Chapter Eight
Chase
I really did need the files.
Sure, I could've gone over there myself to get them or called a twenty-four-hour courier service, but it’s so much more fun making her do it. That and she probably thinks that this is all just a game to get her into bed. Maybe a part of me does want that, but this is also about recognizing when one of my staff is unhappy and seeing how far they’ll go to get what they want.
I pour myself a drink and wait for her to arrive with the files. I’m impressed when it takes her less than half an hour to get from her place to the office and then to my apartment. I’m standing at the door, leaning against the frame when she exits the lift. She flushes when she sees me. I smirk back. She doesn’t need to know I’ve been standing like this, waiting, for the last ten minutes.
“Sorry, I wasn’t sure if you wanted to use the door or the balcony again,” I tease her. She scowls at me and steps forward, pressing the file firmly against my chest. Then, she steps back to examine me. “Thanks,” I say. I saunter back inside and over to the kitchen, tossing the files onto the counter. “It turns out I didn’t need them so urgently, after all.”
“Why doesn’t that shock me,” she mutters. She shakes her head, looking like she’s about to say something, but then reconsiders, biting back her words.
“Since you’re here,” I motion for her to come inside. “How about we discuss the terms of your promotion now?”
“That sounds great, actually,” she says. I raise my eyebrows as she walks inside, closing the door behind her. She takes a seat on my couch, while I watch her thoughtfully. “Because I have a few conditions of my own that I would like to bring up.”
I don’t bother trying to hide my amusement. Instead I just straight out chuckle, which seems to infuriate her.
“Drink?” I ask her.
She shakes her head. “I wouldn’t want to make this feel like anything other than a business meeting,” she replies evenly.
“Why else would you be at my apartment after hours, if not for business?” I murmur. She flushes at that comment. “So,” I continue, “you mentioned you had conditions?”
“I want you to hire me as a junior analyst.”
I stare at her, admiring her confidence, and then I shrug.
“Sorry. I don’t do them.”
“So, make an exception.”
“I’m not letting you pick and choose your position at my company, Alana,” I say, frowning. “I’m offering you an executive assistant position.”
“Which you must realize isn’t something I’m interested in doing for you, long term,” I argue.
“I’m not sure if you understand how this boss slash employee thing works, but you probably shouldn’t alert me to the fact that you’re not loyal to your position,” I reply. I’m trying to keep the amusement out of my voice, but it’s hard.
“I’ve been working for you for two years. I’ve showed my loyalty,” she says. She’s standing her ground. I like that. A lot. “I’m being honest with you about what I want out of this.”
I sigh. “Okay. How about this? You prove to me you can handle being my assistant for a month, and I’ll consider allowing you to join the analytics department—on an internship.”
“Consider?” she repeats, raising her eyebrows.
I chuckle. “Fine. I’ll offer you an internship.”
She hesitates. “I also want to be clear about something else. I’m not here to be your new toy. I’ll do whatever you ask me to, but if you step over the line, I’m done.”
“And what exactly would constitute that?” I ask calmly. “Me arriving on your doorstep in my underwear? Or maybe announcing to the office how badly I want to lick your pussy?”
Her eyes widen, and her mouth falls open. I smile, because that was exactly the reaction I was going for. She quickly recovers and presses her lips together. She glowers at me, before standing and stalking to the door.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, Mr. Winston,” she says, her voice stiff.
“I’m looking forward to it,” I grin.
I watch her disappear down the hallway, my eyes focused firmly on her ass. I'm so distracted that I don't hear the sound of my phone ringing at first. It stops by the time I race over to answer it. I frown when I see Josh’s name and call him back.
“Sorry, I was busy.” I shut the door and wander into the kitchen and pour myself a drink. “What’s up?”
“Can I drop past? I’m literally outside your place right now.”
“Yeah, sure,” I say, not sure what he wants, especially so late in the evening. “Come on up.”
I end the call and walk over to the living room window, where I can see him disappearing into the lobby. I wait a few minutes and then walk to the door. I open it, just as he appears from the elevator.
“Can I get you a drink?” I ask him as he walks inside.
He shakes his head as I close the door behind him.
“I can’t stay. I’m meeting…” His voice trails off. He doesn't need to say it. He’s meeting his fiancée.
My ex-wife.
“What did you want to talk to me about, then?” I ask.
“I just wanted to check in and make sure that you’re still okay with coming to the wedding? It’s kind of getting close, so we’re confirming all the details.” He pauses for a moment. “Will you, uh, be bringing anyone along?”
“Yes,” I respond, taking a mouthful of drink. Is that why he’s here? To scope out whether I’m coming alone or with a date? Which would he consider worse? He waits patiently for me to elaborate, but I don’t.
“Are you seeing someone, then?” he asks.
I nod. “You’ll love her. Maybe if things with Casey don’t work out, you can steal her from me too?” Josh frowns at me. I flash him a smile. “I’m kidding.”
“Not funny,” he retorts. “I forgot how messed up your sense of humor can be. If you’re really seeing someone, she must be pretty special to put up with your shit. I can’t wait to meet her.” He glances at his watch and makes a face. “I have to go.”
“Okay. Thanks for stopping by,” I say, still not entirely sure what the reasoning behind his visit is. I follow him to the door. He turns around.
“What did you say your girlfriend’s name was? For the seating arrangements,” he quickly adds.
“Her name?” I repeat. He nods.
“Alana,” I say calmly.