I woke the next morning in a groggy haze. When my eyes focused on Paul’s bare body laid next to me, a massive grin spread over my face. He rolled over, awake, wandering a smooth touch over my body already. I shivered, tingles beginning to pop inside me as I relished in the thought of what was coming next.
A shrill noise cut through our anticipated bliss—his alarm. He groaned and declared he was now late. “I need to go home yet and change my clothes. Can’t have people thinking I’m a dirty stop out.”
I giggled as I watched him throw his clothes on. He graced me with a kiss before disappearing, leaving me lost in my imagination for several minutes as I wondered what we could be doing right now.
I eventually tore myself from the bed and sorted my own wardrobe choice for today. Picking through my summer dresses, my phone chimed with a text. Expecting it to be a cheeky message from Paul, I was more than shocked to see it was from an unknown number.
Good morning Kyra. I hope you are well. I was wondering if you would like to grab a coffee on your lunch break today? Scott X X
I bit my lip, debating my options. Despite tea last night being good fun, especially once we arrived back to mine, nothing was going to change with Paul—that I knew of anyway. But how bad would it be for me to have had Paul in my bed last night and then to go out with Scott today? Just thinking of it made me feel like a complete slut.
A quick phone call to Ash regarding my dilemma only served me with his laughter followed by telling me it was fine. Would I think any less of Scott if he’d slept with another girl last night? No, I wouldn’t; it would be awkward maybe, but nothing else.
I confirmed my lunch date with Scott before making an apprehensive journey to work. Did I tell Paul or not? Was it really any of his business? It wasn’t like we were together. Those questions kept repeating over and over until Paul strolled in, half an hour after me. He flashed me a cheeky wink as he walked past my desk.
When lunchtime arrived, Paul appeared before me, his eyes twinkling. “I’m nipping out. Did you want your usual from the sandwich shop?”
My cheeks burned. “No, thanks. I’m…going out.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Oh, okay. Ash treating you?”
I winced. “No…Scott is taking me for coffee.”
“Scott?”
“Molly’s brother-in-law…”
The twinkle in his eyes hardened over with a glassy stare. His jaw clenched and he barked his next words. “Don’t be late.”
He turned and marched out without so much of a backwards glance.
***
I ambled outside, smiling when I spotted Scott waiting for me near the entrance. His dark eyes held an invigorating sparkle as he greeted me.
“You look lovely today.”
I blushed and gave him my thanks.
“Where would you like to go?”
I pointed over the road. “There’s quite a nice little café over there.”
He nodded. “Sure.”
Walking next to me, making small talk about the weather, I couldn’t help but steal glances at his incredible physique. His sexy yet casual appearance caught my eye in an instant. Where Paul dressed himself in designer suits tailored to fit, Scott seemed to know his cool fashion and what suited him. His dark denim jeans and plain white t-shirt showed him off just right.
I found us a table while he stood in the queue for our food. I couldn’t help but let my gaze linger over his broad shoulders, ripped biceps, and tight waist. It didn’t take much to notice every female in here roved their eyes over him in expectation. The young girl who served him our order turned bright red when she took his money, accidentally touching his hand.
A sly smile played on my lips as I watched her become flustered under his intense look. A minute or so later, he was at our table, serving me with my tea and sandwich.
He sat down, asking me about myself. I indulged him for several minutes before turning the conversation back to him.
“So, what do you do?”
He smiled. “I’m a personal trainer. I’ve spent the last two years travelling around different countries, picking up tips, and learning from the best of the best. I’ve come back home to finally set up on my own.”
“Have you got any clients lined up yet?”
He rolled his eyes. “I’ve had Molly begging me to get her in shape for her wedding day. She is a persistent woman for sure, isn’t she?”
“You have no idea. If she wants something, she gets it.”
He grinned. “Looks like I may as well just do it, then, and save myself the earache.”
I laughed, agreeing with him. We continued chatting to the point of which I was very nearly late getting back to work. He escorted me back to the front door, pecking my cheek before he left. His soft lips grazed my cheek, and I couldn’t help but draw a deep breath of his invigorating aftershave. I struggled to contain my grin as I headed back inside. This guy really was the complete package.
***
I almost skipped back to my desk, grinning like a Cheshire cat. My broad smile soon evaporated into a deep frown as Paul appeared from nowhere. He dumped a huge stack of notes in front of me with a resounding thud. His face was nothing but a blank canvas.
“I want them typed up before you go home,” he said. His tone of voice was nothing short of rude and demanding.
“You are kidding me?”
He crossed his arms over his chest and glared at me. “Do I look like I’m kidding?”
I raised my eyebrows and lost the filter on my mouth. “What the fuck crawled up your ass today?”
“Kyra!”
I turned to see Mr. Tate walking up from the meeting room, his podgy face flushed red with anger. Paul flashed me a smug smirk before disappearing back inside his office, slamming the door shut.
Mr. Tate stood in front of his office door. “In my office. Now.”
My heart pounded as I dragged myself over to his open door. I kept myself preoccupied by cursing Paul. Arrogant, good-looking bastard.
Mr. Tate slammed his door shut behind me. He wiped his plump, sweaty face with his wishy washy white handkerchief. “You can take this as an official warning that if you speak to a director like that again, you will be instantly dismissed. Do you understand?”
I nodded, not saying anything in my fuming rage at Paul.
“Good. This is going on your record. Let this be a warning. Watch your tongue. You are here to do a job without questioning what is asked of you. That is what you are paid for.”
I nodded again, feeling like nothing but a slave.
“I’m glad that is understood. Out.”
I scowled as I scooted back to my desk. I glared at Paul’s closed door, imagining the glee on his annoyingly handsome face at my telling off.
As per usual on Thursday afternoons, three or four of the directors left early to play golf. Once they’d all gone, Mr. Tate included, I stormed into Paul’s office.
“You’re a fucking dick.”
He leaned back in his black leather chair, making a temple figure with his hands. An amused smile crossed his face as he stared back at me, his features completely impassive.
“I thought Mr. Tate made it quite clear what would happen if you spoke to one of us like that again?”
“Seriously? Is that really how we’re going to play this?”
He kicked his feet up on his desk, crossing them at his ankles, and leaned back in his chair. He shrugged his shoulders, exuding nothing but sheer arrogance.
“Fine. I’ll save you the fucking bother, you arrogant tosser.”
I stomped back to my desk and grabbed his pile of notes. Marching back in to him, I threw them on his desk. The majority of them thudded against his wooden desk whilst a few scattered through the air, floating their way down to several different resting places.
“Do the fuckers yourself.” I marched back out and stopped in his doorway, fixing him one last killer stare. “Just in case I’d not made it clear—I quit.”