Page 5 of Raising His Baby (The Sartoris 2)

“And there’s no creamer or sugar in it!”

She pointed to the selection on the tray. “It’s right here. I was about to give it to you, but you sipped the coffee before I could tell you.”

“You’re supposed to add it before you bring the cup.”

She rubbed a moist palm down her thigh, blowing out a cool breath. “I’m sorry. That information isn’t in my notes. I understand your secretary left on short notice, so she might have overlooked a few details.”

Romy’s cold stare cut through her. She flew into action to clean up the mess and set the cup on the tray. She dabbed at the spots on the paper, but they were beyond repair.

“Let me get you another cup. I bet I can make the coffee hotter in the microwave. How many creams and sugars would you like?”

He bit out his answer, obviously resentful she even needed to ask. Sonya’s patience grew shorter and shorter. What bug crawled up his behind that he had to treat her this way?

You know what? If this is how he is, I might already have my answer.

She stomped around the kitchen, breathing her own fire. That morning she woke up imagining she would develop camaraderie with the other secretaries and that they would all gather in the kitchen to support each other in their dealings with their bosses. As she stood heating Romy’s coffee the most she got from the others was chilly glances as they passed by.

“What did I do?” she wondered and folded her arms over her chest.

The kitchen where she stood was a decent size with a door leading out from both ends. The side where Sonya had come into the kitchen led back to Romy’s office and a few others of upper management. She wasn’t sure of the layout of the opposite side, but it looked like more of the same from the kitchen doorway.

“Ah, so you’re the piccola bellezza everyone is gossiping about,” came a voice from behind her.

She spun around to spot a man who looked very much like Romy, whether older or younger, she wasn’t sure. From the suggestive grin, she guessed this was Cason, the youngest brother.

“Hello, Mr. Sartori. Good to meet you.” She held out her hand, and he pounced on it, holding it between both his. He moved far too close for her comfort, especially since he was hot and single and she hadn’t had a boyfriend in a good while.

“Do you know all the secretaries hate you?” he teased. “I can see why.”

Her mouth fell open. “Why would they? I haven’t even met anyone. I was kind of dumped off this morning, and I’m trying my best to keep up with Mr. Sartori.”

He grimaced. “It’s Cason and Romy. The only one that’s a stickler for the Mr. Sartori garbage is my brother Ezio. And to answer your question, it’s because the coveted position is to work as Romy’s secretary.”

She gaped. “They want to?”

He threw his head back and burst out laughing. “You’re priceless. I might keep you for myself.”

She yanked her hand free of his. “I’m good where I am. Thank you.” The last thing she needed was to work for a man who thought he was rich enough that he could sexually harass her and get away with it. Maybe Cason Sartori did get away with it. “And don’t worry about me. I can take care of myself. I’m not afraid of a few cats.”

His eyes sparkled with excitement. “I like you more and more.”

The microwave dinged.

“Excuse me. I have to get back to Mr….uh…Romy.”

She wasn’t sure if she should take his advice about using their first names or if he was having fun at her expense. Maybe she should wait for Romy to tell her she could.

When she left the kitchen, Cason fell into step behind her. She picked up the pace a bit, but she couldn’t distance him with the coffee in her hand and with his long legs. Unfortunately, not being used to heels, she stumbled just as she reached Romy’s office door and almost fell. Cason sprang forward to catch her arm. Her aching ankle unbalanced her again and sent her straight into his side while the coffee went another direction. Because she was so much shorter, the top of her head fit beneath his chin as if she were made to be there. The scent of Cason’s cologne tickled her nose, and she raised her hands to shove clear of his chest.

“You’re done!” Romy roared. “Go to your desk and pack your things.”

“Whoa, fratello,” Cason said. “It was an innocent accident. Calm down.”

“Calm down?” Romy spouted. The two brothers flew into Italian, Romy spewing accusations, and Cason defending himself. Sonya strained to catch the gist of the argument, but it wasn’t easy. Both her head and ankle throbbed, and fear for the future made it difficult to concentrate.

At some point, Romy ignored his brother and swung to face Sonya. “Why are you still here?”

She’d had all she could take. “You can’t fire me.”

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