“Then why do you sound so sad?” I hear her rustling before she says, “Coffee, black.”
“Because he doesn’t want me to work for him anymore.”
Courtney laughs. “You hated that job.”
“Well, I hated him, and now I don’t so…”
“You seriously want to go back there now you’re dating your boss?”
I smirk, “Office sex would be hot.”
“Didn’t you say half the workforce in that place want to shag him? How are you gonna handle that day in, day out?”
Her words hit me in the chest, and jealousy burns a little. “I’d have to suck it up. It’s me he’s going home with.”
She laughs again. “Now you’re living with him?”
“Well, no…not exactly. But he did hint he would keep me. He said he had enough money for the both of us.” I cringe as I say the words out loud.
“I’m confused. One minute you hate him, the next you don’t, now what, you’re gonna stay at his place and be his secret whore?”
“Court,” I gasp.
“Well come on, he doesn’t want you to work with him, you already said his family are awful so is he even telling them about you? And he’s offering to pay your bills? Sounds like the perfect sugar daddy.”
I sigh heavily. “I didn’t like the idea; it’s not like I was gonna say yes.”
“You want my advice?” She pauses, and when I don’t respond she adds, “Go to work. He hasn’t taken your resignation yet. Let him know you’re an independent woman and you can make your own decisions. And if you decide not to work for him anymore, you’ll hand in your resignation when you’re good and ready.”
I nod, even though she can’t see me. “You’re right,” I say, getting to my feet.
“Have a great day,” she says, making a kiss noise before disconnecting.
On the way to the office, I call in to the coffee shop. Mike glances up, and his expression changes instantly, like a rabbit caught in headlights as I approach.
I wince before saying, “I am so sorry about the other night.”
“What can I get you?” he asks, his tone all business.
I sigh, “Come on, Mike. I didn’t know he’d show up. And I didn’t expect him to react like that. He just assumed the worst.”
His eyes narrow, “I was a complete gent.”
“I know. And I appreciate it. I was so drunk and the funeral hit me harder than I thought.”
He sighs, grabbing a cup and setting it on the machine. “Just as long as he doesn’t come looking for me.”
I smile gratefully. “I swear I’ll keep him under control.”
Talia smiles as I stride through reception.
“Well look what the cat dragged in.” She rounds the desk and embraces me. “I thought you’d left.”
“No, I just needed some time after my brother.” I leave the part out about going to Italy with Warren, not wanting to fuel the gossip.
She rubs my arms in sympathy. “Understandable.”
“Did I miss anything?”
