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That was the truth. If Niko lost customers, then he could end up terminating employees who weren't needed any longer. I couldn’t let that happen. None of them could afford to be unemployed.Not even me and I don’t even like this job.
“First of all, thank you for doing all of that. I appreciate it. But why the boots? They didn’t even fit you,” he asked.
“You’ve never had to wear high heels. If you had, you’d understand. They can be pure torture. My father’s boots were my only option at the time.” Even talking about it made my toes ache. “So, you know everything I do. And now, I’d like to go home, please.” He bent down and scooped me up into his arms. “Hey. What are you doing?”
“I’m bringing you to retrieve your purse and keys,” he stated.
“No. I mean, why are you carrying me?” I questioned. Although I enjoyed being in his strong muscular arms, this was totally inappropriate for the office.
“Didn’t you say your feet hurt?”
I rolled my eyes. “I did. But that doesn’t mean I can’t walk. Please put me down.” I didn’t want anyone to witness this. I was positive people were already talking about me. This would only fuel the gossip fire. There would be no coming back from it.
“You have nothing on your feet. I’m trying to help.”
I’d forgotten that my shoes and my father’s boots were still on the floor where I’d fallen. It wasn’t a good idea to walk around barefoot in a factory that deals with wood. But Niko insisted on the place being cleaned each night before people went home. Most likely I won’t step on anything.
“But you’re not,” I said firmly.
He looked down at me, and slowly let me slide out of his arms. Why did getting my way feel so...crappy? I missed his warmth and touch. That was not a good sign. He was my boss, and I was...attracted to him.
Maybe I hit my head harder than I thought.
“Did you change your mind? I’m still willing to carry you if you need me to.”
“No. Why?” I asked. Was he reading my thoughts? Could he tell how much I had been enjoying being in his arms? I thought I had hidden it well. Maybe not.
“You look uncomfortable,” he said.
Oh, I am. It’s not because of my feet though.
These feelings and thoughts that I was having were not something I was used to. If I wasn’t in the office, or with him, then maybe I could figure out what was going on with me. All I needed was a little time alone.“I’m...hungry and tired. That’s all,” I lied. At least part of it was true, the only part I was willing to share with him.
“Then let’s get you home. I’ll bring my laptop so I can get some work done as well.”
“Bring it where?” I asked.
“Home. With you.” He smiled and I knew I wasn’t going to like what he was about to say. “You presented a third option. Your house. So, I’ll be staying with you at your house.”
And it doesn’t sound like that time alone was happening anytime soon.I crossed my arms. “There isn’t anything I can say, is there?” He shook his head. “I hope you know I’m not happy about this.” I wouldn’t have minded spending time with Niko again, but on my terms, not his.
“It’s not about you being happy. It’s about you being okay,” he stated. “If there is even a sliver of a chance that you have a concussion, I would never forgive myself for leaving you alone. And with your father gone, you need someone. So let me be there. I mean, you’re only hurt because you were here when I wasn’t. I owe you.”
Owe me?
So, all of this wasn’t because he cared deeply about me. He just felt like he owed me. And this was his way of paying his debt. “It’s my job,” I said.
“No. It’s mine. Now, are you ready to go?” he asked.
I nodded and he walked me down to the factory floor. I gathered my things while he touched base with the employees. Just as we were about to leave, Almi came in. I overheard him giving Niko an update on Ibby. I felt horrible. Ibby had been in surgery and lost several of his fingers. I knew it had been bad, but never imagined it to be that bad.
I felt for him, for his family. How was he going to provide for them now? I wasn't going to be able to sleep until I knew they were all going to be okay.
Not that I liked the idea of Niko spending the night at my home, but maybe the universe was working its magic andmaking a way for the two of us to devise a plan to help Ibby and his family.
Since we’re stuck together for the next twenty-four hours, we might as well put it to good use.
“I’m ready,” I said to him.
