Tomato, basil, garlic, and onion hang in the air, and I gag. “Did someone order garlic and onion pizza?”
She grins. “Yeah, Clinton ordered pizza for the guards. There are two garlic, onion, and chicken pizzas.”
Clinton is head of building security.
“They smell awful.” I can feel the bile rise in my throat.
Her eyes widen. “I didn’t realize the scent was so strong.”
I rub at my brow. “Please order fried rice and four egg rolls from Yin & Yang’s up the street.”
I don’t want to sound greedy by ordering six egg rolls again.
“Ms. Cichello, I’ll get right on it.” She turns on her heel, closing the door behind her.
I waste no time running into my private bathroom and slam the door shut.
Dropping to my knees over the toilet bowl, I vomit all the contents in my stomach.
It’s time I make a doctor’s appointment.
After freshening up, I shut down my computer, pick up my purse, and vacate the office. “Marissa, I’m still under the weather. Call the restaurant and let them know I’ll pick up my order.”
“All right. And, boss, I hope you feel better.”
“Thank you,” I reply en route to the elevator.
I answer my buzzing phone. “Hello.”
“What’s going on, Serenity? We hadn’t talked in a while.”
“Nico, I’m sorry. I wanted you to come over, but I’ve been under the weather. Like I just can’t shake this stomach bug.”
“I can come over and take care of you.”
“Nico, I don’t want you to see me like this.”
My bodyguards emerge from the break room, pressing the elevator’s down button.Their suits reek of garlic and onion. The foul stench of that awful pizza is tormenting me.
“When will you be home?” he asks.
“In about an hour.”
“I’ll see you soon,” he says before disconnecting the call.
A little over an hour later, I climb into bed. Nico walks into my room. I had instructed my bodyguards to let him in when he arrived.
“I stopped by the juice bar.”
I take the drink from his hand and sip. The passion fruit dances on my tongue.
“Tastes so good. Thanks Nico. You didn’t have to come.”
He sits beside me and leans closer. “I wanted to be here for you.” He plants a kiss on my forehead. The butterflies soar in my belly.
“Nico, you shouldn’t kiss me. You can get sick.”
He chuckles as he stands. “I picked up homemade chicken noodle soup from Venchis. I’ll be back.”
