Page 18 of A Bossy Surprise

“I really don’t have time for small talk.” I close my eyes and massage my temples.

“Geez, who kicked you in the pants this morning?”

“No one. I just want to get to work.”

Arthur takes a step forward. “Are you okay?”

I fold my arms and take a step back. “I’m fine.”

He squints. “Are you sure? Because you look like shit.”

“No, I don’t.” I turn around and inspect the books on his self.

“Yes, you do. Your skin is pale, you have bags under your eyes and your hair is a mess. Did you get any sleep last night?”

I run a hand through my hair. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I can’t control the pallor of my skin, and as for my hair, I am not wearing any product in it today. I didn’t know that was a crime.”

“It’s not. It’s just strange. The last time I saw you with your hair this untamed was during your first year at Yale.”

“Oh my God, can we stop talking about my appearance? Do you have an office for me or not?”

Arthur watches me for a moment, then sighs. “Yes, we do. Follow me…”

We get onto the elevator and go up one floor. The elevator beeps as the door opens. Arthur exits, leading me to the chief executive’s office.

We both walk into an immaculately decorated office that overlooks the Cleveland skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. There is a fresh coat of cream paint on the walls, what looks like a brand new chandelier hangs from the ceiling, and a dominating mahogany desk and an equally impressive swivel chair sit in the center of the room. Off to the side there is a seating area with decadent looking brown leather couches and a mini bar.

“Is all of this new?” I ask.

“Yes, it is.” Arthur’s chest puffs out a little bit.

“This is exactly the kind of thing I’m coming on here to correct.”

“Excuse me?”

“There was no need to spend all this money redecorating my office. If I’m in this building I’ll probably be working in the news room or the conference room. I’ll barely be spending any time in here, and even if I were, I’m sure whatever furniture was in here before would have done just fine.”

His shoulders sag. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to give you a warm welcome. If you don’t like it I can return most of it.”

I’m such an asshole.

I feel like a piece of shit for slapping my friend down like this.

I shake my head. “It’s all right. You don’t have to do that.”

“Okay, I’ll leave you alone and go back to work.”

“Thanks, and I’m sorry for biting your head off just now. I’m just having a weird morning.”

“I appreciate that, but you’re right. Our money should go toward our actual work and not frills.”

Before I can say anything else, he turns and leaves the room.

I sigh.

I’m going to have to make that right later.

Damn Kayla. It’s because of her that I wasn’t able to sleep a wink all night. My world has been flipped on its head. I can’t stop thinking about Brady. My son.