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“You’ll thank me when we have a rockin’ apartment.”
“Oh, then we can have an apartment-warming party.”
“We have a tight two-bedroom apartment. How many people are we talking?”
She waves a hand. “Not a lot.”
I raise an eyebrow.
“You’ll thank me when our bar is fully stocked from all the alcohol people bring us.”
“Fine. Now grab a paint brush and turn the volume up.”
For the next few hours, Mallory and I paint each room while gyrating our hips to the top club songs from the 90’s. Madonna, La Bouche, and Amber. I mixed in a little Blackstreet for good measure. Mallory loves my playlists and I love making them. We’re a match made in roommate heaven.
When 2:30 hits, I’m changing into my work clothes and fixing my hair. I swipe my lashes with mascara and dab on some lip gloss.
“I can’t believe you’re working for that hunk of a man.” Mallory sprawls out on my bed. “I bet you’re going to see him with his shirt off.”
“He’s my boss, Mal. I can’t be looking at him without his shirt on.”
“Work romances are hot. Does he have a desk?”
“Yes, and we will not be having sex on it.”
She grins. “Funny how you knew exactly where I was going with that one.”
“Goodbye, Mal.”
I walk into the gym ten minutes early. It’s more crowded than it was last night. Several trainers are working with clients around the room and TJ’s in the ring with a middle-aged woman.
“You must be Carla.” The tall man behind the desk extends his hand. “I’m Roger. It’s nice to meet you.”
I shake his hand and smile. “You as well. Congrats on the baby.”
“Thanks. We’re hoping for a boy this time. Keep your fingers crossed for me.”
“Too much estrogen in your house?”
“That’s putting it mildly.” He gestures to the touch-screen register. “Let me show you how to work this thing before I leave.”
As I watch Roger navigate the computer, I take note of the stacks of papers covering the counter and form a mental to-do list. Filing system. Folders. Labels. My excitement grows when I think about taking a trip to Staples tonight.
“All right. I’ve got to get my girl off the bus. Take my number. You can call or text if you have any questions.”
I hand Roger my phone as TJ passes by, walking his client to the exit. Droplets of sweat run down his skin and I’m mesmerized by the way his muscles flex when he holds the door open. His damp hair sticks up in all directions, much like it did after we—no. Don’t think about that.
“TJ’s a great boss, and an even better friend,” Roger says, following my gaze.
“That so?”
“He’ll give you the shirt off his back if you need it. He’s a miracle worker. Really turns people’s lives around.” Roger hands my phone back to me. “See you tomorrow.” He strides toward the exit and fist-bumps TJ on his way out.
TJ leans his elbows onto the counter. “Happy First Day. How do you feel?”
“Great. Just have a few questions for you.”
He waves for me to follow him. “Step into my office.”
