Page 58 of Love is So Mean
“You don’t have to. Let them just talk, they always do. I’m not bothered by them. If you shut it down they’ll make it a bigger deal or it’ll look like I can’t separate work and home life.”
His frown is still in place. “I'll send out a reminder that company communication should remain professional on company channels.”
He pulls out his phone but the elevator dings then opens to reveal our assistants.
“I have your overnight bag, boss,” Jeeves announces as he passes Enrique his clothes. He looks at the kitchen. “Smells good.”
Enrique drops his things on the bed then goes into the kitchen and wash his hands.
“Sit and I'll serve you some. Matthew, you can take some to Bailey.” Enrique points at Jeeves. “Tomorrow, write up a memo about the proper use of company communication and send it to me for review.”
As much as I want to leave the penthouse, I know I can’t so I watch as Matthew and Jeeves sit at the dinner table to get served, I grab my laptop again, focusing on everything else. I hope they don’t expect me to sit with them and do small talk.
My phone pings from a text.
Drew: Yasmi, your sister in law is downstairs wanting to see you.
Me: Is she alone?
Drew: here with two little boys.
Me: Okay, bring her to the fourth floor cafe, it’s closed right now, I’ll meet her there.
Drew: Okay, got it.
I stand and go towards the elevator.
“Where are you going?” Enrique asks, already on his feet eating up the space between us.
“Lena’s here. She wants to talk, probably because I didn’t respond and I’ve been M.I.A. I’m going to the 4th floor cafe since it’s closed and I’m meeting her there, you don’t have to come.”
“I swear, if your brother is using her to get to you…”
“He’s not, he’d just contact me himself plus Drew is going to be there with me.”
He still doesn't look convinced but looks back at our assistants and nods. “Let me know if anyone else shows up.”
“Okay, I will.” I lean in, whispering. “Do we need to kiss and behave like a real couple right now or since they both know it’s transactional, it’s fine?”
“What do you want to do?”
My eyes go to both Matthew and Jeeves who are pretending like they’re not watching us with every move but I guess I have to start somewhere. Lifting on my toes, I kiss Enrique like he wanted me to earlier, less of a peck and more lingering there. Enrique seems to approve as he kisses me back, his hand comes around my waist but he doesn’t stop there as he reaches down grabbing my ass.
After a moment, I pull away before it gets too heavy.
“I need to go.” I say with my eyes still shut then I clear my throat.
Enrique doesn’t say anything but the look in his eyes says that there’s more that he wants to do but it won’t be happening at the moment.
“I’ll be back.” I say as I finally get on the elevator letting it shut without looking at Enrique.
Once I get to the cafe, Drew is standing there with Lena as she tells the boys to sit still.
“Lena,” I say to her and she stands.
“Hey, I” one of the boys, Rami runs up to me and looks me in my eyes.
“Am’matyYasmi, you’re not wearing a dress today?” he looks at my outfit; the high-waisted sweat shorts and loose t-shirt combo is something no one sees me in.