Page 8 of Tempting All The Way

“What can I do for you?” she asks.

“Have you been down to see HR yet?”

“Not yet? I was waiting for your meeting to finish, in case you needed something.”

“What I need is for you to go to HR, fill out the paperwork, and get the equipment you need to be able to do your job,” I grunt.

“Okay, well, I’ll go do that now.”

“I’m also going to need your mobile number,” I tell her before she can leave.

We have a stare down for a brief moment. She’s kidding herself if she thinks I’ll be the first to look away. “Why?” she asks, not breaking eye contact.

“You’re my secretary, and unfortunately, there will be times I have to call you for shit. Just put your number in my phone.” Unlocking the screen, I hand her the device.

I don’t miss how her lips tip up as she types in her number. “I’ve sent myself a text so I can save yours.”

“Great.”

“Great,” she says, depositing my phone on my desk and walking out.

I’ve done my best to avoid Shardonnay at all costs for most of the day. It’s not easy to avoid your own secretary. Leaving the office for a court hearing and not returning helped a lot.

It’s five of five, meaning she’s about to knock off. That’s when I plan to head back into the office and get some work done in peace. I’m pathetic, as I wait in my car in the carpark. It’s my fucking office.My building.Why the hell am I the one hiding out?

Getting out of my car, I pick up my briefcase and slam the door. My phone pings with an incoming email as I wait for the elevator.

From: Shardonnay Mitchell

Xavier,

Your schedule for tomorrow is attached. I’ve also booked a reservation at La Port for your meeting with Benjamin Kipner. I noticed you were booked back-to-back all day without a lunch break. Even the devil has to eat. Who knows? They might allow you to dine on all those unsuspecting souls at a fancy place like that.

You’re welcome,

Shar

I shouldn’t be smiling at her smart-ass email. I shouldn’t be impressed. I open the attachment and see that she’s listed out my whole day, has even gone as far as to put bullet point notes next to every meeting. How she managed to figure out the purpose of each, I have no idea. I’ll have to remember to ask her when I see her next. Thankfully, by the time I make it back to my office, she’s gone. But she’s left a note on my desk.

I’ve gone for the day. If you need me tonight, don’t. I’ll be plotting your death with your sister.

She didn’t sign it off, but she didn’t need to. Scrunching up the piece of paper, I toss it in the trash. I’m tempted to text her, call her. Come up with a reason why she needs to return to the office. Ruin whatever plans she has with Lucy.

Lucy, who still hasn’t called me back. The little witch is not going to get away with this. I will get payback. Picking up myphone, I dial my sister’s number again. Surprisingly, the call connects after a few rings.

“Xav, I’m busy. Can the lecture wait?” she asks.

“No, it bloody well can’t. What on earth were you thinking, Lucy?” I yell through the receiver.

“I was thinking that Shar hasn’t been able to catch a break since her mum got sick. I was also thinking that you needed a secretary who wouldn’t be coming on to you every other minute. It was akill two birds with one stonekind of scenario,” she rushes out her explanation.

“What do you mean her mum is sick?” I ask.

“What?”

“You just said Shardonnay hasn’t been able to catch a break since her mum got sick. What’s wrong with her mum?” I ask again.

“Xavier, her mum died six months ago. Do you not listen to anything I tell you?” Her voice is laced with genuine sadness.

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