JAX
Copper is allI can taste as I chew on my cheek. I wish I had a pack of candy on me, something to help distract my brain and pull me away from my flesh, but I don’t have anything.
Why did he have to go and ruin the moment? We were in perfect bliss, and then he was going to just go and deny it all?
This is for the best, though, right? Don’t let it get all muddy and convoluted. I’m just an employee—one with a now very awkward situation on my hands.
How does one simply go about their day working for someone who was once balls deep inside them? It’s not like I can quit right now; there hasn’t been enough time spent in this position for me to put it on my resume and have it look like it’s worth something.
The best choice for me now is to keep my head down, get as much experience as I can, and then try to find somewhere else to work.
If shit gets really bad, I can always go back to being an engineer. Maybe even my old place of work will take me back? It’s really not what I want to do. Even before all of this, I was enjoying myself. I have a cool boss—who, unfortunately, has areally good dick—and it’s so different, a breath of fresh air. I can’t let one stupid moment ruin it all.
There’s still so much time left in the day, so I choose to make the most of it. The rest of the week is crazy busy, so there won’t be time for anything but late work days. Today might be the last day to explore.
I throw on a pair of shorts and a tee and head out the door, not bothering to tell Kai where I’m off to. I have my work phone on me, plus my personal phone, which he could contact me on if needed. It’s Sunday, my day off. I will enjoy it as much as possible.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
JAX
I’mglad I spent Sunday on my own, because now, I’m able to bring home half my weight in all kinds of sweets. There are different candies, cookies, treats, and more to fulfill my sweet-tooth needs, and I’m in hog heaven. Bringing home snacks from other countries to enjoy, when I get back, will have to be a new thing I do. We got back to Seattle today, and it’s awkward. I can tell there’s something he wants to say, but I’m afraid to hear it. I don’t want bullshit excuses. I don’t want to hear we were a mistake. I just—there are too many variables. So instead, I’m doing what any other scared person would do and that’s borderline hiding. It’s what I’ve done since our conversation, keeping interaction strictly professional and not allowing a moment for any other conversation.
Now, I’m just lying in my sad apartment, all too quiet, wishing I was back on a beach or drinking something fruity at some random bar.
Rio was absolutely amazing, and the only reason I was able to afford to go was thanks to Kai and this job. I just need to suck it up. Be civil, be the best damn personal assistant someone could be, and don’t fuck the boss.
The time change is just enough that, on this Monday morning, I’m fucking dragging more than normal. Even after bringing home coffee beans, I still couldn’t help stopping by my local spot for that fresh hit. The sweet ube flavor coats my tongue, but there’s definitely a different appreciation, since I’ve been drinking thereallygood stuff lately.
With my drink in hand and all the caffeine I can muster without giving myself heart palpations, I drive to work. I want to get there a little earlier than normal so I have plenty of time to prepare for the days’ worth of meetings and my lack of presence recently. We all know Kai likes the notes in-hand before he walks through the door, so that needs to be done. I refuse to give him any reason to fire me.
As I pull in, though, the first thing I see is his car. Not even running, no. Instead, it’s parked and abandoned, which can only mean one thing: he’s already inside.
My head whips back and forth between my watch and the time being displayed on the dash. Why ishehere so early?
There are no other cars; we’re the only ones here right now.
I park my car and take a few deep breaths, swapping between chewing my lip and sipping my coffee before I finally get out of the car and make my way upstairs.
It’s eerily quiet; it feels as if I have to tiptoe around to not break the peace. There’s not even any overhead lights on as I walk past desks and around the corner.
Of course, the only place with fluorescent light is his office, only partially visible through the clouded glass.
I stand there, trying to somehow see inside and gauge what it’s going to be like when I enter the room, when his deep voice booms out.
“I can see your shadow out there. It’s your office too. Come in.”
I take a deep breath and open the door, pausing to take him in. His back is to me, just like he was that first day, the sunrise stretching painting the sky a pretty orange. It basks him in a glow I wish I could take a picture of—he’s that fucking gorgeous. It makes my mouth water.
“I’m glad you’re here early. We can chat.”
He turns to face me now, his brown eyes boring into me. He looks angelic with the sun now behind him. A perfect glow.
“Listen, Kai?—”
“No, you listen.” His hands land loudly on his desk, really drawing his point. “I’m tired of this miscommunication shit, Jax. Sit down and shut up. Please. Respectfully.”
I sit down, too stunned to speak.
