Page 8 of His Jewel

Her gaze rose to meet his. It was like seeing his own fire reflected back in it.

He continued, it was like he couldn’t stop himself, “So if you’d be so kind as to pay closer attention, please. If I’d missed that meeting it would have been bad for business. I know this is your first week, but there can be no mistakes.”

What was that? Why was he being like this? It was like he’d never spoken to a woman before.

She bit her lip, and he had to look away. “Of course, Josh, we wouldn’t want that. I promise I’ll do better.” There was an air of sarcasm in her voice, and he didn’t blame her. He was being a dick. Maybe this would make her leave ... no, he didn’t want her to leave, not really. This was his problem. He would do better. He had to do better.

She turned to leave, and suddenly he didn’t want her to go. He stood, knocking his knees on the desk.

“How’s your first week going?”

She turned around with wide eyes, likely wondering why he was being so hot and cold. Hell, he was wondering the same thing.

He gestured to the chair opposite his desk, and she sat down, hands clutching her notebook.

“Fine, thank you,” she said curtly. Then she smiled, as if she couldn’t help herself. “Cathy is great. I don’t know what I’d do without her.”

He nodded, smiling back. “She is.”

Then her gaze, hesitant and curious, flicked over him. “She mentioned that you gave her time off, and paid for her to see her grandchild?”

If she knew that, why was she asking? Likely wondering if he’s the same good boss that people have likely been telling her he is. Fair enough.

“Of course. She deserved it.” She did. She was one of his best, most loyal employees. He shouldn’t have favorites, but if he did, then Cathy would be number one.

Her lips parted slightly before she gave a tight nod. “Well, if that’s all...”

“Yes, of course. Thank you for the updates,” he said.

She nodded again, leaving his office.

Why did it feel so empty without her presence? The scent of peaches and cream lingered in her wake.

The day dragged on, and he attended all of his meetings, his mind somewhere else. When the inky black sky fully invaded the blue, it was only then he realized just how late it was. He blinked. He hadn’t even noticed the light leaving the world. Sighing, he turned off his computer. 8:00 PM. He needed a drink, and he needed food. Preferably in that order. Drew was probably at the club by now, three drinks in and flirting shamelessly with Alana.

He checked his phone for confirmation. Yep. Drew’s text glared at him.

Where are you? Am I being stood up? Josh, I’m so hurt.

He rolled his eyes. It was as if Drew’s sarcasm leaked out of his text and into the room. He went through the office, turning off the lights as he went. He headed for the stationery cupboard to grab a few folders for the meeting he had the next day. He was distracted, glancing down at his phone at another text from Drew as he began to reply. His hand folded over the door handle, and he pushed it open, slotting his foot inside. He didn’t even notice that the light was already on inside, glowing over all the stationery supplies. Which meant that he didn’t notice how he tripped Ruby.

“Shit,” he said, as her foot came into contact with his and they collided. She fell, but he managed to catch her, cradling her in his arms, his phone crashing to the floor.

Her face was inches from his, and her scent invaded his nose. He watched her eyes widen in shock—they must have mirrored his own expression. Her lips parted slightly.

She swallowed. “Sorry, sorry,” she breathed, reaching down to grab his phone.

The sudden movement jolted her in his arms and their faces fell, their lips brushing over one another.

She staggered back, and out of his arms, backing up into one of the shelves. It was like the contact had the power of an electric shock, a current running through them.

Or maybe she was disgusted. His heart lurched at this, at this thought. He pushed it from his brain. It wasn’t wanted there.

His heart was pounding as their gazes locked.

A small smile spread over her lips. “Do I need to call HR?”

What?

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