Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
Wendy
The morning air bites a little sharper than usual as I step out of my apartment building, clutching my bag to my chest. Despite the perfectly normal workday ahead, nerves twist in my stomach like an overwound spring. How do I act around Ethan and Cole after everything that happened last night? Should I be professional? Flirty? Pretend nothing has changed? Goodness, I wish there was a manual for this kind of situation.
Scraps had watched me leave with a mix of disdain and curiosity, clearly annoyed that I didn't stay to fuss over her a little longer. I can't really blame her, after barely giving her any attention last night and this morning.
"Sorry, baby," I had whispered before locking her up. "Mama's got to figure out how to be a big girl today."
By the time I reach the office, the sheer normalcy of the building feels surreal. People bustle about, phones ring, and Priya greets me with her usual efficiency and cheerfulness. "Morning, Wendy! You're looking much better today!" She smiles brightly before adding, "Someone have a hot date last night?"
I stammer a denial and rush to the desk we still share for the next few days before she finishes up. Priya's knowing grin lingers in my mind as I settle into my tasks, trying to keep thoughts of Ethan and Cole from distracting me. But my mind has other plans.
"Bosses not here today?" I force out the words, and indicate their still-closed doors. I'm surprised, because they'd both said they would see me at work today.
"Nope. I was going to ask you if you've heard anything from them. I'd kind of assumed they would inform you of changes in their schedule now that you've taken over, especially as I don't have a text or email from them," Priya responds as she slowly lowers herself onto her chair. A relieved groan escapes from her as she rests her hand on her large tummy.
At her words, I realize I haven’t checked my phone since before our date last night.
When I do, I find a string of texts waiting from them in a group message.
Ethan
Sweetheart, I had to go to the Sanderson site. There's some kind of emergency and I don't think I'll make it to the office until late, if at all.
Right after that—like seconds later if I look at the time stamp—is another one from the other man in my life.
Cole
And I know that it isn't on my calendar but one of our biggest clients insisted on an in-person meeting. If I know anything about him, it will take most of the day. Can you clear my calendar please, babygirl?
Relief floods through me, and I grin despite myself. Until I saw their messages, there was a large part of me that felt like they might have been avoiding the office, because they regretted what we did and didn't want to face me after last night.
Wendy
Can do, boss man.
I send it, and immediately start typing out the next message. Before I can doubt myself I push that one through too.
Wendy
I'll miss you both.
I don't have to wait long before I get responses from both of them. I giggle at their ridiculousness but my heart warms anyway.
Cole
That's Daddy Bossman to you, brat! Be good. xx
Ethan
Pffft. Don't mind the grump. See you later, sweetheart.
My cheeks burn and I realize I have the biggest, sappiest grin on my face. The knot in my stomach completely loosens.
The rest of the morning slips by in a blur of emails and reports. Every so often, I glance at the text thread, reading back over their words like they're a lifeline. It isn't until my stomach growls loudly enough to make me jump that I realize it's nearly lunchtime.
"Crap," I mutter, as it hits me that I've done it again. Even though my fridge is full of food now, thanks to Cole's early- morning grocery run, I still managed to leave without packing anything for lunch.
Normally getting something would be out of my budget but thanks to Cole's generosity I have about a week’s worth of food I don't have to buy today, so I can afford to splurge a bit, so I grab my phone, debating on what I want to have when a text from Cole pops up.
Cole
I had a feeling that you wouldn't look after what's mine, so there's something coming your way.
I frown at his words, having trouble making sense of them.
Wendy
What's yours, Daddy-O?
Cole
You.
My stomach flips and a rush of heat moves down to my core at that single word. Before I can fully deal with him and my reaction to it another message comes through.
Cole
I had a feeling you'd forget lunch. And based on the growling of my own stomach, I'm guessing you should be getting ready to eat your desk right now. Be a good girl, and eat it all, will you?
I barely have time to figure out how exactly I feel about the fact that he knows me that well or that he's being bossy and cute at the same time when the elevator opens up and a delivery man steps out, carrying the most extravagant bouquet I've ever seen. Bright blooms spill from the vase in a riot of color, their scent filling the air. And tucked under the delivery guy's other arm is a small picnic basket.
When he places the vase on my desk, my hand immediately goes to the little card nestled amongst the bright flowers.
Eat up, babygirl.
And that's all it says.
I sign for the delivery, still shocked at Cole's extravagance.
"Wow, Wendy!" Priya exclaims, peering over my shoulder. "I knew you had a hot date last night. I'm guessing it went well. Tell me about him! Or her... you know, whichever way your boat floats."
"Uh, it's just a friend," I mumble, avoiding her gaze as I sit down pretending to busy myself with untying the ribbon on the basket. My hands tremble slightly as I lift the lid, revealing a perfectly packed lunch.
A fresh sandwich, fruit, and even a tiny dessert. It's charming, thoughtful, and so very Cole. And way too damn much.
Priya doesn't buy my excuses and keeps peppering me with questions, but I deflect them as best I can. I'm not ready to explain my relationship with Ethan and Cole—especially not when I'm still figuring it out myself.
Honestly, I'm not sure it would be a good idea to tell anyone I had sex with my two hot bosses.
After I eat my lunch like the good girl I am, I take a picture of the empty basket and send it to our group thread.
Wendy
There, I ate it all. Thank you. And for the flowers. They're stunning, but way over the top. People are asking questions.
Cole responds within minutes.
Cole
Let them ask.
I frown at his message.
Wendy
Not helpful.
This time Cole's message comes through right on the heels of mine. Quickly followed by one from Ethan.
Cole
Not helpful, Daddy.
Ethan
He's not wrong, though. You deserve all the attention, sweetheart. Let them see someone fawning over you. Own it.
I stare at my screen for too long. Priya clears her throat and lifts her eyebrow at me.
"Sorry, did you say something?" I ask.
She grins at me before shaking her head. "I've been talking to you for the last two minutes. I said, I think tomorrow’s going to be my last day. I know I said I'd stay another week, but you're ready, and I'm more than ready to be off my feet."
"Oh!" is all I manage to get out before I clear my throat nervously. "Obviously I want you to rest at home... but are you sure?"
Priya's expression softens before she leans over as much as she can so she can grab my hand. "Not only am I sure, so are Ethan and Cole. I feel comfortable not only leaving them in your hands for my leave, but possibly after that too."
I can feel the emotion pushing up, and I blink rapidly, trying to get ahold of myself.
"Thanks," I mutter as I clear my throat again. This time I look down at my phone partly as a distraction to get out of the conversation with Priya.
Wendy
Speaking of attention and being fawned over... this is all starting to feel a little serious.
I regret sending the message almost immediately. Even more so at the return text.
Cole
I refuse to define our relationship over text. Unfortunately neither of us will make it back to the office today, so we'll pick you up at seven. Dinner at our place. Bring the cat.
Nerves and excitement war in my chest. Dinner. With my cat. Does that mean they want me to sleep over?
I push down my freakout and instead focus on what on earth I'll wear to a non-fancy date at their place.
With those thoughts, the rest of the day passes in a haze. My coworkers' curiosity simmers down eventually, but the flowers remain a glaring reminder of the men who sent them. Every glance at the bouquet makes my heart race. By the time the clock hits five, I'm ready to bolt—and to find out what Ethan and Cole have planned for tonight.