Page 20 of My Hottest Obsession

My driver, Patrick, pulls up in front of the building, and I scan the sidewalk one more time for Goldie as I climb out.

“Thanks, Patrick. I’ll see you tonight.”

“Yes, sir.”

I grab the bags of takeout and the bouquet of daisies before I close the door. Patrick merges with traffic as I turn and head inside and up to our floor. The elevator doors slide open, and my heart kicks against my ribs when I see Goldie sitting at her desk.

“Morning, Boss Man,” she says, and I smile.

“Morning, baby.”

Her eyes cut to mine in surprise, but I just smile as I drop the food on her desk and hand her the flowers.

“Daisies today,” I tell her, studying her reaction.

“They’re pretty.”

“Almost as pretty as you.”

I can tell already that they’re not her favorite, and I make a note to try peonies or lilies tomorrow.

“You beat me into work,” I comment, and she sighs.

“My car is acting up. I had to walk, so I left earlier.”

I frown. I’ll need to have her car looked at. In fact, I should just get her a new one. Her current one is on its last leg.

“What should we do tonight?” I ask her, changing the subject as I lean on the edge of her desk.

She smells like vanilla and sunshine, and I take a deep breath.

“Your schedule is packed today, Boss Man. You have that presentation with the Bolter team in fifteen and then another meeting with a prospective company. Something called Green Bees,” she tells me, evading the question.

I try not to be too disappointed to see that her walls are firmly back in place. I half expected it, but I guess I had hopes that something would have changed more after last night.

That’s okay. I’ll just try again tonight. Maybe I can cook for her tonight.

“Great. I’ll just check my emails and then head to the conference room.”

She nods distractedly as she pulls up a new email.

“I already set up some pastries and coffee in there so you should be good to go.”

“Thanks. I don’t know what I’d do without you, Goldie.”

She hesitates at my words, and I wonder what that’s about as I head into my office.

She wasn’t kidding about my day being packed. I’m in and out of meetings all day, and by the time five o’clock draws near, I’m in a crappy mood. I’ve missed seeing my Goldie all day, and I hurry back to my office. I need to catch her before she leaves so I can nail down our plans.

A crack of thunder sounds, and I notice that it’s gotten dark outside. Rain starts to hit the windows, and a bolt of lightning strikes just outside.

Perfect.

She can’t walk home in this. I’ll offer to drive her and then take her out to dinner.

I send Patrick a quick text that we’ll have another passenger and smile as I stop next to Goldie’s desk. She’s busy frowning out the window at the rain, and I school my features.

“I’ll drive you home.”

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