Page 23 of Grump and Grumpier

“Not every hire is going to perform the way you hope, but most people have the ability to do great work and add to the company’s success.”

“You’re far too optimistic.” Derek’s arms cross in front of his chest, and I avert my eyes from what that move does to his biceps.

“Iamoptimistic, and I’m alsorealistic.Being both is not only possible but highly effective.” There’s somuch I purposely leave unsaid about their pessimism.

Getting to my feet, I say, “I know you’ll both agree that when a particular approach isn’t getting the right results, changes need to be made. I’ll get back to you later today with a list of job postings for your approval, and then I’ll formalize ideas for employee retention, so we can keep the new people that we hire.”

I’m offered another barely-there nod from Derek as Jansen’s scowl returns.

“Have a good day, both of you. Please reach out if I can help you with anything.”

I escort myself out, knowing I’m not going to get more of a response from them, and absolutely certain that their eyes are on my backside as I leave.

The IT guy is passing by as I leave Jansen’s office, and he adjusts his amble to match my quicker pace. “Good morning, Ana. How are you?”

“Good, Charles. How are you today?”

Instead of answering my question, he asks, “Were you meeting with Jansen?”

“Jansen and Derek both, actually.”

Rather than saying anything in response, Charles holds eye contact a bit too long, and I can’t decide if he’s trying to flirt, or if he’s just awkward. I hope it’s the latter, since I already have enough complications at this job.

“I was headed to the break room. Want a coffee?” he asks.

“Oh, no thanks. I already have a drink in my office, but you enjoy.” No need to mention that the drink in my office is water. Not being a coffee drinker is almost as much of a dirty little secret as my other indiscretions.

“See you later, Ana.”

After giving me a tentative smile, he cuts off to the right, and I’m free to return to basking in the buzzy feeling of excitement I got from talking to Derek and Jansen. I almost want to say from confronting them, though I tried really hard not to have it come off like a confrontation. I think I did fairly well, especially considering how distracting they both are.

I should be bothered by their bad attitudes, but instead I want to kiss their faces until at least their eyes are smiling. I want to do things to them that will make them cry out my name as they lose control.

And I’m very proud of myself for reining in these desires well enough to focus on business.

Before I reach my office, I see Owen again. He’s walking in the opposite direction and gives me a smile and a wave as we pass.

He’s actually really attractive, but he doesn’t stir feelings inside me like Grump and Grumpier do.What’s wrong with me that I’m attracted to grouchy men instead of nice guys?

Not that I want to dateanyoneat work, but Owen should be my type. He’s handsome, pleasant, and good at conversation. Even Charles should be more appealing than two men who act like storm clouds are permanently positioned over their heads, and who seem determined for everyone else to share in their misery.

CHAPTER 17

DEREK

She has a great set of tits and the sexiest brown eyes I’ve ever seen, but she looks even better from the back, even in that skirt, though I prefer it when she’s wearing nothing at all.

“She was a good decision,” I say after she exits Jansen’s office.

“If you’re talking about the decision to hire her,” he says, “that remains to be seen.”

“She has her shit together better than the rest of them did.”

“She talks a good game, but I’ll wait to see if she follows it up with action.”

I’ve seen her in action, and that was impressive, too, but I get what he means. The girl is clearly smart, though, and full of optimism. I hope the world doesn’t drag her down.

We shouldn’t be the jerks that drag her down.

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