Page 47 of Bloom and Burn
Done putting the work area back into order, I return to the flower section and spend the next two hours helping people decide what they want to get. Aside from that, I also assist out back. My weeks are split between doing stuff that I know and am good at and challenging myself with things that would further my career and develop my skills so one day I can run my own center effectively. I don’t think I want something as big as this, but I’ll probably need to have at least a dozen employees.
The store manager calls us in for an EOD briefing once we’ve closed up. Since it’s the end of the month, he’ll be announcing the nominees and winner for the employee of the month award. I’m curious to see if my work bestie, Judith, made it. We clicked on day one when she was showing me around and since then she’s sort of become my mentor.
“Okay, everyone.” Thomas claps his hands. “Let’s tackle the mandatory daily reports so we can get to the fun part,” he says, tipping his chin toward the trays with muffins and cupcakes.
One by one, the team leaders brief everyone about their respective areas, wrapping up the boring part of today’s meeting in less than fifteen minutes. Thomas wastes no time after that, addressing the few questions that he needs to address before jumping right into the exciting stuff.
“I’m pleased to say that we had six nominees this month, all of whom will be receiving a $100 online voucher.” Damn, that’s actually really nice. I wasn’t aware that nominees got a voucher, but I guess Clements is one of those decent companies that give you bonuses instead of pizza parties for good performance. “Please give a roundof applause for Judith, Dave, Sonali, Piper and Nick, our runners-up.”
I clap alongside the rest, nudging Judith as she makes her way to the front with the rest so Thomas can give them their vouchers. Once things have calmed down, he grins. “As for the winner…” He pauses dramatically, eyes scanning the entire staff room. “I’m pleasantly surprised to announce that our newest member, Ryan, has snatched the June recognition right off the bat!”
What?
“‘Atta, boy!” Judith slaps me on the back, urging me to go to the front. “That workshop was so much fun!”
I receive pats and congratulations as I stand next to Thomas. “Your improvements to our workshops and the flower section and your eagerness to learn have impressed not just me but those higher up as well!” he announces, smiling at me as he hands me a hamper with wine and chocolates, and a small envelope. “Keep up the good work and enjoy your bonus! Now, let’s get those trays emptied and head home. See you all on Monday!”
I’m still buzzing by the time I make it over to Jack and Emily’s place. It crosses my mind to call my parents and brag about the award, but it’s been more than a month without contact from either of them, so I’m not sure that’s a good idea. It’s usually best to let mom re-initiate things and if she hasn’t done it, it means she isn’t ready yet.
With a long sigh that sounds depressing even to my own ears, I get off my pickup and enter the sibling’s building. We’ve been hanging out almost every night either here or at my small apartment, so the security person knows to just let me in. Jack did offer me their spare room, but I didn’t want to impose, so I politely turned him down.
“What’s the occasion?” the guard tosses my way when he sees me, buzzing the barrier open.
“Employee of the month, believe it or not.”
He laughs. “Didn’t you just start?”
I press open the elevator and wink at him. “I’m that good.”
His laughter gets cut off as the doors close. Three minutes later, I find myself in front of Jack and Emily’s penthouse, ringing the intercom. Emily is the one that usually gets the door, but this time it’s Jack, freshly showered and with just a towel hanging low around his waist.
Oh my. If that isn’t an invitation, I don’t know what is.
Quirking an eyebrow as he does the same when he registers my hamper, I say, “Not that I’m complaining, Jack, but I’m not sure Em would be a fan.”
“What isthat?” He points at the stuff in the basket while stepping aside so I can come in. “Also, one, you are early, and two, it so happens that she’s not around.” He gives me a heated look. “She’s out on adate.”
Placing the hamper on the marble coffee table, I tap my fingers against my chin. “Oh, I’m so excited to hear all about her date tomorrow. And it’s Friday. I finish early.”
He folds his arms, biceps bulging. “Uh-huh? And since when do you skip going out with the guys from work?”
Okay, he got me. I did skip, but only because I was super excited about the employee of the month thing and wanted to tell him. “Well, you see…” I walk over to him, unable to resist running my hands up his toned abs. Despite how busy he is, he takes really good care of himself, going to the gym every morning with Brady, Lily and Alistair. I join them occasionally too, though I prefer going to the group classes in the evenings with Josh. “I might have won the employee of the month award and might have been very excited to show off.”
A proud smile makes his dimples pop out. “Damn, Ryan. It’s your first month and you get an award?” He laughs, eyes darkening as my arms wrap around his neck. “If I didn’t know how crazy you are about anything plant related, I’d accuse you of being an overachiever.”
I stand on tiptoes and kiss his chin, making him hum in appreciation and loop an arm around my waist. He pulls me in and presses me against him, my body singing at the contact. We’ve both been busy, me settling into my new life and him dealing with blocker after blocker for the plot in Denver, so we haven’t had much time to get naughty. I’m on fire today though and since Emily is not around and I have a practically naked Jack in my arms, I think it’s time we amended that.
Going for his mouth, I let go with one arm and snake my way to where he’s tucked in the towel. He doesn’t realize what I’m up to until the fluffy fabric is pooled around his ankles and his dick is pressing unobstructed into my hip.
“Ryan,” he groan-growls like some sexy beast, the deep sound of his voice reverberating through my body on a wave of pleasant tingles.
“I think I deserve a reward for my award,” I reason, my chuckle changing into a moan when he grabs my ass.
“Hmm, is that what this is? I’m your reward because you got an award?” he muses, turned on and entertained by that idea. “Is that why I’m naked and you still have your clothes on?”
“I guess they could come off…” I hang my head back, letting him kiss along the side of my neck. “But you’ll have to convince me.”
“I’ll be more than happy to.” He lifts me up in a princess hold.
