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“Colton, can we talk?”
“Of course, but can you hold that thought until lunch? Shit just hit the fan with the Sandig project and I need to clean it up before it gets any worse.”
While I wanted to talk now, I knew it’d be better when he wasn’t worried about losing a client. “No problem,” I said. “I’ll see you later.”
Closing the door behind me, I considered walking over to Erika to help settle my nerves, but she was chatting with Athena from the mailroom. I spun on my heels before Athena could see me. I didn’t think she’d recognize me, but I didn’t want to tempt fate so close to me revealing the truth.
Get a grip, Frances. You will speak to him soon, and all the pretenses will be done.
Needing a few minutes to pull myself together, I walked over to the bathroom. My palms were sweaty and perspiration gathered at the nape of my neck. I pulled my hair to the side and splashed some cold water just below my hairline. Droplets of water ran down my back, cooling me further. Inhaling a large breath, I released it slowly.
Everything will be fine.
The bathroom door swung open, and Colton walked in.
“Are you alone?” he asked.
I peeked at the two empty stalls and nodded my head. He reached me in two steps and gathered me into his arms. He kissed me until my head spun. I wrapped my arms around his neck, steadying myself.
“I’ve been yelling and cursing all morning. I needed a moment to hold someone good and decent. Unlike those bloodsucking lawyers.”
“Colton—”
“Shh, I don’t want to talk. I just want to kiss you before my next call.”
My knees felt weak and my face scrunched up, fighting back tears.
“Colton, we have to talk,” I said again.
“We will.” He checked his watch. “I promise. Just not right here, not now. I’ve got to go.” He kissed my lips and left as quickly as he’d come. This man destroyed me even when he loved me. And I couldn’t even blame him for it.
When I pushed open the bathroom door, I glanced down the hallway to see if anyone was watching. Fortunately, the girl whose cubicle was located nearest to the washroom was not at her desk. But my temporary relief at not being discovered in the washroom with Colton soon turned to fear. Standing by the elevators, holding a brown paper bag, was Marco.
Oh, no, no, no! Of all the days for Marco to visit me at work.
I peeked at Colton’s office, but he was already on the phone again and facing the large window. His back to me, I raced down the hallway before he could turn around.
“What are you doing here?” I hissed. Then a thought popped into my mind and I panicked. “How’d you know to find me on the twelfth floor?”
“You forgot your sandwich this morning. When I didn’t see you in the mailroom, I came to the twelfth floor to ask Erika if she knew where you were.” Marco peeked over my shoulder, grinning at my best friend. While she smiled back, Erika didn’t look up but continued typing on her keyboard. Turning back to me, Marco added, “I thought you’d appreciate me dropping it off.”
I grabbed the bag. “Thank you,” I said. “Now, please leave. This isn’t a good time.”
“Now is a great time, actually,” said Erika. “Go grab a coffee with your brother next door.”
I pulled Erika aside. “I can’t go now. I need to speak to Colton,” I whispered.
“He’s going to be in those meetings at least until noon. Take a break and a breath. You won’t get any work done this morning, anyway. You’ve been staring at the same blank email all morning.”
“You couldn’t possibly see that from down here,” I hissed.
Erika crossed her arms. “Prove me wrong.”
I couldn't, so I fumed instead. “Fine.” Grabbing Marco’s arm, I pulled him toward the elevator and jammed my finger against the button. Fortunately, the doors opened and we stepped inside before anyone else noticed us.
“What’s gotten into you, Frannie?” Marco asked when the doors closed.
“This job has me a little worked up, that’s all.”
