“Why doesn’t your boyfriend pick you up from work?” he questions because I know he’s not the kind of guy that would let his woman take the train.
“He doesn’t live in the city. We don’t get to see each other often,” I lie as I put my coat on because I’ve already dug my hole and there’s no sense in backing off now. I told his sister the same story because she started bombarding me with questions like I was in an interrogation.
“Be ready to leave at ten in the morning. I’ll be at your apartment to get you,” he barks out, looking a bit agitated.
“Okay. Do you need the address?” I ask him, reaching over to my desk to grab the Post-It notes and a pen.
“No. Human Resources has all the information. Be ready—don’t be playing in bed with your lover. I’m not going to wait around.”
“Yes, Jack.”
“Goodnight, Miss Novak.” I can’t hide the frown on my face when I hear him call me by my last name. I suppose we’re back to last names.
The whole way home, I’m lost in thought and fear about what’s going to happen while we’re away. It’s crazy, but I hope something gives one way or another—he either fires me, or begs me to be his. I’m just about to get off the train, and I nearly bump into a guy.
“Sorry.”
“Don’t worry, beautiful. I’d love to bump into you anytime.”
“Sorry. Excuse me.”
“Wait, Chica. Come talk to me.” He reaches out for me, but I manage to dodge his grasp.
“No, thanks.”
I start walking along the platform, shaking my head. What is it with men that don’t know how to take a hint or even a direct no? Granted, the one I want confuses me like crazy because he blows hot and cold. Jack doesn’t want me dating the guys at work, and growls at any man that gives me an ounce of attention, but he doesn’t seem to want me for himself. Suddenly, I feel someone too close to me again. I spin around ready to hit him with my heavy purse, but he’s instantly pulled away from me by a woman of all people. She looks tough and I swear I’ve seen her before.
“Leave her alone, or I’ll make sure you’ll never be able to flirt with a woman again,” she warns him with a violent calm in her voice that gets his attention.
The guy backs off and I silently thank her, making my way home. I see her as I enter my apartment, but she stops just a few doors down. Could she just happen to work downtown too? It’s a strange coincidence, but it’s very possible, of course. So many people work downtown and travel from the southside. It’s not unheard of to have a nine to six.
“Hey, Petra, so do you care to tell me what’s up with that message?”
“Yeah, so the boss man has me going to Vegas with him tomorrow.”
“Wait. So he didn’t tell you this all week but decided to spring it on you today?”
“I know, right?”
“Let’s look for the sexiest work clothes we can find. Maybe some night time outfits. You’re going to be in Vegas, after all. He doesn’t own all your time.” She winks, and I’m going to be one of two things by the end of the weekend: unemployed, or defiled by my boss. I’m truly hoping for the latter. God, I’m craving the latter.
We spend the next two hours packing and snacking. Then I send him a text, asking if he needs me to bring anything in particular.
Just yourself.
I want to ask if clothing is optional, but that would be so wrong so instead, I just respond with a quick, Okay.
“Girl, you should have just asked if clothes were necessary.”
“Yeah, so he could fire me before we go.”
“He’s not going to fire you. I think the guy wants to do you dirty and I don’t mean in a bad way. He wants to fuck you until neither of you can see straight or walk at all.”
“What makes you think that?”
“You might not have noticed, but how many times have you mentioned that he’s there when you first walk into the office.”
“Every morning.”
“The guy actually waits by the elevator until you arrive.” She’s got a point, but he could just be arriving minutes before I do and it’s a coincidence. It does strike me that his coat and things are in his office already. She shakes her head like she’s reading my thoughts. “He’s like a puppy waiting for his owner to come home. I’m telling you—all you have to do is wear something sexy and flirt with any of the men at the conference, and he’ll be carrying you out of that hall over his shoulder ready to take you back to the room.”