“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
off verbally and looks down at the papers, changing his direction
Great job!
… I’m sure you know the drill.” He glances up and away
do, of course I do. I don’t need direction. I
taking them from him in haste, stopping myself from grabbing
“Yes, sir.”
on his face and the tingles inside me ignite with ferocity. Shifting nervously, I try to steady my hands on the folder. This escalated quickly and I’m so angry with myself. I’ve literally just lost my cool and capable persona in milliseconds all
I realize I didn’t call him
composure. Years of control, Emma, and you
beyond livid
not even 2.00 p.m. and click on why they seem to be going out. I forgot they
Carrero in
his empire in a separate building from Jake, several blocks away. I wonder if the coolness between them
anything. I’ve left you a pile of folders here.” She taps a small mountain she has placed on
leave by four thirty.” She smiles, her hand coming and hooking
softer. You look so much prettier, more carefree and
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
relief when they utter goodbyes, turn,
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