Page 25 of Craving the Player

Tiffany works for Clark, Ithink, but Ihave no idea who Lauren works for. The only times I've ever seen her are when she'sgossiping with Tiffany in the break room. Unless I’mmissing something painfully obvious, Ifind it odd that those two would have been asked to come tonight as well.

Istay rooted in my place for afew, much-needed minutes before the fog in my brain manages to subside enough for me to form aclear thought again. Fixing my posture, Iunlock and open the stall. My heels clink against the floor as Iwalk to the long, marbled counter, stopping myself in front of one of the four sinks. Iturn on the tap and collect some cold water in my hands before splashing my warm cheeks.

With the pink fading from my face, Ispare aglance at the stalls and find them all unoccupied, which leaves me in the safe confines of this judgement-free zone for afew seconds longer. The cold-water clings to my cheeks as Istare back at my flushed complexion.

The uneven splotches of light brown freckles cover my pale skin, spreading over my small nose, across my cheeks, and down to my small chin. My silver eyes watch my every move, the obvious judgment in them only sparking my growing annoyance with myself.

Icould have been in my fluffy pink robe, sprawled out on the couch watching reality show reruns right now. But no, here Iam, hiding in the freaking bathroom because I'mtoo socially awkward to sit through asingle dinner with afew colleagues. Typical Sierra.

With afinal groan, Ipush my dark hair out of my face with slightly-damp hands and reach for apaper towel to wipe myself down. After throwing away the garbage and preparing myself with one final pep talk, Imove to the door and whip it open.

Inearly trip over my own two feet when afamiliar masculine voice settles along my skin, worming its way into my chest. Stopping dead in my tracks only afew steps from the door, Islowly spin around.

"Iknew it was you who rushed past me out there. Icould never forget that ass."

---