Page 132 of The Work Wife

Ben found Anna sitting at her new desk when he arrived. She didn’t even look up. He cleared his throat.

“How can I help you, Mr. Archer?” she asked without looking at him.

“You could forgive me for being an asshat.”

“Oh. I’m sorry, but I don’t work for you. I only take direction from Weston.” She smiled and turned back to her work.

“My guess is Wes is not coming back. I was hoping you would work for me again.”

She didn’t answer, she just typed faster. As if she was angry at her computer.

“I know you didn’t have an affair with my father.”

“That makes two of us then. Except I’ve known it much longer than you.”

He knew this wasn’t going to be easy. But he wasn’t going to give up. “I made a mistake. Haven’t you ever made a mistake?”

“Of course. Though generally my mistakes don’t entail accusing innocent people of adultery and then sleeping with the offspring of the fellow adulterer.”

“I’m going to apologize, because I’m extremely sorry for what happened, not to mention embarrassed by my stupidity and stubbornness.” He rolled his shoulders and kneeled at the corner of her desk.

“What are you doing?”

“Apologizing.”

“You don’t have to get down there to do it.”

“I’m groveling, Annabelle. I’m pretty sure groveling requires the person to be kneeling. Look it up if you don’t believe me.” He was pulling out all the stops. She was worth any discomfort. He’d hurt her and he needed to make it right.

“Fine. Then hurry and stand up.”

“I don’t think one should hurry through a grovel. It’s meant to be heartfelt. If I rush it will come out sounding insincere.”

“Someone is going to see you.” Her voice was a hiss.

“I don’t care who sees me.”

Annabelle fixed her gaze over his shoulder as her skin turned pale.

Ben knew only one person who could produce that reaction.

His mother had arrived.

* * * *

Annabelle looked for a place to hide as the gorgon approached, but with Ben still kneeling by her chair, there was no escape.

“Benjamin. What are you doing down there?” his mother snapped.

“Apologizing.”

“Get up.” His mother’s head swiveled as she checked the office to make sure no one was watching. No doubt she wouldn’t want anyone to be witness to Ben’s disgrace.

Anna was touched that he didn’t seem to care if anyone saw him on his knees, begging for forgiveness.

“I’m not getting up until I’m done. Give us a minute.”

“What has gotten into you? You don’t lower yourself like this to your subordinates.”