Page 5 of Office Mistakes

Audra felt heat creep up her neck as she bent over to snatch up her panties and shoved them into the robe’s pocket.

Charlie came back with her mug, and she gratefully swallowed some.

“Good. Thanks.”

“Not a morning person, are you?”

“Absolutely not. Let me guess.” Audra settled into a chair and looked at him over the rim of her mug. “You’re one of those people who wake up cheerful and whistling Zippity Doo Dah.”

“Guilty. On most mornings anyway. The coffee helps.”

“I’m not fully functional until my second cup,” Audra muttered darkly. “I’ve always been suspicious of those who wake up happy. Do you murder the people you hate in your dreams or something?”

“Your thought pattern fascinates me.”

Charlie snorted as Audra, glowering, held out the empty mug.

“Right. Be right back.”

They spoke of common things as they savored coffee. Both were fans of the same action star—Jason Statham, and favored Sean Connery as James Bond. Audra preferred legal thrillers while Charlie liked historical nonfiction.

As the coffee in their mugs dwindled, so did the conversation. With both of them trying not to be awkward, the anxiety in the room rose to a palpable level.

Audra sat her mug on the table beside the chair and smiled. “Thanks for the coffee. I need to be heading home.”

She rose and began gathering her clothes.

“Will you have dinner with me tonight?”

Audra turned to face him. “You know that’s not a good idea, Charlie. Last night was fun, and I enjoyed it. We should leave it at that.”

“Why?” he demanded. “We’re two adults who obviously enjoy each other’s company.”

“We also work for the same law firm and are up against each other for a promotion.”

“So,” he retorted. “It’s not like the firm frowns on couples. Look at Perry and Beryl.”

“They’re married,” Audra pointed out. “Look, I really do need to go. I have a shopping date in a couple of hours.” She stepped into the bedroom, closing the door firmly behind her.

After quickly donning her skirt and blouse, she ran her hands over her hair, smoothing it as best she could.

Charlie was standing as she walked out. He went to the apartment door with her, running a hand down her back as he reached for the knob. “I want you to know that I’ll never think of last night as an office mistake,” he said lightly.

He felt her stiffen.

Audra refused to meet his eyes. “Me neither. Goodbye, Charlie,” she replied, her words tumbling out fast.

She walked out, leaving Charlie to puzzle over her swift exit.

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