Page 44 of Beautiful Desire

“Hi, Elle,” is her only reply before she quickly drops her head back to her computer screen.

Okay.

“Ugh, is it just me, or was that the longest morning in history? I thought we’d never get out of here,” Beth whines.

She doesnotdo well with work on a Friday. If it were up to her, it would be a liquid lunch on Fridays, and the end of the workday too.

Rolling my eyes, I reply, “Nope, just you. My morning went by super quick, actually.”

“Well, duh! Of course it did. You have the ultimate sex god to drool over all morning. I mean, Mr. Miller is great, but he’s a far cry fromMr. Lombardi.”

I let out a small chuckle as we enter the elevator.

Walking out into the busy city streets of Boston, we move our way through the crowds and head around the corner to our favorite deli, Little Tina’s. While we join the line of other businessmen and women waiting to order their lunch, I hear a text coming through on my phone.

Pulling out my cell, I see a number I’m not familiar with. When I read the message, a surge of anger rushes through me.

Unknown

Miss Parker, could you please grab me some lunch and bring it back to the office? A sandwich and some coffee would be great. D

Is this guy serious?!

I mean, don’t get me wrong, I used to get Peter’s lunch when he needed me to, but this is different. This isDom.

No. Calm down, Elle. You said it yourself. You wanted a strictly professional relationship with him, and that’s what you’re getting.

I un-ball my fists and send him back a reply.

Me

Of course, sir.

We get to the front of the line, and I order my usual chicken salad and water. I decide to order Dom a chicken and mayo sandwich with a large Americano coffee. When it’s ready, we take our order and find a table outside. Once seated, I’m determined to keep the conversation off me and Dom, so I quiz Beth on her plans for the weekend and details on her latest squeeze.

Thankfully, it works like a charm, and the majority of our lunch is spent with Beth filling me in before we head back. We make it to the office and exit the elevator, heading our separate ways. Once back at my desk, I set my things down before knocking on Dom’s door.

His deep, silky-smooth voice sounds loudly on the other side of the door, sending a shiver down my body.

“Come in.”

I open the door, and I’m surprised to see Fabi sitting in one of the chairs facing Dom.

“Your lunch, Mr. Lombardi.” I walk over and set his sandwich and coffee on his desk before turning to Fabi. “Hey, Fab. I didn’t know you were stopping by.”

He stands, giving me a hug. “It was a last-minute visit.”

His eyes flash up to Dom once he stops talking.

“You good?” he asks as he looks me up and down withthatlook in his eyes.

Ugh, I am so over everyone treating me like this. Like I wasn’t ready to come back to work. Rolling my eyes, I let out an exasperated sigh. Giving him a frustrated look, I tell him the truth.

“I’m good, Fab. It’s good to be back.”

Clearing his throat, Dom speaks.

“If you’re done manhandling my PA, she has work to get back to. Thank you, Miss Parker.” His tone is clipped and cold.

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