Page 104 of Company Ink

"Now look who's being immature," I say, taking a deep breath. "Do you like me, Blake? Do you? Tell me."

Blake stares at me, his hooded eyes scanning my face, no hint of kindness or admiration, just pain.

"Not anymore," he says dryly, shifting his attention back to the computer. "Close the door behind you."

"You're such a coward," I whisper. "You should've told me how you felt sooner. You should've done something about it."

"Goodbye, Cassandra," Blake states sharply.

My hands tremble as I walk towards the door.Coward.I turn my head around and add, "And by the way, Adrian and Ineverhad sex." And I slam the door.

God! He's so fucking frustrating! I get that he's angry, that I hurt him, but he's acting like I cheated on him. Like I betrayed him. Like I stomped all over his heart knowing that he liked me. Obviously, I knew there was something between us. But we weren't dating. We weren't exclusive, hell, we never even fucking kissed. He never made a move. And now I'm the bad guy? Ridiculous.

I begin shoving all my shit into the banker's box.Deja-fucking-Vu. I stare at Stella Junior; she's flowering, growing, maturing. Unlike me. Immature. He said that I'm immature. Am I? God... Am I?

I head over to the kitchen to grab my coffee mug, my mind flooded with emotions. I need to get my shit together. This isn't normal. This shouldn't have happened. Iamimmature. I'm stupid. So, fucking stupid. This was a job. These were my bosses. Why did I think I could act this way? Blake was right; I don't think about the consequences. I never have.

"Cassie?"

"What?" I growl, lifting my eyes up to find Adrian standing in the doorway. "Oh, it's you."

Adrian smiles, nodding towards my mug. "I'd rather be in bed?"

I read the cute little cursive writing on the cup. "I'd always rather be in bed," I say, walking towards him. My heart rate slows down as I scan his face. No anger. No pain. Just contentment. "Hi."

Adrian wraps his arms around my waist, and I look around, making sure that we're alone. Not that it matters. I don't work here anymore. "Hi to you too, Cariño." He kisses me, his lips velvety and warm. "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay," I breathe, leaning into his chest. "Better now."Forget Blake. Forget him.

Adrian's grip tightens around my body, pulling me closer. "Do you want to get some breakfast? I have time before my first meeting. Maybe that little French cafe down the street? They have macaroons."

I chuckle into his shoulder. "It's a bit early for sweets, isn't it?"

"Oh, it's never too early for pastries, querida." His chest vibrates. "Come on, let's go."

"Okay, fine but I also want a croissant." We pick up the box off my desk and head towards the elevators.

"Going all out?" he jokes.

"Might as well." I peer inside my box and realize I've forgotten to pack Stella Junior.Shit."Hold on, I need to go and get my plant," I say, handing Adrian the banker's box.

"I'll be here," he says, and I run back inside the office.

When I get to my desk, Blake is standing there holding Stella Junior in his hand, observing her like she's an ancient relic that belongs in a museum.

"Can I have my plant?" I ask, stopping a few feet away from him, my tone neutral. Easy.

Blake's eyes flicker between Stella Junior and me. Unreadable. "No."

My forehead creases. "No? Seriously? It's my plant."

"Technically I bought it, so it's mine," he says dryly.

"Blake, just give her to me," I almost beg. "Don't be difficult."

"Difficult? Me?" He lets out a laugh. "That's rich."

"Why are you doing this?" I reach out to grab her, but he pulls away. "Oh my God. You're a child."