Page 17 of Keeping Denver

"With all due respect Mr. Knight, I have work to do. I also don't need my boss accusing me of flirting with you again."

Spencer goes to open his mouth again at the same moment Mr. Hawk makes an appearance. "Spencer!" he barks. "It would be in your best interest to step away from my assistant's desk," he warns, emphasizing the word my, causing my skin to tingle. It's clear these two men are friends rather than business acquaintances. It's also obvious Spencer is getting a kick out of pushing Mr. Hawk's buttons.

"Hey, Callan. I just thought I would get to know Denver better." Spencer stands and strolls toward his friend. "I have to say, Callan. I can see why your nuts are all tied up over the lovely Miss Hollis."

"Fuck off, Spenc," is the last thing that comes from Mr. Hawk's mouth before the two men disappear inside his office and I'm left wondering what Spencer meant by his comment to my boss.

The rest of the workday goes by without incident. Spencer was here about an hour, and as he left, tossed me a wink over his shoulder. I found I couldn't stay mad at the man, and waved. He's a lot like Lucas in the way he's a hopeless flirt.

It's four o'clock, so I begin shutting down my computer just as Frances strolls down the hall from her office with Kelly trailing behind. "Hi, Frances."

"Hello, dear. You knocking off?"

"Yep. You on your way out too?"

"I am. You want to walk down with me?"

"Yeah. Let me grab my coat, and I'll go with you," I smile.

"I'm going to need you to stay late, Miss Hollis," Mr. Hawk's gruff voice rings over my shoulder and I turn to face him.

"What?"

"Mrs. Dennis was unable to take off work to make her two o'clock appointment. I told her she could come in at five."

This was not news to me. I had taken Mrs. Dennis's call this morning, and Mr. Hawk agreed to let her come in after hours, although there was no talk of me having to be here too.

"You didn't mention earlier I was required to stay past four."

"I'm telling you now, Miss Hollis."

"I…I can't stay, Mr. Hawk."

"Why the hell not? Your job is to assist me. Therefore, you work when I tell you."

What am I supposed to say? I need to leave by four, so I can get a bed at the shelter before they are all taken. Shoot, Denver. Think.

Kelly perks up. "I can stay with you, Mr. Hawk."

Frances must sense my distress and tries to help. "There you go, Callan. Kelly has volunteered. That was nice of you to step in for, Denver."

Kelly didn't offer as a favor to me. She suggested that because she's desperate for Mr. Hawk's attention.

"No. Kelly, you and Frances may go. Miss Hollis will stay and do her job," Mr. Hawk states, making his decision final.

Having moved the meeting with Mrs. Dennis to the conference room, so we had more space to go over all the documents for her upcoming court case, I sit in my chair, my leg bouncing with nervousness as I continually eye the clock on the wall. Mr. Hawk shoots me a look, but I ignore him. I don't understand why he pushed to have me here. Not once has he asked me to stay late. And now because he's decided to be a jerk, I'm most likely spending the night on the street. It's a quarter to seven and there is no hope of me getting a bed at the shelter.

On top of that, it started snowing an hour ago. The snow always draws in more people looking for a warm place to shelter from the dropping temperatures. I've braved sleeping outside on many occasions in the last six months, but never in this kind of weather.

"Mrs. Dennis." My boss stands. "I think we have all we need for court next week."

"You think what we have will be enough?"

"I know we do. I promise your husband won't be able to squeak by without having to pay."

Mrs. Dennis shakes Mr. Hawk's hand and offers me the same. I accept while offering a polite smile.

"Miss Hollis. Gather everything here and put it on my desk while I walk Mrs. Dennis out."