Page 90 of Unexpected Kisses

“I don’t think so. I’ve been anxious about meeting my new boss, and it’s causing an upset stomach. I’ll be okay.”

He gives me a soft smile, tucking my hair behind my ear. “Your new boss will love you. You don’t need to be nervous.”

The elevator stops at my floor. His meeting must be with Oliver Stone. His floors are the only ones above ours. “Anyway, this is my stop. Good luck with your meeting. I hope it’s not too tough.” I press up on my toes and peck his cheek.

AJ glances up at the floor number, a puzzled expression on his face. “This is my floor, too.”

We both step out of the elevator and the doors close, leaving us standing near the front reception desk ofFutureTech—the only company on this floor—and Lucy.

“Really? Are you here to check our systems? I didn’t have anything about it in my calendar for today?” I’m confused. I keep track of everything that goes on because I have to keep abreast of everything for Eric. But maybe it slipped my attention because I’ve been so stressed about today. “Who are you meeting with?”

“My grandfather. Eric Wainwright.”

No.My legs shake and the room spins. Suddenly, there’s no air and I can’t seem to catch my breath.

“Morning, Sarah. Are you okay?” Lucy steps from behind her desk. “You look pale.”

AJ takes the container of cakes from me and grasps my bicep, leading me to the nearby chairs. “Would you mind getting Sarah a glass of water?”

“Sure.” Lucy disappears down the hallway and I’m left alone with AJ.

My gut rolls and I have a sinking feeling. “Adam?” I whisper.

“Yeah.”

Shit!

Only me. This shit can only happen to me.

The stranger who offered to help me have a baby.

The man I’ve fallen for even though I wasn’t supposed to.

The guy I’m living with is going to be my new boss.

This is the crappiest of crappy situations ever. AJ pushes my head down between my legs as my breaths grow choppier.

“Are you my new boss?” I ask from my position between my legs.

“Fuck!” I hear him shuffling. “I’m hoping I won’t be. I haven’t agreed to take the position. I’m trying to convince my grandfather to give the company to Mom. She wants to run the company and she’d be damn good at it. But he’s an old-fashioned misogynist and he doesn’t believe women can be successful in high-level positions.”

I sit up and twist in my chair, facing him directly. “But Eric said you lived in New Jersey. He said you only moved here last week, that you had to finish your work and it had taken longer than expected. I don’t understand. You said you’ve always lived here.” He couldn’t have lived in New Jersey, because I met him back in June and have been living with him since September.

AJ takes my hand in his as Lucy returns with a glass of water for me. I take it gratefully, my hand shaking. “Thanks, Luce.”

“You’re welcome.” Her forehead creases in confusion as her eyes dance between me and AJ. I tip my head to the side and pointedly look at her desk, hoping she gets the hint to leave us alone. Thankfully she does and steps away.

“Ihave alwayslived here. Look, I don’t understand why my grandfather told you I lived in New Jersey. I’ve never lived anywhere but here. I’ve never lied to you; I promise. My relationship with my grandfather is”—he glances away from me, grasping the back of his neck—“complicated. It’s a long story, and I’ll be happy to fill you in later, just not here.” He huffs out a breath and shakes his head, tension and anger emanating from him.

“Adam!” Eric’s voice booms from down the hallway and I carefully slide my hand out of AJ’s hold, shifting in my seat to put as much distance between us as possible. Eric’s eyes catch on me as he steps closer. “Sarah, are you feeling okay? You don’t look well, my dear.”

“Uh, yeah, I’m okay. I just met”—I glance at AJ with a tight smile—“Adam in the elevator and felt a little dizzy. He was kind enough to help me sit so I can catch my breath.” I hold up the glass of water. “I feel better now.” I force myself to make eye contact with AJ …Adam. “Thank you for your help.” I climb to my feet, hoping my shaky legs hold me. AJ stands too, his hand reaching out to support me, but I take a step away and force a smile to my lips. “I’m sorry I was late this morning, Mr. Wainwright. I’ll go and set up for the day. Let me know when you’re ready for me to join your meeting.”

Smoothing down my skirt, I step away from the man who’s been like a grandfather to me and the man I was beginning to believe I could have a future with. I don’t know how I make it to my work area, but I do. I tuck my purse in the cupboard behind my desk and turn on my computer as usual, then head straight to the bathroom. In my need to escape, I push the door open too hard and it bangs loudly against the wall. Trying to catch it, so I can close it quietly, I push it shut with a quiet snick. Leaning against the vanity, I look up at the ceiling. “Why?” I roll my eyes and huff out a breath, then study myself in the mirror. Everyone’s right. I do look pale. I don’t feel so good and the connection I’ve just discovered isn’t making my anxiety and nausea any better. Dipping down, I splash some cool water on my face and take measured breaths to regain my composure. I need to get to work and act like the professional I am. I’ve already got off on the wrong foot with my new boss!

Ugh! Boss.

Fuck my life.

---