Page 80 of Branded
I’m hoping that this adorable gal (note the lack of creepy, beady eyes) will replace Herman in his place of honor.
My eyes flicked to my monitor, where Herman had sat since that first day. Then went back to the note.
But I’m guessing that she won’t, so hopefully, at the very least, she and Herman will be best friends.
P.S. It might be presumptuous, but I named her Hailey.
Bailey, Hailey, Kailey. Conner, Donner.
I’d fucked up with Herman, needed to improve my rhyme game.
But, in fairness, Kailey was a bit easier to rhyme. What, was I going to rename Herman, Lonner? Tonner? Wonner?
Didn’t quite flow off the tongue the same way.
The thought of names had me smiling, shaking my head at my ridiculousness, and picking up my phone, typing out a text.
Just got into my office.
A few seconds brought a response.
Oliver have the air on too cold again?
That had me laughing.
No. But there were a couple of items on my desk.
A beat. A buzz.
Extra work? I hate that.
I laughed again, shook my head. This man.
Part of it is extra work.
Another buzz.
And the rest of it?
My heart squeezed, a giant chunk breaking off, floating through space and time zones and over to a man who was quickly owning it. I posed the unicorn, snapped a picture, sent it over.
Herman’s got a new best friend.
The “…” appeared then disappeared. Then reappeared.
Mean.
I grinned.
Thank you, baby. Hailey made me smile, and the plants, don’t worry, I’ll keep them safe.
My phone vibrated.
Then my day is complete.
That had my heart squeezing.
Charmer.
