5

You can imagine the drive to his house being painfully awkward as we both just sit in silence. I watch the city pass by, still feeling pissed as fuck, while he just keeps his eyes focused on the road. Part of me wants to smack him. To tell him to treat me better than that. But my insecurity holds me back, making this the worst car ride I’ve ever experienced.

Luckily, it’s a short drive, and after ten minutes, he pulls his car into another underground garage. I let out a deep sigh when he parks the car next to the elevator, wondering if I should just take my chances on my own and go.

As much as it feels like a dream to be working for a publishing company without any credentials, I don’t want to be a burden either. And that’s exactly how he’s making me feel, like I’m nothing more than a bug on his shoe. It’s worse enough that Rae clearly had to beg him to give me a job, though I’m suspicious she did it as much for herself as for me. But it sucks more that the person in question doesn’t want you there. And don’t forget that I slept with my new boss once upon a time. Imagine how the rest of the office will respond to that if they ever find out. I’m sure making friends will become a lot harder.

“Look,” he starts, killing the engine. He turns his body toward me, giving me an apologetic look. “Maybe that was a bit harsh.”

“It was,” I confirm, holding up my chin. I might not have the courage to stick up for myself, but I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t a dick-ish move.

“But,” he continues in a slight growl, “I do mean it. We have to keep this professional. I’m sure you and I are already getting some backlash for the fact that you’re not qualified. Let alone if anyone finds out we slept together. There will be no flirting. Do you understand?”

I roll my eyes, annoyed he’s talking to me like I just jumped him like a poodle in heat.

“I might have been going after your dick last summer, but in my defense, I was going through a break-up, and you crashed Rae’s birthday.”

“Technically, she took us there.”

“Whatever.” I roll my eyes, then lock my gaze with his, giving him a serious look, my confidence somewhat resurfacing. “I’m here for the job, Bodi. Not to give you blow jobs.” I pause with a smirk, pretty content with my comeback. He gives me a what-the-fuck-look in response, though I swear I can see a smile hiding in the corner of his kissable lips. “Unless you want me to,” I add playfully, with a shrug.

“Kayla!” he barks.

“I’m kidding!” I break out into laughter, loving how easily I can get him all riled up. My insecurity is being pushed back now that the ice is broken, replacing it with a comfortable feeling.

He exhales loudly, staring at the wheel before he slowly turns back to me, and a small smirk greets me.

“You’re something else, aren’t you?”

“You don’t even know, mate,” I say with a wink and my best Australian accent.