Page 104 of Lucky In Love

Chapter Three

Julian extends his hand to me, “It’s nice to finally meet you, Enya.” My facial expression speaks volumes without words. Facial discretion is not my strong suit.

“My apologies.” I reach out to shake his now retracted greeting. “I have the issues that we’re potentially facing in my mind.”

“No doubt, a large percentage of my time today has been trying to resolve this remotely,” he says, finally shaking my hand.

“You think it can be?”

“Okay, I’ll let you two brainstorm on a resolution. I have no doubt this will be resolved in a timely manner.” Mr. Holt interrupts as he pats Julian on his back before leaving my office. Julian and I both raise an eyebrow at Mr. Holts’ exit.

“He is…”

“Infuriating.”

“I was going to say intense.”

“Oh.”

Julian laughs, and I see it. I see the motivation behind the panty dropping. He has dimples, straight teeth, and skin that would make me jealous. Julian’s low-cut hair reveals his wave pattern. It makes me wonder what his hair was like when he was younger. He wears his facial hair low as well, and it is nice to look at, but I rather not. This case must be closed as soon as possible. It’s in my best interest. It’s also in my best interest to keep my job. Apparently working my behind off until the very end is a thing.

“We should work on a planning schedule for both on and offsite teams as the base stations are being repaired. We can’t restore until they do. Do you know who will be going to the base stations?”

“I haven’t figured that out yet? I’m not aware of the specs of what was installed, and the geographical area covers.” Julian says this as if it’s a major issue. “I know your team knows the specs and coverage, but you can’t be in two places at once.”

“I can accomplish both.” I say with confidence. “The base stations are less than five miles from the coverage area.”

“That would make you the lead on this case.”

“Is that a terrible thing? I am this district’s IE.”

“It’s temporary,” he says, as if he’s admitting that he’s here to take my job.

“It is, but I’m an asset that shouldn’t be replaced.” Why am I trying to convince this man?

“It’s not my call, but I believe you.” There’s that panty-dropping smile, again. Ooh, I don’t like this man. “Let’s get started first thing tomorrow morning, 6 a.m. We can decide as a team who goes where.”

“Yep,” I pretend to seem occupied by whatever is on my computer screen. It’s petty and a bit adolescent, but I need for this man to leave my office. Hopefully, he takes the hint.

“Okay then.” Julian’s hesitant as he moves closer to the door to leave. “Tomorrow, 6 a.m. I don’t look up or gesture. Julian leaves my office with his hands in his pockets, causing the fabric to lie taut on his ass. His ass is attractive. I’m blocking all blessing with my inner thoughts foul mouth. Shontae would be proud. Speak of the devil and they always pop-up. Shontae saunters into my office and causally lays across the chase I have on the other side of the office.

“Girl, he smells good, and he’s fine.

“He’s alright.” Shontae looks at me as if I said something wrong.

“Alright? That man has privileged qualities.”

“Stop it. I am not doing this with you.”

“You know it.”

“I don’t know it. I don’t want to know it, or him, for that matter.” Shontae laughs at my admission.

“You’re still hot because you think he’s replacing you?”

“And am.”

“Enya, get over that. You’ll be okay. You have a great career background, and you don’t need to work that hard to get to where you want to be. You, too, have privileged qualities.”

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