Page 13 of My Hottest Obsession

“Whoa!” I gasp when I almost run right into him.

“You look beautiful this morning,” he says, kissing my cheek, and I try to ignore the sparks that his touch sets off inside of me.

“Thanks,” I deadpan, and he smiles down at me.

He’s looking at me like I’m the best thing he’s ever seen, like he loves me, and I get a sinking feeling in my gut.

‘You’re not going to let this go, are you?” I ask him, already resigned.

“Nope, not a chance.”

I sigh, pulling out of his hold and heading back to my desk.

Man, I’m so screwed.

He doesn’t follow me, and I take a moment to compose myself as I sit down at my desk. There’s a lot of work to do today, and for once, I’m happy to be busy. It will help distract me from whatever else Adrien has planned.

Deep down, I knew he wasn’t going to let me move on from our kiss. He’s been pretty obvious that he wants me since he hired me, but I’m not sure what that means.

Does he want me for a night, for a fling, as a friend with benefits? I’m not okay with any of those options.

An image of my mom, her face streaked with mascara, flashes behind my eyes, and I jerk to my feet. I promised myself that I would never be like her. I would never chase after a man or jump from one guy to the next. I never wanted to rely on them the way that she did. I never wanted to be her.

I remember how Anson was with Lottie in the hospital yesterday, and my heart swells in my chest. That’s what I want most. I want to find my one true love. I want a family, someone to go home to. Someone who loves me and is willing to fight for me.

Adrien could be that person. He hasn’t grown bored of trying to win me over in the last two years, but is that love or just a love of the chase?

I’m growing tired of protecting myself. I’m starting to worry that the cynical façade I’ve been putting up all of these years to keep myself safe is starting to become real, and I don’t want that.

I just want to trust someone. I want to be myself fully. I want to be happy like Lottie is with Anson.

“Goldie? Is everything alright?” Adrien asks, and I realize that I just abruptly stood up and then stared off into space for a minute.

“Yeah,” I say, clearing my throat.

“Is it Lottie? I meant to ask if she was alright.”

He had texted me three times yesterday, asking how she was and if I needed anything. Each time, I melted a little bit inside.

“She’s fine. A little bruised up, but no concussion or anything. She just needs to take it easy for a few days.”

“Good. I’m glad to hear that.”

I nod, and he reaches out for me at the same time that the elevator doors open and a group of employees step out.

“Mr. Kirke,” one of the guys greets him, and Adrien smiles. “We’re all set to present for the Webster account.”

“Great, go ahead and set up in the conference room,” he tells them, and they head down the hallway.

Our offices take up two floors, with Adrien and I working on the top level and the other employees on the floor beneath us. We hold meetings up here in the conference rooms, but most of the time, it’s just Boss Man and me.

Adrien ducks back into his office, and I follow after him. His office matches his personality perfectly. Everything is bright and welcoming. It’s floor to ceiling windows on three sides. Two of them overlook the city, and the last one overlooks me. The fourth wall is what separates his office from one of the conference rooms.

He has a big glass desk set up along one wall, completely see-through. Just like Adrien is. He has no hidden motives. What you see is what you get with him.

Colorful artwork hangs on the wall across from his desk, and there’s a bright woven rug covers the space between his desk and the cabinet underneath the artwork.

I was interviewed in this office, and it was a big reason why I decided to take the job two years ago. I loved how open and inviting the place was.

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