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“If you're going to talk to me like that, maybe you should get it yourself.” I knew I was being a bit mouthy, but we’d just spent the night together — something I dared not repeat — and he was already thinking he could boss me around.
“Maybe you should start hitchhiking to Connecticut.”
I made him a cup of coffee quickly, as everything was handy in the kitchenette area. He was dressed, so I approached feeling a bit better. I didn't want to invite another round of pleasure, as much as my body was begging for it.
“Here you go, boss. I have to wonder what’s bothering you already when we just had a great night together, which won’t happen again, by the way.” I put space between us. “How can you be so rude and angry after that?”
“I just am. Did you forget what you said yesterday? Get used to it. It’s who I am. Just be thankful I woke up before you did yesterday.” He drank the coffee quickly and handed me the mug. “How much time do I have?”
“Twenty-five minutes and counting. You're meeting with Mr. Butler in the cafe.”
He nodded his head. “Let's go. I want you to print those spreadsheets today. I need to review them before the day’s end.”
“Absolutely.” I grabbed the laptop case, wishing they had chai tea or something hot and toasty for me as I followed along beside him, taking double steps to keep pace.
He threw me an irritated look. “You can’t tell me you wake up feeling like sunshine every day without something besides water to drink?”
“I love chai tea, but they don't seem to have any around here. I’ll have to ask at the front desk later. I didn't have a chance. Besides, it might not matter. We only have a few more days and I think I can manage.”
He shook his head as we stepped into the elevator. “You give me whiplash. One minute, you’re agreeable and professional, the next, catty and annoying, and finally, seductive, and playful. Make up your mind so my head can stop spinning. Women can be so crazy.”
“You're one to talk.” I smiled sweetly at him, hoping to add another element to his idea of who I was as a person.
“Oh yeah, and there's that, your sarcastic mouthiness. It makes me think of things I want to do to you and your mouth.”
The look he gave me sent a shiver up and down my spine. I leaned back to rest against the elevator wall, thankful it was there to support me. We rounded the corner to the lobby, and he stopped.
“Chai tea right there, I’ll wait.” He pointed.
Quickly as I could, I grabbed a cup and walked back to him. I didn't see the kink in the carpet as I got close and tripped. The chai tea went flying everywhere.
“Damn it! Now look at what you’ve done. I have to go back upstairs and change clothes. I don't have time for this. Pay attention to where you're walking next time.” He glared angrily at me before turning and walking back to the elevator.
I didn't know what to do, so I grabbed another cup of chai tea and sat in the lobby, avoiding looking at the front desk staff who appeared shocked and offended by his angry outburst. There was a snowstorm rolling in, and the first twinkling of tiny snowflakes were coming from the sky. I was thankful I’d brought my heavy winter coat, but wished I was working on my novel instead.
“Okay, let’s go.” He stood in front of me, wearing new clothes and a coat. “Looks like the snow is coming early. I hope that doesn't put a damper on our store opening. It’s supposed to be a bad storm, so I hope this holds out until after we open.”
We walked, the light dusting of tiny, white snowflakes coating our hair. “I hope so too. I want to get to Connecticut.”
“Well, I guess that all depends on how well you do here with me, doesn’t it?” He smiled, annoying me again with his rudeness.
If somebody is giving anybody whiplash with their moods, it's you.
“I beg your pardon?”
Frozen in place, I realized I spoke that aloud. “Did I just say that?”
He smiled then. “Yes, you did, and since I’m amused you were so deep in thought you didn't realize it, I’ll let it pass, this one time.”
“Oh wow, how generous you are. Are you always this kind and nice? It makes me wonder how anyone, including my cousin, Martie, works for you.”
He laughed, a brief respite from his usual rude and obnoxious attitude. “I pay very well, and they are willing to tolerate it, and me, for that reason alone.”
“Wow, so much for friendships and meaningful relationships.”
“Who needs those?”
We arrived at Chelsea Market and he opened the door for me. “Consider this my one kind gesture of the day. Now, we have work to do.”
