Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 84442 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 84442 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 422(@200wpm)___ 338(@250wpm)___ 281(@300wpm)
I even managed to keep my thoughts on work, though it was impossible not to picture Nick in the office next to mine. I could see it so clearly—him behind that mahogany desk, posture perfect, radiating the kind of quiet dominance that made the air in any room heavier. His suit, as flawless as ever, highlights the perfection that is Nicholas D’Amico. Broad shoulders and the hard lines of his chest hint at the strength beneath without ever giving it away.
I can’t help but wonder what he would look like stripped of all that polish. Tie gone, buttons undone, and his control abandoned. The thought was a distraction I had no business indulging in, but it clung to me anyway.
As fun and fulfilling as today has been, I’m exhausted.
A lot has changed. While my workload has decreased since I’m not doing Sloane’s work, the files Nick has me working on now are a lot more important than what I was doing last week. It’s crazy to think how much has changed in five days.
On my way out to lunch, I adjust my bag over my shoulder and step into the elevator, pressing the button for my old work floor before slumping back against the mirrored wall. The coffee mug Taylor got me last Christmas is still in the break room cupboard. I don’t want it to fall victim to Sloane’s wrath. I’ll need to call Taylor once I rescue it and tell her everything before she vibrates out of her skin in curious excitement. She nearly burst my eardrum with how loud she screamed when I told her I got my own office.
She’s almost as thrilled about my career advancement as she is about the fact that I’m still talking to Mystery Man, even if she’s more impatient than I am to find out who he really is.
I think the intrigue is kind of fun.
Plus, if I don’t know who he is, I don’t have to feel so guilty about harboring feelings for Nick.
The elevator chimes pleasantly just before the doors slide open. I step out onto my old floor, glancing down the hallway at the familiar scenery. Like going back home after a semester at college—even if nothing’s changed, it feels inherently different. The grey-blue carpet is still worn down the center, potted plants are still half-wilted, corporate-approved art is nailed up on off-white walls, and fluorescents are flickering overhead.
I walk toward the break room, my mood plummeting when I recognize who’s speaking.
“I can’t believe that little bitch thinks she’s going to get away with this.” Sloane’s voice is all vitriol and hate, leaving no doubt in my mind that I’m the bitch in question. “Like I don’t have enough on my plate, now I have to stay after hours to play catch up. It’s ridiculous!”
Vindictively, the thought of her having to work late to meet her own quota sparks pleasure in my gut.
A hesitant, noncommittal hum sounds from further in the break room, and my bad mood settles a bit when I recognize the noise as Cassie’s. It’s the same one she makes whenever Sloane is spouting bullshit and she’s just trying to get out of the conversation.
“And Nick said he moved her up because she impressed him with her work,” Sloane drawls sarcastically. “Like I don’t know when someone is spreading their legs for a promotion.”
Anger flares in me at both the implication that I’d do that and the utter hypocrisy. Sloane’s been trying to get into Nick’s pants for as long as I’ve been around, and she’s not at all subtle about it. Cassie’s a hundred times braver than I am and a million times more willing to argue, and she clicks her tongue in distaste.
“I think you’re being a bit much,” she says, her tone carefully teasing. I know she’s not any more excited to get on Sloane’s bad side than anyone else is, but she’s more outspoken than I ever was. “That doesn’t sound like the Riley I know. She’s super shy, she wouldn’t—”
“She’s not here, stop playing kiss-ass,” Sloane cuts her off ruthlessly.
I hear Cassie’s teeth clack together with how fast she shuts her mouth.
“Stupid bitch is probably spending her breaks on her knees beneath his desk, thinking he’ll stay interested for more than two weeks.” The coffee maker beeps to announce the end of its cycle, and the clattering of cups sounds beyond the doorway. “Just admit it’s pathetic. I thought she was going to put actual effort into her career, but if she wants to whore herself out…”
I already know the look Sloane is leveling at Cassie right now, daring her to disagree so she has an excuse to dump all her work on someone else, but I know Cassie. There’s no way she’s going to agree with her. Cassie and I might not be super close like I am with Taylor, but we’re still friends.