A Mutually Beneficial Secret: A Spicy Secret Office Relationship RomCom (The Unexpected Book 3), page 12
When I walk in, Steve is sitting behind a mahogany desk, focusing on his computer screen while he types, seemingly unaware of my presence until I clear my throat and knock on the open door.
“Oh, Colin. I’m glad to see you. How are those chapters going?” he asks, pushing glasses I don’t often see him wearing higher on his nose.
“Really good actually. Brian, Piper, and Shannon worked with me to get through all of the ones that you said were top priority. There are a few winners in there, but also some that aren’t very viable. Notes were left throughout, so you can review them and decide if you want to make any offers,” I say while setting my briefcase on his chair and pulling out the folder of already-worked chapters.
Steve holds his hand out and takes the paper from me, grinning so widely that deep wrinkles appear around his face. “Great job. I didn’t expect these until the end of the week. Your team must really respect you already to drop what they were doing to do this, and that tells me a lot about how you’re doing your job.”
I nod stiffly, unsure how to take his praise. “Do you need anything else? If not, we’ll have the rest of these worked through soon.”
He flips quickly through a few of them. “I see more notes than I was expecting. Will you be around all day if I have any questions?”
“I was going to go out for lunch, but I can stay just in case.” As nice as Brian is, it feels weird getting closer to the other employees when I’m intending to lie to them for as long as I can in order to keep Piper.
He waves a flippant hand in the air. “No, no. You go. I won’t be able to get to them for another hour or two anyway.”
Well, it looks like I’m out of excuses and off to lunch, then.
Within thirty minutes, I’m seated across from Brian at a sports bar about two blocks from Alliteration. I browse at the menu and decide on pulled pork sliders while Brian orders a bacon burger.
The waiter takes our menus, and I sip my water. The last time I hung out with Brian, we’d both been drinking, so I don’t really know what to say. Thankfully, he kicks off the conversation.
“So, how are you feeling about the team so far?” he asks casually.
Okay, maybe not the topic I’m hoping for.
“Everyone I’ve sat with has been great. I wasn’t sure how receptive they’d be to my monitoring them, but overall, I hope the team will all get something from this. If we’re all working a similar process and something happens to anyone, it will also make picking up where that person left off easier.” My answer is the truth, but the pinched expression on Brian’s face says he doesn’t understand or possibly believe me.
He takes a long drink from his soda, then asks, “But why change a process that has been working just fine for the ten years I’ve been here?”
Another question I really don’t want to answer, but I do. “Because there can’t be growth without change, something that is the only constant in life. Steve shared with me his plans for this part of Alliteration, and I’m just trying to make that happen as smoothly as possible.”
Now that gets Brian smiling. “Plans you can share?”
I chuckle and tap my hand on the metal tabletop. “Sure, given you already know that the company wants to continue to grow and increase the market share they hold in publication, they intend to lessen the amount of subsidiaries they own and bring them under the same company. Another big reason why I’m trying to streamline things here is so that when that happens, we have practices in place for the offices that will be going through a full overhaul.”
Brian lets out a low whistle but stays quiet as our food arrives.
“Does everything look as ordered?” the server asks, pulling at the collar of his green polo.
“Looks perfect,” I answer with a smile.
He quickly heads off to another table, and I return my gaze to Brian. “What do you think about what I shared?”
He picks up his burger with both hands and grins. “I think that I’m one lucky son of a bitch to have not gotten your job.”
We both laugh and begin eating in comfortable silence. Maybe this wasn’t the worst idea to say yes to lunch.
I finish before Brian and pay the bill for the both of us while he shoves the last two bites into his mouth. When I get my card back, we head out the door and onto the busy sidewalk.
“You know, you’re more fun when you’re drunk,” Brian says with a light tone while we walk.
Feigned hurt crosses my face and I wink. “That was a one-time thing that you can thank Steve for. It was his insistence that got me to that club.”
Brian nudges me with his shoulder. “Oh, you know you had fun, so why not do it again?”
“I’m nearing forty. I don’t think the club is really my scene anymore,” I say with a chuckle.
“But how are you going to meet any ladies when you don’t do anything other than work?” He waggles his brows at me before we’re forced to separate, thanks to someone on their phone not paying attention to where they’re walking.
I clasp his shoulder when we’re walking side-by-side again. “I think I can manage on my own. There are parks and coffee shops and plenty of places to meet women. You should remember that for yourself.”
He shrugs me off and scoffs. “You just have it easier with that damn accent. That shit is like kryptonite. I wonder if I went to London if my American accent would work the same…”
“Maybe. You’re certainly welcome to try,” I say with a chuckle while wishing what he’d said about my accent was true. There’s one woman who seems to be somewhat immune to it. Though, I respect her desire for taking things slow. Especially when I assume it means she’s taking her feelings for me just as seriously as I am for her.
Chapter Nineteen
BIG EGGPLANTS
Piper
When Shannon asked me to go to lunch with her, I knew there was no way I could say no with the way she’d walked into that meeting. The need to know what is going on is too strong.
I’ve asked a dozen times for her to just tell me, but she’s refused me every time, saying we had to wait until we were somewhere private.
Now that we’re in a booth at the back of a close-by sandwich shop, I plead with her one last time. “Okay, now can you tell me what the hell is going on?”
She grins, scans the tables around us, then nods. “I’m pregnant.”
My mouth pops open. “How in the world did you figure that out in the short time we were separated?”
I’m pretty sure women—especially first-time moms—don’t just know when there is a baby growing inside them.
She checks behind us again. “Well, you know how Matt works on the second floor in accounting, right? He’d known how sick I was this morning and told me to stay home. When I told him nothing else was wrong besides having to vomit, he started thinking. After we got to work, the sneaky and very sexy man left and went to the store. He freaking knew before me. Can you believe that?”
No, I actually couldn’t. He sounds ridiculously sweet and intuitive and a lot like someone else I’ve recently met.
“So, he went to the store. Bought crackers and a pregnancy test. Apparently, he told the lady the crackers were either going to help or they weren’t.” She laughs, and the glow around her has my cheeks aching from smiling so widely. “Anyway, I had texted him on the way to the meeting that if I didn’t feel better afterward that I was going home. After leaving you and heading to the bathroom, I found Matt waiting outside the elevator. There he was, holding a paper bag and grinning bigger than the ocean.”
My hand covers my chest, and I swoon right alongside her. “That is the sweetest story I think I’ve ever heard. It could have only been better if you didn’t have to find out you were pregnant while at work,” I joke.
Her smile fades away. “You can’t tell anyone else. I have a strong feeling that things are changing within Alliteration, and if they start canning people, I don’t want to be high up on that list.”
I lean closer, gripping the menu in front of me with both hands. “What do you mean? They just moved me all the way out here and hired a guy from London to run our department. I thought that meant things were going well.”
She shrugs and takes a drink of her water. “It could be a positive change. Either way, I don’t want a target on my back until there needs to be one, you know?”
I mean, I didn’t know from personal experience, but I can sympathize with where she’s coming from. Not all companies enjoyed hiring mothers when they knew their priorities would always be their children and not work.
I don’t think Alliteration is like that, but I could be wrong. For Shannon’s sake, it’s better not to find out the hard way.
We finally order our sandwiches, and while we’re waiting, Shannon props her elbows up on the table and rests her chin in her hands. “So, how has LA been treating you so far? I bet our winters are way better than the ones you were used to in North Carolina.”
A soft sigh leaves my lips. “I actually love the snow. Though I don’t miss it yet, I’m sure by next winter I’ll be traveling to go find some. Everything else has been great, though. My condo is perfect for just me. I love that I don’t have to commute on any of the highways to get to work and manage to avoid the heavier traffic so many people warned me about.”
“You have no idea how lucky you are. I lived in an apartment within walking distance from Alliteration before I met Matt, but it was too small for both of us, so I moved in with him. Biggest mistake ever. I should have just made the man get rid of all his shit. The sometimes-hour-long drive between home and work is asinine.” Shannon groans, then takes a drink of her water.
I grimace right alongside her. I couldn’t handle that. Maybe I would buy the condo when my rental period came up. Sure, a yard I didn’t have to share with someone else would be nice, but dealing with that as opposed to rush hour traffic? Yeah, it didn’t sound so bad.
“What about any guys? Have you met anyone worth dating yet? I know Matt has some friends who are single,” she says with a spark in her blue eyes.
Outright lying doesn’t sit right with me, and I don’t want her trying to set me up with people, so I am as vague as possible. “There’s been a few I’ve seen. One I even went out with, but I’m in no hurry to get into a relationship.”
She nods, then backs up as our sandwiches arrive. “You’re smart to take things slow. Men can be rather devious around here. Trust your gut if it ever tells you to run for the hills. Don’t let million-dollar smiles, dazzling eyes, or big eggplants convince you that your intuition could be wrong.”
The young woman who is placing our food on the table snorts, then covers her mouth until her laughter dies down. “Listen to your friend. I’ve been dating around here for two years. Supposedly there are diamonds in the rough, but I haven’t found them yet.”
I offer her a sympathetic smile. “Your odds should be going up with every dud, though. So, that’s something.”
She grins and brushes short ebony strands behind her ear. “That’s a good way to see things.”
Yeah, maybe. But after hearing what they both said, could I have been so lucky to find a diamond on my first night out in this big city? Seems so unlikely, yet my gut isn’t steering me in any other direction.
The rest of the week goes by quickly and before I know it, Friday has arrived. I haven’t seen Colin outside of work since the night at his house seven days ago. He hasn’t asked to hang out again, and I haven’t offered.
The more time that passes, the weirder I feel about things, but Colin continues to act normal with me. Never lingering longer than he should. Never standing closer to me than he does the other employees.
All that makes me happy, but I’m in foreign territory. I have no clue what I’m supposed to do or how to act with him now that we’ve had sex but can’t really date.
Kenzie and Ella have already told me several times to stop overthinking the situation. If he’s respecting my space, then that should tell me everything I need to know: he’s a keeper.
Except I’m still hung up on what “keeping” him means for my future.
As I sit at my desk, I press my face into my hands and groan. “I just need to go home, open a bottle of wine, and figure the rest out later.”
Colin’s chuckle echoes into my office. “Well, then. I guess that answers my question.”
I peek at him through my fingers, mostly trying to hide my reddening cheeks. “What question is that?”
He steps forward, and I watch how his gray slacks strain against his muscled thighs. His fingertips slide a piece of paper across my desk.
I finally uncover my face and unfold the ripped half-sheet that appears to have come from the notepad I always see him with.
Would you care to join me for game night and drinks? Circle yes or no.
Mother-freaking hell. This man is quickly tearing down the very thick walls I’ve spent years putting up around me.
Without allowing myself to overthink, I circle yes, then add “my place” to the note before handing it back to him.
He grins widely when he takes the piece of paper and puts it into his front pocket. “I’m leaving for the day. Remember not to work too late and have a good weekend, Piper,” he says with a wink before turning to leave my office.
Through my window, I watch him stop by a few other offices before he disappears from sight. I grab my phone and bring up the group chat with Kenzie and Ella.
Me: I’m having game night and drinks at my house with Colin. Do you want to know how he asked me?
Kenzie: Naked and on his knees?
I never thought I’d miss her crassness as much as I do now.
Me: No. With a handwritten note that asked me to circle yes or no.
Ella: That is literally the sweetest thing ever and you’re totally getting laid again tonight.
Kenzie: I recommend strip poker to get to that part faster.
Kenzie: Actually, you’ve now given me an idea. Don’t count on me responding for the rest of the night. Bye my favorite bitches. Love you both!
Ella: I sometimes worry Bentley is going to run away from her, but every time I see them together, he’s more in love with her than before. Not sure how she does it and probably don’t want to know.
Me: No, that information might scar you for life.
Kenzie: Rude. You’re just jealous. Now, stop texting and go give both of yourselves a reason not to be.
I actually agree with the crazy woman. Ella must as well, because I don’t hear from either of them again as I gather my things to head home.
Once I’m in my car, I realize I volunteered my place, but Colin is the one with a pet and he must have already bought games. It would probably be easier if I went to his house, so I text him as much.
Colin: I can bring the games and drinks to your place and I’ll feed Charlie before I go. He’ll be fine for the night.
Me: If you’re sure it’s not too much trouble…
Colin: I’m more than sure.
His reply comes quickly, and I’m near giddy as I start my car, then pull out of the parking garage.
This is going to be a great night. There will be no overthinking. Only laughter, good company, and even better sex.
Chapter Twenty
NEVER HAVE I EVER
Colin
I’ve changed my trousers twice, my shirt four times, and now I’m debating between my Converse or something nicer for shoes.
I shouldn’t be so nervous. Nothing has gone wrong this week. Well, except for Piper keeping her distance ever since we slept together. Maybe I shouldn’t have let things go so far, but it’s too late to dwell on that now.
She at least said yes to the date night. That’s what I need to focus on.
Wanting to be more comfortable than fashionable, I put on my black Converse and give Charlie a long scratch on the head. “I’ll be back later tonight. Well, maybe. If I’m not, I’ll be here first thing in the morning to feed you. If you scratch the sofa again while I’m gone, we’re going to have words.”
He meows and rubs his nose against my hand. Maybe the cat isn’t so terrible all the time.
I leave him on my bed and head toward the garage. The car is already loaded with games and drinks. I’m probably bringing too many options, but I don’t know what Piper likes—at least, not yet—and that will hopefully change after tonight.
The drive to her house is short, and I almost park in her driveway, but instead, I turn around and park on the corner to her street. She doesn’t have a two-car garage like I do, and I’m not asking her to move her vehicle out to hide mine.
I gather the games I think will be the biggest hits, like a couple of card games based on Never Have I Ever and Two Truths and a Lie, then the classic Sorry and Monopoly. I figure if she chooses one of the first two, then she’s just as intrigued about me as I am her. If she sticks with the latter, then I’ve still got a lot more work to do in winning her trust.
Once all of the games are stacked under one arm, I grab the bag of drinks and head for Piper’s house. It’s the second condo in the row of four with vibrant green yards and minimal flowers. The exterior is a sage green. When I get to the white front door, I glance behind me to make sure none of the neighbors are out. There’s no telling how many other employees live over here.
“Coming,” Piper’s faint voice sounds through the door after I knock.
A smirk grows on my face. I hope she will be later.
The deadbolt turns and I straighten my shoulders, eagerly waiting to see Piper’s sweet face on the other side.
She opens the door with a huff and gestures for me to step in. “Sorry. I was making brownies.”
The chocolatey scent wafts around her, and I take a deep inhale. “Smells delicious.”
A flush covers her cheeks. “I also grabbed chips and salsa, a veggie tray, and put crackers and cheese on a platter. I was nervous and needed to keep busy.”
