Page 25 of Tempt the Boss
Most of my employees avert their eyes, but some still linger with curiosity. I give the stragglers a hard look until their heads snap back forwards, intent on their computer screens.
And after she’s gone, I walk back into my office and slam the door. How did my day go from amazing to a fucking disaster in less than an hour? Because when Ali called me earlier, it was like a sign. Listen to that. Me, the big bad boss, believing in “signs” like some kooky teenage girl. But somehow, the woman’s turned me into a pile of mush because I didn’t realize that our encounter was going to lead to this. Me, spilling my heart out. Not just my heart, but my guts. And all of it trampled on and thrown back into my face like it was worth nothing.
Fuck me. Fuck this.
But I can’t blame the gorgeous girl for the situation. I did tell my employees they could walk in whenever they wanted. And Trevor usually just tells people to walk in unless he knows I’m busy. So it’s kind of the way things are always done around here.
But now there’s a fucking mess out there I need to deal with. Shit. A knock on my door stops me from spiraling into insanity.
“Come in,” I growl. Under my breath, I add, “Thanks for knocking.”
Jenny stands at the door looking at me askance. “Hey boss.”
Fuck this shit.
“How bad is it?”
She doesn’t say anything, which means it’s really bad.
“Goddamnit,” I curse.
Jenny holds up both hands palms out.
“It’s not as bad as it could be. We got a gag order on everyone before it spilled out of the building. At least social media won’t get a hold of this.”
“That’s good. What else?”
“The board is meeting in two weeks to talk about Ali’s future with Carmichael Publishing.”
“They can’t drop her book,” I say fiercely.
Jenny sits down. “They can if they want to. You know that. This isn’t a one-man dictatorship. Carmichael Publishing runs according to rules that you set up as a precaution. You’ll have to convince them to change the guidelines about intraoffice dating.”
I laugh bitterly. “No, I don’t. It’s pointless. Ali ended it so we no longer have a problem.”
“Oh shit,” Jenny gasps, one hand going up to clap over her mouth. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s fine. It wasn’t a big thing.” Liar, liar, pants on fucking fire.
My editor sighs. “I’ve known you for a long time, Chris. I know you cared for her more than any of your other girlfriends.”
I partially glower.
“Says who?”
Jenny rolls her eyes.
“Come on, I’ve been here for five years. I know you, boss. I know how much you liked her. Anyone could tell, it wasn’t exactly subtle.”
Oh fuck.
“You’re right. I liked her. Key word being ‘liked’ and not like.”
“And she bailed?” Jenny asks, one eyebrow shooting towards the ceiling.
“She doesn’t feel the same,” I growl, hackles rising.
“Hmm,” Jenny says thoughtfully. “I would’ve thought she did with the way she looks at you. But maybe my radar is off.”