Page 9 of Rewrite the Rules

“Yes, perfect. That sounds very professional.” I turn to hang my purse up on the simple silver hook on the back of the door. “Anyways, did you need something in here I can help you find?”

Joel grimaces and I immediately understand his sheepish demeanor. Well, shit.

“You’re commandeering my office, aren’t you?”

He actually looks apologetic. “I’m sorry. It’s just I have to conduct a lot of sensitive meetings and it makes sense to host them in a private space. I’ll help you move your stuff if you’d like?”

I pretend to huff as I walk over to the oversized desk, unplug my laptop from the monitor hookups, and tuck it under my arm. I grab my purse from the hook I just hung it on and nearly choke when I see the corner of a pink paperback book peeking out. I hastily shove it into the depths of my bag and remind myself to hide that sucker in my new desk ASAP.

“Well, that’s about everything,” I reply smartly. “But if you’re really feeling chivalrous you are free to carry my wax warmer to the front receptionist desk where I’ll assume my position as the office coat-check girl.”

“Is that why this room smells so good? Yeeeaaah…I’m keeping that.” Joel’s smirk is contagiously playful.

“Fine, keep it. But I’m not telling you where I store the refill wax cubes, Mr. Lewis.”

“Mr. Lewis?”

“Oh, yes. All pleasantries are out the window after stealing my office and also, please know you are officially uninvited from calling me Baby Spice.” I flip my hair with my free hand, littering the floor with glitter. I swear the specks are breeding in my hair roots.

I don’t care about the office for its grandeur, but I did just lose my writing space. It’s near impossible to write at home anymore. My personal laptop is on its last leg. It barely putters to life even when plugged in to an outlet, so when draftingToy With Me,I took the liberty of using my work computer for creative purposes during down time at the office. Now I might actually have to spend the lull in my day finding something Aura-related to do. I can’t exactly pen another erotic best seller exposed from all angles. I need walls. And adoor, thank you very much.

Admittedly, it was weird that the least important person at this company had the corner office. It created some pretty unrealistic expectations—like I gave a crap about venture capitalism or something. So maybe, it’s all for the best.

Joel is still chortling as I head to the front of Aura’s business suite to go dust off the reception desk.

Ugh, I hate being up front.I am a zoo animal on display.

Office downgrade aside, my cheeks can’t help but ache from my overenthusiastic smiling. Losing my big desk and privacy seems a small sacrifice for the presence of my new boss. My very attractive new boss who is most definitely the catalyst of the chemical reaction bubbling between my legs.

And just like that, on a Monday afternoon, my dull office assistant job becomes a whole lot more interesting.

four

Adler

Within a week, Joel wins over the entire office. Every last person here believes in the Lewis magic. I’m not surprised. I was instantly sold myself. But of course, that had nothing to do with his business expertise.The investment team is impressed and inspired, eager to ride behind their fearless new general into money battles.

It’s almost not fair to those on the other side of the negotiation table. If Joel’s intelligence and charm isn’t enough motivation to sell your soul, his body certainly is. He’s the only one in this office who actually utilizes Marquis Business Tower’s fitness center, available to all the business property lessees and their employees. Steve worked here for nearly a decade. To this day he cannot tell you which floor the gym is on. It’s on the fourth floor. I know this because I visited the smoothie bar there, once. I go to gyms for fruit smoothies…and fruit smoothies alone.

Joel’s also far more independent than Steve. I keep offering to pick up his dry cleaning and order his lunches but he keeps my duties strictly business related. I manage his work calendar, I confirm meetings, and I compile the binders for his presentations when necessary. Not to brag, but I’ve become an absolute ninja with a three-hole punch. And I did eventually show Joel where the wax cube refills are. He’s become quite the daredevil, getting bold enough to mix ‘Mediterranean Fig’ and ‘Pumpkin Pie’ in the same warming plate.

“You’re playing with fire, Mr. Lewis. Pumpkin doesn’t pair. Stick to the recommended combinations.”

“You have to take risks in life, Adler. I’m nothing if not brave. Hand me the purple cube.”

I kept it to myself that it was quite possibly the best scent combination I’d ever experienced. Like a warm plum-spiced pie, perfect for the fall season. Fig and pumpkin, who knew?Apparently, Joel.

By Friday, Joel looks worn. His scruff is a little longer like he’s shaving every other day. He’s still as neat and professional as ever and the extra millimeter of hair around his cheeks is probably only noticeable to those who watch him like an infatuated hawk.Ahem, me.Lust aside, I’m actually worried about my new boss. He’s been the first one in the office and the last one to leave all week. I wonder how long he can keep up this pace. He’s doing too much and I wish he’d let me help more. My days have become far less busy with Joel’s business assignments replacing Steve’s personal tasks. I never realized until this week how much time I used to spend running random errands.

By Friday afternoon I’ve finished all my work well before the bell, even after taking a full lunch hour which I used to fill my veins with coffee and scour book reviews ofToy With Me.

Fresh. Raw. Relatable. Revelation. Talented. Passionate. Hot!I can’t believe these are the words people are using to describe somethingIcreated. Between you, me, and the blank wall—yes, they are my words. Yes, the book feels mine. But what am I supposed to do about striking gold? It’s Tessa’s trove, her gold mine—even ifIunearthed the treasure. It’sherwin.

I swivel back and forth in my office chair, twiddling my thumbs, and debate calling Tessa back. She’s been hounding me about starting another project after the success ofToy With Me, but I need more time to digest this. Technically, the book’s success changes nothing for me.

I’ve been ghostwriting since my first book tanked. I thought I was strong enough to face the criticism, the rejection, and the judgment. But it cut me open. Pouring your whole heart into your craft and then watching people shrug it off wasn’t something I prepared for. But I still love writing. My friends say it’s a natural side effect from my love of talking.

I ghostwrite everything in my spare time—nonfiction books, mysteries, fantasy, and also countless soulless search engine optimization content articles.My fingers can’t get enough. They yearn to dance across a keyboard as I try to collect and organize all the thoughts in my mind in a desperate attempt to connect with the world. Even if that connection is through a three-thousand-word, hyperlinked SEO article about theTop Ten Desk Toppers to Freshen Up Your Office Cubicle (and Mood)!

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