Boss I Love to Hate: An Office Romance(74)

I sat behind my desk, dropping my head against the custom-made mahogany wood. “I know you know, and I know what you’re going to say, so why should I waste the effort or your time?”

“I want to hear it from you, or do you want me to just repeat Mason’s version?”

I could hear Mason’s voice in my head, picture his animated face, his over-the-top hand gestures … and so I began. Again.

I told Charles everything. I started at the beginning and told him how Sonia had helped Sarah get her pads; how, in turn, I had promised her that I would accompany her to the wedding and how it had been the game changer for me. I told him I liked Sonia, more than I ever had any other woman. That there wasn’t a waking moment that I didn’t think of her and how I had spent most of my days wondering how I could ask her out and tell her how I feel but was afraid of rejection. I told him that I was obsessed with kissing her, and if kissing her was all I would ever do in life, I would die a happy man.

I laid it all out on the table, looking at my hands, at the pen marks on my desk, my mouse pad with our logo, anywhere but his face. I was being a coward, afraid to see contempt, disgust, or even disbelief because I had never been more honest than I was being right now. And I’d never been more vulnerable when it came to another woman.

“I can’t sleep or eat.” I dug my hands into my hair, repeating the motion. “I’m honestly obsessed, and I just need advice on how to win her.” I lifted my head and dared to see his reaction.

Charles was covering his mouth with one hand, and then, when our stares met, he let out a peal of laughter.

“You’re an asshole,” I grumbled. “Thanks.”

If I could disown my brothers, I would, but then we’d have to break up the company.

“I never thought I’d see the day.” Charles’s laughter heightened, and he rubbed at his eyes.

“Shut up.” My parents were most likely turning over in their graves from all the support I was getting here. “I’m getting my lunch, and just so you and Mason are clear, I promised I wouldn’t fire her, so I’m not going to. We’ll work it out.” I stood and made my way around my desk as I shook my head. “Thanks for kicking me when I’m down, bro.”

Charles stood and pressed a heavy hand against my shoulder, humor dimming from his face. “Listen, I’ve been in love twice, so I know a thing or two about women.”

I glared at him. “I’m not in love.”

Charles chuckled, as though he didn’t believe me. “Acceptance is the first step to recovery.”

“Whatever.” I leaned against the end of my desk. Am I in love? Shit. I rubbed my neck with my hand, suddenly feeling like I wanted to throw up. I didn’t think love happened that fast. Didn’t it take months of dating?

“Being in love isn’t a bad thing, Brad. I wouldn’t have gotten married twice if it was.”

“I don’t know what I’m doing here, Charles.”

The walls were closing in. It was as though the longer I took to act, the more I was afraid someone would act before me, as though I’d missed my window of opportunity and someone else would snatch her up.

“Why didn’t I notice her before?” I said out loud, not expecting an answer.

“I guess it was because you didn’t give her a chance. I hired her specifically because she wasn’t your type, but then again, maybe you don’t even know your type. You’ve been looking at all the wrong women, brother.” Another disbelieving laugh escaped him. “She’s a feisty one. And here I thought, I had my hands full.”

When he started for the door, I straightened. “Wait. Where’s my advice?”

“Your advice?” His eyes were amused. “Talk to her. Tell her how you feel.”

Exactly what Sarah said.

“Easier said than done.” I tipped my chin. “I’m not letting her go.” I had promised her, and I’d keep my word that her job would remain intact.

Finally, there was certainty in his face. “We’ll work it out. First, I suggest you get your girl.”





Sonia

Bringing the bouquet of roses to my nose, I inhaled deeply, taking in the scent.

What was he going to say before we were interrupted? Whatever it was, it seemed important, and every part of me wanted to know what it was.

One thing I did know was, our relationship was shifting. Coming to work no longer felt as though I were walking into a war zone.

I touched the soft petals with my fingertips. I couldn’t place my finger on what exactly was happening, only that the mean old Brad was long gone.

I pressed my cheek against the soft petals and skipped and staggered to a stop.

Skipped?

I looked behind me, searching for something that I’d tripped on. The floor was clear. Then, I looked at the bottom of my shoe to see if gum was stuck there or if I’d broken a heel. Nothing.

My eyes widened, and my hand flew to my neck where my rapid pulse thumped. After dropping to my chair, I placed the roses on my desk, pulled out the mirror in my desk, and touched my flushed cheeks.

Crap. Crap. Crap.

Then, I dropped my head against my desk.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

How could I be so stupid, and when the hell did this happen?

What I’d said to Ava weeks ago about Jeff played loudly in my head.