Page 21 of Bossalicious Bad Boy

"Of course," she mumbles before slipping out of my office, leaving the door slightly ajar.

I watch her go, frustration building inside me like a storm. Something has changed between us, and I can't put my finger on what it is. We were close - closer than a boss should be with his intern, I admit. But since that night when our lips met in a heated, unexpected kiss, she's been pulling away from me.

I slam my office door shut and lean against it, feeling the anger and confusion bubbling up inside me. What did I do wrong? That's the question that has been eating away at me for days now. Clara's distant behavior is like a splinter under my skin, irritating me every time I catch a glimpse of her avoiding eye contact or giving terse replies.

"Dammit," I mutter to myself, running a hand through my hair. I need to clear my head, figure this whole mess out, and find a way to make things right again.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, startling me from my thoughts. The screen displays a text from my brother James:

Hey Alex, how's everything going?

Could be better, I respond, letting out a sigh. Meet me at O'Malley's after work? Need some advice.

Sure thing. See you there.

Thanks, man.

I shove my phone back into my pocket and straighten my tie, trying to regain my composure. If anyone can help me get to the bottom of this, it's James. He always knows what to say to put things into perspective.

The hours drag on, and finally, the clock strikes six. I grab my coat and hurry out of the office, eager to meet with James and talk through my frustrations. The brisk evening air hits me as I step outside, the city alive with people rushing home or to their evening plans. As I walk down the street toward O'Malley's, I can't help but replay the events of the past few days in my head, searching for any clue as to what went wrong between Clara and me.

"Damn puzzles," I mutter under my breath, feeling more lost than ever.

O'Malley's comes into view, its warm, inviting glow a beacon in the darkness. I push open the door and am immediately greeted with the familiar scent of stale beer and well-worn wood. I spot James sitting at our usual booth, nursing a glass of whiskey. He looks up as I approach, his eyes studying me intently.

“Hey man.” His eyes take me in. “What’s going on?” I offer one quick shake of my head, the scowl on my face already deepening. “Right. Let’s get you a drink first.”

The dimly lit pub offers a reprieve from the chaos of my mind, and I look up as the server brings a whiskey over. The aged wood of our favorite booth creaks in protest as we settle in. It’s a familiar sound that usually brings comfort, but tonight it only serves to remind me of how little I understand about Clara's recent behavior.

"Have you heard from Dad lately?" James asks, taking a sip of his drink.

"Talked to him last week," I reply, my fingers tapping rhythmically on the table. "He's still going on about his latest golf score."

James chuckles. "Sounds like him. He'll never let us forget the one time he managed to beat both of us."

"True," I agree, the corners of my mouth quirking up in a half-hearted smile. "But I don't think he can ever replicate that miracle shot again."

"Probably not," James concedes, his eyes studying me closely. "So, what's been bothering you? You're more fidgety than a cat at a dog show."

I hesitate, swirling the amber liquid in my glass as I consider how to broach the subject. "It's just... something's been off with Clara." My voice is low, almost a whisper. "She's been distant – like there's an invisible wall between us."

"Clara?" James raises an eyebrow.

“She’s my…employee.” I cringe as I say it and James’ eyes widen.

"Ah," James says knowingly. "You two kissed, didn't you?"

"Does everyone know?" I groan, pressing a hand to my forehead. "This is probably all over the office."

"Relax," James reassures me, one hand patting my shoulder. "I can just tell you’re worked up and knew it had to be something along those lines.” He smirks. “I’m honestly surprised it isn’t worse."

"Still," I sigh, taking a sip of whiskey. "I didn't think it would turn into such a mess."

"Relationships can be messy, Alex," James says softly. "But you can't let it eat away at you. If Clara is as smart as you say she is, she'll come around."

"Maybe," I murmur, unconvinced. "Or maybe I'm just a fool for thinking that anything could ever happen between us."

"Hey," James chides gently. "Don't sell yourself short. You're one hell of a catch, brother."

---