Want Me (Mess with Me 4)

I groan when I remember that one of the things on my agenda for this week is to screen junior marketing agent applications. Another thing that’s going to force me to deal with Law since he usually interviews all new hires.

“Anya, we need to talk about this.”

His serious expression would be funny if it wasn’t way too little too late.

“What is there to talk about? It’s not like we disagree about what to order for dinner.”

“That’s not what I’m saying. I just don’t understand what’s changed.”

Seeing Mya waiting at the end of the hallway, I paste on the most professional smile I can manage.

“Eve

rything.”

He looks like he wants to say something else but then he glances around like he’s just remembered we aren’t alone.

“We’ll talk about this tonight.”

9

LAW

Clicking through page after page of search results, I’m no closer to finding the perfect gift than I was an hour ago.

What says I love you but I don’t want to get married?

Funny. Google doesn’t have an answer for that one.

The worst part is I’m stymied not only by my lack of search results but also by Anya’s behavior. Lately she’s two parts bulldog and one part fluffy, emotional marshmallow. That’s a combination I have no idea how to navigate. This is not the Anya I know. The focused, driven, happy woman who never lets anything stop her or slow her down.

So what’s changed?

You. That’s what changed. She got involved with you.

It’s a depressing thought.

“Excuse me, Mr. Lawson?”

The door to my office is partially open and Wallace sticks his head in. I hold in a groan. He’s a nice kid and a hard worker but I’m not in the mood for one of his circular, picking-my-brain sessions tonight.

“Actually, I was just on my way out. Walk with me?”

As I speak, I close the lid of my laptop and then grab my briefcase from the floor. At least if we’re on the way to the parking garage, I have an escape plan if Wallace gets too long-winded.

“Right. I just wanted to say thanks for approving my request to switch to Mya’s team.”

As I hit the button for the elevator, I try to remember when I approved his request. He was on Milo’s team before and I don’t recall there being any problems.

“Of course. We want you to be happy.”

That seems to please Wallace because he launches into a long description of his first day. By the time we reach the parking deck my head is already starting to pound.

“Anyway, I think I’ve found my niche and working on GlowUp has been really exciting.”

“Fantastic.” When the elevator doors open, I head straight to my car giving Wallace a wave over my shoulder. Maybe if I stop at a grocery store on the way home I can get some flowers and chocolates.

When I pull into the driveway, I’m surprised to find it empty. Anya wasn’t in her office when I left so I expected her to arrive first.