Page 30 of A Bossy Roommate
“You act like I have no self-control. Have you met me?”
“You are the most controlled person I’ve ever met in my entire life, true. However, a man has needs. Don’t tell me you’re not jerking off to her.”
That almost gets a rise out of me.
It’s no surprise that Bradley thinks I wouldn’t be able to handle living with Eden without trying to guide her to my bed. The reason we’re such good buddies is that we share the same philosophy. Our focus lies on relationship building. Having their best interest in mind, listening tothem, caring. Everyone wants something. Knowing what other people want is the key to success in partnerships, deals, and negotiations. By understanding their objectives and desires, we figure out how to establish arrangements that are advantageous for all parties involved, resulting in win-win situations, and ultimately stronger relationships. The stronger the relationship, the stronger the team, the stronger we are as a company.
In this case, however, the one thingIwant from Eden most is neither a relationship nor sex.
It’s her cooperation to deal with my aunt.
“My needs are just fine, thank you,” I tell Bradley, ready to end the subject. “Speaking of needs, whatever happened to that real estate agent from London you were trying to hook up with?”
At the mention of his own sex life, Bradley’s eyes light up. “Oh, man, dude, you’re in for a story. So, we met up with Jane last week…”
9
EDEN
I’m glad to see Carter leave for lunch. His verbal lashing earlier wasn’t pleasant, to say the least. I feel bad about messing up his schedule, but there was nothing I could do other than fix it. Thankfully, I was able to quickly clear up the misunderstanding, and the client’s assistant couldn’t have been more pleasant. Considering it’s only my second day, I’d say I’m doing a decent job, mix-up aside. Still, between staying with Carter and working with him, I need a break from his presence.
After he leaves, I decide I’ll take my lunch too.
I grab my purse and the container of breakfast leftovers I brought. When I poke my head into Gretchen’s office, she’s typing away at her computer.
“Hey! Do you want to take your break?” I ask.
She looks up and smiles. “Yes, for the love of God. I haven’t moved from this spot since I got in.”
“Busy day?”
“Always.” She logs off her computer and grabs her stuff.
Together, we go down to the break room. The other girls aren’t there so we grab a table for the two of us. After heating up my food, I sink into my seat with a heavy sigh.
“Speaking of busy days,” Gretchen says, taking the lid off her salad. “How’s everything going today?”
“Well, for the most part, it’s been fine. However, I did make a mistake with scheduling, which Mr. Bancroft was less than thrilled about. Thankfully I was able to fix it.”
“That man is really particular about his schedule.”
“I’ll say. He was pretty pissed off. But I’m trying not to dwell on it.”
Gretchen studies me for a moment as we start to eat. I’m not sure, but I get the sense that there’s something on her mind. After we’ve each taken a few bites, her gaze shifts upward. “Hey, can I ask you something?” she asks in a low voice.
“Sure…”
“I can’t help but get the sense that there’s something between you and Mr. Bancroft.”
My guard goes up, and I try to keep my face passive and my food from dropping off of my fork. “What do you mean?”
“It’s hard to explain. I guess, there was a familiarity there that I wasn’t expecting.”
I contemplate what to say. Carter’s adamant that no one in the company knows what happened between us. I don’t owe Gretchen any explanation, nor do I want to give her one flat out. The only problem is, if the chemistry between me and Carter is this noticeable, not saying anything could lead to worse assumptions. I don’t want to lie outright. Perhaps I can be vague enough to satisfy her curiosity?
“We met once before, but I don’t know him very well,” I say, choosing my words carefully, emphasizing them with a casual shrug. “I was surprised to see him on my first day. I’m sure that’s what you were picking up on.”
She studies me. “Probably. Where did you run into him?”