Page 89 of Unexpected Kisses

“I bet the entire family will be happy to be reunited with him. I can’t imagine my mom being too happy if one of us moved that far away from home.” Another reason why I let Michael go all those years ago.

“Well, yes.” He tugs his collar away from his neck and smooths down his tie. “We need to ensure all of our handover documents and the updated policy handbook are completed. Can you make them into those fancy books you do?”

I nod. “Of course. I noted a couple of things you need to take a closer look at, then I can make those adjustments and print it. Did you want copies for all staff, or only for Adam?”

“Since it’s been updated, let’s make enough policy handbooks for each staff member, but only Adam needs the handover documents. Book a staff meeting on Friday morning, so I can deliver the updated policy handbook and let everyone know Adam will be in first thing Monday morning. I don’t want people poking their heads out of offices wondering what’s going on.”

“Okay. Will that be all?”

“For now. Thank you, Sarah.”

“No problem. I’ll work on the documents today and tomorrow and get them printed and bound, ready for Friday.”

Collecting the handover document with my notes, I take it to Eric and explain my thoughts. He agrees with my suggestions and I return to my desk to make the necessary changes. I spend the rest of the day formatting the files, which requires minimal concentration on my part. Exactly the sort of work I need. My mind won’t stop racing, imagining how things around here might change under the new boss. Will he be as good to the staff as Eric is? Will he still allow for flexible working hours? I know a lot of people here rely on that flexibility to work around school drop-offs and pick-ups for their kids. How will it impact the leave I was hoping to take if I ever get pregnant?

Eric seems to have a lot of faith in Adam, so I should trust his judgment, but my anxiety is growing by the minute. My stomach rolls at the thought of not seeing my long-time boss every day. I glance across at the window between my space and Eric’s office. Someone else will be sitting behind that desk, and it doesn’t feel right.

CHAPTER37

–sarah–

“Joe! Hold the elevator, please.”I quicken my steps to make it to him as fast as possible, nausea making it difficult—damn anxiety. He smiles at me and presses the button to hold it. “Thanks, Joe. I can’t believe I’m running late. Of all the days.”

“You’re welcome, Miss Sarah.”

I hold up the Tupperware container of cupcakes. “I’ll save you one.”

“Thank you. I’ll look forward to it!” Joe smiles as he pats his stomach.

I quickly step inside, then glance at the other occupants, my eyes landing on AJ. The surprise of seeing him makes the nerves that were overwhelming me moments ago dissipate and I smile as I move closer. He hasn’t noticed me because he’s frowning at something on his phone. He said he had an important meeting this morning. One that was going to be difficult but I had no idea it was in this building. I bump my shoulder into his arm to catch his attention. His eyes snap away from his screen to me and his entire face relaxes; a smile immediately forming.

“Sarah,” he breathes. That single word makes my heart pound faster and my stomach flip.

“Hey.” He leans down, pressing a kiss to my lips and I melt. I was naked with this guy yesterday morning, yet that simple kiss has butterflies filling my stomach. “I missed you last night. How are your parents?”

“They’re slightly better today. I can’t believe they were both so sick at the same time. I don’t think it’s ever happened before. I was up most of the night checking on them. Molly’s spending the day looking after them, so I could come to work.”

“You work in this building?” I guess I’ve never told him where I work, only that I worked in the city.

“Yeah. Is this where your meeting is today?”

“Yeah.”

The elevator stops and people step out, while others step in.

“I’m running late. I think I dozed off in the early hours of this morning and slept through my alarm after not getting a lot of sleep during the night. I hate being late.” I huff. “But I have cupcakes!” I raise the container for him to see.

He reaches toward the container with a cheeky grin. “Can I have one?”

I snatch it back. “Nope, they’re to impress my new boss. I’ll make you some when I get home.”

AJ’s eyebrows dip causing creases between them. “That’s today?”

I nod and draw in a shaky breath. “Yeah. And I’m feeling so crappy.”

He places the back of his hand against my forehead. “You don’t feel warm, but you look pale. Should you even be at work today? Maybe you caught the virus your mom and dad have?”

The elevator comes to a stop and more people step in.

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