Page 30 of Last First Date

"I appreciate it."

Benjamin was ogling me. Actually fucking ogling me.

"Shall we get started on that work then?" Marcy asked, more to break the uncomfortable tension than anything else.

"One step ahead of you," I said pleasantly, ignoring Benjamin's leering gaze. "I have a full schedule today."

Benjamin's laughter filled the room, a sound that was as detestable as his remarks. "I like your fire," he commented, looking me up and down once more. "I am looking forward to this party in more ways than one. When can we have our next planning meeting?"

Never.

"I'll let Brenda know if there's anything we need to discuss. For now, I think we have everything."

"Too bad," he sighed. "I think I'd like to schedule at least weekly meetings to stay on top of things."

I flinched. "I'm sorry, but that might be too demanding on my schedule. I can assure you, your event is in good hands."

"We need to go, Benjamin," Brenda said. "We have another meeting in twenty minutes."

He looked back at me. It was strange, but when I confronted Knox, I could hold my own. Benjamin was different. He left me feeling icky.

"Goodbye, Benjamin," I said with a tight smile. I didn't dare extend my hand to his. No way. I didn't want to touch him.

Thankfully, Brenda managed to get him out of the conference room. Marcy and I stayed exactly where we were.

"Did that just happen?" Marcy whispered.

"Unfortunately, I think it did," I sighed.

"What a pig."

"Agreed." I nodded. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

I took a deep breath and shook off the last of the heebie-jeebies. "I should get to work," I said.

"I'll call the caterer," Marcy said.

I went back to my desk feeling just a little off. In a different scenario, if Richard were still at the helm, I would have told him about Benjamin's advances. I was certain he would prioritize my well-being over a contract for what was, in the grand scheme of things, a pretty small event. However, with the relationship between Knox and Benjamin, I didn't want to get into a big thing. The unwelcome attention from Benjamin felt like a cruel joke. I wasn't sure if Knox was in on the joke.

"I just need to keep my distance," I whispered to myself, placing my fingers lightly on the keyboard of my computer. I pulled up my calendar, scanning the dates filled with meetings and appointments. If it were up to Benjamin, one of those dates would be reserved for him. I didn't know how I was going to get through the next couple of months planning this thing.

I felt a chill run down my spine. This wasn't fair, nor was it right. I shouldn't have to feel like I was walking through a minefield.

If this was a prank between Knox and Benjamin, I was going to be pissed. If I found out it was, there'd be hell to pay. I might not have the power or influence they did, but I had my dignity and worth. And if this was what I had to put up with just to keep a job I loved, then maybe it wasn't worth it.

I started typing an email to Brenda, outlining the subsequent steps we needed to take for the event planning. I tried my best to be professional, knowing full well that Benjamin was testing me in the worst possible way.

Marcy came over, sitting on the corner of my desk. "Are you okay?”

“Yes,” I said with a determined nod. "You?"

"Yeah, I think so," Marcy said, her voice lacking the usual cheer. "I just hate that he made you uncomfortable."

"Me too." I nodded.

"I wish there was something we could do."