Page 140 of New York Love Stories: Vol. 1

Dark hair at two o’clock has me dropping to the floor. When I hear the voice— deep and sultry, commanding, and sexy—coming closer, I crawl into the nearest cubicle.

“What are you doing down there?” My stomach tightens. Justin’s voice alone makes my skin crawl. And he adds, “Looking for a snack?”

“A snack is all you have to offer,” I snap back.

I start to get up but halt on all fours when I hear Andrew’s assistant ask, “What are you doing, Ms. Jacobs?”

I look over my shoulder, my eyes connecting with Mary first and then Andrew. “Juni?”

Trying to push up, I get caught and sent back to my knees because today, of all days, I had to wear a pencil skirt. I drop my head, humiliation flooding my face, and try again.

Laurie joins in the party.Naturally. “What’s going on?”

Mary says, “Um . . . I think I hear my phone ringing.” I hear the sound of her hightailing it out of here through her quick footsteps. I don’t blame her. I wish I could do the same.

Andrew’s anger consumes the air, and I finally say, “I’m stuck.”

Justin stands, but Andrew demands, “Sit.” As if he’s a dog that’s been punished, he scurries back to his chair.

A pair of black designer Oxfords, Italian by the looks of the leather and stitching, appears before me. I know they’re Andrew’s because there’s nary a scuff in sight. He bends down. “Are you okay?”

I look up, my hair falling over my eyes. Through strands of hair, I see the anger I heard moments earlier now situated as ire in his eyes. He holds his hands out for me. When I slip my hands in his, an unfettered energy travels between us, a spark reaching his eyes.

He carefully helps me to my feet, where I brush the rest of my hair away from my face and straighten my clothes.

I dare to look into Andrew’s eyes, already missing the little gold flecks that have been replaced with embers of fire. He says, “I’d like to see you in my office, Ms.Jacobs,” and maneuvers around me.

He’s quickly covering the distance to his office, but I say, “I should probably?—”

“Now,” he commands without breaking his pace.

I turn to see Laurie staring at me, a million questions surfacing in her expression. Shame fills me, and I start, “I can explain?—”

“I think I should be present for this meeting.” She returns to her office, and when she comes back out, she walks right past me with a pad and pen in hand.

Once more, I make sure my skirt is straight and in place before I start walking. I’m not sure if this is a walk of shame or I’m a dead man walking, but either way, the entire office is staring at me as I head to my own beheading. The door to the office I’ve been so good about avoiding is wide open.

I can’t say I’m getting welcoming vibes from the inside when I approach, though. Taking a deep breath, I tug at the collar of my shirt and make sure the clasp of my necklace is at the back. I exhale and then walk in.

Andrew is staring at the TV on his wall like it’s going to reveal the secret of life. It’s not, just what the S & P 500 is at for the day. Laurie sits in a chair across the desk from him, leaving me to brave the fifteen feet by myself. I consider detouring to the couch because that looks like a better place to be fired. At least I’d be comfortable.

His eyes hit mine, freezing me to the spot. “I’d like to speak with Ms. Jacobs in private.”

Laurie says, “I don’t think that’s a wise idea. Per company policy, a human resources representative?—”

“I’m okay with it,” I say. There’s a tremble to my voice that I’m not used to anymore. I hate it. I also hate the fear this situation inspires inside me. Tamping it down, I add, “I’ll be fine. I’ve done nothing wrong.”

She looks back and forth between us and then sets her eyes on me again. “It’s for your protection as well.”

“I don’t need protecting.”

Andrew’s eyes finally leave mine, and he says to Laurie, “If you must stay, I’ll allow it.”

“It’s up to both of you.”

“We’re fine,” we both say, the words rushing out at the same time.

Her gaze darts between us several times before she stands up and moves to the door. “Okay, then.”

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