Mike’s face drops. “Yes… but”
“I’m sick of hearing excuses. Do your fucking job and take accountability.”
He lets out a tired exhale and turns his focus to me, wordlessly. For a horrifying moment, I think he’s going to reprimand me for what I did last night. Who can tell with this man?
I fight back tears.
“Charlie, I want that report before you leave today.” He says flatly, rapping his knuckles on the side of my desk as he starts to walk off.
“Yes, sir,” I reply in a whisper. He falters briefly in his stride, just enough so that I see something dark and inappropriate flashing across his face.
4 hours and 10 mins until I can hide from the world.
I’ve never felt so incompetent, as a female, as an employee, as a person.
Danny
I believe you have my coat jacket.
“Darling? Did you hear what I said?” Jen leans across the table to shake my hand.
“Just a minute,” I say, staring down at the phone. I can see her typing.
I’m assuming this is Danny? Yes, it’s here.
The typing dots start appearing again. Do you want me to give it to Tristan?
I sit up alert. Hell no. What’s she playing at? Is she threatening me?
Definitely not. I’ll collect it this evening.
I could have told her to bring it to work. Or give it to charity. I have a hundred other coats.
I’m busy this evening.
I stare down.
Jealousy spikes through me. What’s she doing? Is she with a bloke?
Busy all night?
She types, then stops, then types again. Nothing comes through. Will you be home at 10pm?
“Danny?” Jen says louder, pouting at me across the table.
The phone pings, and I exhale heavily, satisfied with the response.
I type back.
“Sorry,” I reply sheepishly. “I’m distracted. I have to swing by the office after dinner this evening.
I’ll get you a separate car home.”
Her eyes widen. “But you’ll come back to mine afterwards, right?” I sigh. What the hell am I doing? “Of course.”
Charlie
I pull open the shower door and step out into the steamy bathroom. The long shower had done nothing to quieten the shame. Wrapping my wet hair up in a top knot, I wipe the steam on the mirror. My bare pasty face stares back at me.
I dry off and pull on my shorts and sweater. I couldn’t have put in less effort if I had tried. The last thing I want him to assume is that I’m trying to maul him again. That ship has sailed.
My phone bleeps.
I’m downstairs.
Let’s get this over with.
“Good luck,” Cat mouths from the sofa as I walk past, grabbing his jacket.
He doesn’t buzz. I guess he doesn’t want to come anywhere near the flat. I open the door and trundle down the communal steps of the house we share with the lower ground flat.
I take a deep breath and open the front door to the house.
He’s looking down at his phone, a scowl covering his face.
“Hi,” I greet softly as our gaze connects.
His expression softens slightly. “Charlie.”
“I have your coat,” I say quickly, offering it to him.
He takes it, a mild frown crossing his face.
“Listen, Danny,” I start my prepared speech. “I have to apologise for how I behaved last night. It was completely inappropriate, and I deeply regret putting you in that situation.”
“I’m starting to look for other jobs. I’ve even applied for a job in the Cayman Islands.”
“Cayman Islands?” His mouth twitches as he looks down at me. “Isn’t that a little extreme?”
“No, it’s not.” I snap, not appreciating the interruption. “I would also like to plead with you to kindly forget my indiscretion. It’s totally out of character for me, and I am quite mortified.” I didn’t realise how true it was until I said it. The tears begin to swell in my eyes.
“It only happens with Tequila then?” His eyes crinkle with amusement. “No Tequila tonight?” I don’t find it very funny. Don’t play with me, you teasing bastard.
“Don’t laugh at me,” I whisper angrily, facing the floor. A single tear rolls down my cheek, and I wipe my cheek quickly, thankful I’m not wearing make-up.
“Oh, Jesus, Charlie.” He bundles me up in his arms, pressing my head against his chest. “The last thing I want is to upset you.”
“I’m just embarrassed I threw myself at you.” I sniff into his chest, feeling his heated breath on my forehand. “And now I have to see you in the office knowing you think I’m an imbecile who can’t even write a report.”
He lets out a heavy sigh on top of my hand. “I was cranky today; I didn’t get much sleep. Perhaps I was a little… sharp with you.”
“It’s ok,” I sniffle. “You were right to be angry.”
He puts his hand under my chin and forces my head up.
“Charlie, I can’t treat you differently at work.” His brows pinch together as he stares down at me. “But you don’t need to be embarrassed. I’m just as much to blame.”
I scrunch my eyes shut. “You rejected me.”
“I used every ounce of willpower not to fuck you, you mean.” He snorts, his hands clamping possessively around my lower back.
When I open my eyes, I see conflict raging through those intoxicating dark eyes.
“You have no idea how sexually attracted I am to you, do you?” he whispers hoarsely. “If you haven’t noticed, the sexual attraction between us is making me a little crazy too.”
A smile escapes my lips. “Really?”
“Really.” He replies dryly. “You were close to getting fucked in the boardroom today.” Shit. My eyes widened.