Page 25 of Bossy Grump's Secret

"You're not sorry about two weeks of housekeeping duty in a row?" I throw a pillow at his face and push it down, threatening to smother him. I'm not even angry anymore. I'm actually happy that he's here.

"Work is work," he says when I take the pillow off his face. "I can't compromise it for our relationship, or that would prove the stereotype about why relationships are not allowed at work, especially between two ranks."

I perfectly understand that. I sit back and look at him - how mature he is. He speaks his mind and logical reasons, not minding who he hurts. Kind of like me, but remove the logic part... and I have way more sentiment.

"So, am I forgiven for doing nothing wrong?" he says, snuggling beside me.

"Whatever, boss." I shove him playfully on the shoulder.

"Now, Candy, let's see you get these guys good." He picks up my phone and hands it to me.

I have a better idea. "How about I get you good? Take out your phone," I command, and smile.

Dylan

One week into this journey, I already feel like tapping out. Not because I don't like her...I just don't feel like it's my place, especially when we must do everything secretly. Not even other staff have to know about it, much less the management. We try to make it up to each other as often as possible by the end of the day with her in my room.

We made a bold move to keep the sounds of the rocking beds and moans from being heard outside. Because I'm sure I make her moan loud enough to wish she was quiet.

Still, there's nothing like being alone with each other. It's something we haven't been able to accomplish much since the wounding incident, no matter how much I wish for it. And it's not like I can just cut out during work time. Again, my professionalism matters gravely to me. As I walk down the hallway, looking for where to help, all I can think about is her. This doesn't feel right.

… it doesn't feel wrong either, so...

I sincerely hope this does as little to my productivity as possible, but even I know it’s a losing game. At some point, whenever I work, there's this part of my brain that wants to sit and think about what I could have done better with Ava the last time we met.

...and seventy percent of the time, I actually daydream...like a teenager!

While it annoys me once I catch myself doing so, my brain goes back into fantasy mode.

Do you think Ava would look better in a tight, stretchy dress? Maybe you should buy her one.

And just like that, I forget everything about productivity that I scolded myself about two minutes ago as I imagine Ava in different clothing in sexy poses. It even irritates me when I catch myself smiling at the fantasy!

"Get. Your. Head. In. The. Game!" I say and head-butt myself... To avoid losing my focus on power-work, I'll push through for another thirty minutes before taking a break.

"That's it," I exclaim and drop the iPad. I refrain from documenting what I have in the inventory. I'll get to it later. I need something to keep my brain perpetually active. Something that will give me no room to think of Ava... and I'm sure that's not an impossible accomplishment.

Someone to scold, perhaps, or to teach someone something...

Aha! I moved Lily into a new division, ignoring the partner I paired her up with or how far she had gone in my absence. The lobby is a very challenging area to handle.

I don't know whether it's by design or life wants to test my libido. As soon as I step away from inventory, I see Ava going into another section of the building... and she sees me, too. I don’t have superpowers, but I can tell from her body cues that she wants me to follow her. I do so subtly and watch as she heads into the supply room on this floor. My head spins with wild thoughts.

Each time I am about to enter a critical situation, I go through different simulations in my head in split seconds, feeling that if I take the best approach, I won't later think about what to say later. It never works.

"Hey," I breathe when I finally enter the supplies room. Ava arranges some materials in their compartments and turns to look at me.

"Oh, hey...you came."

...like she didn't know. Sly girl.

"Thought I wouldn't?" I tested her. She turns to me, leans on an open ledge, and smiles.

"I knew you would."

"How's work?" I approach her slowly. It's our first time alone since this morning.

"Good. Yours?" She bites her lower lip. I wish I could unsee that, but sadly, I can’t and the man inside sees it too and wakes up to the call.

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