Chapter 39 #2
“Let’s hope she got all the venomous poison out of her with her childish antics this week.”
“You think? She wants your office and your man.” She brings the phone close to her face. “Watch your back with that bitch.”
Ciara’s ominous tone and her serious expression give me chills.
“I will.”
“I bet after having to deal with Maybellynn, you need a drink unless you retreat to your home to do your drinking.”
“I ––”
I’m just about to slip, when I catch myself.
I haven’t told her I lost my house.
She’s still in the dark about my financial ruination due to my poor judgement in trusting immoral assholes.
“You… what?”
“Drinking is never the answer, girlfriend,” I say.
“Sometimes it is.”
I laugh a little. “I have a much healthier way of decompressing.”
“Don’t tell me I’ve rubbed off on you and you joined a gym.”
“No.” I make a face. “The best way to disconnect with reality is to read.”
“Now you’re talking.”
“I…” How do I say this without revealing too much? I shift in my chair. “I discovered this cool new bookstore. It’s in Brooklyn, so super convenient after work.”
“I like the way you think.”
“The name of the bookstore is My Little Bookish Heart and their romance selection is a book girlie’s dream come true.
They have a succulent section—not a floral section.
Succulents. I love flowers, but succulents are a feast for the eyes.
They have an incredible café you want to linger in for hours.
Lazing outside at the curb in front of the shop, there’s always a menagerie of dogs quenching their thirst in the doggie water bowls. ”
“I wish I could share that experience with you—” Her eyes lift over her screen and she smiles wide.
She’s as endearing as the heart eyes emoji.
The man who loves her and who would die for her just entered the living room.
A pang squeezes my chest.
“Harl, my baby daddy is calling it a day.”
“Go be with your husband.”
“Talk to you soon.” She blows me a flurry of kisses.
I blow them right back.
I drop my phone on the desk. Despondent, I interlace my fingers together.
I scored a fake relationship.
Ciara scored the ultimate happy ever after.
Minutes tick by, and I remain still as a statue.
Sigh.
Not being productive will only fuel Maybellynn’s argument. ‘You don’t deserve this office. You haven’t earned it.’
I open my laptop.
A text appearing on my phone catches my attention.
Kaz.
I pick up the device, fumbling with the phone in my haste. It flies out of my hands, but I catch it before it lands on the floor. I hug it near my chest.
I don’t want to have to buy another phone this week.
Kazimir
Grazie Mille should reopen for business for Saturday brunch. I’ll be here until late to make sure the crew has completed the renovation.
Kazimir
The restaurant is bleeding money, they have to open tomorrow.
Harley
I agree. In the past couple of weeks, the restaurant has been closed more often than it’s been open.
Kazimir
Exactly. I’ll swing by first thing in the morning to make sure everything is running smoothly. I don’t plan on being here all day.
Harley
Okay.
Kazimir
Are you still planning to drop by Number 22 and Creamy Heaven tomorrow?
Harley
Yes.
Kazimir
I was able to get a booking with Judith for tomorrow afternoon. She booked a makeup session, manicure, and pedicure.
Harley
You’re getting a makeover? Is there something you’re not telling me? Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.
Kazimir
Don’t be a smartass. It’s for you.
Harley
You want to buy me more clothes? You’ve been so generous. I haven’t worn most of the things you already bought me.
Kazimir
Give me a sec, I’m going to step outside and I’ll call you. It’ll be easier to explain over the phone than texting.
Harley
Talk to you soon.
Eight minutes go by and he still hasn’t called.
Shit. What happened?
I reach out, grab the cookie, take a giant bite, and chew. A sugar spike won’t calm my nerves, but it gives me something to do.
My phone rings.
I drop the cookie on the plate and accept the video call.
His gorgeous face fills the screen. “I decided to cross the street and distance myself from the restaurant. With the crew walking in and out, I didn’t want to be distracted. And I didn’t want anyone to listen in.”
“I see.”
“I hope I’m not catching you at a bad time. With all the updates you’ve been sending me, I’d hate to kill your mojo because it’s pretty obvious you’re plotting social media dominance for my brands. And just so we’re clear, I have no problem leaving the competition in the dust.”
I laugh.
He’s been all serious and Mr. Bossman all week. I’ve missed this playful side.
“I’m hard at work, but I could take a minute to talk to my boss.”
He nods.
For a few long seconds he holds my gaze.
I break the silence. “Do you want to tell me why I need another appointment with Judith so soon?”
“We’ve been like two sailing ships passing each other all week.”
“Not true. You’ve carried me to bed the few times I’ve waited up for you and fell asleep on the couch.” I wish I wasn’t passed out to the world when that happened.
“There’s no social media dominance without a good night’s sleep in a bed. Wouldn’t want you to wake up with a kink in your neck.”
I shake my head. “The reason we haven’t seen each other is because you’re wearing multiple hats. You’re doing a solid for someone who really needs your help. That’s commendable.”
“Grazie Mille is part of the reason why I’ve been coming home so late and leaving at the crack of dawn.”
This doesn’t sound good. “What does that mean?”
“I needed time to process.”
“Process?”
“Clear my head,” he says.
I’m getting in the way.
When he gets back home, I’m there. He no longer has his house all to himself.
I’ve overstayed my welcome.
My leg bounces underneath my desk. “This roommate situation—”
“The kiss, Harley…” He rakes a hand through his hair. “What happened when we got back to my place last Sunday.” He pinches his lips together. “What could’ve happened had it not been for the flurry of text messages…” He pauses. “It was a lot to handle.”
My heart sinks. “I understand. I get it. We live together. You’re my boss now—”
“There’s still residual guilt that you used to date my ex-stepson.” He blows out a breath. “And there’s the age difference.”
He’s building his case before he pulls the rug from under my feet.
“It took me a few days and several conversations with my best friend to pull my head out of my ass.”
Wait. What is he saying? “I don’t follow.”
“Erik threatened to block my number if I didn’t stop calling him to self-flagellate for wanting more with you.” His ocean-blue eyes bore into mine. “I want to finish what we started, Harley.”
I swallow around the rock in my throat. “So do I.”
“We’re on the same page, Goldilocks?”
I offer him a shy smile. “We are.”
“Since you let it slip the other day that role playing turns you on, I thought we could go with that.”
I should’ve kept that to myself. I arch a brow. “What did you have in mind?”
“Instead of connecting at my place tomorrow night, why don’t we meet at the Evangelista Lounge at the Bymark Hotel and pretend we don’t know each other.
Maybe I make the first move. Maybe you do.
We’ll let things play out. I’ve already reserved a hotel room.
If things get hot and heavy—which for the record, I fucking hope they do—my cock will be too impatient to wait until we drive back to Brooklyn. ”
Jaw meet floor.