Page 22 of Mated To My Boss

I remain standing, my hands clasped in front of me. "I organized the documents you left out. Everything's still there, just sorted."

He glances at the neat stacks, then back at me with a slight frown. "I had a system."

“System is a strong word for stuff that you had just lying around.”

“I have a system and you're messing with it. What are you even doing here?”

“Aunt Cora had a medical appointment,” I explain.

“I still don't see why that means you have to be in my office. How did you even get in?”

I ignore the last question. “She said I should stay with you since you don't have an intern.”

“I don't have an intern because I don't need one. I've been very clear on that.”

"I understand," I say with a small nod. "I just thought I might be of help while she's away. But I can certainly find something else to do if you prefer working alone."

My reasonable response seems to catch him off guard. He studies me for a moment before sighing. He places both elbows on the desk and both hands on his temples before pushing out a small gust of air. “This is way too much to deal with.”

There's a knock on the door and Nate beckons the person in. Olivia enters with a huge stack of papers. “Um, sorry to interrupt, but I have to give you these.” She nods to me before dropping the papers on Nate’s desk.

Nate looks at the stack, which is several inches tall. “We have computers for a reason, I don't know how there's always so much paperwork for each case.”

“Whoa, you redecorated,” Olivia says, looking around. “This looks so much better than those motivational posters you had here.”

“I know right?” I say, smiling at her. “The office really needed a different touch.”

“It sure did.”

Olivia leaves, but the smug look on my face doesn't. Nate shakes his head at me. “Okay, fine. You did a great job with the office.”

“See? Was that so hard?”

“Yes it was,” he says. “Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to tackle this mountain.”

"I'd be happy to help with that, if you'd like," I offer. "I'm pretty efficient with paperwork."

“I manage to get my job done without help.”

I smile slightly. "I've noticed how dedicated you are to your work. It's admirable."

He gives me a puzzled look.

"But everyone needs help sometimes," I continue gently. "Even the best of us.

“Alright,” Nate concedes.

I take a seat across from him, attentive and ready to learn.Nate takes a moment to sift through the pile, and I’ve watched him eagerly, ready to help.

It doesn't take long before I become too distracted to concentrate on what he's saying to me. This is going to be harder than I thought.

My eyes travel to his thick hair, remembering how my hands were lost in his locks. I'd give anything to be back there again, locked in that hotel room with nothing but our bodies to provide satisfaction.

“—and the four of them. Did you get all that?”

“Hmm?” I ask.

“Were you even listening?”