Page 11 of Irresistible Temptation
Sarah quietly groaned. “That’sMia,”she said, emphasizing the name with distaste.
“Oh,” I replied, as if that answered my question.
“Just watch out for her. That’s all,” warned Sarah.
I nodded and went back to looking at my computer screen, reminded that I couldn’t log in still. As if hearing my quiet cry for help, my new boss, Mike, walked in with a big grin on his face. I stifled a laugh, thinking about how I had mistaken Chester for him when they were so vastly different. Mike’s hair was thinning above his circular glasses, and he was far more friendly than Chester. I was relieved to find him helpful, warm, and unintimidating.
The rest of the day went on smoothly. Once I was able to log into my computer, the day actually seemed to go by fast. We were all so busy with everything that came with the merger, that I almost forgot about that morning’s livestream. I welcomed any distraction from that, but something about Mia had it lingering in the corner of my mind. The way she side-eyed me had me internally squirming. Shehadto know. Either that, or she didn’t like newcomers.
So much so that, I could have sworn she had poked a hole in the bottom of my coffee cup when I had gone to the restroom. When I returned to my desk, my caramel-colored coffee was seeping out the bottom and onto my desk, dangerously close to my computer. I frantically wiped it up, and as I did, I caught her smirking from the corner of my eye. I realized I would have to keep a close eye on her. How did I make an enemy my first day?
By the end of the workday, my head hurt from all the numbers and information that came with a new job. I was already craving a glass of prosecco by four. When there was a lull in the late afternoon, I texted Gabriella. I hadn’t heard from her since thismorning, so either she was respectfully letting me work or she had no headway in getting my video scrubbed from the internet.
Me:Hey. Drinks tonight? I could use it after today…
Gabriella:Uh-oh. Is it the new job? Does it suck?
Me:No. It’s actually okay. I just have some stories to tell.
Gabriella:Like?
Me:My hot CEO boss and some chick who has it out for me.
Gabriella:Oh man. As much as I need to know more, I’m heading upstate with Chandler and Melodie.
Me:Aww. Good. You guys deserve some family time. We can catch up when you get back.
Gabriella:Definitely. XO.
I placed my phone on my desk and ran a hand through my hair, leaning back in my chair. I was really hoping to see my best friend tonight, but she had her adorable family to be with. I loved them all, even though sometimes I felt a pang of longing for what Gabriella had.
“You okay?” asked Sarah from her desk.
“I’m fine.” I waved her off, putting on a smile. “Just was hoping to go out tonight, but my friend’s busy.”
“Are you into the music scene at all? I’m going to a show tonight. You should come.”
“Really? Sure. I’d like that,” I said with a nod, surprising myself by saying yes. I normally didn’t go out on a weeknight, especially when I had just started a new job. But Sarah was putting in the effort, and it would be nice to have a friend at work.
Sarah clapped her hands excitedly. “I’ll text you the info now.”
I smiled and picked up my phone again to text Sadie to invite her too, passing along the flier of the time and place Sarah had just texted me.
Me:Busy tonight?
Sadie:Oh my gosh. I’m actually going to that.
Me:Wait. Really?
Sadie:Yeah. Jeremiah likes the guy who’s playing.
Me:Oh, I don’t want to intrude on date night.
Sadie:You’re not! It will be fun! Besides, I don’t really like the music that much anyway. It will be nice to have you there withme. Jeremiah’s friends are coming too! Maybe there will be a hot, single one…
Me:Slow. I’m coming with a friend from work.
Sadie:Making friends already!
