Page 32 of Effing Eli
“With Autumn.”
“Can you just call Will?”
She exhaled a frustrated breath and picked up the receiver. I knew he’d see me, so when she waved me to pass, I smirked.
“Eli, come on in.” Will had a look like he wanted to ask me something as I strode toward the chair in front of his desk. “How’ve you been?”
“Fine. And you?”
“Terrific. Miranda will be here shortly with Mia. You can finally meet my little princess.”
“I’d love to.”
He scratched his beard, then crossed his arms over his chest, rocking in his chair.
“You look like you have something to tell me.”
He smiled slightly, shaking his head. “Two years ago, we had a new security system put in the building. It’s top of the line and all that shit.” His hand flitted in the air.
I nodded, wondering why he was telling me this. I could tell in the lobby security was tight in the building.
“I always feel like eyes are watching me.” He looked around his office. “Eyes are watching everything. You get my meaning?”
We stared at each other a long beat. My stomach twisted with unease.
“Did you have a meeting this morning?” He cocked his head and smirked.
“Fuck. No, no, no… Please don’t tell me anyone saw Autumn and me.”
“Lucky for you, Axel doesn’t get off on seeing others screwing around and didn’t watch it. Plus, I guess Autumn’s back was to the camera. You were hidden under her skirt.”
I covered my flaming hot face. “What about in the supply closet?”
Will guffawed. “The supply closet? You dirty son of a bitch! I’m glad the two of you found your way back to each other. But, man, if my dad or grandfather ever found out, they’d give you hell. You can’t be having sex in SJI.”
I felt like a chump. Never had I ever done anything like this at my job. “It won’t happen again. My grandfather would be mad as hell too.”
Will continued to laugh. “It was ballsy, that’s for sure. But I get it. I’d do anything to get Miranda back.”
“Well, we aren’t exactly back together.”
He turned serious. “No? But you left the party together. You’re having sex at work.”
“It means nothing. It’s just sex to Autumn.” I swallowed thickly. Today fucking sucked. No pun intended.
A soft knock came from the door and Will was out of his chair. “It’s Miranda and the baby.” His whole face lit up as he rushed toward his family.
“Hi,” Miranda said as she entered, a bright smile on her face.
“Hey, baby.” Will kissed her, and it wasn’t a little peck but a real kiss. His hand went on the baby’s back. I’d never seen a man so enamored with his wife before. I felt a little guilty, observing the love standing before me. It was like a spotlight on how I had failed Autumn the year leading up to our divorce. Will leaned toward the baby and kissed her on the head. “My beauties. Missed you both.” He collected his daughter into his arms and pecked her cheek.
Miranda waved. “Hi, Eli.”
I stood and nodded. “Hi.” My gaze fell on the baby right away. A tightness appeared in my chest. No idea what it was about.
“Here she is. Miss Mia Josephine St. James.”
Mia had the most brilliant blue eyes. They literally sparkled as she looked at her daddy with a grin. Her little hand was reaching for his beard. It melted my heart.