Page 38 of Fate In Fiction

“Emmett, what the hell are you toying with her for? I know how desperate you are to impress your parents to buy your damn helicopter, but—” He’s not dumb; he’s been in my life since I was a toddler. “I know what’s going on.”

“You’re wrong this time. Dude, I actually care about her. Josie takes the time to know me. I’ve questioned more shit about myself this past month than I have in twenty-seven years.” Okay, he doesn’t fully buy it, but holds back his comment. “How are you and Kelsie doing? Has my sister come to terms with the baby yet?” Kelsie has always been obsessed with babies. The fact that she’s dissociating from her pregnancy is a bit concerning, but given the shit her ex-husband has put her through over the last year, it makes sense.

“Some days I think it’s a breakthrough, and then others, it’s like I don’t even know her.” He clears his throat, and I hear my niece calling his name. “I should get going. Mallory has swim practice.”

“Uncle Emmett!” My eight-year-old niece snatches the phone from Max. “You have quite the audacity to reach out to Max and not your own blood.”

“Hi, Mallory. I miss you.” I watch her eyebrows raise as her head tilts to the side.

“Well, you sure got a way of showing it. Max moved in with us, which is the best thing ever.” She is still oblivious about the new baby, and I don’t have a say, but I think she should be brought up to date with what’s going on.

“That does seem like the best thing ever, Mallory. Max is awesome.”

“I expect a visit in the near future. You old people work too much.” Her brown curls bounce as she shakes her head.

“Hey,” Max and I say in unison. “I’m only twenty-seven. Max is the one in his thirties.” He flips me off and taps Mallory’s shoulder.

“Okay, okay,” she begins as her chocolate eyes roll. “I have to leave for swim, or I’ll be late.” I wave, and the screen goes dark.

I glance at the clock, knowing my assistant might hate me with this request, but I’m sure a bonus in her next paycheck will make up for it. I hit the call button on my desk phone and, a moment later, my assistant knocks.

“Adrianna.” I smile as she fidgets with a blazer that should be fitted to her body. But what can I expect from a sudden walk-in replacement. “I know this is last minute, but I’m going to need you to stay a few hours later today.” She’s supposed to be off in twenty minutes, but duty calls.

“Yes, sir.” She nods as her glasses slightly slip down her nose.

“Adrianna?”

“Yes?”

“Jump.” Her face scrunches in confusion, but she listens.

“Yeah, we need to work on that.” Folding my hands across my desk and I nod.

“My jumping?”

“Your backbone.” A smile spreads across my face, as warmth and uncertainty fill my heart. “Another day, though. Would you like to ask why I need you to stay before you agree?”

“I really need this job, so I will do whatever you ask.” Her smile wavers with her nerves.

“No one needs to be owned by a job. I appreciate your work ethic, and you’ll be well compensated for your time.” She nods, pushing her glasses back into place. “I’d like a better productivity schedule made up by tomorrow, so I am able to get out of this office by at least seven each night.”

“I was going to suggest that the last week, but didn’t want to step on your toes my first week here.” Where did she come from? Is she even qualified for this job? Hey, if she’s faking it until she makes it, I’ll support that. She opens her bag and pulls out a sheet. “It’s not finished, but I have found you could be more productive with your time and have certain days dedicated to non-emergency tasks.”

“Please.” I motion to the chair in front of my desk. “Take a seat. I won’t make you more nervous by asking what you’ve come up with right now.” Her lips roll inward. “I don’t know your story, or where they found me a new assistant in record time the other week, but qualified or not, I like you.” I watch as her shoulders begin to relax. “Your work ethic is admirable and very much appreciated.”

“I’ll get right on finalizing this schedule. We can see how well it works for you this week, and on Friday, we’ll regroup with how well it went.” She stands, taking her non-leather work bag with her.

I can’t put my finger on Adrianna, but it’s a good feeling. Maybe I can reclaim some brownie points with God after my endless sins. Opening my email, I reach out to a local designer shop downtown to help Adrianna fit in with the other people on this floor. Maybe it will boost her confidence and a new side of her will breakthrough. My dinner has been delivered, and I multitask by eating and responding to emails. The next few hours drag on as I try to get everything in order for tomorrow’s meeting.

I step off the elevator at the end of the day, following the burning scent. With each step, the potent smell grows, and I wonder if anyone has complained to the front desk. With a deep breath, I punch in the code to the suite and brace myself for another meal Josie has attempted and failed to make. My mouth drops when I see her on her forearms doing a handstand thing with each leg bent. Her tank top pools at her shoulders, showing off her stomach and thin lacy bra, which isn’t for working out. I certainly picked the right moment to come home, and my cock agrees. She returns to the upright position and stands. Suddenly, that messy ponytail has me recognizing her.

“You’re tea girl.” How in the hell did I not notice before?

“Tea girl?” She steps forward, crowding my space, and places the back of her hand on my forehead. “I’m more of a hot chocolate fan.”

“I bumped into you on the street and spilled my tea on you. You kept walking without turning back.” I should have recognized her ass by now, but she always has it covered in slouchy sweaters.

“’Bout time you clued in.” Her hand lowers, but she’s still close enough to brush against me. “I pictured you as an espresso guy.”