Page 11 of Rewrite the Rules

Me:Haha, coming. Prepare to be amazed.

I knock quietly on the office door but don’t wait for permission to enter. Joel is sunk into the office sofa, sitting across from a man in a suit that looks too big for him. He reminds me of a chihuahua. He’s small, twitchy, and I’m assuming yappy based on the unamused expression on Joel’s face.

He turns in his seat to face me with a creepy smile that makes me want to cross my arms over my breasts as a shield. “Hello, sweet cheeks, what a pleasant interruption.”Wow, those are some seriously strong misogynist vibes.He is shamelessly eyeing me like a piece of meat much to Joel’s annoyance who rolls his eyes behind his turned head.

“Sweet cheeks?” I ask and clasp my hand above my chest. “Silly me, I must’ve grabbed the wrong name tag this morning. I actually go by Adler if you don’t mind. It’s a pleasure to meet you in person, Mr. Denton.”

Joel presses his lips together in a hard line.

“Anyways, Mr. Lewis, I’m so sorry to interrupt but I just got a call and there’s been an emergency that needs your immediate attention.”

“What happened?”

“The fire chief wouldn’t give me too many details, but from what I gather, the fire is almost contained but they’ll need you to come down to the station to identify possible suspects.”

“Oh, shit! There’s been a fire?” Jimmy Denton’s face twists in worry and concern.

The look Joel gives me says he’s unimpressed with my lie.Beggars can’t be choosers, boss.We blink at each other in a game of chicken, wondering who is going to bust out laughing first. Neither of us breaks.

“Wow—arson. That’s borderlineunbelievable, Adler.” Joel folds his hands together like a professor who is about to deliver a bad grade. “Are you sure it wasn’t the police chief who called if I need to go down to the station to identify a suspect?”

“Possibly…but I said fire chief, so let’s stick with that.” I narrow my eyes. “It’s probably best not to question theminor detailsduring this time ofemergency.”

“That sounds serious, Joel. Let’s just finish up this meeting later. You should go handle what you need to.” Jimmy stands and I turn on my heel, pleased with my work.

As soon as Jimmy is secured in the elevator, Joel finds me at the front of the office. He leans on the short side of my L-shaped desk. “That’s your definition of Oscar-worthy acting?”

I shrug. “You did not provide a lot of direction. My improv skills are a little rusty.”

Joel chuckles affectionately like he’s watching a puppy trip over its big ears. “You’re something else. But thank you.”

“So, what happened? I thought you were looking forward to that meeting.”

“He had a sound idea on paper but there is something off about him. Something I don’t like. I’m trusting my instincts on this one.” Joel pulls off his glasses and winks at me. I wish he’d stop that. He doesn’t understand the effect it has on me.

“Too bad,” I snark. “It would’ve been nice to see him again. I am a big fan of creepy men who call me sweet cheeks while they lick their lips.”

I mean for him to laugh, but Joel’s eyes lock on mine and I have to immediately avert my gaze. He looks at me like he’s trying to investigate my inner thoughts and he might be appalled to find out he’s usually naked in there.

“Thank you, again. Not just for saving me, but for this entire week. It would’ve been significantly more difficult without you.”

“You are most welcome, boss.” I flash Joel a toothy smile before I swivel back around to face my monitor. He doesn’t budge. His perfect ass is still planted firmly on the edge of my desk.

“Want to grab a bite? I’m starving and I can’t talk to one more person in a suit today. I’m going to cut out early. Want to get off with me?”

I’m torn between responses. I’m not sure which is more surprising. Joel wanting to leave the office early or asking me to go with him. My heartbeat becomes noticeable.Joke. I need a joke.

I speak a little louder to cover up the audible pounding in my chest.

“You want me toget offwith you? I’m sorry, Mr. Lewis, is that your very lewd way of asking me out?”

* * *

Joel

I’m speechless.

In a different world under different circumstances, I’d jump at the opportunity toget Adler off. She sits in her desk chair with her head cocked to the side, eagerly waiting for my response. She’s trying to hold back her laughter. I’ve learned this week that Adler lives and breathes for these moments. She revels in the opportunity to catch me off guard. It’s not as fun for her if she caves with a ‘just kidding’ before she sees me sweat, so she matches my stare challengingly.

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