“Sorry Mr. Ca … Jake … I didn’t see you there … Is there something I can do for you?” my voice is all over the place in my floundering panic. Heart thundering through my chest at a rate of knots as I dissolve into bumbling incompetence.

How did I not realize that my boss is hovering by my desk?

I’m supposed to be constantly aware and attentive to his every demand; this is such a faux pas on my part. I’m on my feet trying to plaster on my most friendly and efficient smile. I’m breathless. It’s the fright he gave me; I’m flustered and trying to recover quickly. Body trembling with the shock I gave myself noticing his presence.

“Emma …” He too seems at a loss for words, looking at me peculiarly. An uneasiness to his expression.

“I was coming to give you these … You look different!” His face is unreadable. I can’t even say what it is … I remember my hair’s down and flush because I’m not prepared; overwhelmingly vulnerable and I falter.

“It won’t happen again. I took a shower at lunch, because of the heat from earlier.” I need to reel myself in and claw back cool and controlled Emma. I’m babbling. I try a steadying breath to stop myself looking like a complete idiot.

“You look …” his green eyes are piercing through me and it’s sheer agony. All my little insecurities peeking up in one fell swoop.

“Untidy? It’s not how I would normally come to work.” I’m rambling, and I’m fidgeting like crazy, unable to just regain control.

Fuck, fuck, fuck.

This is not me!

Don’t fall to pieces, Emma, not now … Please. Get a grip and pull yourself together.

out of my comfort zone, and he’s acting … strange. My breathing is labored and I’m trying to steady it without making it too obvious and doing a terrible

clears his throat trailing off verbally and looks

Great job!

copied, emailed, filed … I’m sure you know the drill.” He glances

do, yes. I do, of course I do. I don’t need

out taking them from him in haste, stopping myself from grabbing

“Yes, sir.”

me ignite with ferocity. Shifting nervously, I try to steady my hands on the folder. This escalated quickly

Carrero.” It’s out of my mouth before I realize I didn’t call him Jake and it’s yet

Emma, and

livid

2.00 p.m. and click on why they seem to be going out. I forgot they had a meeting across town

Carrero in

prefers to lord his empire in a separate building from Jake, several blocks away. I wonder if the coolness

and email me if you need anything. I’ve left you a pile of folders here.” She taps a

leave by four thirty.” She smiles, her hand coming and hooking a stray tendril of my hair

much prettier, more carefree and younger.”

grimace that rises within, uncomfortable with the attention this slight change is getting me and fully aware it will never happen again. Not entirely comfortable with the way Jake is still looking at me as she fiddles with my hair and I smooth it out of her grasp gently. Nodding with a vague

utter goodbyes, turn, and

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