A Mutually Beneficial Secret: A Spicy Secret Office Relationship RomCom (The Unexpected Book 3), page 17
I’m sorry about last night. To show my appreciation of you not kicking us out, here are the first three chapters. No promises when you’ll get more.
Piper
Without waiting a second longer, I download the Word file and open it to see twenty-one pages included. I have so many other things I’m supposed to be doing right now, but instead of worrying about that, I devour every sentence Piper has sent me.
Before I know it, the mouse won’t scroll down any further and I’ve reached the end. The grin on my face is beginning to ache and I’m tempted to start reading everything all over again, but before I can, a shadow casts over my desk.
I look up to find Steve staring down at me. “Good morning, Colin.”
His voice is missing the normally jovial tone I’m used to hearing from him, but I try to keep the worry out of my own.
“Good morning indeed,” I reply. “How was your holiday?”
He glances at my screen then back at my face. “Fine. Do you have time to meet this morning?”
I don’t really, but considering the way he’s acting, and knowing Piper saw him at the movies, I know I have no other choice but to say yes.
“Sure, I can be there within a half hour if that works for you,” I say, forcing a smile to my face.
His lips thin. “Now would be better.”
Shit. I’m not ready to talk with him if he’s going to bring up Piper.
I had a plan, and it isn’t ready yet because I haven’t gotten her permission, and that thirty minutes I asked for really could have helped me improvise. With the way Steve is still staring down on me, though, I don’t bother further pissing him off.
“Sure.” I lock my computer screen and push away from my desk before following him to his office.
I had hoped since Steve didn’t say anything before now about seeing me with Piper that he was maybe going to pretend he didn’t. If that had been the case, my plan was to convince Piper to give me her chapters, tell her how much I loved them, and convince her to let me show Steve.
I knew that would take time, so it was a gamble to begin with, but if we’d been careful moving forward, I thought it might work.
As I walk silently behind Steve, I’m scrambling to find the words I can use to keep from getting myself and Piper fired right now, but nothing is coming to me.
When I take a seat in the office, my heart is beating wildly, and my palms are damp. Damn it. Why couldn’t he have waited a little longer to bring this up? I had the chapters now. I was getting so close to having everything come together.
Steve is staring at me with a raised brow. “Is everything okay, Colin?”
I nod and pull at the collar of my shirt that suddenly feels too tight. “Yep. What did you want to talk about?”
“Several things, actually.” He leans back in his chair and steeples his fingers. “I don’t know if you heard or not, but we were able to make a couple deals from those chapters your team read. The Benton one might even already have screenwriters looking at it.”
“That’s great. I’m glad we were able to help,” I say while my chest loosens a bit. Maybe he isn’t going to bring up Piper…
He nods. “Me, too. I also heard there was an issue with the Pearson file while I was gone, but you stepped in and found a solution that worked for the author and Alliteration. Well done, again.”
“I’m just happy we didn’t have to bother you while you were away.” I swallow hard and press my palms over my thighs.
Steve lets out a slow and heavy sigh before leaning forward to rest his forearms against his desk. “Listen, I hate to be having this conversation, but I can’t avoid what needs to be said, no matter how much I wish I could.”
Bloody hell. I’m fucked.
“I saw something I can’t unsee, Colin, something that could cost me my job if I don’t say anything but could also cost me one of the best editor-in-chiefs this company has ever had.”
Any hope I’d had that Steve might not say anything is quickly dashed away. Even worse, he’s had time to think about what he’s going to do about it.
I sit up straighter and try to remain sure of my words. “Listen, I can explain.”
He waves a hand, cutting me off. “No need. I know what I saw, Colin. You’re dating Piper. Something both of you know goes against the contracts you signed.”
“I know, but—”
“I’m not done. We have solutions, and I’ve spent some time listening to the advice of my wiser half. Did you know my Sarah used to work here? That she was my boss when I first started with Alliteration?”
I give my head a slight shake. “I didn’t.”
His eyes shine under the fluorescent lights. “She stole my breath the first time I saw her. Back then, the no dating clause wasn’t a thing, but still, Sarah had worked hard to get where she was and wanted things to be kept quiet. That choice nearly ruined us, but we persevered, and twenty-two years later, we’re still going strong.”
“That’s great to hear. I’m happy for the two of you.” My words feel forced, and I have no clue where Steve is going with all this, but it would be great if he’d get to the point.
“She’s still my sounding board.” He clasps his hands together. “She even talked me out of firing both you and Piper.”
The gulp that travels down my throat burns with severity. “Please pass along my thanks.”
Steve chuckles. “I can do that, and I can also pretend I didn’t see what I saw if you can promise me that it was a one-time thing.”
I’m tempted to lie to him and say that’s the case, but I can’t. It’s not the right way for Piper and me to find a solution to our problem. Neither is what I’m about to do, but I hope she’ll forgive me for deviating from my plans and understand I had no other choice.
“My date with Piper wasn’t a one-time thing, nor do I intend to stop seeing her.” Damn, it feels good to say that out loud.
Steve raises a brow. “So, then one of you is transferring departments or quitting? That’s the only choice left unless you’re going to force me to fire you both.”
That’s the last thing I want, and I say as much. “But I do have another option. One I’m not quite prepared to present. If you could give me some more time, I think you’ll be pleased with my proposal.”
I’d yet to see anything make Steve happier than landing a new book deal. Hopefully, he’s feeling patient today.
“You’re a good employee, Colin. I wish I hadn’t seen what I did, but I did. I can’t give you any more time. You can either tell me what this ‘proposal’ of yours is or I’ll do what needs to be done. I know that’s harsh, but I can’t bend the rules for one set of employees without having a lawsuit from others on my hands. I have to put Alliteration first here.”
Shit. I know what he’s saying makes sense. I understand his position, but…fuck. Piper better forgive me for this.
“Piper is writing a story, one that I strongly believe will interest you. She’s not quite ready to share it, which is why I was hoping for more time, but I do have the first three chapters and they’re solid. If you could reconsider, I promise that nobody will see us together again until Alliteration is no longer an issue for us.” As I say the words out loud, my stomach churns.
This is a terrible idea, but I don’t know what else to do.
“Are you saying you believe I’ll want to make Piper a publishing deal, and then your problems will be solved because she’ll no longer work here?” Steve asks, a little less pissed than he was moments ago.
I nod. “That’s my hope, but I need more time to pull everything together.”
He drums his fingers over the desk. “And what if she doesn’t want what I have to offer?”
“Then, I guess I’ll be able to tell you that I’m no longer dating my employee, but it’s a risk I believe worth taking.”
Steve leans back in his chair and shakes his head, but there’s a smile playing on his lips. “I’m not going to make you promises, but you can have a little more time, only if you give me those chapters. I need proof that the risk I’m taking is worth the potential reward.”
It’s one thing to tell Steve about Piper’s writing, but to share the chapters she’s only just given me? I don’t know that I can do that, but I attempt to procrastinate a little more.
“Sure. I can send those over as soon as she’s back at work. Her friends are in town and she’s taking some time off.”
He shakes his head. “Today, Colin. No later or I’ll know what I need to do.”
“Okay. Today. Got it.”
Fuck. I don’t know if I just saved everything from falling apart or ruined everything.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
BRITISH DICK
Piper
Having Ella and Kenzie at my house is the best feeling ever. I only have them for five days, but I plan to cherish each minute I get to spend with them.
Colin said I could work from home while they’re here and even take some half days, so I’m taking advantage of that today.
The first thing I’d done when I logged on this morning was send him a thank-you in the form of my first three chapters. I nearly vomited as I hit send, but the more people that know about my writing, the more excited I get about it.
I’d thought it would take me months to move past the fear of letting others see and judge my words, but it’s only been weeks now and I can’t wait to hear what Colin thinks. Sure, he could lie to me, but I don’t think he will. At least, I hope not.
Even more, I hope I’ll be the kind of author who can take constructive criticism without losing her cool.
Oh, God. I just called myself an author. Nope. Too much, too soon. I’m still just a writer.
I’m going to blame that errant thought on the fact that I didn’t get much sleep last night. We were up late after getting back to my place once they were done interrogating Colin. Ella and Kenzie are still sleeping while I work in my bed from my laptop.
Just as I’m finishing up a chapter, Ella shuffles past my bedroom door. “I somehow forgot what overdrinking is like when it’s the three of us together. I’m getting too old for this shit.”
I laugh and close my laptop before sliding off the mattress. “Go take a hot shower and I’ll get coffee ready.”
She nods and continues stumbling toward the bathroom. I make my way downstairs, smiling as I skip down the steps. I have missed them so damn much that I’m pretty sure my heart might explode at some point while they’re here.
I get the coffee going and start digging through the cabinets for the breakfast goodies I bought yesterday. When I turn around with my arms full of donuts, pastries, and fruit to cut, Kenzie nearly gives me a heart attack.
She’s standing next to the counter with crazy hair and death in her eyes. “You better appreciate how much I love you, because this is the first morning I’ve woken up without a dick poking me in the ass in a long time. I don’t like it.”
I choke on air as I attempt to laugh at her craziness. “I bet we could convince Ella to wear a strap-on and spoon you.”
She smirks and slides onto the stool. “If you mean blackmail when you say ‘convince’, then I would have to agree.” Kenzie’s palm slaps on the counter. “Now, feed me, wench. I require sustenance before I can do anything since I didn’t get my morning D.”
The box of donuts thuds against her hand when I push it across the counter. “Enjoy.”
She pulls out a cream-filled, maple-glazed long john, then takes a huge bite of it while moaning. “Creamy. Just how I like it.”
Ella strolls into the kitchen. “I see we’re already on to dirty talk. Good to know.” She snags a cinnamon twist and reaches for a napkin before leaning against the counter. “So, what’s the plan today?”
I’m cutting up apples while I answer. “I was thinking we could head over to Hollywood and do some tourist things today if you’re both up for it.”
Ella nods and speaks with sugar coating her lips from the donut. “We should hike to the Hollywood sign while we’re there.”
“Absolutely,” I say just as Kenzie mutters, “Fuck you.”
Ella gives her a soft shove. “Come on. There’s a walking path and it will be painless. I promise.”
“That’s what you said about the waterfall ‘walk’ from hell,” Kenzie snarls, wiping cream filling from her chin.
Ella pulls her phone from her pocket and starts typing before handing it over to Kenzie. “Look. Even old people can handle it. You’ll be fine.”
Kenzie glares and gets up. “Alive and fine are two totally different things. I’m taking a shower now.” Then she snags the first cup of coffee. “And taking this with me. Maybe I won’t hate the both of you so much when I return.”
Ella and I watch her stomp toward the stairs, and then laughter bursts from both of us once she’s out of sight.
“Bitches!” Kenzie yells and causes our amusement to spike all over again.
Ella’s arms wrap around me. “This is the best. We need to somehow make this happen every month. Waiting two months to see you isn’t okay with me.”
My chest constricts, but I can’t find the words to respond. Not because I don’t agree with her, but because the ache I feel without them is just too damn strong.
Ella pops an apple slice into her mouth, then takes a seat, seeming to realize that is a conversation I’m not ready for yet.
“So, Colin. I like him,” she adds when I finish cutting the fruit.
My cheeks heat and lift. “I do, too.”
“You wouldn’t say,” she teases. “Have you decided what you’re going to do about the work situation?”
I groan and start cleaning up. “No, and not because I haven’t thought about it, but there’s nothing we can do unless one of us decides to work for another department. I hate to sound selfish, but I didn’t leave everything I love to do something I don’t enjoy like marketing or accounting or editing books I don’t appreciate. And I’m sure Colin feels the same way, considering he moved from London to take this job.”
Ella’s lips purse together. “You’re at an impasse.”
“So it seems,” I say with a sigh before grabbing a pastry.
“You know you’re going to have to choose at some point. Possibly before you’re ready, but the sooner you do, the better off your heart will be. You can’t keep this up without falling in love with that man. I saw the way he looks at you. You’re probably already a goner, which I’m sure makes this worse, but don’t prolong the inevitable, Pipe. I want the best for you, so I’ll support whatever you decide. Just do it soon.”
I hate how right she is. I hate even more that I want to choose Colin over my work, but what scares me most is that if I do and things don’t work out, I’ll have thrown away my career for a man. I don’t know that I can stomach that.
“You want to hear a secret before Kenzie?” Ella asks with a bright smile on her face.
My eyes immediately cast to her stomach. “Are you pregnant?”
Her eyes roll hard. “Of course not. Do you think I would have drank with you two last night if I was?”
I palm my forehead. “Duh. Sorry. What is it?”
She glances around and lowers her voice. “I might be soon, though.”
I smile so big that my cheeks hurt, and I walk around the counter to hug her tight. “I’m so happy for you, El. You’re going to make an excellent mother.”
She nods against my shoulder. “We’re going to start trying when I get back. I wanted to enjoy this trip first, but I stopped my birth control yesterday.” She pulls back and there are tears of joy in her eyes. “I can’t wait to call you Auntie Piper!”
An ache instantly slams into me, and I can’t fight back the tears any longer. “Your baby won’t even know me.”
Ella shushes me and pulls me back tightly into her arms. “Yes, they will. No matter what, even if it’s not the conventional way, you’ll always be part of my family. Don’t you ever think otherwise.”
I try to accept her response, but there’s a hole growing bigger inside me, one so large that I’m no longer sure about any of the decisions I’ve made over the last few months.
Kenzie joins us and throws her arms around our shoulders. “What did I miss?”
We pull apart, and I wipe the tears from my cheeks as Ella answers, “Owen and I are going to start trying for a baby once we get back to North Carolina.”
Kenzie groans and glares at Ella. “Damn it, woman. I am not motherly material, and you know Owen is going to convince Bentley that we need to get on this baby train. You can’t wait a while longer?”
Ella rolls her eyes and smiles. “Sorry. Not happening. You’ll have to find a way to say no to your fiancé.”
“Or find a way to silence your husband.” Kenzie rubs her hands together, and there’s a glint of something evil in her green eyes.
“How does Hollywood sound to everyone now?” I ask, changing the subject, half because Kenzie shouldn’t be allowed time to plot against Owen and half because I can’t handle the emotional conversation anymore.
“Yeah, as long as I get my picture taken with a hot celeb downtown, then I guess I’ll go,” Kenzie answers as she refills her coffee cup.
Ella heads for the stairs. “I just need to grab my tennis shoes.”
Kenzie quietly drinks her coffee, and I grab my bag from the couch to toss some snacks and waters inside. Even if we’re not really hiking, I know better than to be gone for the day without something to keep Kenzie from whining.
Too many hours later, we finally make it to the top of the trailhead for the Hollywood sign. Ella is ready to strangle Kenzie, and Kenzie has threatened my life more times than I care to count.
And we’re officially out of snacks.
“Tomorrow, we’re spending all day at the beach. I don’t care if you bitches don’t agree. That’s what we’re doing,” Kenzie heaves as she leans against a wooden fence.
