Page 52 of Fair Trade
But he still calls me “kid” every now and then and doesn’t try to hide his annoyance at answering to me.
I don’t know why I haven’t addressed the issue head-on. Maybe because I was raised to respect my elders or because I don’t want to develop a reputation of being problematic in the workplace. But neither of those reasons excuses the disrespect Richard has displayed, and I think it’s time I pulled back on the reins.
“There better be a fire in the stadium or a mass evacuation happening. Otherwise, what other reason would there be to barge into my office, Richard?” I pin him with a questioning brow.
His face turns bright red with embarrassment, which he attempts to tamp down on by nodding once as he clears his throat. “Right. I, uh, thought I heard you say to come in. Sorry, but I read the email that we have to leave the premises, and we have that important call with Jake Bryant’s agent later today. You have any idea what’s going on? This is all so last-minute. Why didn’t they alert us of this before we came into work today?”
“I don’t have an answer for you on that,” I lie, because like hell am I going to tell him that our boss is sending us all home because he wants me to take it easy while I’m on my period. “But we’ll still have the phone call with Bryant’s team. The call link will remain the same. It was never a video conference, so we’ll carry on as scheduled, from our own homes.”
He nods thoughtfully, looking around my office until his eyes land on Delilah and his face scrunches. “You brought your pet into work today?” he asks, judgment lacing his tone.
I straighten in my chair. “No. She isn’t my pet. She’s—”
“She’s mine,” Nick’s voice booms from the doorway, causing Richard to jolt as he turns to meet his icy glare.
I panic for a moment before I realize that Nick was referring to his dog.
I think.
Although being claimed by Nick doesn’t feel all that terrible.
Keep it together, woman. One day back, and you’re already losing all of your senses.
“Oh, I didn’t realize we had a pet-friendly workplace.” Richard fake laughs, turning his question my way. “Any reason why you’re pet-sitting for the boss?” Condescension drips from his lips.
I can see the moment Nick is about to lash out with his words, but I raise my hand as I speak. “In case you’ve forgotten, Richard, we’re all supposed to be packing to leave for the rest of the day. I suggest you get to it and prepare for our call.”
He almost seems miffed I didn’t take the bait. Assuming that I’d react like a “fiery Latina” as the media has, at times, reduced me to.
But in true Richard fashion, he doesn’t seem to know when to quit. “About that.” He turns back to Nick. “Care to explain the sudden need for us to leave?” He places his hands in his pockets, giving Nick a mildly disapproving look.
Nick mirrors his stance as he takes a step closer, towering over him. “No.” Richard fumbles for the right words, but Nick deems them unnecessary. “Unless you need assistance leaving the facility, please make your exit. You have five minutes.” He opens my office door wider and waves for him to step out.
Richard seems truly baffled by the gesture but, probably thinking better than to go toe to toe with Nick, leaves quickly.
Nick closes the door harder than necessary, then turns my way.
“I had it handled.” I cross my arms over my chest. Delilah whines due to the loss of her head scratches, so I drop my arms back down to give her what she wants while accidentally triggering the voice I only use while speaking to adorable pups. “Okay, fine. One more minute, and then I gotta get outta here because your daddy is Mr. Crazy Pants. Yes, he is. So, so crazy. He should get his noggin checked for head trauma.” She yips happily. “I agree. You should put holes in all his fancy suits, but make sure to start with his shoes. I love stepping on them every chance I get,” I coo into her blissed-out face.
I wait a few seconds, expecting Nick to chime in. When silence greets me, I look up, only to wish I hadn’t.
I thought I’d seen every version of this man. Every sexy and infuriating feature. I was ready to act like the last month hadn’t happened. To jump back into a bickering relationship with my boss that would go nowhere.
But the look of absolute adoration as he stares down at me with his dog has me rethinking it all at lightning speed.
The worst part? I like that look. Way too much to deny that I could fall for this man if I’m not careful.
I cursed his mere existence after I thought he had played me for a fool, and yet today, with a few interactions and a couple of cuddles with his dog, I feel myself ready to melt into a puddle for him.
I was so enraptured by our game of cat and mouse that I didn’t realize how far I had fallen into his trap.
Even if this last month was all a big misunderstanding, it doesn’t change a thing.
He’s still my boss.
Objectively an asshole but, one could argue, with good intentions.
And, unfortunately, the only man that has ever held the power to set my world on fire with a simple touch.
