by Ramona Gray
“You certainly put on a fine display with Josh, didn’t you? Even if I do eventually find someone to have a relationship with, you’ll probably scare them away.”
Chicken yawned and flopped down on the table, rolling over and exposing her generous belly.
“Like I’m going to rub your belly,” Kate said. She took another sip of wine before checking the time. It was late but she suddenly, desperately needed to talk to Lina.
“Please be awake, please be awake,” she muttered as she held her cell phone to her ear.
She breathed a sigh of relief when she heard Lina’s voice. “Hi, Kate!”
“Hi, Lina. How are you?”
“I’m fine,” Lina said. “Did mom call you and get you all in a panic? I told her not to and that I’d call you on the weekend and tell you myself.”
“Tell me what?” Kate said. “What’s going on?”
She heard the low murmur of a deep voice and Lina said, “Give me half an hour, Aiden. Go on to bed, I’ll meet you up there.”
“Lina? What’s going on?” Kate repeated.
“Sorry,” Lina said. “I was just saying goodnight to Aiden.”
“He’s at your house?”
“Well, actually I’m at his place. I’m kind of – sort of – living here now.”
“What?” Kate said. “You just started formally dating like a week and a half ago.”
“Yeah, a lot has happened in the last few days,” Lina said.
“Start talking,” Kate replied.
* * *
“Oh God, Lina. You should have called me. I could have flown in and – “
“I’m fine, Katie. Honest,” Lina said. “And Daisy is doing much better. She’s coming home from the vet clinic tomorrow.”
“So now you’re selling your house and moving in with Aiden? That seems awfully fast,” Kate said.
Lina laughed. “Honestly, Aiden’s not giving me much choice. He’s gone from – I’ll never be in a relationship to you’re mine and you’re moving in with me - so fast it kind of makes my head spin.”
“Lina,” Kate said cautiously, “are you sure that this is the right thing to do? If Aiden has that many issues with relationships, what happens if it doesn’t work out? You’ll be homeless.”
“I’m sure,” Lina said. She hesitated and then lowered her voice. “I spoke with Aiden earlier tonight about talking to a therapist about his mom and dad and how he feels about relationships in general and he was surprisingly agreeable to it. He wants to make this work, Katie. He loves me and I love him.”
“Well, I’m really happy for you, honey,” Kate said. “And I’m so glad you’re safe.”
“Thanks, Kate. Now, tell me what’s wrong.”
“There’s nothing wrong.”
“Don’t give me that. I can tell there’s something wrong,” Lina said.
Kate sighed. “How do you do that? Ever since we were kids, you could always tell.”
“It’s a gift,” Lina said. “Now it’s your turn – start talking.”
* * *
“Lina? Are you still there?” Kate asked half an hour later. She had just finished telling her every gritty detail about what was happening between her and Edward and had been greeted with silence.
“I’m still here,” Lina said.
“You’re trying not to laugh, aren’t you?” Kate said.
Lina snickered loudly. “I totally am. I’m sorry, Kate, I know this isn’t funny but seriously, two weeks ago we were just talking about what would happen if you were attracted to your new boss.”
“This is all your fault,” Kate said. “You jinxed me.”
“So, what are you going to do?”
“I have no idea. I was hoping you could give me some advice since you were basically in the exact same situation.”
“Well,” Lina said, “it’s not exactly the same. I was in no danger of being fired from my job for sleeping with Aiden. I guess the real question is – do you want to risk your job for one night with Edward?”
“I kind of do,” Kate said. “Stupid, huh?”
“No, I don’t think so,” Lina replied. “Even if there was the chance of being fired, I would have still slept with Aiden. You can’t help being attracted to someone. Have you thought about quitting your job?”
“No,” Kate said. “I’m not quitting my job on the off-chance that I might have some type of relationship with Edward.”
“Probably wise. Especially if he’s only asking for one night. Besides, you really don’t know a lot about him. He could turn out to be a first-class asshole.”
“Maybe,” Kate said.
“But you don’t think so.”
“No, I don’t. He seems like a good guy but I guess that isn’t really something I can say with any confidence.”
There was a moment of silence and then Kate sighed. “I should let you go. It’s been way longer than half an hour.”
“We can talk as long as you need to, Katie,” Lina said.
“I’m good.”
“Listen, honey, the only bit of advice I can actually give is that if you really are attracted to this guy and you think you can do one night with him without losing your job, then go for it. Life is short and sometimes you just need to do something wild and crazy.”
Kate laughed. “Wild and crazy isn’t really me, Lina.”
“Maybe it should be,” Lina said thoughtfully. “At least for one night.”
“Maybe, but how awkward will it be at work after we sleep together?” Kate said.
“Hey, you’re both adults. Lay down some ground rules, make sure that you both know exactly what it is, and you’ll be fine, “Lina said. “Just one – don’t get caught sleeping with your boss and two – be sure that all you want is just one night with him. If you end up wanting more, that’ll be a problem.”
“Yeah,” Kate said moodily.
“I’m super helpful, huh?” Lina laughed. “You probably shouldn’t listen to anything I say – I’m deep in the throes of new love, and that makes people say and do stupid things.”
“I’m so happy for you, honey.”
“Thanks, Katie. You’ll have to fly out and meet Aiden soon, okay? He’s got this giant penthouse right downtown and there’s plenty of space for you to stay with us.”
“Giant penthouse? Nice,” Kate said.
“I know, right? The guy’s super rich,” Lina said with a small laugh. “I can still hardly believe that he’s in love with my chubby, broke ass.”
“I’m not,” Kate said. “I’d better go. Your handsome rich-as-hell boyfriend is waiting for you.”
“I love you, Katie. Call me again if you need to talk. Any time, okay?”
“Thanks, Lina. I love you too.”
Chapter 6
Friday morning Kate arrived at the office an hour early. It was the closing date for Alfred Johnson’s purchase and the day would be a busy one. She let herself into reception and walked quickly to her desk. Edward’s door was open and she popped her head into his office as she headed towards the kitchen.
“Good morning, Edward.”
He looked up from his computer and stared blankly at her for a moment. He looked tired and a little out of sorts. His normally clean-shaven jaw was covered in a shadow of stubble and he had the top buttons of his shirt undone and his tie loose around his neck.
“Have you been at the office all night?” She asked. She had left the office at nine last night and Edward and Melissa had still been in his office going over some final documentation.
“No. I got here about an hour ago. Do I look like I spent the night?”
“You just look a little tired,” Kate said. “Do you want a coffee?”
“That sounds good. Thanks, Katie,” he replied distractedly.
Her stomach did a lazy little flip flop when he called her Katie. Her brain was inundated with memories of last weekend’s adventure in the laundry room and she shivered a little at the memory of his low voice asking her if she was wet
and the way it had felt to have him touching her. She turned swiftly and walked towards the kitchen, giving herself a light smack on the forehead.
Keep it professional, she warned herself for the umpteenth time as she started brewing some coffee. One more day and you’ve got a whole week to regain your self-control.
* * *
“Kate? Melissa is looking for you.” Sheila stuck her head into the copy room and gave her a sympathetic grin.
“Thanks, Sheila.”
Kate grabbed the stack of papers and hurried back to her desk. It was nearly three and the day had been long and tiring. She’d skipped lunch and her stomach growled at her as she skirted past one of the lawyers in the firm, Doug, who was standing in the hallway and talking animatedly on his cell phone.
“Where were you?” Melissa snapped impatiently when she walked into Edward’s office.
“Copying the papers you asked me for,” Kate replied patiently. She handed the stack of papers to Melissa before turning to Edward.
“How do they look?” She asked.
“Good. Alfred will be here in fifteen minutes to leave for the shareholder meeting. Do you think you enough have time to make these last few changes and make twenty copies?”
“Yes,” she replied.
He handed the document to her and gave her a distracted smile. “Thank you, Katie.”
“You’re welcome,” Kate replied. She gave Melissa a brittle smile. The woman was staring suspiciously at her and she glanced briefly at Edward, her eyes narrowing, before returning her gaze to Kate.
Kate, willing herself not to flush, slipped around her and left Edward’s office.
* * *
“Almost finished?” Edward strode into the copy room as Kate put the last batch of papers into the photocopier. “Alfred’s at reception and we’re leaving in five.”
“Just finishing up,” Kate replied. Edward stood beside her and she breathed in the good, clean scent of him and felt a little lightheaded.
Professional, Kate. Be professional.
“Are you going to tighten your tie?”
“Thanks for the reminder.” He buttoned his shirt and tightened his tie. “How do I look?”
She gave his tie a quick tug to the right. “Much better,” she said with a small grin. “Tie is straight, no sauce on your face, I think you’re good to go. Good luck.”
She handed him the stack of papers and licked her lips nervously when he wrapped his lean fingers around her wrist.
“A good luck wish is usually accompanied by a good luck kiss, Katie-did,” he murmured and captured her lips with his.
Shivers coursing down her spine, berating herself internally but unable to stop herself, she returned his kiss eagerly. He coaxed his tongue between her lips and stroked hers just once before breaking the kiss.
“Better,” he whispered and ran his thumb across her bottom lip before leaving.
“Nice work at being professional, Kate,” she muttered to herself.
* * *
“Kate? What are you still doing here?”
She glanced up from her computer and smiled at Arthur. “Just finishing up a few things.”
“You’ve been working late all week. It’s Friday and after six – go home,” Arthur said.
“Well, I should probably – “
“Nope,” Arthur chided gently as he shifted his briefcase to his other hand. “It’s just you and me left in the office and I’m leaving and officially telling you to go home, Kate.”
“All right,” she said with a small smile. “Thank you, Arthur.”
“You’re welcome. Have a good weekend.”
“You as well.”
She shut down her laptop and tidied her desk. It was close to six and she refused to admit to herself that she was waiting around for Edward to return from his meeting with Alfred. She wouldn’t see him again for an entire week and the thought was making her surprisingly anxious. Not seeing him for a week was a good thing, she reminded herself. It would give her time to get her libido under control and realize that sleeping with her boss was a very bad idea.
* * *
“That went remarkably smooth,” Melissa said as Edward sat down in his chair. “Don’t you think?”
“Hmm,” he replied absentmindedly. He had been hoping that Kate would still be in the office which was stupid considering that it was almost six-thirty. Still, there had been a part of him that had thought she might still be here and waiting for him. He was absurdly disappointed that he wouldn’t see her before he left for New York.
“Edward?”
He glanced up. Melissa was perched on the edge of his desk in front of him. Her slender legs were crossed and her short skirt showed a generous amount of thigh. She leaned back, resting her hands on his desk so that her small, pert breasts pulled against her expensive silk blouse and lightly bit her lower lip.
“We make a good team,” she said quietly.
“We do,” he replied before discreetly pushing back his chair.
“I think we could make a good team in other areas too,” she said.
“Sleeping together is against the rules,” he said shortly.
“Rules are meant to be broken,” she said.
“Not this one.”
“Honestly, I think Arthur and Gerald made the rule more to keep the lawyers from banging their assistants,” she replied. “Apparently, a lawyer was sleeping with his assistant about ten years ago and it caused a lot of issues when he finally broke it off with her. She threatened to sue him for sexual harassment and Gerald and Arthur had to fire him. They implemented the no romantic involvement between coworkers shortly after that.”
He pushed his chair back a little more. “Which is exactly why this isn’t happening.”
“The thing is, Edward, I’m not some dumb little PA lusting after her powerful boss. I can be discreet – I don’t gossip like so many women do – and I know for a fact that there’s been a few,” she paused and grinned at him, “hook-ups between lawyers in this office over the last decade.”
“Melissa, I’m not inte – “
His protest was cut short when she pushed herself off the desk and pressed her body against his. Shocked, he stared dumbly at her as she sat on his lap and then kissed him, sliding her tongue aggressively between his lips.
* * *
Kate, still grumbling to herself about leaving her phone at the office, trudged through the dark reception. She had been at the train station for nearly ten minutes before she realized she’d forgotten her phone and she was seriously considering taking a taxi home. It would be another forty minutes before the next train arrived and she was starving and her head was starting to ache. She rounded the corner and when she saw the light on in Edward’s office, she forgot her weariness. She grabbed her phone, tossing it into her purse before moving toward his office. She would just pop her head in, find out how the meeting went, and wish him a safe trip. No harm in that – it was being perfectly professional. She stopped at the doorway, Edward’s name freezing on her lips as she stared at the scene in front of her.
Edward pushed hard at Melissa’s waist, forcing her away from him and pulling his mouth from hers.
“Melissa, don’t ever do that again. I’m not –“
There was a flicker of movement in the doorway and he swore violently when he realized Kate was standing there. Her face was pale and she bit at her bottom lip as he stood, dumping Melissa from his lap. She caught herself on his desk and straightened gracefully before giving Kate a cold smile.
“Can we help you with something, Kate?”
“My phone,” Kate said. “I – I forgot my phone. I’m sorry.”
She turned and fled.
“Kate, hold on!” Edward chased after her, catching up to her in reception, and grabbed her elbow. He pulled her to a stop and forced her to turn around. She wrenched her arm free and glared at him.
“Don’t touch me, Edward.”
He recoiled at the venom in her voice. “
Katie, it wasn’t what it looked like. Let me explain.”
“You have nothing to explain. Have a safe trip to New York.” She tried to leave and Edward cursed loudly and grabbed her again. He held her firmly by her upper arms and gave her a tiny shake.
“Kate, I swear to you, it’s a misunderstanding. Just listen to me for a moment.”
“You’re hurting me,” she said mildly. He looked down to see he was squeezing her upper arms. His thumbs had almost disappeared into her soft flesh. Appalled at himself, he let her go and made a small hurt sound in his throat when the spots where his fingers were turned a dull red.
“I’m sorry, Katie, I…”
“Don’t call me Katie,” she said dully. “I have to go, I’m going to miss my train and Melissa is waiting for you.” She gestured with her chin to a spot behind him and he looked to see Melissa standing a few feet behind them. He turned back just as Kate slipped out the front door and slammed his fist down on the reception desk in frustration.
He strode past Melissa, she put a hand on his arm and he shrugged it off angrily and snapped, “Go home, Melissa.”
He stalked back to his office, slamming the door so hard it shook in the frame.
* * *
Kate stared blindly out the train window. The tears that had been threatening to fall since she left the office spilled down her cheeks. She wiped them off angrily and swallowed hard.
Don’t you dare cry, she told herself fiercely. He’s not worth crying over.
The lump in her throat grew larger and she felt sick to her stomach at the memory of Melissa’s slender body sitting on Edward’s lap, of the way they were kissing. She choked back a sob and moved to the door of the train as it rolled to a stop. She would have a hot bath and a glass of wine and forget all about her stupid boss.
An hour later she was up to her chin in hot water and bubbles. Music played softly in the background, a glass of wine was in her hand and Chicken sat on the side of the tub, purring softly as Kate talked to her.