Page 16 of Grump and Grumpier

“Would you like dessert?” he asks, ignoring my question.

We end up ordering a slice of chocolate fudge cake, and as we eat, I ask about Community Bean’s expansion plans. Wisely, they’re focusing on getting on top of their current growth, since they’ve experienced so much of it in the past year. They’re short staffed in many positions.

“You have your work cut out for you, Miss Flores.”

Being pinned in his gaze as he says this, with all of the ways that makes my body feel, tells me that resisting my attraction to him and Jansen will be much more difficult than getting their staffing on track.

CHAPTER 12

ANA

My second time arriving at Community Bean’s corporate office feels very different from the first.

Today, Iamfeeling something much closer to nervousness, though it’s definitely a nervous excitement. There will be so many people to meet and so much to learn. And now I know what the men who lead the company are like, and how appealing they are.

There’s a sizable pinch of guilt mixed in with everything I’m feeling. It’s far from optimal to be starting a job after having had sex with my new bosses. There’s no way I can let any hint of that show, though, and my body, with its tingling skin and nipples that feel aroused for no reason at all, needs to fall in line.

I’m early, and there’s no one at the reception deskyet. I’m unsure about whether I should just wander in, so I decide to wait in the lobby. As soon as I get settled, the other elevator door opens and a middle-aged woman with blond hair steps off, looking tired but pleasant.

“Are you Ana?” When I nod, she introduces herself as Jackie, and says, “Nice to meet you, boss.”

“Boss?”

“I’m the HR coordinator, and I was told you’re going to be the HR manager. You’re young.”

Her comment irks me, but there doesn’t seem to be any ill will behind it. I wonder if Jackie wanted the manager position, and Derek and Jansen didn’t want to give her a promotion for some reason.

“I’ve been working in human resources for nearly four years,” I say. “I hope I’m not stepping on any toes by filling this position.”

“Oh, heavens no. You have a challenge ahead of you, I hate to say.” This would sound ominous, if it weren’t for Jackie’s cheerful tone.

“So I’ve heard.”

“Let’s go. I’ll show you to your office.”

I follow her through a mostly empty, very standard-looking space filled with cubicles, some low-walled, some higher, all of it neutral colored and bland. There are several closed-door offices around the perimeter with nameplates on the wall.

I saw most of this main area when I was here for the interview, but it has a new significance now. This will be my home away from home for the next six months.

As we pass the conference room where my interview—and so much more—took place, a little ball of heat swirls deep in my belly.Must not think about it!

Jackie leads me past a row of high-walled work stations toward the back. Half of them appear to be vacant, with only computers, phones and empty file racks on the desks.

“This is where you’ll find me.” She points to the space in the corner, its desk orderly, decorated with pictures and a small flowering plant. “And this is you.” She opens the door to an office a few steps away, and gestures for me to enter first.

I maintain my composure, but inside, I’m doing a happy dance. My first real office. It’s not big, and it’s nothing fancy, but there’s a comfortable-looking high-backed chair, and even a view toward the side parking lot and a row of tall trees.

It’s not the top, as Derek so bluntly pointed out, but it’s a big step up from my former position, and honestly, I don’t aspire to be at the top. I just want to have some responsibility and be able to make a difference.

“Charles from IT will be around this morning to get you set up on your computer and phone. I havethe keys for your filing cabinets, and I’ll bring those in for you right after I get some coffee. Would you like a cup?”

“Maybe not yet, but is there a refrigerator where I can stow my lunch?”

“Sure. I’ll show you the break room, and give you a full tour, if you’re ready.” As we head back out of my office, she says, “We have a quiet corner back here, but the only drawback is that we’re far away from the coffeemaker.”

I wonder if everyone who works here is a big coffee fan. I might have to keep quiet about the fact that I’m a tea drinker.

Jackie stops at her desk and fishes a pad of neon yellow sticky notes out of a top drawer. “How do you spell your name—one N?” When I nod, she writes, “Ana’s - Don’t Touch” in all caps, and slaps the note onto my lunch bag. “Sometimes food goes missing,” she warns.

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