Page 31 of Big Book Boss

"Were you checking to see if I would hold your hand?"

"Maybe," I chuckle. "Or perhaps I wanted to hold your hand walking across the parking lot but couldn't, so as soon as I could, I did. But I need it to drive, so I had to give it up again" My eyes slide over her body.

"Where are we going?" She asks.

"I thought we would swing by your place so you can pack some clothes until your stuff arrives."

She says, "Bastian, I'd like a tour of your departments."

"Tomorrow morning."

She 'tisks' me, "If I'm going to be your surrogate, everyone needs to know that the politics have changed. There's a new dynamic going forward."

I cut my eyes at her, but before I can speak, she adds, "I want you to give me an introduction on each floor. As it stands right now, Janet owns the narrative of who I am. That can't stand. It has to be addressed right now before everyone leaves for the day."

She looks out the window, and her profile silents my words. My lips press to hide my smile.

"Your staff needs to see us together to understand this new dynamic between you and your P. A."

"I thought you wanted to keep that private."

"The physical touching has to be private. But your expression when you look at me? That? They need to see."

I grin, "And what exactly does my expression say?"

"I haven't seen you look at another woman yet, but if you look at other women the way you look at me…. Well, I won't like it."

I chuckle.

We drive back to Precious Kitty Publishing House. I pull into a vacant parking spot a block away, and we get out of the car. A 'beefcake' from Mickey's vehicle gets out and stands next to it, facing the road.

Samaera notices him but doesn't comment. As we approach Rufus, I slow down to allow her to go through first. But she says, "You lead the way, I'll follow."

I pass through the open door without speaking to Rufus, but she says, "Thank you."

And he chuckles, "I'm supposed to be invisible."

I wait for her before continuing to the public elevator. She pushes the button and stands stoically next to me. When the doors slide open, about ten women are inside. As soon as they see me, they freeze.

Samaera says, "Ladies, if you're leaving early, I suggest you reconsider. Your boss has an announcement to make."

No one exits, and we join them. Samaera looks at me, "Which floor is Janet on?"

"Ninth."

She pushes the ninth-floor button. As we rise, she states, "Return to your desk, please. Mums the word, though."

No one says a word. When the floor dings, the doors slide open, and I walk through with Samaera right behind me. I stop and look back at her, catching a glimpse of the women in the elevator. They are still stunned, and as the doors slide closed, they turn to each other and begin talking.

16

Samaera

Bastian walks and talks,"Each of the floors are laid out in an open Bay Area with the executive's office along the back wall. Except for the 'toy' department. Which, for obvious reasons, is not."

Before even a minute has passed, everyone has stopped working, and they are gawking at us. The door of Janet's office opens, and a young woman exits, closing the door. Then turns around, wiping her eyes. She's been crying.

I exchange a look with Bastian, and his jaw sets. When she looks up and sees us there, her mouth hangs open. I put my hand on his arm and say, "Don't move."

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