Chapter 11 #2
I hadn’t asked him about Heather after that night, and we continued on with business as usual this past week. He’d ordered dinner in for us most nights, and I ate in his office while we worked.
But tonight, I needed to leave early, and I’d let him know that a few days ago. I hadn’t said why, just that I would need to leave at a normal hour. He hadn’t asked any questions at the time, so maybe he didn’t care.
My desk phone buzzed just as I shut my computer down.
“Yes?” I said, as I knew it was him. We were the last two people at the office.
“Did you order dinner? I feel like pasta. How about you?”
“I ordered you dinner, and I got you the pasta. It will be delivered in thirty minutes. But remember, I have to leave tonight, so I won’t be eating here.”
“Where are you going?”
Why was I so excited to tell him?
“I have a date.”
Silence.
Crickets.
The sound of him typing on his keyboard halted.
“Are you there?” I asked.
“Yes. You aren’t going out with that turdlicker that stole your car, are you? Because I will not go out of my way again to get your car back if you are. I don’t believe in second chances, Tink, so it’s a one and done for me,” he growled.
I rolled my eyes, even though he couldn’t see me sitting out here at my desk. “No. Not that it’s any of your business, but I’m going out with a guy I went to high school with. Jake’s great, and he will definitely not steal my car. But thank you for reminding me of my biggest mistake, once again.”
“Hey, I can’t help it if you have horrid taste in men.”
“Well, after meeting your date, I’d say we have something in common.”
“My dates don’t steal from me,” he hissed.
“No? They’re just gold-digging ice queens with no personality?”
“Well, your whiny-ass ex cried like a little bitch when I confronted him. I think you still win for the worst pick of all time.”
“I will not let you ruin my date tonight with your sour attitude. I’m leaving. You will have to answer your own phone and go downstairs and grab your dinner. I’m off the clock, Bossman,” I hissed.
He appeared in the doorway so fast I jumped out of my chair. “Is that what you’re wearing?”
“No. I’m going to wear something extra sexy,” I said, plastering a big smile on my face as I slipped on my coat.
“Well, don’t wear anything too revealing. We have that meeting tomorrow with Arthur Hobbs, and I can’t have you in there if you’re sick.” He crossed his arms over his chest.
“I’m not sick. I’ll be there.”
“If you stay out late and you aren’t here on time, that helicopter will leave without you,” he said, his voice dark and angry as he moved closer to me and tugged my coat closed at the top.
“Have I ever been late?” I raised a brow. “Do you have a problem with me going on a date?”
His lips pursed, and he scoffed. “Why the fuck would I care if you went on a date?”
“I don’t know, Bossman. You seem a little irritated.” I glanced down at his hands on my coat.
He let go of me and took a step back. “I’m irritated when people don’t do their job.”
“And I’m irritated when people give me whiplash.” I grabbed my purse and stormed away from him, heading for the door.
“That makes no sense. Remember, sometimes less is more, Tink!” he shouted, and I made my way down the stairs.
Less is more, my ass.
He was a pompous, arrogant jerk, and I was not going to let him ruin my night.
I got in my car and drove home quickly to change clothes and freshen my makeup.
I made it to the Cottonwood Café just thirty minutes later. The woman that owned the place, Mrs. Runither, was a real menace, and she constantly asked people way too many personal questions, but this is where Jake Pruit wanted to meet.
I was still fuming about my exchange with Maddox when I stepped inside, and Mrs. Runither greeted me.
“Georgia Reynolds. Look at you. Jake told me he’s meeting you here, and I’m guessing you two will be bumping and grinding in no time,” she purred. “But I want to know about that boss of yours. He’s very easy on the eyes. Does he have a woman?”
I groaned. “I’m not a madam. I’m a personal assistant, for god’s sake. I don’t manage his sex life. And shame on you for making everyone uncomfortable when they come here, and all they want is some freaking macaroni and cheese.”
Her eyes widened. The woman had asked me about my sex life one too many times.
She’d pestered me about my virginity for years and decided to announce to my parents at dinner one night that she could tell I was no longer a virgin when I’d come home from college my freshman year for a visit.
I was obviously mortified, and we’d laughed it off and all agreed she was not playing with a full stack, but it hadn’t been lost on me that she’d been correct.
She had some sort of sex sniffer that could detect when someone was doing it.
And I was over it.
Because I hadn’t done it in quite some time, and working for a man who happened to be every woman’s wet dream was not helping my current situation.
I was horny and hangry.
It was a terrible combination.
“Well, then… let’s get you some mac and cheese,” she said, forcing a smile on her face before grumbling under her breath. “Clearly, someone isn’t getting any.”
I rolled my eyes and made my way to the table where Jake was sitting. He smiled and waved. I hadn’t seen him in a while, as he’d gone to the East Coast for college, and he didn’t seem to come home much. But he’d always been a good guy.
“Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes, Georgia Reynolds,” he said as he pushed to his feet and hugged me.
He was good-looking.
Smelled like a pine tree.
And he had a good job as an accountant.
But all I could think about was the sexy bastard who’d ruined my night.