Page 23 of Only Ever You
“You are so done for,” Victor says. “I knew it was a bad idea hiring her to be your PA.”
“It’s not like you said anything.” I turn back toward him.
“Did I say bad idea? I meant good idea. This is hilarious.”
I glare at both of them before turning to watch Pippa.
“Simone’s doing great, by the way. I’m glad you made that suggestion,” Garrett says. “She says Pippa’s settling in nicely. I think they’ll work well together.”
“That’s good with the next product release coming up.”
I nod. That’s a very good point. Despite our size, organising product launches is an in-house affair. Mallory’s in charge, but she would use Simone’s organisational skills to help out. Having Pippa on board too is a real bonus for her.
It’s usually a flashy evening event where we all dress up and have a good night out.
As Pippa’s boss, it must be my job to escort her to her first work event.
“What’s that smile about?” Victor asks.
“Nothing. Just thinking about work.”
“Work or someone at work?” He teases.
“Do I need to be prepared to handle a complaint?” Garrett raises an eyebrow at me.
“Oh, come on, you guys. You know me better than that.” I shovel a forkful of food in my mouth while they exchange a glance. I wait until I swallow and look at both of them. “I’d never hurt Pippa. But I might hurt one of them if they upset her.”
Garrett snickers, and I roll my eyes, digging into my food and ignoring both of them.
Pippa’s still in conversation with members of my team as I finish eating.
I stand and stalk toward her, ignoring the laughter behind me.
“I’m about to go up to the office. Are you having a long lunch?” I’m being a dick and I know it, but the last thing I need is another man stepping into my territory. And whether she knows it or not, Pippa is my territory.
She gazes up at me with wide eyes. “No. I’m just finishing up. See you back in the office?”
I give her a short, sharp nod and turn on my heel.
Garrett’s red with laughter, and I glare at him as I make my way out of the cafeteria.
The poor elevator buttons bear the brunt of my irritation as I stab wildly at them, finally managing to make the damn things work on the third go.
By the time I’ve reached my office, I’ve cooled down a little, but I’m acutely aware that I’ve also taken my temper out on the one person who’s already had shit thrown at her. It took a lot for her to bring up that day, but she did because she didn’t want me to think the worst of her.
What am I doing?
This woman has me twisted up in knots.
“Thanks for walking me back. It really wasn’t necessary.” Pippa’s voice carries into my office, and my eyebrows rise.
“It’s no problem,” a distinctly male voice responds, and I’m on my feet before I know it. “I wondered if you’d like to go out sometime.”
“Oh.” Pippa’s tone is neutral. “Well, uh, you see …”
I take a handful of steps, not even sure what the hell I’m going to say to this guy to warn him off. Why am I warning him off? Pippa’s not mine. I thought this whole keep your friends close and your enemies even closer thing made sense.
Pippa’s no enemy.