Page 60 of Whispered Promises

That asshole.

He sent it ten minutes ago.

Which meant he would’ve waited only five before coming over here and scolding me for the delay. It’s also 9:15 a.m. So I’ve only been here for fifteen minutes, working through previous emails.

Frustration swirls, slithering through my bones.

I haven’t done anything wrong.

It’s tempting to leave his request waiting, to throw a tantrum and be annoyed. But that won’t make things easier, and I want to be as invisible as I can. Swallowing thickly around the sudden overwhelming need to cry, I click through the files, pull up the details he requested, and get them sent over. Admittedly, it took me a few seconds to press send. My finger hovered over the button as I warred between being petty and choosing the easy route.

A cramp in my fingers has me pausing, and I check the time. I’ve been working for a few hours, and it’s already almost lunchtime. My back protests as I lean back in the chair and stretch, trying to get my stiff muscles to respond and ease.

Grabbing my empty water bottle, I head into the kitchen area and refill it. My stomach stirs, protesting missing breakfast again. Thankfully, I brought a sandwich from home, so I don’t need to buy anything. I could pick up where I left off on the buddy read I’m doing with Noah. An excitement I can’t explain curls at the thought of reading more and being able to talk to him about it.

I duck into the communal space, and my shoulders relax when I see that it’s empty. Most of the others either go out for lunch or take it a bit later, so it means I avoid the social small talk most of the time.

I grab my lunch container from the fridge and head back to my desk.

“Ah, Rosy. Looking good, as always, today,” Brett says from behind me, and I fight the urge to shiver as the feel of his gaze curdles my stomach. “Have you got the references back for Harriet Taylor yet?”

He completely ignores the lunch held in my hand, as I reach my desk and stop on the other side of it. I need a sign that tells everyone to leave me alone so I can have my break in peace.

Hi, Brett. I’m good. Thank you for asking. How are you?

I sink into my chair and check through my notes to see what the latest is. “I’ve emailed the company a couple of times and left a voicemail on Friday, but I haven’t received a response yet.”

“Not the answer I was hoping for. If you can get in contact with Harriet and see if she can chase it up on her side. Also try the company again today? Use some of that feminine charm you use on me.” He winks, then his eyes drop to my chest.

My stomach lurches. Brett gives me the “run as far as you can” vibe. He just feels oily.

“Sure, I can do it straight after lunch, and I’ll take a look if I can find any other contacts to try,” I promise, jotting the task on my list.

Walking backwards, he calls, “Be sure to get this sorted, Rosy. I need it done yesterday.”

I offer him a tense smile, holding back the urge to salute, as he spins and walks back down the hallway to his desk.

Dick.

Smile wilting as exhaustion hits, I open my lunch container and…what? My sandwich is arranged differently to how I put it in. I’m sure of it. I always place them so the cut halves meet, but instead the cut edges are both facing the right, similar to how you would see on a platter. There’s also a slice of my apple missing, and I definitely added a chocolate bar this morning…didn’t I?

Was I more brain fogged this morning than I thought?

I need more sleep.

Brushing the concerns aside, I pull out my phone and open the audiobook app, selecting the one Noah has chosen for us, then push in my earphones and press play. The warm, deep tones of the male narrator's voice filters through, and I sink in, listening whilst I eat.

I’m partway through a chapter that has me sitting on the edge of my seat, apple slice paused at my lips. Dropping it back into my container, I pick up my phone and quickly open the message thread.

Me

I’m on Chapter 14…I did not see that coming! Where are you up to so I don’t say any spoilers?

He’s typing already, and giddiness tingles through my fingers. I didn’t realise how much I would enjoy reading with someone. Or maybe it’s just Noah.

Noah

Chapter 20. I’m just reading it now on my lunch break, so you’re not spoiling anything. I take it you’re enjoying it? How are you finding Adam’s character?