Then she glances at my desk and picks up the framed picture. She studies it for a moment.
“People are whispering,” she says, putting the picture back down. “I think it’s better we’re up here, even without the kick-ass project.”
I groan, thinking about the office gossip, but it is what it is. Our relationship was bound to come out sooner or later.
“How bad is it?” I ask, unable to help myself.
“The gossip’s not really about you. More about Miles,” she admits, piquing my interest. “Guess the word is Mr. Osbourne doesn’t date. Like, ever.”
I think back to all the times Oz has whispered to me how long he’s waited for me. That there has never been anyone since the moment he saw me. If that were the case, then I could see people saying that.
“And how he is with you. Or what people have caught anyway.” She drops her eyes, like she doesn’t want to say the next part too loud. “He’s always been kind of cold and never even cracked a smile. Now he’s walking around dreamy-eyed.”
“He is not.” I laugh. I’m not sure I’d call Oz’s eyes dreamy. Intense, sure. Okay, maybe they’re soft and sweet a lot, but I like the idea that I’m the one getting that from him. That I’m the only one who can do it. The thought makes my stomach flutter for the millionth time today.
Skyler shrugs. “Yeah, he seems more caveman to me, but I’ve also seen him punch a guy over you, so my view may be skewed.” She glances around the office. “An awesome caveman, though.” She whispers the last part like Oz might hear her. She really wants to keep this office.
“What do you have?” I nod toward the papers in her hands.
“I’m thinking bigger than donations and events. With the budget we’ve got, we can afford to.” She drops the papers in front of me. “We can make a big difference, Mallory.” I look down at them.
“Now I see why the White House wanted you.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Mallory
* * *
“I’m having some things delivered to your office today.”
I turn around to see Oz standing behind me in my bedroom while I pick out clothes for work.
“More singing telegrams?” I ask over my shoulder, then turn back to my closet.
His warm hands cup my ass. I’ve got on a gray lacy thong and matching bra, which Oz is feeling up appreciatively.
He laughs a little and gives me a playful smack before sitting down on my bed. “Sadly, not this time. We’ve got an event tomorrow, and I know you won’t have time to shop, so I’m having some dresses brought up for you to look at.”
Turning around, I put my hands on my hips. “Tomorrow? And you’re just now telling me? What the hell, Miles?”
“I know when you say my real name you’re angry.” He knows I’m mad, but that stupid grin is still on his face. “Besides, you promised me you’d go. So I’m being helpful.”
He takes a sip of his coffee and I stand there in my underwear, trying to think back to when I said I would go to anything like an event. Then suddenly a small memory of a text from him saying that I had to go with him flutters through my mind. He’s right, but it seems like a lifetime ago that he said it.
“Oz.” I stomp my foot, knowing he’s right. “You could have given me some notice. What’s the event for?”
“Baby, I’ve got it all taken care of. You only have to show up and stay glued to my side. You always look stunning, so that won’t be a problem.”
I roll my eyes, trying to ignore his sweet words. “Oz,” I say, this time with a warning edge to it.
“There’s a silent auction that benefits The New York Foundling. It’s a charity dedicated to helping provide families with safe housing and educational support.”
My heart warms at his words. “Okay,” I say quietly, and turn to grab a dress.
“Okay?” he repeats.
I slip on a navy blue shift, and Oz comes to stand behind me. He gives me a kiss between my shoulder blades before zipping my dress up.
“Yes. I’ll go with you. I wish I had more notice so I could get prettied up.”
He turns me around so I’m facing him and wraps me in his arms. “You, my love, are going to be the most gorgeous woman in the room, no matter if you try or not.” He leans down, giving my neck a kiss, and tells me he loves me.
“I love you, too,” I say, unable to stop my smile.
His warm amber and honey scent surrounds me, and I lean into his suit. The dark navy is nearly identical to mine, and it makes me smile. We’re both way too crazy about one another, but I roll with it. It makes me feel cherished and I don’t ever want to let it go.