And don’t get me started on how incredibly smart she is. When I have the chance, I love to sit next to her and watch her think. Just to witness the quiet brilliance of her brain.
So yeah, if she’s a distraction, she’s the best one I’ve ever had.
I rub the back of my neck and shake my head. I could never tell her any of this. Not a chance in hell.
Not only is she one of my closest friends, but she’s also one of the few co-workers I enjoy seeing every day. Everything could blow up in my face if I tried to blur either one of those lines. And that’s not a risk I’m willing to take. I can’t imagine going a week without laying eyes on Meadow, even if we only ever stay friends.
Besides, she deserves a man much better than me. Someone more sophisticated. A brain surgeon or some shit. Not a washed-up, Division I quarterback who stumbled into sales.
Meadow’s so far out of my league it’s almost laughable.
Despite her reaction, I genuinely thought it would be fun to ask her to come to the wedding with me. A much-needed vacation where, if I were lucky, I’d have more time with her outside of the office.
But no. I had to fuck it all up. The second I opened my mouth, it sounded like I only wanted her there to shield people from asking about my ex. I’ll never forget how fucking broken she looked… How embarrassed she must have been. My gut churns at just the memory of it.
Christ.I’m such a dumbass.
A sudden movement snaps my attention back to the glass.
Stacy’s office door flies open, and Meadow storms out with steam practically spewing from her ears. Her nostrils flare as hercheeks flush beet red, looking like a feral animal ready to charge. Her steps are fast and furious, causing everyone who’s standing between the cubicles to clear out instantly.
Oh, shit.
I don’t ever think I’ve seen Meadow this pissed off. And damn if it isn’t sexy as hell.
I feel a drop of sweat roll down my temple when her fiery eyes lock onto mine.
Fuck.What did I do now?
She doesn’t slow down. She just stalks toward my desk until she’s standing right in front of me, her chest heaving up and down with angry breaths. She doesn't say hi or give me a second to ask her what the fuck is going on.
“I’m in,” she blurts out.
I arch a confused brow.
“You’re in?”
“Yes, Owen,” she says flatly, like I’m supposed to know what she’s talking about. “I need to get the hell out of here before I lose my mind or quit without another job lined up.”
My brows knit together as my brain tries to catch up.
“Meadow, I’m gonna need a little more context than that.”
Her eyes narrow to little slits as if I’m the dumbest man alive.
“I’m going on the fucking trip, Owen.”
Hold up… Did I hear her right?
I never thought she was actually considering going. When Meadow said she would think about it, I thought she was just saying that to let me down easy.
It feels like I’m frozen in place. Like I couldn't move a muscle if I tried.
My heart beats out of control in my chest as I try to process what she just said.
Before I can respond to the bomb she just dropped, Meadow spins on her heel and stomps off, leaving her cherry blossom scent lingering at my desk like a rule begging to be broken.
I lose track of how long I sit there, unblinking, with my mouth hanging open like a deer in headlights.
