Page 21 of More Than A Boss

Pouting, Helen said, “I’m sorry you feel that way, Zane. We were good together at one point. I think we could have that again if you would give it a chance.”

“Not going to happen, Helen. Just leave it at that. I’m not going to get into it with you again. We’ve been over this a million times, and my answer hasn’t changed. It’s over! Now, I will consider letting you use the lake house, but I need to think about it for a few days. I’ll get back to you.”

She looked at him calculatingly, “Does this indecision have anything to do with that beautiful blonde who was sitting in here looking like an adoring puppy?” she asked cruelly.

“Leave Allie out of it!” he snapped.

“Oh, did I hit a nerve? I see I’m on to something.” She smiled cynically. “You will never learn will you, Zane?”

“And what would it be that I am not learning?” he asked curiously, not able to resist the bait.

“Women can’t be trusted. She might come off all sweet and innocent now, but once she has you, poof, sweet innocent is gone! How can you ever be certain she is not after your money and power? I mean come on, a story as old as time, beautiful woman seducing her rich boss.” Helen laughed wickedly. Seeing the doubt in Zane’s eyes, she knew she had hit her target. Satisfied, she offered to call him in several days to see what his answer would be.

“Don’t bother calling me, Helen. I’ll be in touch,” Zane said as he escorted her to the door.

When he opened the door, Helen surreptitiously glanced at Allie to see if she was within viewing range and then put her arms around Zane’s neck, pulling his head down for a light kiss on the lips. He quickly disentangled her arms from around him and said sternly, “Goodbye, Helen.”

“Goodbye, Zane. I’ll wait to hear from you then.” And she confidently marched out of the office.

The air felt like it had been sucked out of the room. It was like life had suddenly become a silent movie. Zane turned and went back into his office and closed the door. Allie, not sure what to do, opted to wait for his summons. He looked troubled as he shut the door. The summons never came.

Zane stayed sequestered for the remainder of the day. Allie left at five o’clock for the first time in weeks. She felt bad for Zane but knew that there was nothing she could do about it. She felt slightly jealous but knew Helen had been trying to mark her territory and was doing it without Zane’s consent. He would have to work through it himself. It made her feel oddly grateful that her ex was just a cheating jerk and that she had never had to deal with him again after their divorce was finalized.

The following day work returned to normal. Whatever demons Zane had been battling must have been slain. Allie just picked up where they left off with a simple “I hope we don’t have any more surprise visitors today!”

He just shook his head and said, “Yes, we can agree on that. Yesterday totally threw me off my game, but I’m back on track today. Thanks for your understanding.” They were immediately back in sync and dove straight into their case.

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