But I’m not. I’m being realistic. Gen’s a great woman, but I’m not her type—the opposite, in fact. We’re just having fun, and when we’re done with it, she’ll find someone from her world—hopefully not her fucking ex—and she’ll lead a perfect little life.
In no scenario am I the man she chooses for anything other than some naked fun.
I might have clawed my way out of the gutter, but I still reek of it. To people like her, I’m inconceivable.
And it’s probably better that way.
Chapter Twenty
Gen
I’m on a high as I make my wayup to the 63rd floor. Being all pressed up against Jake has got to be the best form of transportation ever. Ultimately, I’m happy he swayed my mind and pushed me to trust him on this. There was something relaxing in the sways of his bike, the air against my limbs, his deep breaths that I felt within me…
And on my leg, I can still feel his fingers softly dancing across my skin every time we were at a stop.
I tried. I really tried to stay professional and just head to the building, but my desire to kiss him won over. And now, I’m struggling to quench my elated grin.Friday can’t come soon enough.
By the time I arrive at my floor, I’m more composed and my face is a mask of indifference as I step into the open space. A few people greet me on my way to my office, and I reply with a polite smile and a nod. Just as I reach my door, Daisy gets up from her desk.
“Good morning! I was about to text you to make sure you were alright,” she explains while we enter my office, holding a clipboard.
Right, shoot. I’m a solid twenty minutes late. “So sorry about that. I’ve had a rocky morning.”
“It’s alright. It’s just that you’re usually here before most of us, so I worried.”
“I appreciate that, thank you,” I say genuinely, giving her arm a little squeeze. “You have something for me?”
“Oh, yes! Mr. Sinclair came by ten minutes ago. I think he wanted to see you about the merger.”
I cringe, glimpsing at my colleagues behind the glass wall. Of course, the one day I’m late, my boss visits me uncharacteristically early.
“Okay, I’ll go handle him. Anything else?”
“The reports you asked for should arrive within the next two hours.” When she bends closer to me, acting suspiciously secretive, I brace myself for something bad. “Also, Mr. Hoffman came earlier. He wanted your schedule. I think he’s planning a surprise for you or something.”
My entire body tenses with dread. What is Edward doing? What does he have in mind?
“What did you do?” I ask, hoping my worries aren’t too noticeable.
“Well, I know you two aren’t together anymore, so I told him I couldn’t share personal information with him,” she whispers. I can’t quite contain the relieved sigh that sinks my shoulders. “Did I do the right thing?”
“You did the perfect thing, Daisy. Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Kensington. Since you usually already have a coffee with you when I arrive, do you want me to bring you one?”
“Thank you, but I’m alright. I already had a couple,” I explain, still surprised by Jake’s appreciation of robust coffee.
Daisy nods and brings the clipboard closer to her chest. “Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will.”
Once alone, I settle my bag by my desk and boot up my computer. I take a few moments to check my emails, and then I go to the other side of the floor to see what my boss wants. When I arrive, his door is wide open, and Ralf Lowell is talking with him. I knock on the panel, attracting their attention.
“Ah, Genevieve, there you are. Had a little pillow incident this morning?”
“My apologies for the mishap, sir. I had to handle an unforeseen circumstance. My assistant told me you were looking for me?”
“Yes, do come in. Ralf and I were talking about the merger. He told me he finished crunching the numbers yesterday.”
