The Personal Shopper

“Oh and Dela, can you confirm his measurements are still the same from the last time we dressed him? We are heading out at lunch, so I’ll need those by noon.”

“Sounds good. I’ll send them over once I’ve confirmed.”

“Thanks.”

I look back up at Parker, and he looks even more upset about Chase. “You’ve dressed him before? For what?”

I shrug. “A couple of times. Just different events. He’s pretty high up in the company you know?”

Parker just grits his teeth. “What’s your problem with him? I mean I know he’s a bastard, but it seems more personal than that.”

He just shakes his head. “Nothing.”

I just look at him. “Yeah okay. Real convincing.”

He doesn’t expand any further, and I really have to get to these calls if I am going to get something scheduled for Chase for tonight. “Alright, go get me those numbers. I still have to set up a meeting with one of the shetlers, figure out optics, call my local reporters to get them to do some fluff pieces. I don’t need you in here distracting me.”

He just leans down and smiles. “It’ll cost ya a kiss.”

I look over to my closed office door. “Pretty sure that’s sexual harassment in the workplace.”

He just shakes his head. “No harassment means unwanted. You definitely want to kiss me.”

I roll my eyes but pull his head down until our lips meet. I pull away first and push him away. “Get out of here now!” He grins and turns to leave, and I swat his ass on the way out.

???

Parker

After lunch, I went with Ava to a few stores to get an outfit for Chase to wear to make him look less douchey. I highly doubt that is possible, but if anyone can do it, Ava can. We just arrived back in her office, and her appointment with him is any minute. I try to linger for a while. I don’t want that sleazebag alone with her.

Ava is finishing a call up with one of the shelters when Chase walks in. He sees me first. “Parker. I didn’t realize you were back in town. Still always lurking around Ava I see. I swear do you just pop up every time I see her just to cockblock me?”

I grit my teeth and clench my fists so I don’t accidently punch this idiot. “I don’t need to cockblock you Chase. She didn’t want you then, and she doesn’t want you now.”

He just snears back at me. “At least I have a chance. Why are you still creeping around here like a creepy uncle.”

I swear I almost lose it. “Trust me. If you were the last man on earth, she still wouldn’t consider you.”

Ava finally hangs up her

phone. “Oh good, Chase you’re here. I just confirmed with Pups and More that you would be making an appearance tonight to drop off the check from the company.”

Chase raises his eyebrows. “Tonight?”

Ava narrows her eyes back at him. “Yes tonight. You don’t get to say no. Especially not after the shit you pulled this weekend.”

That’s my girl.

Chase just shrugs. “I was just testing the waters before I made my final decision of the night. No harm, no foul.”

Ava continues to glare. “Wrong. You are already on 3 different gossip sites. It is only a matter of time before this story reflects poorly on the company. We have to get this photo-op done tonight so it can bury this weekend’s story.”

Chase walks closer to Ava’s desk and lowers his voice like I am not literally standing right behind him in the room.

“You know you wouldn’t have to keep saving my ass if you’d just go out with me. Then I wouldn’t need to spend all these lonely nights searching for my own Ava. You know none of those girls can compete with you.”

I think I literally just gagged. Ava just frowns at him. “Chase. I’ve told you before. I don’t date co-workers.”