Page 72 of The Boss and the Adoption Mess
“Ah!” Cornelius bursts out laughing. “Could it be that two redheads are about to meet each other?”
“Tell her to leave the watch at reception.”
“All right, I’ll text her.”
“I’ll stay on the line…” If Kim meets Caroline, she’ll instantly realize I slept with her double. “Then she’ll know I was there last night. What a damn mess.”
“Why don’t you answer your phone? If you’d told me you were infatuated with your assistant, I would’ve handled this differently.”
“I’m not in love with Kim,” I shoot back.
“Hmm. Sure,” he chuckles. The sound makes my blood boil.
“She hasn’t answered me yet.” And I’m running out of time.
“Text me later. I’ve got to get ready for a meeting.”
“I will.”
I end the call and head straight for the shower. Since Kim hasn’t reached out yet, I assume she hasn’t run into Caroline. Still, I’d better come up with a damn good excuse if she asks questions. At the very least, she’ll realize I didn’t spend the night at my mother’s—which makes everything even more complicated.
After showering, I check my phone immediately. Still nothing from Cornelius. No word from Kim either. I get dressed, head downstairs, and even have time for a coffee before Thomas arrives—he’s already texted that he’ll be here soon.
Just as I’m about to leave the house, a text from Cornelius pops up: Caroline has been in touch. She gave Kimberley the watch.
That’s not good news. I reply: “Okay, I’ll handle it”. At least I know what’s coming and can brace myself for the scene Kim will no doubt make.
By the time Thomas drops me at the office, I’ve already rehearsed a few excuses for the inevitable confrontation. But when I step upstairs, I find Sally and Kim laughing together in front of the meeting room. A few department heads are already there, so I blend in with my employees.
The moment Kim sees me; she smiles and walks over. My throat tightens.
“Did you get some sleep?” she whispers when no one’s nearby. She slips the watch around my wrist like it’s the most ordinary thing in the world.
“Yes. Thanks for covering for me,” I reply, thrown off balance. No shouting? No accusations? No anger? Nothing?
“My pleasure. After the meeting, I’d like to go grocery shopping to restock the kitchen.”
“You can do that now if you want. Sally’s here if we need anything. But after the meeting, I’d like to keep working with you.” And I need to talk to her. Alone.
“Okay. Then I’ll call Thomas to drive me,” she says with a smile, then heads back to Sally. I only catch a few fragments of their conversation, but I think it was something like: "I'll be gone for a bit and back in about an hour." That works.
I glance at my wristwatch, run my thumb over the glass, then look toward the meeting room. How could I have forgotten it there? Of all things—my watch. I always wear it, only taking it off to shower or sleep.
I was just too wound up this morning. And my guilty conscience hasn’t let up. Even though Kimberley and I aren’t a couple, it still feels like I cheated on her.
After the meeting—nearly two hours long—I head straight to Sally.
“Is Kim back yet?”
Sally stands quickly from behind her desk. “Yes, she’s in your office. Should I bring you something to drink?”
“Not necessary. And please don’t put any calls through for the next hour, all right?”
“Of course.” She nods nervously and sits again. I give her a brief nod and step into my office.
Kim is sitting on the couch, looking up at me in surprise.
“Don’t you knock?” she asks with a sweet smile as I close the door.
