Page 17 of Miss Typed

My gaze, although rebelling against the idea, finally made its way north to his face. His very red, very angry-looking face.

“I, um. Plumber. Didn’t know you were here.”

“I came in after a meeting and a workout. You weren’t at your desk. Now if you’re done staring, I’d like some privacy. I’ll let the plumber know once it’s all right for him to come in.”

Crap, he was really pissed off. And to call me on my staring made me feel like a pervert. “I’m sorry. I’m leaving.” I turned, my face on fire, and went out to the two men who were still standing outside of Aiden’s office.

“If you’ll wait a moment, I didn’t realize Mr. Samuels was in his office. He’ll be with you both shortly.”

I wasn’t sticking around. Instead, I logged out of my computer, grabbed my stuff, and bolted for the door before I died of embarrassment.

After I’d collected myself, trying not to cry in my Jeep, I finally made my way home. I hoped it wasn’t my last trip back from the office. Nothing to earn a reputation at work like calling one boss a pussy and then barging in on another one who was half naked.

* * *

I hated working at the club. But doing it by myself was even more unbearable. Sure, security was tight, but there was something naively comforting about going with Teagan. She’d already texted me from LA about taking her niece to see Santa at the children’s hospital. I was glad they were all spending time together. Considering the little girl’s unknown outlook, every moment counted.

The club was dead compared to a regular Thursday or Friday night. There were some people who’d remained in town for Christmas, but for the most part, our clientele had returned home for the holidays. Just as well. I wasn’t on my A game. Instead I was still reeling over how angry Aiden had been that I’d seen him come out of the shower. It had been an innocent mistake, so why had he overreacted? Heck, at this point I couldn’t say I regretted having made the error. His body was a piece of art.

After a night of lackluster tips, I dragged myself home without bothering to hit McDonald’s. The thought of doing it without Teagan was depressing. Maybe tomorrow, I’d go there for lunch. Later, I’d call home and talk with my mom and sisters, but I planned on sleeping until then. My first Christmas alone officially sucked. Not for the first time, I wished I could’ve taken the plane ticket and flown home.

The next morning, I woke to the sound of knocking. What the hell? Other than Teagan, I didn’t know anyone here. I was cautious to ensure nobody at the club knew where I lived. Perhaps it was the housing management? Since I didn’t foresee letting someone in, I didn’t bother to throw anything over my tank top and the shorts I’d slept in.

Looking out the peephole, I was stunned to see Aiden standing there. So stunned, in fact, that I opened the door without taking into consideration my clothing or lack thereof.

“Hi,” I greeted.

He was handsome in dark-wash jeans and a black T-shirt.

“Hi.” His gaze was focused on my face, but when it roamed downward, he flushed.

My face heated as I realized I didn’t have a bra on and was probably high-beaming him. “Um, give me a minute.”

I had to keep myself from sprinting. Instead, I walked as fast as possible to my bedroom, leaving him either to come in or wait outside the door. Once in my room, I took off my tank, threw on a bra and a T-shirt, and because I couldn’t help myself, I went into the bathroom.

A quiet shriek left my mouth once I looked at my reflection in the mirror. Brushing my teeth as the first order of business. The second was to smooth down my hair, which was currently sticking up all over the place. Although I was tempted to put on a full face of makeup, I knew it would be too much, so instead I took a deep breath and went tentatively back out to the living area.

He was standing in my foyer with a large paper bag in his hand. He’d shut the door. “I didn’t know you’d still be sleeping.”

My glance towards the clock confirmed it was after noon. It was on the tip of my tongue to tell him I hadn’t gotten home until after two o’clock in the morning, but I refrained. He’d ask why.

“It’s okay. I needed to get up. What are you doing here?” And how did he know where I lived?

“I wanted to speak with you about yesterday. Can we take a seat?” He shifted his feet, looking awkward.

Oh, shit. Was the bag he was holding full of my stuff from the office? Had he come here to fire me? On Christmas, of all days?

I had to keep myself from crying. With Tom, I’d been so stunned at his audacity in making me take the fall in front of his wife, I hadn’t been reduced to tears. But this time around, I couldn’t stand to be fired again. I’d have nowhere else to go.

My steps were slow as I led him to the small table in my kitchen.

He took a seat in one of the chairs and waited for me to do the same.

My nerves skyrocketed. Even sitting down, he was intimidating. Unbelievably handsome and in control. Me? I was a girl barely keeping it together.

Deciding to beat him to the punch, I started off with an explanation. “I did text you to let you know the plumber was back. I had no idea you’d returned to the office after your meeting and were—well, you know—in your shower.”

He sighed. “Sit down, Chloe. I’m not angry with you.”