Page 19 of Need Him
“You need to go,” he bit out.
Gareth’s smile remained in place, but the tightening of his face assured Ben he’d heard. “Why?”
“I’m not in the right frame of mind for this discussion. We can postpone it for another day.”
Gareth narrowed his eyes. “What happened?”
“It doesn’t matter what happened. Get to work. I’ll let you know when we can do this.” Ben rested his forearms on the desk and picked up some paper as if he was reading it.
Silence filled the office, but Ben knew Gareth hadn’t left. He could feel his gaze on him, burning through the top of his bent head.
“Leave,” he demanded.
No sound.
Ben stood so fast that his chair flew back and banged against the wall. “I said go!” He flung his arm towards the door.
Gareth crossed his arms over his chest and stared at him, saying nothing, doing nothing.
“Why the hell aren’t you leaving? I’m calling security.” Though he made no move to do it.
Gareth stepped closer, the move making Ben flinch, until he reached the opposite side of Ben’s desk. He leaned his palms on the table, stared into Ben’s eyes and, with a firm voice, said, “Sit. Down.”
Ben sat.
****
Chapter 9
Gareth
Gareth stared across the desk at Ben, brooking no argument with his words or body language. He’d heard about the problems from his colleague before he’d even climbed the stairs. Two other staff members had told him to keep his distance from Ben. He’d known the minute he stepped into the room that Ben would be in a combative frame of mind. To get through to him, Gareth needed to take charge.
“First rule, take a breath before you say something you might regret. Second rule, take another breath before you speak. Nod your head if you understand?” Ben nodded. Just one small bob of his head, but Gareth understood the significance. “Good. Now. You’ve had a bad day. I get that. You have the weight of this company on your shoulders. I get that. You are responsible for a lot of people. I get that. But when it’s just you and me in a room together, I deserve better than this angry, childish temper tantrum. You’re tired, frazzled, worn down. I know. People will not respond to you if you stamp your feet and yell at them. They will cower, they will do as you ask, but they will not like you. Regardless of what anyone says, you need your employees to like you because if they don’t, they won’t stay, and that makes your life even more difficult. What a vicious circle.”
He stood upright and shoved his hands into his pockets, a move designed to make him seem gentler and more approachable. He didn’t say another word, just let his previous speech sink in with Ben, whose eyes had dropped to the desk. Giving him time to understand exactly what he was trying to say. After a couple of minutes, he murmured, “Shall we try again?”
Ben peered up at him and nodded.
Gareth pivoted and exited the room, closing the door behind him. He gave Ben a minute before he knocked again, allowing him those few seconds to get his bearings and figure out his next move. When his knuckles rapped on the door, Ben’s voice was softer.
“Come in.”
Gareth entered with a smile. “Good evening. I’ve heard you’ve had a tricky day. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Ben stared up at him, his bottom lip hidden between his teeth, his nose wrinkled, and his eyes full of unshed tears. “I think some of it can wait until tomorrow. There’s nothing I can do now, but thank you for asking.”
Gareth smiled and nodded. “Have you had enough to drink today?” He rounded the desk and crouched beside Ben, putting his hand on top of Ben’s clenched fist. He rubbed at the knuckles, trying to ease the tension running through him. “Ben?”
“Sorry, what?”
“I asked if you’ve had enough to drink today? You must’ve been busy, but have you taken care of yourself?”
Ben blinked at him, knocking a few of the tears loose. Gareth wiped them away with the pad of his thumb while Ben regrouped. “Um, no, probably not.”
“Can I make you your strawberry drink?”
Ben paused, then nodded. “It’s in the bottom drawer,” he whispered.
