Page 49 of Boss On Notice
Orion snorts a chuckle. “I would like it by the end of the day.”
I nod dutifully. “You’ll have it by the end of the day.” I set my full attention on my computer screen. “Just let me finish this report first.”
“Don’t worry about the reports, Lila. I’ll handle them. I want you on the AI quizzes, Lila.”
I can’t believe him. Two Lila’s in a row. He’s fucking with me, and still, I don’t break.
“Thank you, O.”
He chuckles. “You’re welcome, Lila.”
“Jerk.”
“A jerk who’s an expert at fucking.”
Shit. I broke. But now, I’m back. I don’t even respond. I get to work on the quizzes and he’s back on his phone call.
CHAPTER16
Definitely, Maybe
DELILAH O’SHAY
It’s Friday and we’ve gotten through another entire week being professional with each other. Sure, Orion’s gotten too close as he sat at my desk to go over the quiz and discuss AI business. I’ve also given him plenty of compliments about getting the reports ready on time. He still thinks the reports are bullshit. Whether they are or not, he completes them all in record time. I think Orion is an undercover genius. People with his sort of ability can go unnoticed in families like his. Hercules and Achilles have always been the stars of the Lords. Orion has been known as the blatant playboy with zero aspirations. The work he’s doing with AI software is groundbreaking and he doesn’t need a whole team of people to get it done. His team consists of Daniel, Hyun, Vic, and now me.
What’s funny though is I’m toiling less but working harder. As I close down my computer to head out for the weekend, I stop to take a look at Orion. I’m surprised he’s still here. Not only is he here though, he’s working. He’s a fast and precise typist. I’ve gotten used to the sound of his finger strokes. Not since our new pact have I really listened to his typing.
“Big date tonight?” I ask. I want to take that question back just as fast as I asked it.
“Nope,” he says without looking away from his computer screen. “You?”
“Nope.” But I am going to a party. No use in letting him know that part. My computer is powered all the way down. I collect my purse out of my bottom desk drawer. “Well…” I stand up. “See you on Monday.”
Finally, Orion stops looking at his computer screen. My nipples stiffen as his gaze drops down and up my body. I know he still wants to bed me. I want to bed him too. But that kind of relationship between us is way too impractical. As he sits back in his chair, grinning in his charming way, I remind myself that he’s the trap, that grin and the sensual way he just regarded me is the cheese, and I’m the mouse.
“Maybe I, um, can call you at—”
“Nope,” I say, cutting him off. I’m heading to the door so fast, I might have left my shadow behind.
I make my escape fast. I can’t hear whatever he wanted to say. I’ve been strong all week long. And he has been looking and smelling really delicious. I’ve even dreamed about him on Monday night, and Wednesday night, and then again on Thursday. The willpower I’ve been utilizing to resist him has so many cracks in the shield, it’s close to shattering. So, no, I cannot hear what he has to say about getting together at some point this weekend.
I know I’m home free and safe from his mouse trap when my feet hit the New York City concrete and I’m on my way home. But just in case he decides to make it hard on me, I pick up my pace and make it home fast.
* * *
I spendFriday night with Xena, and two people who have been friends of ours since childhood, Carol and Natalie. We drink cocktails and fill up on appetizers at the Blue Cherry. I have Shirley Temple cocktails. After what happened in Vegas, I just might stay away from alcohol for the rest of my life. I’m that way. One bad experience with something could turn me off that thing forever. But I’m having a fun night with friends. I feel like myself again, back before I started working for a high-maintenance boss that I had sex with last Friday night.
My attention falls on Xena as she laughs after Carol, who’s a librarian, said she used a stapler as a weapon to stop a kid who was stealing books to sell on the internet. She notices me watching her intently. I haven’t told her that I devoured the poisonous apple in a big way. She would probably insist that I quit working for Orion right this very second if I spilled the beans.
“Lilly, tell them about Vegas,” Xena says to my surprise.
I have a feeling she’s fishing for my thoughts. My cousin knows when I’m hiding something from her, and I suspect that she suspects it has something to do with Vegas and Orion.
But I welcome the challenge. I go into detail about my lavish hotel suite and all the famous people present. I tell them I danced with Lynx Grove. The biggest reveal is that he’s Mr. Eleventh Floor. Carol slaps her hand over her mouth as she gasps and Nat says, “No way?” so loud that the people at the next table whip their full attention in our direction.
“He likes you?” Nat asks. “Because if he does, then you should book it. Like, right this very second. What are you doing sitting here? Go book that shit.”
I laugh because she’s right but then I’m forced to reveal that he’s in love with someone else. My friends groan in disappointment, even Xena, who already knows what happened between me and Lynx.
