Page 43 of One Midnight Kiss

“What can I do for you?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

“Just checking in,” he said, leaning against the doorframe. “You’re back. You were out for a couple days. I was beginning to worry.”

“I’m fine,” I said. “It was a rough flu, but I’m fine. I’m sorry I was out for so long.”

“No worries,” he said. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“Yes, I just let myself get rundown and I caught a bug.”

He nodded, still looking at me like he was trying to determine if I was really healthy. “There were some rumors,” he said. “Jokes, I suppose.”

“What jokes?” I interrupted, my smile slipping.

Penelope had mentioned the same thing, but I ignored it. Now my boss was coming to me with these jokes.

“Oh, you know how they are.”

“How who is?” I asked again. “How bad are these rumors that you’re here to ask me about them?”

“Someone mentioned maybe you were out because you’re, uh, pregnant.”

“Excuse me?” I snapped, straightening in my chair. “That’s wildly inappropriate, Dave. Who the hell is discussing my personal life here in the office? That’s nobody’s damn business. It isn’t true, but that’s not the point. Do I need to talk to HR?”

He had the decency to look sheepish but held up a hand. “If I had to guess, those rumors likely started in HR. Although I absolutely agree it’s inappropriate. I’ll get to the bottom of it for you.”

I clenched my jaw. “Right. I appreciate the support.”

He nodded. “Always. I won’t tolerate this middle school bullshit.” He cleared his throat and swiftly changed the topic. “Anyway, I just wanted to make sure you were back and healthy.”

The sheer audacity of my coworkers pissed me off.

“I’m fine,” I said. “Maybe I should send out a memo letting the HR department and others know I’m not pregnant. Maybe they would like to be privy to my cycle.”

“I’m not sure a memo is the best place for that discussion,” he said. “But I trust your judgment.”

I sighed and rubbed at my tired eyes. “I’m not sure I do. If people are talking about me behind my back, maybe I really am slipping.”

“Nonsense,” he said, shaking his head. “You’re doing great work, Natalia. At this rate, you’ll be running this place in a few years. They’re just jealous. Everyone knows you’re going places. Ignore the petty losers with nothing better to do.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that,” I said, not bothering to hide my irritation.

“If you need anything, tell me. You’re my superstar. Never forget that.” Dave gave me a thumbs-up and left.

He was about the best boss a person could ask for but I couldn’t relax. I looked back at my screen to see there was a new email from Fox. I wasn’t nearly as eager to check it this time. I was a little embarrassed by my last email. Did I ignore him? Did I tell him I was sorry, and it was inappropriate? First, I would see what he replied with.

I clicked on the email and read the one-line response.

I should’ve taken a picture like you told me to. Next time.

My face went up in flames. He was referring to that moment in the coffee shop when I’d jokingly told him to take a photo of my ass if he liked it so much. I didn’t think he would bring it up again.

My fingers hovered over the keyboard. Why did I want to respond with something even more provocative? Why was I considering saying he could do far more than take a picture? Far, far more?

I rubbed my hands over my face, groaning inwardly. I needed a break. I pushed away from my desk and walked over to Penelope.

“I’m going downstairs for a coffee,” I told her.

Penelope looked up from her monitor, concern flashing in her eyes. “Do you want me to go get it?”