by Kelsie Rae
I can’t help but return his smile with one of my own.
Trouble, indeed.
“Is it normal for employees to take naps in the common area?” I inquire, turning my attention back to Derrick.
“Not usually, but when we’re trying to hit a deadline, all bets are off.” He shrugs. “Let me show you to your desk.” Derrick leads me in the opposite direction briskly, his long legs eating up the distance.
I follow him to a closed door that I assume leads to Kathy’s office. Across from said door sits a black desk with dual-screen monitors, a phone, and all of the standard desk necessities one needs in an office.
I can’t help the quiet squeal that escapes me as I take in my new space. This is so much better than the smelly breakroom and tiny locker I was used to.
I’m going to nail this adulting thing! my inner girl cheers enthusiastically.
I try to reign in my excitement and take a deep breath before turning my full attention back to my boss. I replace my giant grin with a polite, work-appropriate smile.
When we make eye contact, I can feel Derrick studying me intensely, making me squirm. He somehow seems to look entertained, intrigued, and weirded-out all at the same time. It’s actually a pretty complicated look, and I kind of want to give him props for pulling it off.
Apparently, being excited for a new job is foreign to him?
I just shrug my shoulders under his scrutiny before asking, “So what now?”
His deep chuckle rolls over me like warm honey, and I’m surprised by my traitorous body’s reaction to a simple laugh.
Keep it together, Bree.
“Now, you sign in to your computer, open up your new email account, and start going through the to-do list Kathy sent. She’s just finishing up an early meeting and will come talk to you when she’s done. If you have any questions, my extension is 102. My office is on the other side of the building, thanks to Kathy insisting we’re too noisy for her.” He smirks. “I’m happy to walk you through anything if you need me to. You’re also welcome to contact Garrett, our IT guy, if your computer gives you any issues. But since you work at a tech company, you can pretty much grab anyone, and we’ll be happy to help.”
“Yeah, everyone seems really friendly here,” I note, suggesting my meetings with Jude, Derrick, and Kathy.
He rolls his eyes. “Jude’s a jackass. But yeah, everyone is pretty cool here. We try to ride the line between a fun environment and a productive one. Make sure you keep that in mind instead of flirting with all the employees.” He looks at me pointedly, while I try to find an appropriate response. My cheeks heat at the reminder of my completely innocent conversation with Jude just a few minutes before.
After a moment of silence, (I’m never silent), he nods once and strolls down the hall to the reception area. “Extension 102. Let me know if you need anything.”
I nod my head in return, even though he can’t see me, and take a seat at my new desk.
“Here goes nothing,” I mumble under my breath, my gut filling with anticipation.
5
Bree
Apparently, the office consists of twenty-three employees, and a total of five women including Kathy and myself. To say the office is a sausage fest would be a gross understatement. Thankfully, the guys are super respectful, and the girls seem pretty friendly too. That being said, I definitely feel like fresh meat every time I walk through the “pit.” It’s as if they’ve never seen a woman before or something, which is ridiculous because there are a few scattered throughout the room.
I assume it’s because I’m new, but it also might have something to do with the fact I wear makeup and heels, unlike the surrounding female population who are usually in hoodies and sneakers.
No judgment. Simply an observation.
The “pit” is a large open area on the other side of the office where everyone sits in front of computers coding all day. It also may or may not smell slightly like sweaty armpit, but I’ve been assured that’s not how the “pit” earned its name.
My first week is great. Kathy is giving me a lot of responsibility, and I feel like I’m quickly catching on to everything she’s teaching. However, I’m definitely ready to go home and soak in a nice hot bath for the rest of the weekend.
I am absolutely burnt out.
I’m shutting down my computer on Friday evening when Jude swaggers down the hallway, looking like a tiger on the prowl. I haven’t seen him much since our initial meeting. Apparently, those deadlines are no joke.
“Hey Bree! We’re all heading out to get a bevvy. Would you like to join us?” He raises his eyebrows in my direction, silently challenging me to decline.
I bite my lower lip while internally debating the idea of getting drinks with co-workers versus that nice hot bath I was just daydreaming about.
Before I can reply, Derrick strolls around the corner while loosening his necktie. His hair looks like he’s recently run his fingers through it, and I have the sudden urge to run mine through it as well.
Nope. Those thoughts are not allowed in the Breezy Brain.
Not. Allowed.
After mentally berating myself, I notice both Jude and Derrick staring at me. Apparently, I was a little distracted.
What was the question again?
Oh. Right.
“I’m not sure Bree can make it. She’s had a long week and looks exhausted,” Derrick answers curtly, barely even glancing in my direction.
My eyebrows practically reach my hairline as I consider his words. I’m shocked that he would answer for me, let alone make a comment about my tired appearance.
“Excuse me?” I demand, accusingly. My hands are on my hips, and my foot is tapping the ground. I feel like a mother who’s about to scold her son and give him a little lesson on manners. And boy does he need one.
You’d think he would look a little sheepish after his totally derogatory comment, but the bastard turns to me and maintains eye contact without a care in the world.
Aaaand I’m about to get fired for hitting my boss.
I practically stomp toward him at the same time Jude takes a much calmer step forward, effectively blocking me from physically assaulting my boss.
Okay, maybe I’m being a little dramatic, but I blame Luke. It’s all his fault for treating me like a younger brother instead of a sister all throughout my childhood. And I wouldn’t have actually hit Derrick, but it’s definitely possible my elbow would’ve made an appearance in the showdown. And those things are sharp.
Thankfully, Jude’s movement distracts me long enough to get a grip on my rage. With a great deal of effort, I smooth my features before smiling flirtatiously at my current savior. “Why, Jude, I’d love to go out for drinks. Thank you for inviting me.”
As we turn toward the elevator, I glare at Derrick over my shoulder. Part of me wants to stick my tongue out at him like a child. By some miracle, I reign in my anger and adult like a champ.
Yay, me!
It’s decided that we’re walking to a little bar near the office called Monks. Even while walking in a large group, I can feel Derrick’s eyes on me following my every move as we make our way down the street.
After ordering our drinks, I notice I’m the only female from the office present at the bar. Thankfully, I’m used to being around a bunch of guys talking sports and drinking beer. I was raised with two brothers, remember?
An hour later, I have a nice buzz going when my favorite song starts playing. Obviously, sober or not, I have to dance to it. It’s an obligatory thing. Come hell or high water, when my jam comes on, I dance. I don’t even notice I’m doing it, until I catch Jude laughing at me from across the tall, square table.
“Do you need me to show you to the loo, love?” he teases, watching as I wiggle in my chair to the music.
I giggle playfully at his remark, grateful I’m finally making some friends in the office other than Kathy.
“No, Mr. Jude, but I do need you to show me to the dance floor,” I ans
wer in a mock British accent.
Jude walks around the table before replying, “Of course, my Lady. How rude of me not to offer.” He bows graciously, exaggerating the movement, before softly grabbing my hand and placing a gentle kiss on the back. His milk chocolate eyes hold my own, and I can’t help but notice they’re not quite as clear as Derrick’s.
“May I have this dance?” he requests politely, his thumb rubbing back and forth across my hand, just like the first time I met him.
“You may.” I smile before jumping down from the bar stool. As soon as my feet touch solid ground, I curtsy at Jude then drag him onto the dance floor.
I can tell Jude’s a great dancer, though he keeps a respectable distance between us as we move with the beat of the music. The majority of the song is spent with me belting out the lyrics, and Jude cracking up and grinning from ear to ear at my bubbly behavior.
Afterwards, I’m passed around like a new toy, from employee to employee, as the songs slowly change throughout the night. At one point, I’m pretty sure I’m surrounded by half-a-dozen total geeks who’ve never danced with a real girl before, and I’m finding the whole thing absolutely hilarious.
But even the adorably awkward nerds aren’t enough to distract me from their stupidly sexy boss.
I can’t believe I’m even thinking about him right now!
Seriously, the guy is kind of a jerk.
An arrogant jerk.
A stupidly sexy, arrogant jerk.
Yup. That pretty much sums him up.
Unfortunately, I can’t stop myself from stealing glances at the stupidly sexy, arrogant jerk as he sits at one of the oak tables with our friends. He’s chatting back and forth without a care in the world, and it’s driving me nuts. Occasionally, I catch him staring at me, but it’s not as often as I’d like.
Which is insane, by the way. I don’t like the guy. Right?
Plus, he’s my boss. I know Luke likes to tease me about how I have a habit of not thinking things through, and that I’m kind of impulsive. But crushing on my boss, let alone doing anything about it, is a surefire way to fail at this adulting thing.
And I will. Not. Fail.
After a few more dances where I try to convince myself I’m not attracted to Derrick, I finally decide it’s time to head home. My feet are killing me, and I’m absolutely exhausted from my first week at work, not to mention all this dancing.
I politely decline another dance with Garrett then head back to our table. After finishing my water that Andy, another fellow employee, had promised to watch over, I fling my purse over my shoulder and start to say my goodbyes.
“Thanks for inviting me everyone! I seriously had a blast! I mean, I was a little nervous since I don’t know any of you all that well, and I was absolutely beat from my first week, but this was a lot of fun! I haven’t danced like this since college! That wasn’t really that long ago, but still! It’s been a while, and I had a blast!” The entire table rumbles with laughter at my rambling.
Apparently, I’m not as sober as I initially thought.
I just grin widely in response before flipping my wavy hair over my shoulder and heading to the door. My legs feel a little wobbly, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.
Right before I’m able to push the door open, a familiar hand grasps my elbow. I can immediately tell who’s touching me without needing to look over my shoulder.
The heat from his open palm scorches my bare skin while simultaneously causing me to break out in goosebumps. I had taken off my blazer earlier and am only in a rose-colored silk camisole. It doesn’t cover much.
I gulp audibly, taking a moment to compose myself before responding to the neanderthal that’s holding my arm.
“Can I help you, Derrick?” I ask, using a syrupy sweet voice. I bat my eyelashes dramatically while looking up at his stupidly handsome face.
“Were you planning on driving home, Ms. Jensen?” he answers with a question of his own.
I roll my eyes. “I was going to walk back to the office and call my brother, so no worries. I might act a little immature on occasion, but I’m not a complete idiot.” I try to shrug out of his grasp, but he holds firm.
“It might not be far away Bree, but it’s still dark out. Let me walk you back and wait with you until your brother comes to pick you up. Hell, let me give you a ride.” He bends over slightly so we’re eye level, and I’m left with no choice but to gaze into those crystal blues.
My inner girl may have just swooned.
I catch myself staring dreamily at Derrick and quickly try to school my features.
Down, girl. Remember? No crushing on your boss!
I’m confused by my conflicting feelings toward this guy. Probably because he’s being so sweet and sincere right now, instead of the stupidly sexy, arrogant jerk that practically uninvited me here after work today.
Jude comes to the rescue, yet again, breaking up our staring contest and Derrick’s gentle hold on my arm.
“Hello, love. Is everything alright here?” His eyes skim Derrick quickly before landing on me and patiently waiting for my reply.
“It’s fine, Jude. Derrick was just looking out for his newest employee. He offered to walk me back to the office and wait for my brother to pick me up, because he’s super awesome like that. Isn’t that right, Derrick?” I bat my eyes in his direction, my smile sugary sweet.
“Actually, I’m driving her home and making sure she gets there safely instead of bothering her brother to do it. But thank you for your concern, Jude.” He practically spits Jude’s name.
Thankfully, Jude doesn’t take offense and laughs off Derrick’s abrasive attitude.
“Well, sod off then!” he jokes, patting Derrick on the back good-naturedly. He turns to me. “Thanks for coming, love. It was great to see you outside of the office. We should do it again sometime.” Jude leans forward and places a friendly kiss on my cheek before heading back to the table that’s still surrounded by our co-workers.
I wouldn’t have thought anything of the simple peck if it weren’t for Derrick’s reaction.
And did I mention Jude’s British? They do that to their grandmothers, for Pete’s sake!
Derrick, however, must’ve seen something a hell of a lot more sexual.
I can practically feel the anger rolling off of him, not to mention I can see the tension in his broad shoulders. I place my hand on his chest in hopes of calming him a little, though I have no idea why he’s so upset. Maybe there’s a no-fraternization policy I’m unaware of?
I need to ask Kathy about that on Monday.
Not that it matters or anything, since I’m not dating anyone from the office. I’m just curious.
“Well, Mr. Knight in Shining Armor, let’s get going!” I smile up at Derrick then playfully shove him out the door.
Once we’re outside, I notice how quiet the streets are, and I am grateful Derrick decided to walk with me. The moon seems to be hiding behind some clouds, and it’s pretty dark. To be honest, I’m a total scaredy cat, and I would’ve been peeing my pants the entire walk back if it weren’t for the big Viking by my side.
Our walk is quiet except for the occasional car driving past us, and my heels rhythmically clicking against the pavement. The silence is killing me, so I decide to fill it with my big. Fat. Mouth.
This must be the impulsive attribute of mine that Luke’s always talking about.
“So what’s the deal? Why are you being so weird? I mean, sometimes I think I get it, but then you go and do something totally the opposite. Like that night we first met. You know, the night when I spilled nachos all over you, and you thought my name was Rylee? You totally flirted with me, and you can’t deny it, ‘cuz I know what flirting is. And I’m pretty sure you checked out my ass as I walked away too. Don’t question me, mister! Girls have a sixth sense about these things!” I practically yell, growing more agitated as I see Derrick trying to cover a laugh behind his stupid hand. My feet stop on their own while my mouth keeps on going
.
“But then you went all cold on me after you found out my real name is Bree and acted like we were total strangers. Which I guess is true, but that’s not the point!” I take a deep breath before continuing my monologue. “You go all alpha on Jude anytime he talks to me. He’s just being friendly, by the way. You should try it sometime! And to top it off, you totally ignored me all week, practically uninvited me tonight, and didn’t even ask me to dance when everyone asked me to dance. I mean, what’s up with all that?”
I may or may not have stomped my foot at the end of my little declaration, but I admit to nothing.
Derrick just smirks in my direction before grabbing my hand and guiding me to his sleek black Tesla. I grudgingly slide into the passenger seat, fold my arms like an angry toddler, and anxiously wait for his rebuttal.
Derrick’s smirk is still firmly in place as he maneuvers behind the wheel and puts the car in drive, ignoring my little tantrum.
After a few minutes, I can’t help but break the silence, again, scowling in his direction. “Seriously? You have nothing to say to me? Nothing at all?”
He remains quiet, and I have the sudden urge to punch him in the arm. Or the balls. Take your pick.
Finally, after what seems like hours, Derrick’s gritty voice decides to make an appearance for the evening.
“You’re a little spitfire aren’t you?”
My jaw drops at his totally out-of-left-field statement, my brows practically touching my hairline. Before I have a chance to even think of a reply, he continues.
“What’s your address Bree? I don’t know where I’m taking you.”
Apparently we’re going to just ignore my little monologue.
Stupid jerk.
I give Derrick my address, fold my arms, and pout for the rest of the drive home, refusing to make conversation with the big butthead sitting next to me.
We pull up to my tiny little apartment complex, which happens to be only a ten minute drive from the office.