Page 60 of Melted by a Man

It was a momentous step in the company, and if all the machinery worked well, who's to say how it would change the agricultural industry as a whole.

But based on how the women in the office looked staring up at the rugged man with a baritone voice, I had a feeling none of them cared at all about the company’s progress. They all might as well have had hearts in their eyes. Well, not every woman. Mary and Nicole were looking very indifferent.

“Hello everyone.” Graham Moore clearly wasn’t comfortable on video calls, his wave was awkward and stiff, and he swallowed once after saying hello. He even went as far as to tug on the collar of his t-shirt, which was sweat-stained and covered in patches of dirt.

“Hi!” Everyone in the office waved, but the women specifically projected their greetings. I glanced down at Jacqueline, having heard her enthusiastically greet the CEO’s brother. I lifted an eyebrow at her, and when a warm flush stained her cheeks as she scowled at me, my smile kicked up a notch.

“Is it hot in here?” Violet asked in a whisper meant to be heard by those surrounding us. I chuckled, whereas Jacqueline shook her head in disapproval, fully pretending she wasn’t as infatuated with Brandon’s handsome brother as the other women.

I pulled my phone out, keeping it close and low under the table, so no one could read over my shoulder.

Me: Is he your type?

I lifted my head, barely paying attention to Graham’s awkward greeting and introduction to Moore Farms. That was because, in the corner of my vision, I saw Jacqueline shift to pull her phone out of her jeans pocket.

I held my breath as I waited for her to respond, counting to three before checking my phone after it buzzed in my hand.

Jacqueline: I don’t have a type.

I raised my eyebrows, but Violet’s sudden, “Huh?” made me forget the text thread.

I glanced up, seeing color bloom across Violet’s cheeks, somehow making her blue hair look brighter.

“I said,” Brandon nodded toward her, not registering her surprise at all, “Once Boson ships their equipment, you’ll be traveling to Northern California to maintain and oversee the technology there. To provide onsite maintenance.”

I lifted an eyebrow, wondering why this was a surprise to Violet. She was a systems engineer. She was hired specifically to oversee the tech in action. Perhaps she was expecting to work remotely?

“Oh,” Violet cleared her throat and nodded, “Yes, of course. I’m looking forward to it.” She threw a thumbs up back, which weirdly, didn’t convince me of her confidence.

Graham squinted his eyes on the screen, “I didn’t quite catch that. I can’t see everyone that well, who exactly is coming?”

Brandon repeated, “Our systems engineer.”

“Ah, perfect. I don’t know what the fuck I’m doing.” Signe cackled, slapping her hand over her mouth. Zaid’s shoulders were shaking with silent laughter too, and Brandon pinched the bridge of his nose while fighting a smile of his own.

“You’re in a company meeting, Graham.”

“Oh shi—sorry. I’m sorry everyone,” he waved again, “I should go. Thanks for introducing me to all the talented minds making this possible.” He sounded genuine, which was nice and all, but I didn’t actually care because my focus wasn’t on this meeting at all. Even with the iPad pen to fidget with. I couldn’t help but side-eye Jacqueline next to me.

She kept her phone face-down on her leg, scrolling on her iPad, ignoring everyone around her.

So I finally replied.

Me: If you happen to be in the mood for your favorite Englishman again, just say the word.

* * *

I was walking backto my office after the meeting, finally getting a bearing on what was going on with the company. Jacqueline never responded to my text, but she did read it, and I thought I saw her lips twitch positively before she tucked the phone back into her jeans.

I felt a little better about where she and I stood. Even if she and I didn’t shag again, perhaps we could maintain this positive comradery. As I walked toward my office, the pen in my fingertips twirled and twirled. I was in a better, more stable mood. I smiled at the employees I passed, before glancing down.

…Jacqueline would probably want her pen back.

Though I couldn’t lie and say I didn’t feel the equivalent of butterflies in my chest at the realization that Jacqueline had just helped me in a very unique, observant way. Somehow, during all the months that I worked here and she bickered at me, Jacqueline picked up on this very unique tell I had.

I did my best work when I had something to keep my hands busy. A physical type of anchor to get my mind to focus on what I needed to focus on.

Did she know I had ADHD? Did Mary tell her? Did Jacqueline discover this all on her own?

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