Total pages in book: 83
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75553 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 378(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Before I could respond, the next presentation began and both Kelly and I were forced into silence as the speaker addressed the audience. Her words wouldn’t leave my thoughts as I watched uncaringly a video about the production costs of tinfoil. It was hard to act interested in such a banal subject when my thoughts were racing. Not only was Remy a problem, but now, I was worried about Kelly.
Thankfully, Kelly made no further attempts at flattery or seduction throughout the presentation. Instead, we both sat in silence and it seemed as though Kelly actually paid attention to what was being said. When the speaker dismissed us all, I tried to push up from my chair in a way that didn’t appear too eager even though I was desperate to rid myself of Kelly. It didn’t work.
“Griff!” she called out as she stood up next to me. “Don’t hurry off! Why don’t you join me for lunch?”
I really wanted to tell her no, but I knew my job might be on the line for it. After all, I didn’t know Kelly very well, but I’d seen enough to know that she preferred to get her own way.
“Sure, why not?” I said in what I hoped was a carefree tone and not a sardonic one. Kelly seemed pleased either way. She led me through the hotel to the restaurant which laid at the back. It was the same one we had eaten dinner the night before and my thoughts instinctively moved to images of Remy in her beautiful, sleek dress the night before. It was a mistake. I tried to put it out of my mind, but it was useless.
That was why when Kelly led me over to a circular booth in the corner, I didn’t protest. I sat down and felt grateful to be away from where Remy and I had sat the day before, hoping my mind would behave for once.
“What can I get for you?” the waiter asked, glancing between both Kelly and I.
“I’m sorry, I haven’t really looked,” I explained.
“Two martinis,” Kelly answered with a satisfied smile. “And make it quick.”
Her demanding behavior didn’t surprise the waiter who was no doubt used to rich, snobby hotel guests, but it did catch me off guard. I still didn’t quite understand what she wanted from me or why she was acting so mischievously, but I didn’t want to ruin the work Remy and I had done, so I smiled kindly at her and took my drink when it arrived.
“Cheers,” she said as she shuffled a little closer to me. Her shoulder was pressed against mine as she moved her glass and clinked it against my own.
“Cheers,” I replied, feeling a little uncomfortable. I took a sip of the drink and I didn’t like it much so I pushed the glass away on the table afterward.
I glanced back over at Kelly and noticed that she was happily drinking her liquor down with great joy. She glanced up at me and batted her eyelashes again. It was the most bizarre experience. I couldn’t help but feel like she was giving off strange vibes in spite of her previous no-nonsense attitude. Just when I’d decided to shrug off her weird behavior, Kelly spoke again.
“What are you doing dating Remy anyway?” she asked with a puzzled expression.
I thought I’d misheard her at first. I turned to face her and said, “What do you mean?”
Kelly rolled her eyes. “You know what I mean, Griff,” she said, even though I didn’t have a clue. “You’re a powerful businessman and you’re dating your secretary!” She laughed and patted my arm with her hand. “It’s like some kind of boring cliche. You definitely deserve someone a bit more dynamic, you know? Someone who can keep up with you in the boardroom and the bedroom.”
She winked at me after she said it and I recoiled. What was she thinking? Was she trying to catch me out by coming onto me? After I took a deep breath in, I gave her a stern look. “Remy is more than dynamic enough for me, thank you,” I retorted in a gruff voice.
Before Kelly could say anything, I noticed Isaac heading toward me with a big smile on his face. “Isaac!” I called out gratefully.
“Good morning, Griff,” my friend said as he reached the table. “Why don’t we join you for lunch?”
“We?” Kelly asked with a pout.
Isaac stepped aside and revealed Remy who was following behind him.
“Morning,” she said in a meek voice as her gaze settled on Kelly instead of me.
“So, can we join you?” Isaac prompted.
“Yes, that sounds great,” I replied instantly, feeling overwhelming relief at the prospect.
As soon as I answered, Isaac took a seat next to me and began talking excitedly about a particular conference session happening later in the afternoon. It was something to do with plastic recycling, but I could hardly concentrate on his words. Instead, I was still thinking about how weird Kelly had been with me just a moment ago. I’d started to think Kelly was flirting with me, but that couldn’t be right… Why would the operations manager of the Anderson Group hit on me? It just didn’t make sense.