Page 21 of Second Chance at Love (Chance At Love Duet 1)

Chapter Seven

Next day I arrived at work and before I even sat down, Kimberly landed a coffee on my table for Kristoff.

“I’m not late, right?” I asked.

“No, not at all. You are right on time,” she answered and smiled.

I had a suspicion that wasn’t a good sign.

I walked into his office, and he looked up at me when I sat his coffee down. He leaned back into his chair and observed me.

“Morning,” I said.What the hell is going on? Did I mess something up already?

He handed me a card, and I bent towards him to get it. I noted a credit card.

“Ah, you need me to go pick you up something?” I asked, confused as to why would I need his credit card.

“No, that’s for you to go buy yourself a cocktail dress. And some other clothes if you wish.”

I looked at myself, what I was wearing, and then I looked back at him again. I didn’t have the newest styles or the most expensive clothes but what I was wearing was good quality, and it was still very nice. I raised my eyebrow, not sure what to say.

“Take today and go shopping for work clothes and some cocktail dresses, and if you are in the mood, buy some lingerie too. Kimberly made you an appointment at a spa salon. They’ll get your hair done, nails, and wax.”

I wasn’t sure what to say, so I just remained staring at him. He stared at me with what I clearly recognized as a challenge in his eyes, but I continued to glare at him, like we had a war of wills going on.

“What for?” I asked and then added. “I just had my hair done.”

“I thought women liked to get pampered,” he commented with a raised eyebrow.

“We do… when it’s our choice.” My voice was a bit higher pitched. “And seriously? Wax? What’s next? You’ll tell me what I can eat. Honestly, Kristoff. I do not remember you stipulating any of this in the contract.”

“Unfortunately Gemma, you didn’t sign that contract,” he answered calmly. You’d think we were discussing sports teams.

“So… what? This is your way of getting back at me?” While Kristoff remained calm through it all, I was getting more and more worked up. “Would you also like to designate days I should shave?”

“Gemma, just calm down… I have a work event we’ll be attending. They haven’t announced the date yet, but I want you to be ready. They tend to announce it at the last minute.”

“And wax is a requirement for this work event?”

I glared at him suspiciously. He didn’t flinch as he leaned back against his chair, observing me with those sexy eyes. Then I reminded myself that he was my boss.

“Whatever,” I muttered. “I think it is a waste of money. But hey, if you want me to have a new hairdo, wax, and wear new clothes, fine. It is your money. But I will not be buying lingerie!”

“Kimberly will give you a list of stores I prefer,” he added, ignoring my comment about lingerie.

I found myself shaking my head.

“Do you have a problem with that, Gemma?” he asked.

“Nope, none at all,” I answered although a little bit sarcastic. Then not able to keep my comment to myself, I added, “Don’t you think that is a little bit overboard, controlling? Honestly, I am quite capable of finding stores. ”

“Good,” he concluded, deciding to ignore my last comment. I could swear his eyes were laughing at me. “It is one of the perks of this job. You should take advantage of it. Just give all the receipts to Kimberly when you are done.”

“I don’t remember you bringing up that perk when discussing benefits,” I voiced a bit cranky.

“Nobody ever complained about this perk before, Gemma. I hope you won’t be the first.” His eyes held a challenge.

I shrugged and left his office. Kimberly was waiting for me, smiling.

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