I couldn't hide it from her. She knew something was up yesterday from the emails I sent her alone. She came in with a smirk, ready to meet Lev. Kate is the older sister I never asked for.
“What am I going to do?” Lev walks over to one of the oversized chairs in front of my desk and plops down. “I needed this job.”
“You still have this job,” I remind her, going over to my desk to lean against it, kicking my feet out to almost touch her.
“You can't fraternize with employees, let alone your boss.”
“If that's the case, I have a few employees who need to be let go.” There are some couples around the office. As long as it doesn't interfere with work, I don't give a shit. It’s none of my business. Unless they act unprofessional at work and make it my business.
“You’re an asshole.” Lev shoots up from her chair. “Fuck you.”
The fuck?
Lev spins around, attempting to escape through the door. I snag her around the waist. We both notice at the same time that my office door is open and Max and Julie are standing there. Shit. I forgot I was supposed to go over a few things with them this morning. I need to remember to start locking my door.
I had a no-knock policy. If I had the door unlocked, you could enter. Normally it wasn’t an issue because I kept the door open and my blinds pulled. People could pop in and out of my office all day. That’s the first thing that’s going to need to change going forward.
“We'll come back.” They both quickly step back, letting the door fall closed.
“Let me go.” Lev releases one of her endearing growls.
“What pissed you off so damn bad?” I turn her in my arms but keep her snug to me.
“Seriously.” Lev is pissed. It’s not an act either.
“Babe, tell me.”
“Don’t babe me either.”
“Slipped out. My apologies, darling.”
“I’ll murder you in your sleep.”
“So you are going to share a bed again with me.”
“Fine, I’ll murder you right now.” My hold on her tightens.
“Please.” I try again.
“You just said that if you aren't allowed to bang your employees, then you need to let a few around here go.”
“That is not how I meant it.” Lev relaxes a touch in my arms. “I meant if employees weren’t allowed to sleep together, then there are a few couples that would have to be let go. I am aware of at least two such couples.”
“Oh.” She puffs out a small breath.
“No need to get jealous, Lev. I’m all yours.” Lev rolls her eyes, but I see the hint of a smile.
“Oh, shut up.” I run my fingers up and down her back, getting her to relax more. “Am I fired?”
“I thought you were trying to quit.”
“I need the job, I guess. Even though you kind of sorta tricked me.” Lev chews on her bottom lip. “But we’re friends.” She wiggles, trying to get free. I reluctantly let her go, for now. “So we need rules.”
“Rules?”
“I don’t know.” Her shoulders drop. “It sounded good.”
“You’re not my friend, Lev.” Never in a million years will I see her simply as a friend.