Page 47 of Broken Pieces
I push her hand away and roll my eyes. “You’re ridiculous.”
Isabella squints her eyes in suspicion. “Since when are you guys friends?”
“I’m just trying to move on from, you know…” Technically, not a lie. I am trying to move pastsomething. We’re definitely not in boss and employee territory now. It’s more. Maybe friends.
Pft. Yeah, right.Friends.
“Say less.” She looks at the computer. “He doesn’t have any meetings right now, so you can go in.”
I nod as I walk to his office door and knock, opening the door. He’s engrossed in some paperwork, not noticing my presence. Every step I take and the closer I get, the quicker my heart beats. He has his usual suit, dark gray this time, with a black turtleneck sweater since it’s getting chillier in Chicago, but what fucking gets me is his hair. He doesn’t have it with his usual put together style. Instead, he’s letting those lazy curls hang, just like he did yesterday.
He looks up and lets out one of his lazy smiles that makes my knees tremble every time, leaning back in his chair. “Morning, Darling.”
I take one of the drinks out of the drink carrier and place it in front of him.
“Good morning,” I manage to get out, hoping he doesn’t notice my shaky voice.
He looks at the coffee cup, then looks up at me. “What’s this for?”
“Just a thank you coffee for yesterday. Can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I actually had a nice time.”
He nods his head in agreement. “Glad to be of service.”
I hum in agreement, slowly walking backward to leave his office. Weird thing is, Idon’twant to leave. Somehow, I crave his company. I want to do it again. Stay in that bubble.
The idea is totally crazy. It’d be inappropriate to have that type of relationship and be hanging out outside of work so often. But we’ve crossed that line so long ago; it’s nonexistent at this point.
He picks up his coffee and takes a sip, then licks his lips. The movement is so annoyingly sexy, I’m pretty sure I’m staring like a fucking idiot. “Anything else?”
“We’re still missing one statement piece. Have any leads?” I say quickly, trying to act nonchalant.
“We’re going to the New York Auction next weekend, remember?”
“Right!” I snap my fingers. Even though I amwellaware I have to go on another trip with him. “Well, okay then, I’m gonna go get some work done,” I continue, waving awkwardly.
“Alright.”
“Alright,” I repeat.
He flashes his killer bright smile and tilts his head. “Anything on your mind, Darling?”
What is it with this nickname that makes me blush every time?Ugh.
“Just making some mental lists for today, that’s all. Anyway, if you need anything let me know,” I say as I quickly walk out and shut the door before I embarrass myself any further.
Isabella looks up, glaring at me. “And what is wrong with you?”
Isabella gets easily suspicious at everything, and grumpy on top of it sometimes, so the last thing I want to do is get on her bad side that will end with one of her pep talks. I love that girl, but I don’t particularly want to hear all the reasons why this is a bad idea.
“Nothing. I’m going to work,” I murmur as I walk quickly to my office and lock the door.
What the hell is wrong with me?
I couldn’t even think of my usual quick remarks that I like to throw every time we talk. It’s like something between us shifted yesterday, and I can’t pinpoint what it is.
You know damn well what it is.
Letting out a frustrated groan, I hit my head against the door. The feeling of uncertainty sucks. I’m walking with extremely blinded eyes, but the excitement to get to the finish line clouds my judgment, even though I have no idea what to expect once I get there. That damn kiss changed everything between us, and I don’t know howmuch longer I can keep on pretending nothing happened. He’s doing a fucking great job at it.
