AUBREE
Just like Grayson said, Henry knocked on my door at 9:00 a.m. sharp. I grabbed my purse and keys from the kitchen counter, along with the two bags from the pharmacy last night. I just hoped that I beat Grayson to the office.
With the last of the decorations in place, I stood back and smiled. The decorations were nothing like downstairs in the lobby, but it beat nothing. How could someone not look at Christmas decorations and smile? I sat at my desk, fired up my computer, and placed the tiny little Christmas tree on the desk beside my phone. It was one of those little trees that people purchased to add to their ceramic Christmas village. That was okay with me. If he didn’t want a big tree, I’d at least have my own little tree to look at.
I busied myself printing and copying the reports that Grayson had asked for yesterday. I stacked them neatly on the corner of my desk. When my stomach rumbled, I realized it was already noon and he still hadn’t made it to the office. What was I waiting for? Another lunch with him? I was not sure I’d survive, because just sitting near him on the sofa yesterday lit my body up like the fourth of July. The way he accidently brushed my hand as we went over some of the reports, and the way his thigh rested against mine, had me wanting to straddle him where he sat.
“Hey!” a female voice caught my attention from across the room. It was the nice lady that pointed me in the direction of the restroom on my first day. I believe she said her name was Sherry.
“Hi, Sherry!”
“I thought I would stop in and see if you wanted to grab some lunch down in the cafeteria,” she offered.
“That would be great. I’m starved.” I reached for my wallet, but she told me I wouldn’t need it. They would scan my name badge, and it would be withheld from my paycheck. That was a relief, because I wasn’t sure exactly how much money I had in my wallet because I wouldn’t get my first paycheck until Friday.
“I couldn’t help but notice the decorations in Mr. Decker’s office. I can’t believe he decorated this year.”
“What do you mean by that? He doesn’t usually decorate for the Holidays?”
Sherry shook her head. “Nope! I’ve been here for five years, and I’ve never seen decorations in his office. In fact, Mary Ann told me once that he was very adamant about it, but she didn’t know why.”
“Oh.” I could feel my neck and chest breaking out in red splotches. It happened every time I was nervous. Hopefully, I’d make it back to the office before him, so that I could take them all down.
“What’s wrong?” Sherry tilted her head to the side, studying me.
“I’m thinking that I should probably go take those down so that I don’t get fired. He obviously has a reason, and it’s none of my business.” I chewed my bottom lip. “You know what? I’m leaving them up. He can close his eyes if he doesn’t want to look at them. That area is mine,” I declared.
“I knew I liked you,” she responded with a laugh.
By the time I made it back to the office, Grayson’s door was open and all of the Christmas decorations were gone. What the hell?! I marched into his office, stood in the front of his desk with my hand on my hip, when he looked up at me with those piercing blue eyes. I was rendered speechless momentarily by just how handsome he was. When he arched his brow, throwing attitude my way, I suddenly remembered why I came in here in the first place.
“Where are my decorations?”
“Aubree, I told you that I don’t decorate my office for the holidays.”
“It wasn’t your office. It was mine!” I placed my hands on his desk and leaned forward. His eyes were now on my breasts. I rolled my eyes and stood up straight. “My eyes are up here,” I declared, placing my hands back on my hips.
“Did you print the reports I asked for yesterday?”
I guess that was the end of the conversation. It was for him, but not for me. This wasn’t over yet!
“I did. Would like me to bring those to you now?”
“I would like for you to take them to the board room next door and place a copy in front of each chair,” he ordered.
“Is there anything else that I can do for you?” I was keeping everything in a professional tone. He was my boss. I was his employee. End of story. I could do this, right?”
“As a matter of fact, there is. Call the cafeteria and ask them to bring a tray of cookies along with coffee and water for the 2:00 o’clock meeting.”
“Yes, sir.”
I turned on my heel and all but stomped out of his office.
The rest of the day passed in a blur. After his meeting with the board members, he called me in his office where he went over a few more reports and how to keep track of his schedule in the system. By the time we finished with that, it was already past time for me to leave. I wasn’t waiting around to see if Henry was going to give me another ride home. I was taking the bus, because I needed to make another stop at the pharmacy.
When I stepped into my office, I was shocked to see a beautiful woman with midnight black hair, tanned skin, and she was wearing a long coat cinched at the wait and some killer heels. Her eyes traveled the length of me, an ugly smirk forming on her overly plump lips.
Who does this bitch think she is?
I squared my shoulders, giving her my best smile. “May I help you?”
“Would you please let Gray know that Bridget is here to see him?” Gray. She called him Gray. I didn’t need confirmation on where this was headed.
“My pleasure.” Pressing the intercom button, I waited for him to acknowledge before speaking. “Mr. Scrooge, Bridget is here to see you.” I cut it off, not waiting for his response. I grabbed my purse from my drawer and told her to go right on in.