her. "Thank you, Sir," Lena appreciated fiddling the bracelet with a smile. Henderson peered at Lena with furrowed brows and then folded his arms around his chest. Lena chewed on her lower lips when she observed the change in Henderson's expression wondering what she might have said wrong. "For how long are you going to keep calling me Sir? I've told you a lot of times that you can call me Henderson. Whenever you call me Sir, it makes me feel like a terrible boss, " Henderson joked. "But you are my boss and..." "Well, we can go back to being friends if that will make you agree to drop the formalities. I hope this time, you won't say the employer-employee relationship is best, " Henderson's voice dripped with sarcasm as he spoke. It made Lena remember the words she said to him and how things turned between them after that. "So friends again?" A smile embraced Henderson's lips, he stretched his hand to Lena for a handshake awaiting her reciprocation.