Page 18 of Game Night: Truth or Dare

“Twenty-three or thirty—doesn’t matter how old he is. Since when do you let reception help with the marketing and magazine layout?”

“I’m trying something new. Noah and Lawson both came highly recommended, with impressive resumes. I decided to start them off in reception while they train for the junior marketing positions. They rotate their tasks throughout the day and get placed on a new marketing team every few weeks. And, every once in a while, I have someone from senior marketing do a shift up at reception.” She chuckles. “Keeps everyone humble.”

“That’s actually… brilliant.” I shake my head. “I would have killed for a chance to work with some of the marketing teams when I did reception.”

When I was in culinary school, I worked part-time for one of the Dee Rama offices in Los Angeles. I wanted to make sure my future lay in with cooking, and not at my mother’s company. I might know this business just as well as my mom, but my heart is with food. My mom supported me the whole way and has always encouraged me to follow my dreams.

As soon as we finish our meals, I clean up and hug her goodbye.

“Thanks for always taking care of me, sweetie.”

I open her office door. “Someone has to.”

The hustle and bustle of people chattering up front, phones ringing, and the clicking of keyboards indicate just how soundproof my mother’s office is. Everyone in their cubicles look busy with their tasks.

“Oh wow, it’s like a zoo out here.”

My eyes immediately drift to reception where I spot Lawson looking so damn sexy in his nerdy-chic style with his big black-framed glasses. At first glance, someone might think Lawson is pretty average, with his red curls bouncing on his head as he types. But if you look closer, anyone can see plush full lips, sharp cheekbones, and a long slender neck. He almost looks like a model.

Yet, every time I’ve made small talk with him, it’s clear he doesn’t realize that he’s an absolute stunner.

Today he’s wearing a silky emerald-green button-up that makes his jeweled eyes and hair color pop.

“Why is he alone up there?” I ask, checking my watch. “This is the busiest time of the day for the front desk.”

My mom peers around the office with a frown and sighs. “I have a feeling I might know what’s going on. Michelle was a little upset that I chose Lawson’s idea over hers.” She shakes her head. “I just didn’t think she would be petty enough to take it out on him.”

Hearing Michelle’s name causes my left eye to twitch. Every time I run into the woman, she practically throws herself at me, using every tactic she can to get my attention. I’ve never had the heart to tell her I’m not attracted to women. Women like her remind me of my college years, when I would explain that I’m gay and they would just see it as a challenge rather than a dismissal.

But knowing that she did this to sweet Lawson doesn't sit well with me.

“I can see your fingers twitching from here.” My mom chuckles, and sure enough, I’m tapping my fingers against my pants. It’s taking everything in me to not storm over there and help answer phones.

Mom leans against my shoulder and elbows me. “Do you still remember your login? If so, they’re still valid. Why don’t you go over there and play knight in shining armor?”

I smirk. “You gonna pay me?”

She shakes her head and laughs. “Let’s just say I’m playing matchmaker. Ball’s in your court, son. Whatcha gonna do?”

Before I can answer, she walks back into her office and the door clicks closed. Evil, evil woman. She knows I can’t let the adorable man drown in a sea of phone calls. Rushing forward, I slide into the seat next to him and log into the system, my fingers working more on muscle memory as I type in my password and pull up the Dee Rama system. Then I put the phone up to my ear.

“Thank you for calling Dee Rama Fashion Magazine. How may I assist you today?”

Lawson must have thought I was one of his typical coworkers, with the way he was focused on his computer screen in front of him, but I’m assuming the deep baritone of my voice causes him to snap his green eyes to me.

He pauses mid-sentence and his eyes widen as he takes me in. I would love to think his gaze is more of a slow perusal, but I think I genuinely shocked the guy. I turn my focus back on the caller and as I easily navigate to the correct screen, transfer the call, and efficiently answer the next, his mouth falls open.

I give him a wink.

Over the next twenty minutes, we answer seemingly endless phone calls before finally hitting a lull.

He gives me a shy smile, his cheeks an adorable shade of pink. “That was impressive. Thank you.” He looks so awed, and something inside of me makes me preen at the fact I was able to help Lawson in some minuscule way.

“My pleasure.”

“So I take it you aren’t just some handsome face for my boss to look at–” He gasps as soon as the words are out and claps a hand over his mouth.

I bark out a laugh. “And what other rumors are circulating about my visits?” I tease, keeping my voice light and playful.

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