Total pages in book: 102
Estimated words: 97865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 97865 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 489(@200wpm)___ 391(@250wpm)___ 326(@300wpm)
“Theresa, what brings you over to these parts?”
“To chase after you, which I knew I’d have to do.”
“Me? How nice of you, but I’m not much of a runner, so it looks like the joke’s on you.” She stares back, confused and obviously missing the joke. “So, how can I help you?”
She crosses her arms over her chest and taps her heel. “The paperwork I asked you to sign?”
Oh shit, yeah. The paperwork that’s still sitting in my drawer, unsigned. “Oh yeah. Sorry it took me some time to read through it all. No real major typos.”
“There were no typos.”
“Hmmm. Either way, I’ll just sign off on them.” I pull the papers out of my drawer and flip to the back page where my signature is needed.
“What is it about you, anyway?”
“Excuse me?” I ask, handing her the forms.
“He’s yelling at you more than he’s not. And yet, he rewards you by tripling your salary. I want to know what it is you’re doing. All of this sudden attention really only leads me to one conclusion.”
I’m taken aback by her blatant accusation. It’s one thing to whisper behind my back. But to insinuate this to my face? I inhale slowly, trying to keep my composure.
“Welp, I don’t know what to tell you, Theresa. Maybe you should consider learning how to read since he only doubled—”
Her cynical laugh cuts me off. “So much for your proof checking. Now I definitely want to know what makes you worth such a salary increase.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Please. Don’t act so naive.”
“Give me that.” I snatch the papers out of her hands and scan them until I find—
“Ladies. Miss Evans.” Theo walks past us and disappears into his office.
“I’m sure I don’t need to remind you that fraternizing in the workplace is against company policy. But you should already know that.” She snatches the forms out of my hand and walks off.
I storm into Theo’s office. “Did you triple my salary?”
“Hello to you too. God, you look sexier than you did this morning—”
“Answer my question.”
“I did. Now, shut the door.”
“No!”
“Why not?”
“No wonder everyone thinks we’re sleeping together!”
“We are sleeping together—”
“Theo! People are talking. Now they have proof.”
“How so?”
“You tripled my salary!”
“Well deserved.”
I’m going to smack him. “Theo, I deserve to get paid a salary that doesn’t scream I’m sleeping with the boss.”
“But you are sleeping—”
“Theo.”
“Fay.”
“Theo!”
“It’s a fair price for putting up with me.” He’s right there. “And no one else knows how to make coffee like you.” Okay, that’s also true. Even though it’s just me popping in a K-cup and hitting a button. “If you’d shut my door so I can have my way with you, I would quadruple your salary. It’s been a long morning.”
“Fine.”
“Fine, what?”
“I’ll accept the salary.”
“Anything else?”
I shrug. “No.”
“Good. Shut the door. I need that sweet cunt in my mouth.”
“Hey, Fay.”
I pull my eyes away from the land survey I’m reviewing. “Hey, Amy. What’s up?”
“These were couriered over for Mr. Monroe. Thought I would drop them off.” I take the package.
“Any chance you’re free to come to happy hour? A few of us are heading to Sylvie’s Tap.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to say yes, but I remember I have plans. “Shoot, no. I can’t. Mr. Monroe is making me work late tonight.”
“Yeah, figured. The evil boss strikes again.”
“Ugh, I know, right?” Strikes deep inside me. “Next time?”
“You bet. Well, for what it’s worth, I’m happy everything’s working out. Having him off my back has made my job so much easier. Plus, I like you. Too bad it never works out to hang, though.”
“I know. I’m sorry. Maybe this weekend? I have to work my other job, but we can do a girls’ day. Shopping and liquid lunches?”
“You bet. Good luck with that.” She nods to the reports on my desk and walks off. I grab the package, knock on Theo’s door, and walk in. He looks hot leaning back in his chair, throwing out numbers and business jargon. His eyes lock on mine, and I swear the earth shifts slightly. Pointing to the package, I mouth, “I’ll leave this on your table.”
He sits forward and grabs his cell phone. A few seconds later, mine vibrates in my pocket.
Theo Monroe: Put the package on my desk, shut my door, and lock it.
My eyes lift to his. His expression doesn’t budge.
Theo Monroe: Now, Fay.
I shake my head, put the package on his worktable, and go lock his door.
Me: Is there something I can do you for, Mr. Monroe?
“I don’t give a fuck. Tell them the acres don’t match the cost.”
Theo Monroe: Lift up your skirt and show me your pretty panties.
Holding back my smile, and slowly shimmy up my skirt.
Me: Anything else?
“I thought we set up the markers. No investor will risk a half-billion-dollar price tag if it’s deemed only residential.”