Page 35 of Tempting Him

I close the door behind me as I keep my eyes trained on Alek behind his desk, rifling through papers and putting them in folders. I sit down in front of him and he spins toward his computer, typing and clicking the mouse, never acknowledging that I came in.

After another few minutes, he finally faces me, leaning back in his chair with his hands steepled in front of him.

“I told you on your first day that you couldn’t be late again.”

“I know. I’m sorry.”

He holds a finger up, cutting me off. “As much as you may not agree, there are rules for a reason.”

“It was ten minutes,” I say, trying to defend myself.

“Ten minutes can turn into thirty, and thirty can turn into an hour. Next thing I know, you won’t show up at all.”

“I wouldn’t do that.”

“Maybe you think you can get away with it because of our situation.”

“It’s not like that. Honestly.”

A hint of fear burrows itself in my gut, worried he’ll want to end things.

“As a consequence, you’ll come in on Saturday and work.”

I nod. “Okay.”

“And you will not let this happen again. Several other people travel from distances farther than you and still manage to make it when they’re supposed to. You need to manage your time better.”

“I will.”

“Good. You may leave.”

I stand up, not really wanting to leave. “Alek.”

His eyes stay on his work. “Not in this building, Mr. Brooks.”

“Mr. Drakos.” He looks up at me. “I really am sorry. I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage. I’ll do better.”

He studies me for several seconds before nodding. “Okay.”

14

I makeit to work early on Friday, not willing to piss off the boss again. I bring a coffee for him, Linda, and Luther, leaving Alek’s with Linda before going to Luther’s office.

“Trying to suck up?” Luther asks with a grin, the wrinkles around his eyes deepening.

“No, I’m being nice. Everybody needs a little pick-me-up in the afternoon.”

“I saw you dropping off goodies at Ms. Thompson’s desk.”

I grin. “Think it’ll work?”

“Mr. Drakos is too hard of a man to soften with coffee and cookies.”

“Do you have any tips?”

Luther chuckles. “No.”

“How long have you known him?” I ask, knowing it’s risky to try to inquire too much.

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