Page 6 of Secret Bump

Over and over and over again, every time I touch the hem of my skirt, his eyes drop there, his glance feeling like a swipe of his thumb against my skin.

I should stop, I think.

But I don’t want to stop. I like the way he looks at me. It’s warm and cozy.

Before I know it, there’s a knock at the door. Whoever it is doesn’t enter on their own.

Mr. Emerson and I share a glance that makes me feel hot and bubbly on the inside.

He covers the handset with his palm. “That’s HR for you.”

“I’ll be back soon,” I promise.

A shadow passes behind his gaze. “If I’m not here when you get back, you’ll be able to email me.”

“Oh.” I nod. “Got it.”

“Let me know if there is anything else you will need.”

I want to tell him that he’s done more than enough, that all I needed was this job. But those words die on my lips, because deep down, I also need something else.

Hunger rears up inside me, makes me feel restless. The fact I can’t name this need is the only thing that keeps me from confessing it.

Now his gaze is pinned on my mouth, as if he can see inside me. “Isabelle, you can ask me for anything and I will give it to you. Whatever it is that you need.”

There’s another knock. “I…”

“Go.” He smiles tightly. “I’ll see you soon.”

But after I’m whisked away to Human Resources, and I get a new permanent employee pass to replace the visitor’s badge, I return to the forty-third floor and find Mr. Emerson’s office empty.

A computer has been set up on my new desk. When I follow the log-in instructions, I find an email inbox full of tasks.

From:Mack Emerson

To: Isabelle Bright

Subject: Familiarize yourself with these briefs

From:Mack Emerson

To: Isabelle Bright

Subject: DUE: initial report to me this Friday

From:Mack Emerson

To: Isabelle Bright

Subject: Two more files for you

I clickon the first one and begin reading. By the time I finish, there’s one more email to read.

From:Mack Emerson

To: Isabelle Bright

Subject: Out of the office until Friday, available by email 24/7