Page 61 of Playing Flirty

I hadn’t even thought about that—or about how Patrick accompanied me every year. “Maybe I’ll skip it.”

“You arranged it, and the theme is right up your alley.”

Superheroes and Villains.And while it may seem like I had a hand in that, it was purely coincidental. “Maybe I’ll come alone, then.”

“I mean, we’ll be there. Neema’s planning on wearing her Supergirl costume.”

I grinned. “That’s lingerie.”

Shaun returned my grin. “I know.”

An email notification pinged on my laptop, and my heart stopped.

Board Game Competition Submission: Winners – Round 1.

Shaun leaned over my shoulder and read it before I could swipe the window closed. “You’re not going to open it?”

“William needs to be here.”

“Oh.” Shaun froze, his eyebrows dropping low while he seemed to process my answer. “Makes sense. He worked pretty hard on it. So… you’re coming over after work?”

I nodded. “But I have to finish all of this.” I pointed at my screen.

His jaw dropped. “That’s impossible.”

“Markham assigned it. I think he’s testing me.”

“Using you.” Shaun shook his head, grumbling under his breath. “Well, I’m here as long as you are.”

I turned my focus to the first item on my to-do list, but that contest email burned away bits of my fingers with each key I tapped on the keyboard.

Late that afternoon, when I desperately needed a break, I stepped away from my computer and went to the kitchen. Most of the office lights were off, but a few of the automatic sensors detected my presence as I walked by and turned on. The others remained off, seemingly not knowing I existed… or maybe I just didn’t meet the height requirement. I swung my arms high, and a few more lights came on.

Popping a coffee pod into the machine, I waited with my cup in place while the machine hummed, the scent of the coffee making my taste buds come alive.

Footsteps echoed behind me, and I called over my shoulder, thinking it was Shaun. “Coffee?”

“Sure,” a familiar voice answered, but it wasn’t the one I expected.

I spun around and faced Mr. Markham, who stood close enough for my head to snap up to meet his gaze.

“Mr. Markham,” I stammered.

“You look beautiful in black,” he whispered, his voice thick and low.

A chill raced down my spine. I retreated a step, and the edge of the counter stabbed into my back. “This is inappropriate.”

“Oh, Rose. Don’t be such a prude.” He stepped away and then added with a jovial lilt, “It was only a compliment. I am a man, and I have eyes.”

Leaving my cup where it was, I sped back to my desk, where Shaun waited. No part of me wanted to tell him—no part of me even wanted to think about it.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“I’m ready to leave.”

Shaun walked over. “Everything okay? Is it Patrick? Did he finally contact you?”

I shook my head, caving at my mother’s vague warning. Shaun and Neema were as worried about it as I was.

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