Page 48 of Corporate Escapades

“You were snoring a little when I brought the water in, so I let you rest.”

“I feel a lot more awake now,” he stated. In actuality, what he meant was that he had observed Paris’s lack of reaction toward his advancement, and he was now pretending he was over it. He noted that she changed clothing for her walk. Even in yoga attire, the girl looked good.

“Do you need any help?” asked Paris.

“Nah, I’ve got it.” He purposely cut her off. His tone had come out sounding a bit colder than he had intended.

Paris watched him as he meticulously tended to the chicken and veggies. She hadn’t mentioned his advance to Mya. Paris was unsure how she felt about the situation. She didn’t want to be another one of his one-night stands or a distraction from his feelings of loss.

Ten minutes later, the group found themselves settled in at the picnic table with their favorite beverages and a feast of juicy chicken, potato salad, roasted asparagus, and chocolatebrownies for dessert. Dinner was delicious. They drank their beers and told stories about past hiking and camping trips. They also played a couple of drinking card games, and before long, Chase and Mya were both shuffling off to bed, leaving Vic and Paris alone with each other.

“So, tell me the truth,” said Vic, “have you ever dated anyone from work or had a thing for a coworker?”

Paris rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand. The drink was definitely getting to her, but she thought, what the heck? “Yes, there’s someone I’ve had a thing for over the past many years, but so far he hasn’t noticed and I haven’t made any advances.”

“Oh, really? Do tell,” replied Vic. He was surprised that Paris had a love interest. He never saw her with anyone, but he’d heard rumors about her love life.

“Okay, if you think you can keep it to yourself?”

Vic nodded at her. “I promise.”

“Tom Mariano,” she replied solemnly.

“Tom? Seriously? What do you like about him?” asked Vic.

“For starters, he's driven. I don't know anyone who lands more clients than he does. It also helps that he's smoldering hot,” she admitted with a blush.

“Hm. I’m surprised by that. He seems to be quite vain, doesn't he?”

“How so? I guess I hadn’t noticed.”

“Trust me, Paris, that man is in love with his own reflection. He knows he's attractive, and he flaunts it.”

“He flaunts it?” Paris was appalled by Vic's statement. “How do you mean?”

“I'm not going to delve into this any further with you. Just watch him. You’ll see.”

Paris wasn’t so certain that Vic was right. She hadn’t seen Tom's vanity previously.

“Play Poker with me,” insisted Vic.

“Isn’t that kind of boring when we only have two people?” she asked.

“Nah, we’ll make it interesting.” He laughed. “If you win, what do you want?”

“I want you to yell, ‘Paris is amazing!’” She laughed. “Haven’t you ever had feelings for a coworker?”

“Dozens of times,” he admitted. “I think we should play Strip Poker. That’s more interesting and gives you more reason to try not to lose.” He gave a nod for emphasis.

“Okay, fine,” she agreed. “Do you sleep with coworkers frequently?”

“No, not really,” replied Vic. “I try to stay out of the building with my relations.”

“Yes, but do you succeed?”

“A gentleman never tells.” He had a mischievous grin on his face as he laid out the cards.

“You’re no gentleman!” she shot back.

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