Page 11 of Obeying the Owner

“You could show me his profile pic,” she suggests.

I reach inside my pocket and realize my phone’s buried in my purse. “I’ll show you later. I need to get inside anyway.” Moving forward, I open the door and turn to her. “Are you coming?”

She shakes her head. “I’m not ready to work yet.” She glances at her watch. “I still have twenty minutes before I need to start. Unlike you, I don’t like to be here before I have to.”

I roll my eyes at her and step inside. I’m not sure Sheryl would love to work no matter what job she had. As I pass by, I smile and wave at the receptionist and security guard. I press the button to call for the elevator, and the doors instantly part. I’m barely inside when I hear a male voice shout, “Hold the door, please.”

I press the open door button, and when I glance up, I realize it’s Randy hurrying my way.

Would it be rude to let go?

He steps in and smiles at me. “Thank you.”

Too late. I press the button for our floor, and the doors close. “No problem.”

We’ve barely started moving when Randy asks, “Have you thought about giving me another chance so I can take you out?”

Ugh. I was hoping this wouldn’t happen. Now, I definitely regret my manners.

I should’ve let the damn door close.

Since we’re coworkers, the best way to handle this is to make it as quick and painless as possible.

“I did some thinking and decided it’s best if we don’t go out again.”

His expression goes from hopeful to crestfallen in the blink of an eye. “Are you sure?”

I nod. “Absolutely.”

“Can I ask why you changed your mind?”

Is he for real?

“You stood me up.”

“I know, but I apologized.”

“Sometimes you don’t get a second chance. Besides, we work together, and I don’t want to muddy the waters here.”

He nods. “Okay. That’s understandable. If you change your mind, let me know.”

“I don’t see that happening.” I give him a tight-lipped smile.

As soon as the door slides to the side, I dart from the elevator and hurry toward my office, as if someone is following me.

Once I’ve closed the door behind me, I expel a relief-filled sigh. Setting my coffee on my desk, I turn on my computer. I hang my purse on the coat rack, and settle behind my desk. This day hasn’t had a great start, but hopefully, it will improve.

I jump right in and tackle my email first, writing replies and taking notes on all the vital information I need to remember.

Next, I type up a few memos Greg asked me to take care of. When I finish, I head to his office. Standing outside, I gently tap my fingers on his open door to get his attention.

He looks up and smiles when he sees me. “Come in, Maeve. What can I do for you?”

“Here are the memos you requested that need your signature.” I hand them across his desk and wait as he looks them over.

He passes each back to me as he signs them. “Please make sure they get delivered where they need to.”

“I will.”

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