“Then I ruined it.”
He chuckles as he drags my feet onto his lap. “You were the first-intermission entertainment.”
“Ah, I have a purpose then.”
He bobbles his head side to side as he grabs the remote. “Something like that.”
We watched the end of the second, had a snack at the second intermission, and somewhere in the third, I felt myself begin to doze off. The man has this magical move where he low-key, under-the-radar, strokes my calf through the blanket with one hand, and his other hand massages my feet. So natural. So calming. Soothing enough to cause me to doze off completely.
I’m positive I had fallen asleep when, in my dream, I sighed and said, “If it were easy, you would have me.”
Because in my dream, he whispered as he brushed hair away from my face. “It’s only a matter of time until you’re mine.”
Monday morning,I’m sitting in Foster’s office for a catch-up on the latest for the team. He leans back in his chair with the Chicago skyline on full display. It’s a clear blue sky, but it still has the chill to the air that people from Illinois have learned to distinguish.
“We have only five of the 150 invoices still open, and I’mchasing them with claws. That’s a win considering last month we had nine,” I explain as I scan over my tablet.
“Measly numbers.”
I hum in doubt. “Except one of those invoices is from Everest, and they still owe us 1.2 million for the logistics of their plexiglass to Sweden. You’re going to have to speak to someone because they haven’t paid for their goods, yet they are on a freighter somewhere off the coast of Scotland right now. Can’t exactly throw it all into the sea.”
Foster blows out a breath. “Let me cross-department check what can be done. Anyhow, are you still sure that you don’t want to attend the conference out in Houston?”
He asked me a few months ago if I wanted to attend a conference for logistics companies. Every department is sending someone. “My answer is the same. I don’t want to leave Lola for more than a few days, and besides, there are people on the team who would relish the opportunity.”
Foster stands and turns to get a better view of the outside. “You’re the manager. A bit more senior. Truthfully, the attendance would also boost your chance for another promotion. If I can’t convince you with that, then I'm not sure what to do. I’m not the type to strong-arm you and say it’s a job requirement because I’m not that kind of man… well, not today. I’ll move on from that topic.”
“Thank you.”
“Getting all geared up for the monthlies?”
The one-on-ones with team members are meetings that I enjoy. A time to review things and check on improvement points. “Sure. I don’t mind them.”
“At least someone on this floor loves them.”
A knock on his office door draws our attention to see who it is.
Nerves kick in when it’s revealed to be Hayes.My chestis pounding because I’m not sure what to expect. This is the first time we’ve crossed paths professionally. Sure, in the office building or that HR meeting, but not during the workday on our respective floors. Hayes, in a gray three-piece suit, is not good for humanity; it weakens us all. Or just me.
His eyes hold mine for a mere second longer than needed before he shoots his gaze to Foster. “We have that meeting in ten, want me to come back?”
“Nah, it’s okay.” Foster waves me off. “Elodie and I were just finishing.” He grabs his phone off his desk and begins to walk toward the door, and I stand as well. “Just give me three. I’m starving, and somebody brought Polish pastries in today.”
“Doesn’t your assistant bring you that stuff?” Hayes asks, bemused.
“Normally, but she’s away sick for the day. Another reason that I deserve the extra carbs. I don’t have someone to organize me,” Foster complains as he leaves his office, not taking much notice of who he left behind.
I’m relieved that Foster continued on as though the company’s most awkward pair isn’t taking up residence in his office. But we’re all professionals, right?
Except Hayes is now staring at me, giving me the predatory once-over that heats up my middle and brings pain to my clit. He takes a few steps farther into the room. The charcoal of his suit makes his eyes extra intense, deep as a sea.
“Elodie,” he states.
“Yes?”
The corner of his mouth twitches. Does he take pleasure in this run-in? I want to keep our work and personal lives separate.
“There are drinks later. Leadership, perhaps, a representativefrom every department. I’m looking into some expansion projects and need insight from everyone. I prefer to get out of the office to have a more open conversation. The sitter is already taken care of. Meet me downstairs at a quarter to six and we can ride together, that would be grand.” He's being cocky.
