Page 43 of Beautiful Desire

CHAPTER14

ELLE

Walkingthrough the main doors of the building, I manage to slip into the elevator just before the doors close. Taking a sip of my coffee, I close my eyes and relish the flavor as it hits my tongue. I used to only have one cup a day, but lately it’s become a staple in my diet and something that is needed at any given hour.

When I walk onto the floor of LM Investments, I’m thankful it’s a lot calmer today than yesterday. I’ve spent all morning – or at leasttriedto spend the morning – preparing myself for the day ahead working with Dom. I was shocked to see him, but I also knew I had to set boundaries. I made it clear to him yesterday that we were to keep things professional and work-related. I’m not sure if I’m surprised he didn’t try to fight me on it or not.

Honestly, I was beyond relieved. I’m not quite sure I’m ready to talk to him about what happened. It might just be best if we ignore it and pretend it never even happened.

“Elle.”

I jump as Beth comes running up behind me. “Jeez! Don’t you, ofallpeople, know not to creep up on a woman holding a hot cup of coffee in her hand?”

“I didn’t creep up on you. I was calling your name and you ignored me,” she says with a gleeful smile on her face.

“Sorry, I was lost in my head. What’s up? And why have you got that smile on your face?”

Arriving at my desk, I see Dom’s office door is closed. Is he here already?

“I need you to spill the tea on how yesterday went. Was it awkward? Did he try to make a move on you?”

I sit down, placing my bag under my desk and turn on my computer, careful not to crack under her watchful gaze. “Beth, I love you, but there’s no tea to spill. We both agreed to keep things professional. That’s all it was, and that’s how it’s going to stay, so quit while you’re ahead.”

Logging in, I see a stream of emails I know I need to start working on as my desk phone rings. Looking down, I see it’s Dom calling me.

“Now go. I have work to do.” Taking in a deep breath, I put on my best smile, hoping it will convey my fake confidence through the phone. “Good morning, Mr. Lombardi. What can I do for you this morning?”

“Good morning, Miss Parker. I contacted my ten a.m. client earlier and ended up having an early morning meeting over the phone, so I don’t need the conference room set up.”

It’s only nine a.m. What time did he come in if he’s already had that meeting?

“Will there be anything else?” I ask politely through the handset.

“No, that’s all for now.”

With that, he promptly ends the call. Grabbing my coffee, I take a sip and get to work.

* * *

I’ve spent all morning replying to more emails about the sale of the company and reassuring more clients that they’re in safe hands withMr. Lombardi.I haven’t had any more contact with him since that phone call this morning. If our working relationship continues like this, then maybe there is a chance this could work.

Who am I kidding? There’s no way this can last long term.

My stomach lets out a loud grumble as I log off and go meet Beth for lunch. As I walk up the corridor away from my desk, I hear his office door open behind me.

“Miss Parker, can you—” He stops speaking once he realizes I’m not sitting at my desk.

I turn around to face him. “Sorry, Mr. Lombardi. Was it urgent? I was just on my way out for lunch.”

His face drops briefly before he straightens himself up. “No. It can wait until after your lunch break. I’ll just leave it here on your desk. Enjoy.”

And with that, he quickly walks back into his office, closing the door swiftly behind him.

I see Beth making her way up the hallway and decide to stop at Becca’s desk and wait for her.

“Hi, Becca. How are you?”

Reluctantly lifting her head from her computer, she looks at me.

---