Page 42 of Stuck with the Hot Boss
‘No,’ said Evie. ‘We ordered it from the idea shop, and it got delivered this morning.’
‘Cheeky beggar,’ said Nigel, grinning.
‘Well,I’mvery impressed,’ said Ange. ‘This took a lot of courage, as well as smart thinking. Thank you both for your hard work.’
‘You’re welcome, Ange, but please don’t slap me on the back.’ Leo gave his shoulder a cautious massage. ‘I think my scapula’s now permanently out of alignment.’
‘Suppose you two’ll be getting a promotion now?’ said Nigel, dourly.
‘Don’t worry, Nigel,’ said Leo. ‘We won’t forget the little people.’
This time, Nigel picked up a stapler. Leo grabbed his laptop to use as a shield.
‘This is a very expensive piece of kit!’ he warned. ‘Kev wouldnotbe pleased.’
‘Go to lunch, the pair of you!’ ordered Nigel. ‘Out!’
‘Fancy a pint?’ Evie asked, as they grabbed their bags and scarpered.
‘I think we’ve earned one, don’t you?’ said Leo. ‘Although now all the adrenaline’s wearing off, I’m starting to think fondly about an afternoon nap.’
At the lift, Evie pressed the button. Leo caught her hand and kissed it.
‘Thanks for everything, Evie Martin,’ he said. ‘You are the absolute best thing in my life.’
Evie smiled. ‘You’re pretty darn awesome, yourself, Leo Hurst.’
She moved closer, wrapped her arms lightly around him. Leo looked startled.
‘What if someone sees us?’ he said. ‘Kev, for example?’
‘I think he’ll say we make a good team.’ Evie pulled Leo just a smidge more tightly to her.
‘He might also tell us to get back to work,’ said Leo. ‘Ange is right. We have alotto do.’
Evie stood on tiptoes and brushed her lips against Leo’s. ‘All the more reason to take a break and recharge. Build up our strength.’
‘With a pint?’ Leo murmured, his mouth hovering over hers.
‘And chips,’ said Evie. ‘Maybe even a steak and kidney pie …’
‘You really know how to drive me insane, don’t you?’
A minute or so later, Hayley from sales came by.
‘Get aroom,’ she said, in disgust. And over her shoulder as she stalked off, ‘If this wasn’t my last week, I’d report you!’
‘She’ssonot getting a leaving cake.’ Evie pressed the lift button again. ‘Come on, our pints and pies are waiting.’
‘Can I have a sticky toffee pudding for afters?’ said Leo.
‘If you share it with me,’ Evie said.
‘You drive a hard bargain, Martin,’ Leo said, as the lift moved downward. ‘Remind me to sendyouin to negotiate my next pay rise.’
Chapter Twenty-One
After work on Friday, Evie and Leo met Nicky at an East London canal-side pub. They arrived earlier than expected because Hayley from sales’ leaving party had ended as soon as she was presented with a mug that said,You were an adequate colleague,which caused her to storm off in huff.
