Page 11 of Falling for Mr. Bossy Pants

“Look, based on what Mr. Whitmore wants right now he is going to have to select two people from this team to be project leaders. It’s a lot of extra work but it also pays extra. If you’re interested just fill out the project leader form on our shared drive. Everyone that wants a chance to be a leader has to submit one and he will make the decision. This could be a good way to show your initiative to the big boss too.”

I nod. “Thanks David. I will do that. And thanks for offering your help earlier.”

“No problem. I’ll catch up to you later,” David says as he exits my office.

I close my eyes. So the CEO who just ignored me is going to select the girl who has been here less than a month and who he just ignored? I snort in a breath. It’s a long shot to say the least. I take the last gulp of my coffee which has now turned lukewarm. I don’t even care because my mind is racing with a million thoughts, and I don’t want to stop and go refill my cup. I shut my office door, sit back in my chair sighing out loud. I pull out my phone to do a quick check-in with Beth.

Me: Morning! How are things going?

Beth: Slow. I’m going to send Ashley home early and then take stock.

Me: Okay. Sounds good.

Beth: How about you?

Me: Well, the CEO basically just ignored me.

Beth: What do you mean?

Me: I asked if he wanted my help and he literally ignored me.

Beth: I’m sure you’re just imagining it.

Me: I’ve had five cups of coffee so I doubt it.

Beth: Slow down with the caffeine! Do you really care that he ignored you?

Me: Well yeah. It was rude.

Beth: I feel like you’re not telling me something.

Me: Like what?

Beth: I don’t know. My spidey-senses tell me you might like him.

Me: Like him? I don’t even know the man. I have spoken two sentences to him since I started here.

Beth: Right. But I’m not an idiot. Jared Whitmore is well known in this town, and not just because of his contributions to the community.

Me: Ok?

Beth: Lace. He’s a seriously good-looking guy. Not like I haven’t seen his picture.

Me: He’s handsome. So what.

Beth: You can be attracted to him. Just say it.

Me: I’m not attracted to him.

Beth: I call bull.

Me: Whatever. I’m not attracted to him. I’ll talk to you later. Gotta get back to work!

Beth: *eye roll emoji*. Who’s ignoring who now!? We aren’t done with this conversation!

I laugh and put my phone back in my bag and go download the project leader form David told me about then I tab over to my inbox that now has twenty new emails. I’m not sure if I can handle the extra responsibility if I’m chosen to be a team leader but I know I have to try. The extra money alone would be worth the stress. And if it means I might get to see a super handsome CEO a little more, then that’s just an added bonus.

Chapter six

---