I take a peek at Mr. Graves’s door, but it’s closed, and his blinds are drawn. He’s not in, which is strange, because he’s normally here before me.
Shrugging, I open my computer and get to work. Unlike yesterday, I’m able to focus until lunch rolls around—possibly because Mr. Graves still isn’t here to distract me.
I sit and eat my sad sandwich in silence, kind of disappointed that I’m not eating lunch with my boss. He’s great company, and I feel bad about how cold I was to him yesterday. I wish I didn’t have to hold him at a distance—but it’s for the best.
After lunch, I get back to work, going as quickly as I can so I’ll have time to get a head start on the project I’m working on for Mr. Graves tonight. I get lost in my work, tuning out everything else except the numbers on the screen.
I don't realize it’s five until Corey’s voice rings out over my shoulder, startling me so much I nearly fall out of my chair.
“So intense. You know, your face can totally get stuck like that if you’re not careful.”
Stifling my sigh, I swivel my chair to face him. “Thanks for the warning, but I’m kind of busy right now.” I gesture to the half-finished spreadsheet over my shoulder. “Sorry.”
I try to turn back to my computer, but Corey’s hand on my shoulder stops me. “Don’t be like that, Grace. You know what they say about people who are all work and no play.”
I quirk a brow. “They get a regular paycheck?”
He scoffs. “No.They’reboring,silly.”
“Oh. My mistake.” Again, I try to turn away, but Corey’s not having it.
“You know, you really missed out last night. Abyss was lit.” He shoots me a wink. “It would have been better if you were there, though.”
I pry his hand off my arm, letting it fall to his side. “I’m glad you and Tricia had a nice time. I really need to get back to work now?—”
“Is someonejealous?” His grin widens. “You know, all you have to do is say the word, and I’m yours, Grace.”
My face twists, muscles pinching in shock and disgust. Unfortunately, Corey doesn’t seem to notice. “I’m not jealous. I’mbusy.And I don’t have time to talk about this anymore.”
“But, Grace?—”
“I believe Miss Kent expressed a desire to be left alone, Mr. Pembrook.” Mr. Graves’s voice flows through the air, brimming with lethal authority. It flows over my skin, sending a shiver down my spine as I helplessly stare up into his dark red eyes.
He’s not looking at me, though. For the first time, his attention is focused on someone other than me—and he lookspissed.Jaw twitching, Mr. Graves storms up to Corey’s side, gripping his shoulder in a similar way Corey had held mine. Although from the pinch of Corey’s mouth, I’m assuming Mr. Grave’s death grip is much more painful.
“I think it would be best to follow her wishes,” he says, the words eerily controlled when compared to the rage simmering in his gaze. “Don’t you?”
Corey’s throat bobs as he takes a step back, putting some much-needed space between us. “Yes, of course.” He cuts me a worried glance. “I-I didn’t mean to bother you, Grace. I’m sorry.”
Before I have a chance to respond, Corey scurries away, leaving me alone with a very pissed-off-looking Mr. Graves.
“Everything okay?” I ask, my voice soft.
He nods, yet I can’t help but notice the muscle in his jaw ticking.
“Of course. Everything is justfine.” His expression changes then, the storm clouds parting to reveal an easy grin and bright eyes. “Well, I should let you get back to work. I’ll be around for a couple of hours in my office, if you need anything.”
He reaches out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear, and my breath freezes in my lungs. My skin prickles with awareness, and I’m not sure if it’s because of my desire or the way Mr. Graves is looking at me—like a hungry wolf watching a helpless little bunny rabbit.
In the next heartbeat, Mr. Graves pulls away, his lips tipping into a sinful smirk. “Keep up the hard work, Grace.”
He turns on his heel, and then he’s gone, leaving me hot, bothered, and all kinds of messed up. I watch his back all the way to his office door, unable to take my gaze off him until he disappears through the doorway—and even then, I stare at the spot he was for some minutes after he’s gone.
Shaking my head, I turn my attention to my computer, determined to focus on my work and keep my mind off how much I want to fuck my boss.
I finish up around 2 a.m. My eyes are burning, my fingertips are sore, and the only thing I want to do is crawl into bed and sleep for fourteen hours. Surprisingly, Mr. Graves isstillhere, though he hasn’t come out of his office for several hours.
Since he’s here, I should probably let him know I’ve finished with the data he needed. Also, it would be rude to leave without saying goodbye.
