Page 54 of Game Over

She winced and had a guilty look on her face. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that. You’re usually put more together, especially on meeting days.” She leaned against my desk, concern filling her brown eyes.

“I’m in a lot of pain. I started last night, and it’s hitting me hard. Worst timing for this to happen. Do I really look that bad?”

“No, no, Allie, you don’t. I just know you, is all. You look tired, but that makes sense.” She squeezed my shoulder and headed over to her desk. “Is there anything I can do to help with today’s meeting?”

“Not that I can think of, no. I’ll go down early and set everything up. It’s all going to go great.” I said it with certainty, speaking it into existence, even as I forced a smile on my face.

Time ticked by slower and slower as it crawled toward when I needed to go set up for the meeting, and I was counting down the time till I could take more pain reliever. Sometimes, like now, it barely touched the cramps, and there was nothing I could do except continue with my life. I had to work, had to get through the presentation today, but my body was working overtime against me. I leaned back in my chair and rubbed my temples, willing the headache there to go away.

A soft thud announced his arrival. I cracked an eye open, and Spencer was standing there staring at me, face twisted in frustration at the pain I was in. “I brought you another coffee. I read that caffeine can sometimes help with the cramps. I think you may need more, though. Also grabbed you this.” He placed a small Heath bar on my desk next to the to-go cup of coffee. And, cue the tears, ladies and gentlemen. “Hey, hey, it’s okay. It’s just some coffee and chocolate. What's wrong?” He dropped down in front of me onto his haunches, placing his hands on the arms of my chair as he did.

“I don’t know.” I screwed my eyes shut trying to keep the tears in, so I didn’t ruin my makeup. “Stupid hormones. Making me feel all kinds of emotions.” I took in several deep breaths and finally opened my eyes again. “I’m okay, I promise. I think the buildup of hormones is a lot right now, and everything is making me feel crazy. Thank you so much for this, Spencer.” I looked around to make sure no one could see us and then placed a quick kiss on his nose. We might be free to date even though we work together, but I wasn’t comfortable with PDA in the workplace. All I could do was hope Spencer wasn’t offended.

“Your meeting is soon, right?” He asked as he unfolded his broad frame and leaned against my desk. Those butterflies took flight again as I took him in truly for the first time today. He had on a pair of crisp dress pants, a white T-shirt with a black cardigan paired on top, and, in true Spencer fashion, black checkered Vans. To top it off, he had on this new watch, which shouldn't be as attractive as it is, because it’s a watch, yet seeing it on those corded arms of his made it insanely hot.

Nice to see the hormones have swung from crying to getting turned on by arms.

“My eyes are up here, baby girl.” My head snapped up and met Spencer's amused smirk at being caught yet again staring at him, his dimple even more prominent as that smirk grew, while I could feel the blush bloom on my face. I was better than no man.

I needed to pull it together and get into boss bitch mode. Schooling my expression, I reached for the coffee and took a long sip, the cold caramel flavor of the drink cooling me down as I did.

“That they are, Mr. Parker, that they are. Was there a point to that statement?” His eyes flared, and I watched his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed. I checked the time on my phone, noticing I needed to get everything together to head to the conference room. I stood and was almost chest-to-chest with Spencer. This little back-and-forth distracted me from the pain, and I was glad for it.

“Oh, no point, Ms. Roberts. Tell me something, though.” He leaned in closer, and I should’ve stepped back, but I couldn’t bring myself to move. His woodsy and tobacco scent from his cologne invaded my senses, causing my brain to short-circuit. “What would everyone say if they knew behind closed doors that the ever-in-control Allie Roberts relinquished that power and was my dirty little slut who did whatever I told her?” His pinky barely grazed my hand, and a full-body shiver worked its way down my spine. I knew what he was doing. He was distracting me to keep me from panicking about the upcoming meeting, and I was so grateful. Even if it was slightly inappropriate.

“You’re playing with fire, Mr. Parker. I think you know how good I am at keeping control when it’s needed. Hmm?” His blue eyes danced with humor as he volleyed back. I loved that he didn’t back down when I was headstrong. He kept up with my attitude or dramatics and dished it back to me.

“But you do so good when you’re on your knees for me and not being a smart ass.” His pinky skated up my arm, still barely touching me, but it set me on fire. My body was highly aware of all the places we weren’t touching but craved to. I checked the time once more and realized I needed to wrap this up and go before I was late. However, I think having a little fun and leaving Spencer with a parting gift, if you will, would make my day. I stepped in closer now, our chests touching and our mouths a breath apart. My lips ghosted his as I spoke.

“Well, if you’re a good boy for me, then later I’ll show you just how good I am on my knees.” He sucked in a sharp breath, his eyes flaring with surprise at my words.

With that, I scooped up my laptop and bag, squared my shoulders, and left him standing there with his mouth open and trying to subtly adjust himself. I added a little extra sway to my hips as I headed down the aisle and smiled to myself. I was going to crush this presentation and meeting like the bad ass bitch I knew I was.

CHAPTER 23

Gamers for the Win

The month of September flew by as fast as the trees change with the seasons. The leaves changed to a sea of orange, red, and yellow. The normal hot and humid air was starting to finally cool down to where I could leave the windows open longer.

This was when my soul started to thrive.

The changes of the seasons always made me giddy. The ‘ber’ months had too much to look forward to, and now I had someone to look forward to them with. There was something in the way the air shifted to something lighter and crisper. It made me feel alive in a way that was hard to explain.

This weekend was the fall formal that they decided to call the Gilded Autumn Gala. Since some big-name clients would be attending, the company seemed to be going all out too, with hiring a string quartet, if the rumours around the office were to be believed. The few decorations I saw people bringing in were extremely opulent, and they supposedly were getting a top-tier caterer as well.

Inching toward the last quarter, work had surprisingly been going very well. Celine had announced that she would be retiring sometime next year, and since then, she’s been doing her best to convince me to apply once she does. I didn’t know if I was ready to take on a role so big, but I told her I’d at least consider it.

Since that conversation about her retirement, I’ve started taking on additional projects after we signed on two new companies. It was a lot to juggle, but I was proud of the work my team and I were putting out.

My plate seemed to be overflowing between work, spending time with family, and nurturing this new relationship with Spencer. Did it seem a little stressful at times? Sure, what normal person wouldn’t feel the pressure, but I knew I’d be okay and make it through. I couldn’t let anyone down, so I had no choice, or that’s at least what my people-pleasing tendencies told me.

Over the last month, Spencer and I went back and forth, staying at each other's places. I had slowly made a collection of shirts and hoodies that I hoarded like a dragon, and he kept a toothbrush and other items at my house. So far, he hadn’t done anything that truly annoyed me, and he put up with me being a blanket hog. I call that a win in my book.

Since today was Friday, the day before the gala, I scheduled a nail appointment with Emma once I got off work, since Spencer said he would be working late. Work was slow enough that Em came to hang out, so when I was off, we could take my car and go together.

“Okay, what do you think about this one? I keep going back to it.” I flipped my phone around to her to show her another nail design. It was an almond-shaped, black French tip with chrome on it. I thought it would be simple enough and would pair well with my outfit.

“Yesss, that one! That will look so good!”