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You know what? Life was too short. I was made for more, I could feel it deep within my bones. There raged a little lioness, wanting to be free of her confines. Wanting someone to just fucking love her.
Pushing my chair forward, I flicked on my computer screen and brought up my email. My probation period was officially over.
“Dear Joseph,” I muttered as I typed, “I’m officially handing in my notice as of today. I know I should work another month in order for you to find a suitable replacement, but you’ll cope perfectly fine. I don’t say this to disrespect you. In fact, I think you’re a very talented designer and I’m sad that you don’t make more of an effort. Life is too short to live behind a computer screen – what is with that, anyway?” I paused, debating the maturity of my resignation. Should I speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth? Yes. He needed to know how isolating it was for someone to work on their own in a dark office. “I always hoped we’d meet at one of your jobs, but alas, it never happened. Still, you won’t miss me.” My fingers stopped. Too much? Fuck it, I was committed now. “I’m sure another enthusiastic wannabe designer will be along very soon. Thank you for the experience. Lola.”
My dark heavy energy started to lift as my finger clicked the send button before I could stop it. Oh my fucking goodness, what had I just done?
Running my hands through my hair, I clenched my teeth and sighed. “Now to find a new job so I can finally speak to more people and thrive and maybe meet a handsome grumpy sunshine.”
Okay, so I also needed to pay my bills and advance my career, but my priorities were in place.
A ringing buzz on my computer screen made me jump. I dropped my hands and stared, shocked frozen by the name of the video caller. Joseph fucking Hunter.
He was about to tear me a new one for being rude, no doubt. Oh well, at least the curiosity of seeing his face would be satiated.
Clicking the accept button, I sat up straight and cleared my throat, almost coughing when Joseph’s face appeared.
“Lola.” His deep voice, which I’d heard a million times, was… amused?
I couldn’t stop staring at the chisel of this jaw, which was smattered with a short greying beard. His piercing blue eyes were lined with thick lashes, the likes of which made me jealous instantly. The slight crinkles at the corners of his eyes added to the gorgeousness of his face. His hair, short at the sides, slightly longer on top, was dark brown with flecks of white. He was like an aging Viking, his shoulders broad, his gaze intense and his lips… jeez, they were full, but not too much so. He was fucking delectable.
“I understand that you’d like to leave your position?”
Erm. Shit. What did I say?
The pause went on too long, so he tilted his head to the side. “I should’ve introduced myself sooner, I’m sorry.” His head righted itself as his eyes narrowed slightly. “You see, I wanted to know you stripped back…”
My eyebrows shot up.
“…work wise,” he interjected, a small smile tugging his lips.
I stayed silent, my tongue too tied and my eyes too dazzled.
He turned serious when I didn’t reply, his gaze hardening. “I’m not sure your attitude was called for, considering I gave you an opportunity to further your education.”
“Oh,” I squeaked, “no, you’re right. I do appreciate everything I’ve learned here. I… I didn’t mean… I just…”
“You were fucking bored.”
Lifting my hands to the side, I nodded. “Exactly. Man, you’re–”
“Do not address me as Man.”
Sucking my bottom lip into my mouth, I stared. Bloody hell, I’d been so out of practice with professional social interaction, I was talking to him like I would my kid brother. If I had one.
“I apologise. What I wanted to say was that you’re a really talented designer, I admire your work. I know you turned down my offer of advertising before, but if you got a good team behind you, you’d do well.” My quiet tirade ended abruptly when he put up a hand.
“Thank you for your flattery and advice.” The corner of his lip lifted into his cheek. “You’ve been very valuable to me. Is there a way I can persuade you to stay?”
My shoulders squared as I glanced around the room, reminding myself of the lonely three months I’d just spent here. “I don’t think so.”
“Okay.” He sat back and crossed his hands over his chest. “I must admit, I’m pleasantly surprised by your spunkiness.”
I hadn’t heard that word in a while. It was something my foster father would have said…
“Have you got someone waiting for you at home?” he asked, “Someone who will support you?”
I shook my head quickly. “No, I don’t, unfortunately.”
