He thinks for a few ticks, hopefully realizing what his slip-up has just done. Instead, I get, “I don’t care. I have no problem with people knowing that Lola is mine.”
Continuing to struggle, I roll my eyes and now resort to clawing my hair. “Indeed, we were not going to hide our connection forever. We were just waiting for the appropriate time but remainingprofessionalin the office.” I smack my lips together. “Not sure this was the way.”
Hayes winces. “You’re right.” He pinches the bridge of his nose and glances away, then drives his gaze straight back to me. “No. You’re not right. I’m sorry it happened like this. But I’m not going to apologize for not waiting any longer.”
“You said you would respect my work boundaries. I’m not in a position to snap my fingers and demand my team sings my praises. I don’t get that privilege like you do in your career,” I scold him. I notice the remorse appearing on his face, and I drop down onto my chair, giving up. He has every right to be proud and open about Lola. We do have company parties for bringing your family to meet Santa or the EasterBunny. It wouldn't be fair for him to stand back and just watch us. I’ve been holding the big reveal back, so afraid of optics. Somebody was going to break early. It just happened to be him. Nor is it surprising.
“Would you be thrilled if you saw me with flowers for someone that isn’t you?” he calmly challenges.
Sighing, he just hit the nail on the head. “No, I wouldn’t be thrilled,” I admit, deflated. In fact, I hate the mere thought. Is it crazy that I feel a sense of possessiveness all because we have a connection that nobody else could have and I would be jealous if that were to change by being with someone else.
He crosses his arms, tilting his head in several angles as he inspects me. “We agree on something else again. You’re exactly where you are meant to be, Elodie. You just don’t say it out loud, even though you know it, too. It's happening.” He moves to tower over me with both hands planted on my desk. “You and me, in case you need clarity, but you’re already fully aware.”
I feel my throat dry, and I’m filled with that sensation of blood running extra fast inside me. It’s easy for me to say he’s right.But this isn’t the place, nor do I want him to get the impression that I give in so easily to agree to everything. Instead, I tamp down my anger and resort to humor. “You know it would be easier if you did send me flowers. Then I could throw these at you right now. But they’re from Savannah, and I won’t ruin them, so you’re saved… but either way, I don’t think I would. You’re safe. Because your points are valid… very.”
“Good. Now, other than my moment a minute ago, I do have restraint, so getting you on the desk isn’t going to happen,” he replies.
“Oh, the shock and horror,” I reply flatly.
“I’ll see you when I drop Lola off, okay?”
“Yes. I’m still a little rattled, though, from your outburst.”
It only causes him to smirk as he slowly leaves, taking all of the tension and insanity of the scene with him. Now I just have to deal with my team.
Rolling my shoulders back, I decide there is no time like the present to rip this bandage off. Everybody knows about Lola, and nobody has ever asked about her dad, and I never brought him up. The office does establish boundaries, unless you’re Hayes, which means people tend not to press about life out of the office if they get the hint not to. My time has run out, as it’s now public knowledge.
Straightening my blouse, I walk out of my office with my head held high. I already see my team congregating in the corner by the coffee machine. The moment they spot me, they pretend to be unaware.
“It’s fine. I’m sure you heard.” I pause for a second. “The whole floor, perhaps,” I quip. “So I will get this out once. I’m connected to Hayes, he’s Lola’s dad, and no, I am not working here because of him. I already worked here before we ever met, and my promotion was long before he even joined the company. Say whatever you want, but I’m always open with my team. No further questions?”They look at me blankly, and I paste on a bright smile. “Good. Now, I heard someone brought chocolate chip cookies today.”
Hayes with Lola. Check. Office knowledge. Check. Attraction. Yep, also check.
I'm taking the next step.
Guess my list is about to be complete.
14
HAYES
Shifting on the seat along the conference table, the chair swivels slightly. I listen to Easton, our head of marketing. I’m secretly relieved that he is the last of the leadership team to give an update in our weekly meeting. I’m finding a rhythm here, which is good. In the last few minutes, he has reminded us of the charity endeavors the company is partaking in, and his relief at handing off the holiday gift baskets project to the HR department is obvious. He was quite grumbly, feeling that his department needed to remind HR that they don’t handle measly projects for staff children. I don’t know Easton too well, but well enough.
“I’m fearing your mood comes with the holiday season,” Julian deadpans.
Easton shrugs. “It’s a fair opinion. My tolerance for HR and recruitment sometimes wears thin. Yes, recruitment and marketing go hand in hand, as we want to appeal to candidates and lists in the media for being the best company to work for. I would say 99.9% of all our events involve marketing. But do you know what doesn’t?”
“Holiday baskets with candy for the little kids of thestaff,” I mundanely finish his sentence that we have heard him ranting about all meeting.
“Exactly.” He tosses his pen onto the table.
Olivia from HR rolls her eyes. “Way to be a team player. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a department meeting in five.” She stands, looking sharp in her dark pantsuit.
“Sure, run along, Olive.” He smirks cockily.
“If you call me that one more—” She stops herself and opts for a glare as she leaves.
Foster snorts a laugh. “Tradition. Easton pisses off HR.”
