He nods to a few people sitting in the middle of the open floor area, then slaps our maintenance guy on the back and asks how his daughter is doing.
Then finally makes it to me.
“Mads. Can you come with me, please?”
“Why?”
He holds out his hand. “Don’t ask questions.”
I look at my desk, which has papers sprawled everywhere. My eye catches the mail I’ve yet to open, and I notice a familiar handwriting, causing my stomach to sink.
It’s from D.T., the person who constantly sends me letters about a piece I have no idea what they’re talking about.
“Madeline. As your boss, I’m giving you a direct order.” He holds out his hand again. “Now.” He widens his eyes, daring me to argue.
Slowly, I stand, not wanting to make a scene.
He tries to take my hand, and I swat it away. “Everyone is watching,” I say through a clenched jaw.
I grab my sketchbook and follow alongside him.
“Why did you bring that?”
“So it looks like I’m going to your office to discuss work, rather than whatever you need me for. Why do you think?”
“You’re the only one who cares.”
“Ha. You’re one delusional man.”
His face falls. “Is someone bothering you other than Linc?”
“Linc is not bothering me. I keep telling you, he’s jealous,” I say, watching what Nate misses. The heads turning, the whispering as I walk by.
“Nathaniel,” a high-pitched squeak calls out from behind us as we’re about to step into the elevator.
Nate closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose. “Yes, Melissa?”
“Lizzy said you’re free to go over the paperwork that needs to be submitted?—”
“She’s wrong. I’m not free, actually. I’m very busy.” He waggles his brows at me, still keeping complete eye contact. “Isn’t that right, Ms. Cunningham?”
“You’re not free because Lizzy slotted me in.”
“Melissa, I don’t care what she told you. I am changing my schedule. You can ask for time later or tomorrow.”
“But Madeline is a personal meeting, we need to do this by?—”
Nate holds up a hand to silence her.
Oh no….
He sucks in a deep breath, calming himself, then turns around slowly with a look that could kill.
“Excuse me?” His deep voice vibrates from his chest.
Melissa takes a step back. “I didn’t mean…I just…”
“Let me explain something to you, Melissa. Whatever type of meeting I have with Ms. Cunningham, whether personal or business, is no concern of yours. And I would highly advise you to learn your place sooner rather than later. I will have Lizzy reschedule the meeting as soon as possible.”
