Page 88 of Some Things Never Change

“Hey, Andy,” I said, as his coworkers whipped their attention to me and the box of cupcakes I had. “Hey, everyone. I thought I should drop by with some cupcakes since it’s hump day after all.”

His two coworkers' faces brightened with big smiles the moment I mentioned cupcakes. They eagerly shifted their water bottles, Tupperware, and takeout boxes around to make room on the table for the cupcakes. They all thanked me as one of them accepted the box and set it down.

“I got half a dozen, so you can share with other coworkers or have it all for yourselves,” I suggested.

“Sharing?” laughed the one who goes by Henry. “Who said anything about sharing? I’m taking two.”

I laughed with him and Andy’s other coworker, Sam, as the two of them opened the box. I walked over to where Andy sat. He was quiet. As I approached him, he looked up at me with bright eyes and a silly boyish grin.

“Hey,” he said, rather shyly.

“Andy was just telling us the news,” mentioned Henry with a big grin. “Congrats on your relationship.”

“Thanks.” I smiled.

Sam laughed. “Are you two sure you both haven’t been dating this whole time and were just lying to us that you were only friends?” he asked.

I couldn't help but feel a little flustered at the curious glances from Andy’s two coworkers. I’d been introduced to them before and greeted them in passing, but never really had the chance to chat with them like this.

Andy, on the other hand, seemed to be enjoying every moment of it despite the blush forming on the apples of his cheeks. His smile widened. He leaned back in his chair with his intense eyes never leaving mine.

"Well, we didn't want to ruin the surprise," he said, his voice low and teasing.

I rolled my eyes playfully, lightly slapping him across the chest. "Yeah, right. We only just started dating."

The two guys around the table laughed as they started to dig into the cupcakes, Andy turned to me. “Want to sit?” he asked.

I shook my head. “I’m only dropping off the cupcakes. I still need to finish my lunch,” I said.

Andy nodded, taking my hand in his. He brushed his thumb over my knuckles for a moment. I knew he wanted to kiss me, and I wanted to kiss him back. But we were at work. Time to be professional.

“I’ll see you later.” I gave him a small smile.

I could sense the hesitation in his body as he gave my hand a quick squeeze. “Later.”

I turned to the table. “I’ll see you all later. Enjoy the cupcakes!”

As I walked away from Andy and his coworkers, I could feel his eyes on me. It was as if he was burning a hole in my back with his gaze. I couldn't help but feel excited about it. It was clear I could bait him for now. I made my way back to the table where Cindy was waiting for me. She was still wearing the same sly smile from earlier as I took a seat.

“Well?” I asked playfully.

"You have quite the effect on him." She laughed, nodding toward Andy's table. She let out a low whistle, fanning herself with her hand dramatically. “It’s getting too hot here.”

That was Wednesday afternoon. But I knew Andy caught onto my plan fairly quickly because by Thursday morning, he was shirtless and running sprints on a treadmill in front of me as I used the StairMaster.

With his slick, toned back still donning a few fresh scratches from Tuesday night, I was completely breathless watching my boyfriend run like that in front of me. He was trying to be innocent, but I knew that cocky shiteating grin on his face after his sweaty sprint was far from innocent.

To get back at him, I made sure to sport a creamy beige satin blouse with a cute but tight pencil skirt that day.

Andy looked like he wanted to say something, but stopped himself before he could. I was out sitting by the common space in front of our office, taking my break alone, since Cindy was still in a virtual meeting with a future client. He joined me eagerly as we sat across from one another by ourselves at a small table. He was the one that wanted to meet up during our breaks. Andy’s intense gaze watched me.

I could feel the heat from his stare, and it was as if he was undressing me with his eyes. I smirked to myself and took a sip of my cup of herbal tea to calm my racing heart. Andy noticed the way my lips curved up into a smile and cleared his throat. I raised an eyebrow at him, silently urging him to speak.

“Hey, I was thinking . . .” he trailed off, his eyes flickering down to my lips before returning to my gaze.

I tilted my head to the side. “That we go to the ninth-floor VIP bathroom?” I whispered, finishing his sentence for him.

Andy’s lips formed into an arrogant smirk as he laughed. He placed his elbows on the table and leaned forward. He said in a low whisper, “Are you trying to beg for something, Tink?”

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