Avoiding further eye contact, Shirley settled into her seat.

Retrieving her mobile phone, she sent a message to Trevor, saying, "I'll leave the breakfast in the tea room later. You can help yourself to it."

Company policies frowned upon office romances.

Although Shirley and Trevor were in the same department, their separate projects kept their work connections minimal. Trevor's bringing breakfast for her could quickly spark office gossip and speculation about their relationship.

Trevor didn't risk placing the breakfast on Shirley's desk until he was sure the office was empty. If their colleagues were to witness his gesture, they would likely joke and create gossip. Additionally, he was concerned that someone might report them to their supervisor.