Page 32 of Kaine

Chapter Sixteen

HIM

I’ve gotten no workdone. None.

There are messages on my desk and emails dinging on my phone every few minutes.

But all I can do is watch the figure on the screen.

In my hoodie.

And no underwear.

Even now, sitting here with two of my department heads updating me on the week’s progress, I’m hearing none of the words that are coming out of their mouth. My eyes are fixed to the screen.

She’s talking on the phone right now, and it’s taking everything that I am to not kick them out of my office, so I can turn up the volume and listen to her voice.

“So, we’d love your input on that, Mr. Ashley.”

“Hmmm.”

“Mr. Ashley?”

“What?” I snap, looking up from the screen just in time to see them passing a look between them. Great. More people to add to the list of people I’ve yelled at for no reason today.

“Sorry. I was distracted, what did you say?”

“Er, just that, um, we really need to start hitting hard on the campaign for the launch of FireFree.”

“Yes, of course. I’m just waiting for the numbers back from the marketing department, hopefully get them this afternoon.”

“Okay, great. Anything else you need from us?”

Oh, they’re leaving. Good.

“No. Thanks. See you later.” I get up onto my feet, waiting for them to leave before pressing on the button to close my office door.

They’re barely on the elevator before I reach over and turn up the volume on my computer.

“Thank you, Xavier. I owe you.” I catch her saying.

Xavier? Maybe he’s convinced her to leave after all. The thought leaves me relieved and terrified both at once. She hangs up the phone and then dials another number. Who is she calling now?

There’s a small ring of the phone on Jemima’s desk. She answers it after the first ring as she knows I prefer.

Just then, Jade on screen starts to speak.

“Yes, this is Jade Sinclair, can you please put me through to Mr. Kaine Ashley. It’s urgent.”

Shit. How did she get my name? And my direct number?! Fucking Xavier. I look over and I see Jemima shake her head, but I can’t hear what she’s saying.

Then through my computer, I hear Jade again, “Well, please tell Mr. Ashley that I have every intention of doing the same thing over the phone as I am to his apartment.”

Push her back, Jemima, don’t let her through.

I watch my secretary from my desk through the clear glass and see her stand up, running her hands nervously over her dress. Damn.

She walks to the door and I let her in.