13
Around three o’clock, our quiet space suddenly gets very loud. I peel myself from my office chair to go check out what the commotion is all about. When I get to the kitchen, I see them, heads buried in cupboards and the refrigerator. They both eye me curiously.
“Hi,” I say, ill-at-ease. “I’m Gretchen.”
The pretty girl closes the distance between us, and offers me her hand. “Hi. I’m Elizabeth.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you,” I tell her.
“I’ve seen you around,” she says. “I like your hair. I wanted to get my hair dyed too… blue, or maybe pink. Anyway, my dad won’t let me. My mom’s cool with it, but my dad is such a…” Her words trail off, and I smile.
“I work for your dad,” I volunteer. “I’m the Graphic Designer working on branding for his new charity.” A sudden vision blurs my mind, Weston’s mouth on my ass. I blush crimson and turn my head, hoping she doesn’t notice.
She downs a sip of her chocolate milk. “Cool.”
The boy extends his arm, and I’m struck by the resemblance as we shake hands. I’m sure he’s going to be a heartbreaker like his father when he grows up.
I don’t know Weston very much, but I already know this: the man has heartbreaker written all over him. I’m already guarded. There’s no way I’m letting myself fall for him. This is just sex.
“I’m Ashton,” the boys says.
“Nice to meet you.”
“Great, I see you’ve met my kids,” Weston cheers and drops a quick peck on Elizabeth’s forehead. “How was your day, kids?”
Elizabeth pouts. “The usual.”
“I aced my test,” Ashton tells him.
Weston opens the refrigerator, and helps himself to a frozen coffee drink. “I knew you would.”
I don’t want to overstay my welcome, so I turn on my heel. “Well, it was nice to meet you,” I say. “I should get back to work.”
They both quickly wave goodbye, a barely-there gesture.
I’m surprised when Weston runs after me.
“Sweet kids,” I tell him.
He smiles. “Yeah, I have them this week. They usually get home around three if they don’t have after-school activities,” he tells me. “So no playtime after three,” he whispers.
I laugh. “Is that what we’re calling it… playtime?” I ask quietly.
He grins playfully. “Yes… Boss Man loves his playtime with his little grasshopper.”
Damn.
I’m instantly brought back to this morning, and the feel of his mouth on my ass. I’m turned on again. I shake my head, wondering what kind of weirdo I’ve gotten myself involved with. I don’t really care as long as he keeps making me feel this way.
“Grasshopper loves our playtime too,” I whisper just before returning to my desk.
He shoots me a wink and disappears, leaving me wanting more.
Yet again.
* * *
On Wednesday morning,I find a colorful lollipop bouquet on my desk, and I smile. I study it more closely; strawberry-banana, cotton candy, caramel apple, watermelon, fruit punch, and other yummy flavors.
