But could I livewith the whole office knowing I had to flee Little Tucker’s office because of about with dysentery?
No. No, I couldnot.
Inappropriate ornot, I’d rather face Henry than that reputation. Besides, between this and theChristmas party incident, I was starting to wonder if maybe Henry Tucker justdidn’t consider personalspace?His love language was obviouslyphysical touch and making everyone around him uncomfortable with hisoverreaching, inappropriate behavior.
Instead of makingan excuse to leave, I tucked my legs beneath my seat and looked up expectantlyat my boss. He might not know how to be a professional, but I did. He couldlearn a thing or two from me and my gigantic personal bubble.
“He’s married,”Henry repeated. “I didn’t peg you for the kind of girl that shits where sheeats. But I guess I was wrong.”
His commentreminded me of pretend diarrhea and I wrinkled my nose in disgust. “I’m notinterested in Ethan,” I said firmly, needing him to get this immediately.And also to stop talking so loud.“Even if he wasn’tmarried, he’s not my type.”
Henry’s lips liftedin a sly smirk. “Oh, really? What is your type?”
“Men that aren’tmarried,” I bit out, trying desperately to stay polite.
“So me then?” Hegrinned.
I noted a coffeestain on his lapel. “Excuse me?” I heard myself say for the second time. Thiscould not be happening. He could not seriously be hitting on me! Even threeshots of tequila deep, I’d been super clear at Christmas. My name was no. Mysign was no. My number washell no.
“You said you’re interested in men that aren’tmarried. I’m not married. You must be interested in me.” His grin stretched, greedyand wolfish.
Swallowing downnerves, fear of losing my job, and a hefty dose of awkward, I admitted gently,“Actually I have a long list of criteria. Which is why I’m still single.”
“Thank the goodLord for that,” Henry muttered. His eyes took another trip down my body, slowlycaressing every inch of me from the open neckline of my blouse to the pantyhoseI had been so set on wearing today.
A sick feelingcrept over me everywhere his gaze lingered. I resisted the urge to clutch mycollar together and slap him.
He was my boss.Maybe he was being inappropriate and obnoxious, but he was still my boss.
And the reason Iwas on this account to begin with.
“Do you needanything else, Henry? Or am I free to go?”
I regretted mywording as soon as the question left my lips. I couldn’t have told you exactlywhat I’d said, but whatever it was seemed to encourage him. His expression litwith interest and he leaned toward me, bringing our bodies closer together. Hesmelled like cheese and cheap cologne.
“For now, Molly.You’re free to go for now.”
I scurried out ofhis office like a scared church mouse, but by the time I’d gotten back to mydesk, I had almost convinced myself there was nothing wrong with his behavior.
Henry Tucker was anass, but he was still my boss. And the son of the CEO, set to inherit thisentire office. He wouldn’t mess that up by overstepping with his minions.
Still, it wasn’thard to consider passing off this account to someone else, to someone morequalified and not nearly as grossed out by the Little Tucker. Maybe there wouldbe an equally glorifying account in the future. Maybe I could make progress atthe company without a big account, without drawing attention to myself.
Maybe a long lostaunt would die and I would inherit a huge sum of money making me independentlywealthy.
I dismissed theidea as quickly as it had come. Quitting now would set me back light years. I hustledmy ass off to get this account, putting in hours and hours with local skatingrinks and putt-putt golf. Finally, my hard work was going to pay off with anational campaign and a big, fat commission. I wouldn’t screw this up, not evento get away from Junior.
Maybe he was creepyand touchy and crass, but as long as he kept his hands—and legs, face, and allother body parts—to himself, I could put up with him until the end of theproject. Black Soul would do more good for my career than Henry could ever dobad. And STS was the lead media company to work for in this area.
I fell into my deskchair and threw my notebook down on my keyboard. A chill settled on the back ofmy neck, forcing a shiver down my spine.
You can do this, I told myself.He’sjust a flirt. It’s not you, specifically. It’s how he is with every girl.
I believed that wastrue. It didn’t make me feel any less dirty.
Chapter Five
