I pushed back from my chair and talked to the employees.“Hey,” I called softly, drawing their attention.“Take fifteen.Breathe.You’re doing great work, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.I promise I will figure out what his problem is and make sure he doesn’t bother you guys, okay?”
They thanked me, relief softened their faces.I straightened my dress and squared my shoulders.
If Justin thought he could grind my team down, he was about to find out I would sooner burn the place down.
His door was half-closed when I got there.I tapped lightly on the frame.“Justin?You have a minute?”
He looked up from his phone, his eyes distant.“For you?Always,” he said dryly.“What is it, Katie?Another lecture about how I should handle my team and stop being a meanie?”
What crawled up his ass and died?
“Not a lecture,” I said, my voice steady.“They’re talented designers.They’re burning out because of you.Whatever’s going on, don’t take it out on them.”
Something ugly flickered on his face.“You think you know me?Maybe I’m just pissed you left me at that restaurant like some kind of idiot.With a small fucking note.A note, Katie.You couldn’t even be brave and call me.”
My stomach tensed, but I kept my chin high and replied, “Justin, I don’t owe you anything beyond professionalism from now on.Also, just so we’re clear, I like someone else.”
Because my crush on you was nothing but a stupid daydream to impress you with my designs and earn your respect.Which is never going to happen because I see what kind of person you are.
He barked out a laugh.“Already?You sure move fast, don’t you?”
“Yes, that date—let’s not even call it that.That lunch with you made me realize my boyfriend is perfect,” I said with a small smile, ignoring the lie.
Is Dylan my boyfriend?Maybe I should ask him that.
He opened his mouth, but my phone buzzed.I checked the caller ID and relief warmed me.Dylan.
I stepped out of Justin’s office without a glance and answered the call.
“Hey,” I said, letting my voice soften.
“Hey yourself,” Dylan replied, that familiar teasing voice made my lips curl.“Did you need me because your office imploded?Or is it a late night booty-call?Either way, I’ll be there.With a firefighter costume or a uniform if you wanna do some sexy role-play.You can be my hot math teacher.”
That stupid fool.
“No, my office is alright, just an old-geezer being annoying, but nothing I can’t handle.And let’s talk about that role-play later,” I said, my cheeks feeling warm.“I wanted to see you tonight.For dinner?”
He hummed, as if he was thinking about it, but I could feel the grin on his face.“You cooking for me, darling?Or should I bring takeout?”
“I can cook for you.”
“Hm, just come home early,” he said and dropped his voice low before adding, “Will you send me a pic?”
“A picture?”I asked.“Of what?”
“Of the lingerie you’re wearing under that bossy outfit,” he answered, his cocky tone making me roll my eyes.
“Dylan.”
“What?”he chuckled.“I haven’t seen you for days, and I miss you.”
“You’ll see me tonight, no?”I said, smiling and glancing at the dress I was wearing.Thank God, I had picked out a nicer one, which hugged my curves and stuck to me like a second skin.“Dinner.At Seven.Don’t be late.”
“Yes, ma’am.”His voice was playful, and the warmth of it made my fingers tighten around the phone.
I needed him.Soon.
I left the office early, my stomach full of nerves.I had planned what I would cook, mentally making steps of the recipe.
