A Mutually Beneficial Secret: A Spicy Secret Office Relationship RomCom (The Unexpected Book 3), page 11
Fucking cat.
As Piper pets Charlie, she looks up at me and she’s biting her cheek. “I know it’s late, and after what we just did…this probably isn’t the best time, but I don’t want to stew on this for long.”
My hand reaches for her arm, and I gently squeeze. “Having sex doesn’t mean we have to pretend everything is going to be sunshine and roses, Piper. Please, don’t be afraid to speak your piece with me.”
She grins and shakes her head. “I don’t understand how you’re so patient and kind about all of my hesitancy. I feel like all this…well, mostly me, is going to be too much for you.”
I turn until I’m facing her and grasp both of her shoulders. “Not to ruin the moment, but I feel like you need to understand where I’m at with this a little better. I’ve had long relationships and I’ve had short ones. I’m thirty-seven years old. After everything I’ve been through, I’ve learned to listen to my gut and my heart. They’re both demanding me to do whatever it takes to find a way for this to work.”
She blinks a few times but stays quiet, so I continue, “There is nothing about you that could be ‘too much’ for me. Not now and not later, should things progress. I won’t hurt you, and I already care a lot about you after getting to know you over the last several weeks.” I chuckle, hoping to ease the seriousness I’ve brought out, then add, “Clearly, I have no problem expressing my feelings, but I’m still okay with giving you all the time you need to feel the same way I do. Tonight doesn’t have to change anything, but I’d be more than okay if it does.”
Piper takes a few breaths and looks down at the already sleeping cat before meeting my gaze again. “My nervousness doesn’t mean I don’t feel the same way. It’s just harder for me, but I’m ready for things to change. With us. Well, not at work obviously, but otherwise, yes. If you’re okay with keeping things quiet between us, then I don’t need any more time to think.”
I lean forward and press my lips to her forehead. “As long as our secret dating includes exclusivity, nothing would make me happier.”
“Of course, there would be exclusivity.” Her voice is filled with shock and possibly a little disgust, but I don’t apologize for being clear about the ground rules for this “secret dating.” Sharing my woman isn’t something I could ever handle.
I kiss her again before settling back into the couch cushions. “Good. So, we’re under agreement that nothing changes at work. We tell none of our coworkers about each other, and we won’t see other people.”
I want to add “ever again” at the end of that sentence, but it might be a bit too much for her.
“And no dates outside of the house. We can’t go to the local theater or restaurants and risk being seen by anyone who knows us,” she says, which is something I hadn’t thought about.
While inconvenient and a bit of a disappointment, it’s not even close to being a dealbreaker for me. “Why, Ms. Fitz, I think we have a deal.”
Her cheeks turn a sexy shade of red, and she nods. “I believe we do as well, Mr. Adamson. Now, how about that movie before I get too sleepy to drive the incredibly long three blocks back to my condo.”
My chest tightens. I’d rather have her sleep in my bed tonight, but again, I don’t want to push her for too much too fast, so I smile instead and press play on the remote.
Her head leans against my side, and I wrap an arm behind her shoulders before kicking my feet up onto the coffee table.
Damn. It’s scary how much I already wish this was all officially mine to have every night and every day for…well, ever.
Chapter Seventeen
EXTRA RUBBER
Piper
Colin had been right. By the time I’d headed home that night, I was walking bow-legged. It even hurt to pee before I’d gone to bed, but every ache had been more than worth it.
I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed having sex until now. At some point, I’d thought Kenzie and Piper were merely exaggerating on the pleasure they got from the action, but nope. It was me who had been missing out. Me who had been failing to live life to the fullest until now.
The rest of the weekend I spent holed up at my house by myself since it was raining. Plus, I wasn’t really capable of walking like a normal person until mid-Sunday. Colin had offered to come by, but I’d said no.
Not because I didn’t want to see him, but because I really did. Maybe that’s weird, but the last thing I need to do is fall hard and fast for this guy, and then what? Quit my job? Have him quit his? Someone gets transferred? Even though I know those are only options at this point, I’m not ready to fully accept them. One of us will end up resenting the other, and that isn’t okay with me.
With that realization, it would seem there is no point in trying to continue things, but even my overanalyzing brain can’t convince me that is the right solution. I just need things to stay slow for a bit.
I did, at least, work on my book. It’s a secret project I’ve never told anyone about, including my two best friends. I thought I would keep it secret until my dying breath, but since it’s now on my list of resolutions, I’ve been thinking more about what it would feel like to finally finish a first draft and celebrate the massive accomplishment.
For so long, writing has been a passion of mine that helps pass the time when I have nothing else to do. There’s something different about this recent book, though, that has me craving to see what transpires on the page next.
I’ve been trying to contribute the new urges to the craziness that’s been happening since the move, but the longer this new drive to finish the book lasts, the more I wonder if it’s not time I finally get a little more serious about my passion project.
Except, when I think about anyone else reading the words I let flow from my fingertips—words that are sometimes more of an expression of my inner self—the panic returns.
Writing has been my safe place for so long and where I can lose myself in the most magical way. Anything is possible when writing, and I can let go of my everyday stresses in life. What if I finally share it with someone and lose that? I shudder even thinking about that chance.
Though, it’s time to put my fictional worries behind me and focus on the real world. It’s Monday and time to get back to editing, the job that I really do enjoy and also pays my bills.
As I walk into work, I wave at Shannon when I pass her desk and she’s glowering at her desk while on the phone. I’ll have to catch up with her later and see if something happened or if that was just an off moment.
When I get to my office and load my email, I see the most recent one is from Colin. He wants to have a meeting in fifteen minutes.
Shit, I’m supposed to call Gina for a follow up about her edits. I move the mouse to click reply to Colin’s message and let him know I’ll be late, but then I see something further down from Gina titled “Sick”.
Piper,
I know we’re supposed to chat today, but I feel like death and you’d probably catch whatever crap this is even through the phone. Seriously, these germs are potent unlike anything I’ve ever seen.
Reschedule for next week?
Thanks,
G
Well, I guess that solves my problems. Though, I was excited to talk with her. I still think about her story and I’m hoping she’s already working on the next book, because I need it almost as badly as I need to have Colin again.
My brows raise at my own thought. Huh. I didn’t expect that, but then again, he’s charming and handsome and ridiculously sweet. Why wouldn’t I want him?
Maybe because he’s my boss, I counter inside my mind, then smack my forehead. I am not going to argue with myself right now. That’s insane. Right?
With a heavy sigh, I scan through the rest of my email, make my to-do list for the day, then double-check my calendar for the remainder of the week. My biggest thing will be starting the next book from an author I haven’t worked with before, but I did enjoy the first read through, so I have high hopes.
Shannon drudges past my office door without looking in. I call her name and she pauses but still isn’t smiling.
Quickly, I grab paper and a pen for the meeting, then rush to catch up with her. When I’m at her side, I ask, “Are you okay?”
She holds her stomach and groans. “I think I ate something bad yesterday. Woke up nauseous.”
I cringe and take a step back. “Why didn’t you stay home?”
“No fever or other symptoms. Pretty sure it was the chicken Matt’s mom cooked. I really should stop eating her food. She means well, but man, the kitchen is not the place for her.” Shannon’s eyes pinch closed, and she sways. “I’ll meet you in there.”
I watch helplessly as she races back toward the bathroom before I continue on. Poor girl. Maybe I can pop over to the store and get her some crackers or something when the meeting is done.
As my feet carry me closer to the conference room, a tightness forms in my shoulders. Seeing Colin for the first time since we had sex feels awkward. I should have let him stop by yesterday to make today easier, but I hadn’t been thinking about today when I’d said I was busy.
Sigh. That’s what I get for trying to avoid feelings.
Colin is talking to Brian when I walk in. They’re laughing and chatting about some sports game I’m not familiar with, so I take my seat furthest from Colin and get comfortable. Several more minutes tick by while a few others join us, and I listen in on their conversations. I feel a bit like an outsider, since most of them have worked together in other departments for years and Shannon’s really the only one who has taken the time to get to know me. Then again, I haven’t made an effort with the others.
Even though I’ve worked for the umbrella company for three years, my company before was completely separate. We only worked on Young Adult books and didn’t interact with the other subsidiaries. Now, I wish we had, but I’ll find my way here eventually. It’s only been a few weeks.
“Is everyone ready to get started?” Colin asks and stands from his spot.
Heads nod throughout the room, and I frown when Shannon still isn’t here. “Shannon might be a little longer. She had something to take care of,” I say to Colin.
He grins. “Not a problem. I figured at least one person would have issues with a last-minute meeting.”
Colin leaves his seat and heads right toward the one next to me at the head of the table. I swallow hard and try not to overreact about his actions. Except, I can’t help from wondering why he would do that. Why would he purposely move closer to me? Is he trying to make people think there’s something between us?
Then, I see him move his briefcase from the seat. He’d been sitting there before. Holy hell, I’m going to lose my mind keeping our relationship—or whatever this is—a secret.
“So, I know my email was brief, but I met with Steve earlier this morning and we caught up from his business trip out of town. He met with lots of agents and received more queries than the readers can handle right now. There are some that can’t wait to be read and responded to, so he’s asked me to work with a few of you on getting through the chapters. How is everyone’s schedule looking for this week?”
Several frowns appear on faces around the table, but Brian is the first to raise his hand. “I just finished St. Clair’s book. I can break for a few days if needed.”
I didn’t want to be the first to volunteer, but I know I’ll have some time this week as well, so I raise my hand next. “I’ll help, too.”
Shannon walks in with a bright smile on her face and a glimmer in her eyes. The total opposite of how I’d seen her barely five minutes ago.
“What are we volunteering for? Oh, who cares. Count me in,” she says chipperly, then squeezes my shoulder as she passes and heads to the empty seat next to Brian.
Interesting.
Colin smiles at all three of us. “Perfect. If you’re able to, let’s stay after the meeting and get started with a few read-throughs this morning.”
Nobody objects, so he continues. “I know we’re supposed to have a meeting tomorrow about my observations that have been completed so far, but I figured I’d just fill you all in now while I have you since it won’t take long.”
Colin opens his briefcase and pulls out a small stack of papers, then starts passing them down. “This is a list of things I noticed that I felt everyone could benefit from and things that more than a few of you were doing that actually costs more of your time. I know I’m not done yet, but the sooner we start to transition, the sooner Steve will be happy with quicker turn-outs on these books.”
A few laughs echo around the room. “That man will always want faster returns. He means well, but it’s been too many decades since that man has done our job. He forgets what we do,” Kasey, the blonde who works on the other side of the office says.
Agreements ring through the room from everyone except me. I haven’t seen that side of Steve, so I keep my opinions to myself.
Colin smiles but doesn’t outright agree with them. “Review this sheet along with the supporting attachments I’ll be sending to your email later this morning. There are trackers and templates that should help all of you. Give them a chance starting today. You won’t know how great they can be until you’ve given them a real try. Though, if there are any tweaks you see that could further add efficiency, don’t hesitate to let me know. Any questions?”
Nobody speaks up, but I’m intrigued about the templates and kind of wish I could go back and look at them instead of reading chapters. Oh, well. There will be time later.
Colin dismisses the others and asks Brian and Shannon to move closer to our side of the table. Shannon sits next to me while Brian spreads out next to Colin.
“Alright, so for today, we have six queries that Steve wants back. The rest we’ll divide up amongst ourselves and hope that by working on them only a few hours a morning, that we can finish swiftly. They’re varying genres, so you might get something you’re not used to editing, but try to keep your mind open. If you’re unsure about something, let me know and I’ll review myself.”
Shannon leans forward to grab the packet Colin slides her way. “So, agents were just handing out chapters like candy at the convention he went to?”
Colin shrugs. “I’m not sure where he got all of these, but I do know that a few of the agents they came from, likely the ones we’re about to read, represent other authors that could be game-changers for Alliteration. So, we need to be thorough in our reviews. Obviously, we’re not going to offer a deal on a book that doesn’t deserve one just because we want to get the agent’s other clients, but if we can make this a win-win, Steve wants that to happen as soon as possible.”
I reach for my papers and frown at my pen. I don’t like making edits or notes with ink I can’t erase.
“And here are pencils for everyone,” Collins says as if he is reading my mind, then puts a handful in between all of us.
As soon as I have one in hand, I immediately dive into the words. The room is quiet while everyone reads, the only noise being the scribble of lead on paper every so often.
That is, until Colin mutters something under his breath, then turns to me. “Can I have your extra rubber?”
I choke on my own spit, and I feel the blood rush straight to my cheeks. “Excuse me?”
Colin’s eyes pinch at the sides. “I need a rubber and mine broke.”
Between my lack of understanding in what he’s trying to say and the sheer embarrassment I suddenly feel from my reaction, I can’t form any words in response to his, uh, request.
Finally, he points in front of me. “Your extra pencil, Piper. Can I use the rubber on it?”
Oh, dear lord. The freaking Brit means eraser, and I’ve just made a fool of myself in front of Brian and Shannon.
“Dude. Rubbers are condoms here. Don’t ask women for that. You’re lucky she didn’t slap you,” Brian says with a chuckle.
Oh, thank God. They took my nonsense as being offended.
When I hand Colin the extra pencil I took, he mouths an apology, but I wave him off and gladly go back to my chapter.
Yep. Everything is normal at work now that I’ve screwed my boss. Totally freaking normal.
Chapter Eighteen
OUT OF EXCUSES
Colin
After the awkwardness of me asking Piper for an eraser—not a condom—ended, the rest of the time spent reading chapters went better than I expected. From what I had been told, there weren’t any group projects before I arrived. That was one of the things I wanted to change.
Yes, the editors needed to work on their own projects, but none of them knew everything. By working together and asking questions like Brian, Shannon, and Piper had been today, they are going to become even better than they are now.
Piper and Shannon just left to get lunch together, a fact that I’m immensely jealous about. As I’m gathering all the papers that were reviewed, Brian stops next to me. “Hey, man. The women can’t be the only ones who get to have fun. Want to go grab some food with me?”
I glance at the papers and shake my head. “I need to run these over to Steve, and I don’t know how long I’ll be.”
Brian waves a hand. “No worries. I’ll wait.”
Well, I can’t really say no to that.
“Alright. I’ll come to your office when I’m done,” I say, then close my briefcase with all the papers I need tucked into a folder.
Brian walks out of the room, and I head in the opposite direction toward Steve’s office. It’s a corner one with windows on all sides and a view of the city that should be on a postcard especially when the sun is shining like today.
He’d offered me a smaller, similar office across the way, but I’d turn him down, deciding it was better for me to be closer to the other editors.
