“Bella?!” I spin around at my name being called.
“Adam?” What on earth is he doing here in the San Francisco office of all places?
“What — how are you here?” he asks as he approaches me. Adam attended the same college as me. He definitely hinted at wanting something between us, but it never happened; I made it clear we were better off as friends. Mia and I would go out drinking with him and some of his friends, though, often mixing in the same circles.
“I work here; well, here and the L.A office.”
“Wait, you’re the new boss brought in alongside Reed?”
“I wouldn’t say boss — not yet anyway — but yes, I’ve been brought in to work with Reed. My Dad is George Knight.”
“Holy shit, how did I not know that?” The shock on his face is clear but he’d have no reason to know that bit of information. I didn’t advertize who my father was at college, I learned from a young age that people would use me to get to him.
“Well, this is maybe a little weird seeing as you’re… you know, technically, my boss, but you’re also my friend. Anyway, I’m going out Wednesday night with some friends and I’d love you to come out with us. We haven’t seen each other since graduation, and it would be good to catch up.”
“Let me think about it, okay? And, that’s not because of the ‘technically your boss’ thing, it’s because there’s so much going on at the moment that I’m just not sure I’ll be able to get out.”
“Sure,” he smiles at me. “I’ll message you the details and just join us if you can.”
***
It’s Wednesday evening and I’m meeting Adam and some of his friends at a club in SoMa. I messaged him this afternoon, confirming I’d be there.
I need this, to get out and have a few drinks. Things have been awkward between Reed and me since the plane, both of us ignoring the elephant in the room. I catch him watching me, though. When he thinks I'm not looking, his eyes are constantly on me.
I check my reflection in the mirror. The dress is maybe a little shorter than I would normally wear but I had to grab something quick today on my lunch break, and this works.
It’s a little black dress, heavy on the ‘little’. It’s cut low enough at the front to show a bit of cleavage and has long lace sleeves. The showstopper, however, is the back — or lack of it. The whole of my back, right down to the top of my ass cheeks, is exposed.
My hair is up in a high ponytail and my make-up is dark and sultry. If I’m going out tonight, then I’m doing it in style. Plus, my father isn’t here to see me and judge.
Grabbing my sparkly silver Louboutin’s that match my clutch bag, I make my way to the door and out of my apartment. Just as I turn to lock the door behind me, the lift pings alerting me to the arrival of the only other person on this floor.
Reed.
I make my way towards the lift, towards him.
He hasn’t moved since he stepped out of it, he’s just standing there staring at me.
He takes me in, from the tips of my sparkly shoes, to the top of my ponytail. I can’t help but internally high five myself. I know I look good right now, and having Reed see me like this? All dressed up? Maybe it will give the man the push he needs to make a move.
“Where are you going?” he rasps.
“SoMa.”
“Where?” he demands.
“A club.” I have definitely developed more of a bratty side since starting work. Maybe it was always there and it’s just coming out to play more often.
“What club?” he grates.
“Riot.”
“Fuck, baby… you can’t…” His words trail off, his eyes still looking me up and down.
“Can’t what, Reed? Go out? Have fun? Meet someone?” At my last words his eyes fly to mine, his gaze burning.
“Don’t play with me, baby girl.”
