SIX
Pearl
Engaged?
I can’t believe he just said that.I can’t absorb anything that happened this morning.I mean, my usually stoic, grumpy boss, the guy who rarely shows any emotion, has shown me a whole lot of them this morning.
He wants me.It’s still sinking in.I remember how his cock pressed against me.I remember how hungry he was for my kisses, how he moaned as he tasted me.I remember the look on his face as he cupped my breasts.No one has ever looked at me like that.I never thought anyone would.
Peeking into the hallway, I check there’s no sign of Wells before I hurry to the back room.I’ve been trying to avoid him and behave as if it’s just a typical day, but I can’t.
His eyes are on me whenever we’re in the same vicinity.My body skips every time we lock eyes, and all I can think about is our kiss.I remember what he said, how he called me “mine.”He admitted that he’s wanted me for a while.He’s jealous of other men, any man I smile at.
Which is crazy.
I slip into the back room, smiling as I see the injured puppy from last night.I’ve checked on him a few times today.He was pretty groggy this morning, but he’s doing better now.He jumps awkwardly in his crate, the cast almost toppling him over as it bumps against the wall.
“Easy, buddy,” I coo.
He licks my fingers as I reach in to pet him.I love this little guy.I wish I could adopt him, but my apartment doesn’t allow pets.I sigh as I give him a final pet on the head, then turn and head up front.
It’s time for my lunch break.I’m taking it late today, hoping that Wells will be too busy with work to join me.
The break room is empty, and I breathe a sigh of relief as I grab a protein bar from the cupboard.I didn’t bring a lunch today, so this will have to do.
Digging my phone out of my pocket, I call Coco as I sit at the break room table.
“Hey!Are you just getting up?”she asks.
“No, I’m at work.”
“Oh, I thought someone took your shift?”
“They did.Then Wells showed up and… he kissed me, Coco,” I whisper hiss.
“YES!”
I yank the phone away from my ear.“Coco!”
“I freaking knew it!”
“Yeah, okay, you were right.He told me he’s wanted me for a while, that he hates me looking at other men, and he kissed me.Oh, and apparently, we’re engaged.”
“God, what a man,” she sighs dreamily.
“Coco!I’m freaking out here.”
“Why?Take that man home and ride him all night long!”
“Jesus,” I groan.“I should’ve known you wouldn’t be any help.”
“I’m lots of help.I’m giving you great advice,” she protests.“When’s the wedding?Am I the maid of honor?I’d better be.”
“We’re not engaged,” I whisper as a coworker walks by.
“That’s not what your fiancé says,” she singsongs.
“I’ve been avoiding him all day and trying to act like everything is normal.”
