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For him, it probably is.
It’s odd that they both seem to match with this turquoise-green color code but I ignore it as Octavia places her hands on her hips and speaks first. “Would you like to explain what happened at the venue last night? You were supposed to make an announcement and then you just disappeared. Word had it that you walked out with one of your employees. A barista at that.”
Garrett twists to face her, raising a brow as if he didn’t know. I lean back in my chair and run my hands through my hair before blowing out a heavy sigh. I had planned to make an announcement this afternoon so that everyone was on the same page but I should have known a few would trickle in demanded answers before then. “First off, no one except a chosen few knew about that announcement. I didn’t even mention when it would happen, just that it was. You assumed that it would be yesterday. Second, I am allowed to disappear. It’s an event to have fun and relax. Nothing was structured. Third, who I choose to disappear with is not your concern.” My words come out much harsher than I intended and I already know that this is going to be an uphill battle.
I don’t mind though. For Atlas, I’ll do anything to prove that he’s more than just my employee. He’s my lover, my boyfriend—dare I say, my everything.
“But if you’re so curious, Atlas Stoll is my boyfriend. His presence here has not affected my work so I’m not sure why you’re spitting fire with your words when you refer to him. I’ve also followed the appropriate steps with Oll–HR so whether you like my relationship or not, it’s not your decision to make.” I tilt my head to the side and fold my hands on the desk, waiting for her to respond. Garrett is the one who does, however, and I’m not surprised by his words either.
“It hasn’t gone unnoticed that he brings you your coffee most mornings from a café that isn’t bringing in enough money to fund its existence.” Garrett runs his tongue along his top teeth, throwing that back at my face.
Neither one of them seem to approve of Atlas or his relationship with me. It’s a good thing I own the company and can do as I please. However, Atlas’ words flow through my head and I see what he means that money can be a crutch, but I would also cheapen his place at my side by threatening people I work with that don’t approve of us. I stand, taking a deep breath to calm my nerves and then go about this differently. “Octavia, Garrett, thank you for bringing this to me, however, unless my relationship is keeping me from my work then I don’t see how it’s any of your concern. Garrett, as for the profitability of the café, it was never about that. If you did any homework, you would notice that the finances incurred from the café are part of my personal expenses. I brought Heather here because I wanted good coffee and she makes the best. She told me on one condition—that I bring the café with her.”
Octavia and Garrett’s expressions change at the same time, both of them ashen at approaching me without all of the information. “But-” Octavia begins.
I just shake my head. “I appreciate you looking out for the company but I also think you wanted to accuse me of something. The announcement—the one where I am actively looking for someone to take over my position—will happen within the next week but I won't rush it. Besides, it will be a majority vote from the board and I already have someone in mind.” I wave them out of my office, wanting the headache gone so that I can deal with the multitude of other things that need attention today.
Right after I text Atlas.
I hope your day goes smoothly. Let me know if you need anything.
Seconds later, the bubbles pop up.
Stop worrying.
Everything is fine. I think. Well, Tracey keeps giggling about it.
Why did you say that?
Is something wrong?
My phone starts ringing and I laugh at Atlas’ need to ensure I’m okay. “I’m fine, little one. I promise. I was just saying have a good day.”
“Oh. Right. Of course. Sorry.”
“I’ll see you this afternoon.”
“Mmhmm.”
God, I love him.
Chapter 16
ATLAS
Classes pass easily and I’m eager to make it to the café to get the general shame of dating the big boss over with. What I meet, though, is anything but. Tracey took the bus over with me, giggling the entire time and asking racy questions no one has any business knowing the answers to. However, she mentioned spanking and my face turned bright red so… she knows that. I make a mental note to try my car after work so it’s not a complete eyesore in Raphael’s parking lot. I’m pretty sure selling it is the best option at this point but I won’t know until I try.
Heather throws me a warm smile as I step inside, Gerald holding two thumbs up. Paula seems a bit weirded out but doesn’t say anything about it. Gerald claps me on the back as I round the counter and stuff my bag in the back. “When’s the wedding?” He gasps and covers his mouth with both hands. “Are you pregnant? Is it a shotgun wedding?”
Tracey and Gerald fall into fits of laughter as I try to keep a smile off my face. “You’re both idiots. We’re just dating.”
Heather joins the conversation as the last customer leaves. “Raphael was Atlas’ white knight last night. I heard he was a perfect gentleman, isn’t that right, Atlas?”
My face heats and I bow my head, digging one of my toes into the tile. “Not when we got home,” I mumble and then realize the company I’m in. Everyone goes silent, only the hiss of the espresso machine ruining the moment.
Tracey bursts out in another round of giggles, Gerald in shock that I just revealed a bit of Raphael’s private life. I don’t expect Paula to chime and I’m even more surprised when she speaks. “So, he really is a daddy, isn’t he?”
I can’t contain any of them as they fall into more fits, leaving me beet red and embarrassed—but only in the best of ways. Granted, these are the people I work with every day but it’s nice to know that I’m not being judged for my relationship. Tracey claps my shoulder as she wipes her eyes, Paula redirecting the conversation. “So, why are you still working here if you’re dating? Seems kind of stupid.”
