****
I couldn’t wait for the week to be over. After looking at dozens of properties for Michael, I narrowed it down to five for him to choose between. I couldn’t help the images from flitting through my mind about Michael and his new gorgeous girlfriend laying out on a private beach or under a cabana together. The views from the properties were out of this world, and I wondered how good it must feel to have enough money to do something like that without even batting an eyelash.
I priced out several different locations for variety as I knew he liked having choices. I wouldn’t put it past him to pick more than one property.
I hoped my involvement with the project was over. I didn’t need to feed the overwhelming and irrational thoughts in my head about Michael and his girlfriend.
The money still hadn’t come out of my account that I returned to Michael. So I was going to wait another week before breaching that topic again.
But it appeared that he never took me off the payroll, so my direct deposit came in on Friday. Since I had a semi-permanent job for the moment, I decided to treat myself to some new work outfits.
Tessa was off on Saturday afternoon, so after spending the morning with Tanner, she and I went to the city to check out several stores for new clothes.
Other than my interview outfit and a few extra button down shirts and skirts, I hadn’t shopped for myself in quite some time. My wardrobe needed an upgrade.
We had gone to two shops before we stopped for coffee in a small cafe. The hot coffee warmed my cold fingers and toes.
“I still can’t believe he made you do that,” Tessa said.
While we shopped, I told her about my week and shopping for a romantic getaway for Michael. It wasn’t something I could talk to Mom about, even though I’d been more open with her lately.
“It is my job,” I said, biting into my scone. An explosion of flavor filled my mouth, and I considered getting a second one.
“Yeah, but that soon after you two…” she said while making an obscene gesture.
I glanced around to see if anyone was looking before I slapped her hand to make her stop. “I made it clear what I wanted. I don’t blame him for moving on.”
“You are so blind, friend,” Tessa said.
“What are you talking about?”
“He’s trying to make you jealous,” she said.
“No, he’s not. He had a conversation with her on the phone about it. I was there.”
“Did you hear her on the other line?” Tessa said.
“He said her name…”
“That doesn’t mean anything,” she said. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you. You're incredible. No guy could get over you that soon. He’s trying to push you into that intimate relationship that you keep refusing for some reason.”
“Some reason? I need this job.”
“And he was willing to let you keep it even if you were still banging.”
I ground my teeth together. I wished she weren’t so loud. An elderly couple shot us a dirty look since Tessa was airing my dirty laundry in front of the entire cafe.
“So what’s your point?”
“My point is that two can play that game.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I know you like him,” she said. “Show him that two can play at his game.”
“I don’t want to play games,” I said. “I just want to keep my job.”
“I know,” she said. “But if you want him to quit flaunting this woman in your face, then you need to show that it doesn’t bother you.”
“How?” I asked. It’d be good to work with Michael again without this petty jealousy always in the back of my mind. What he did at home was no longer my business, but it would be nice for him to keep it out of the workplace.
Tessa kicked the bag at my feet.
I glanced down, confused.
She rolled her eyes. “Show him that you are a strong woman who doesn’t care what he thinks. Show him a little skin.”
“Tessa, I can’t go to work dressed inappropriately.”
“There is a fine line between inappropriate and sexy. Dress the way you feel. Show him that you have confidence without him in your personal life.”
“I don’t know,” I said, not wanting to push the envelope when I just got my job back.
“Trust me,” she said and waggled her eyebrows. “You’re going to be the one stuck in his head all day instead of the other way around.”
“Why do I always get caught up in your crazy schemes?” I asked.
“Because I know what the world is like,” she said. “You’ve been stuck in Mom-mode for far too long. You need to do something for yourself for a change. You have a rocking body. Flaunt it, girlfriend. Your confidence will soar and who knows, it might even land you a better job at a place where the boss doesn’t want to sleep with you.”
“I don’t think he does anymore,” I said, unable to help feeling dejected at the thought.
“Rainey, when we’re finished, he won’t be able to stop thinking about you.”
I sighed and finished my coffee, unable to stop the delicious shiver from moving up my spine. Michael’s blue eyes pierced my mind. I wanted to show him that I could be the boss in our relationship too.