Page 64 of Rumor Has It
“Hello, Catarina,” Mia says when Barrett steps aside. “Do you need something?”
“Um. No. I mean, yes. I was looking for Barrett.”
“She can’t stay away from me.” Mia laughs—a trilling, swoony sound before he accuses her with, “That’s your fault, by the way.”
“I’ll take credit for that,” she responds with a husky laugh. Was it me, or did she totally flutter her lashes? Unbelievable.
Her door shuts again, and I race after Barrett, who is meandering to his cubicle like he’s in less of a hurry than before.
“What happened?” I ask him.
“What do you think?” He shoves his laptop into his bag. Then a pen and notebook. Then the stapler. When he reaches for the tape dispenser, I grab his wrist.
“Were you...fired?”
“You’re so easy.” He places the tape dispenser and the stapler back on the desk. “No. I am not fired. I turned in my column and then sat down to talk with her.”
“What did you tell her?” Whatever he said must’ve been flooring. When I returned from lunch, Mia wasn’t happy with either of us. A minute ago she looked ready to dance a jig. When I texted her to explain, she texted back “talk later” and stayed in her office the remainder of the afternoon. I noticed she went to the ladies’ room, but I stopped short of chasing her in there to apologize for my insubordination.
“I told her everything.” He lays a hand on my jaw and bends his face very close to mine. I jerk my face away.
“We’re at the office, Fox.”
“My little rule-follower.” He lays his lips on mine. I push against his chest, but he finishes the kiss before releasing me.
“Everything,” I repeat. “What does that mean? Fox, what does that mean?”
“Breathe.” He rests one large hand on my shoulder. “I handled it. It’s fine.”
“Oh.”
“You didn’t think I’d tell her about us, did you?”
I send a cautious glance to the left and right. No one is around.
“What are you doing tonight?” he asks.
“I’m... I don’t know. Going home.”
“Want me to come with you?”
There’s an invitation.
“No.” My eyebrows crash down. “I’m mad at you.”
“That may well be, but we have work to do. More dates. I have a few ideas.”
“You can share them now. You don’t have to follow me home.” I fold my arms over my chest. Partially to appear obstinate and partially to conceal my troublesome nipples. Parts of me would love if he came to my house tonight. I know what would happen. Sex. Lots of yummy sex. I send an appreciative gaze over his chest and sigh.
“You do like to tell yourself no,” he observes with a smile. “Drinks, then? I’ll take you to a public place.” He holds up his hands. “I won’t touch you.”
I roll my eyes. Mostly at myself for considering his offer.
“Unless you ask.” He leans forward and whispers in my ear. “But you have to tell me where to touch you or all bets are off.”
I drop my arms and let out a huff of frustration. Barrett only grins.
“Come on.” He elbows my arm. “I’ll walk you out.”