Claimed By My Boss

Chapter 5

I didn’t dare reply to that text message. I felt that if I did, I would be revealing myself even more. I never should have replied to begin with. Stupid. My cheeks burned the whole walk home. I felt called out. Transparent. Like every person I passed could see that word written across my face, sense it smeared across my heart. Liar.

I felt like I was being watched, had to keep looking over my shoulder to make sure Elijah wasn’t going to appear and laugh in my face. It was only when I got home that the heavy energy disappeared. But my relief was short-lived as I was forced to finally answer all of my mom’s questions about the party on the gift basket. I put up some of the best lies of my life.

As I walk into work this morning I can feel my heart thundering against my ribs. I had every intention of getting up extra early and getting here before anyone else to go and see what awaited me in the car park, maybe go for a drive, but seems I have betrayed myself again. And all for the sake of Elijah! Did I get up early? Yes. Did I go see my new car? No. I spent an extra hour just getting ready. My mornings have been the same since I started at Kline & Co. Every morning except today. Every stroke of my make up had to be precise and perfect. Every strand of hair had to be carefully combed, curled, oiled, and pinned. Careful consideration went into my outfit which is just plain ridiculous. I have a wide selection of work clothes, but they all look the same. Cut from the same cloth. But I did have an extra button on my shirt undone. I did wear some heels that didn’t need to be so high. And my skirt just happens to be the shortest, tightest work skirt that I own.

The elevator ride to the 19th floor seems painfully long yet all too quick. The papers for Thompson v Jones are at the top of the pile in my hands. My stomach is a flurry of wild butterflies. What will I say to him? What will he say to me? Will everyone else somehow see that something happened? The ding of the heavy metallic doors startles me from my thoughts. Despite my time in the mirror earlier, I’m still early to work. The large clock above my desk tells me that it’s 7:30am. Half an hour to spare. I’m pretty sure that Elijah just sleeps here because he never seems to leave. I don’t think he’s ever had a day off since I started, let alone a holiday.

I walk straight past my desk and walk down the corridor towards Elijah’s office. It’s so quiet that the sound of my heels clicking on the tiles is echoing through the whole floor. I suddenly feel conscious and lighten my steps. I’m sure that the sound of my heart is just as loud and obnoxious though. I steady myself with a deep breath then step out in front of Elijah’s office. The entire front wall is glass. Fancy glass that he can turn foggy with the press of a button. But it’s not foggy right now and so I can see that the room is empty. I stop in my tracks. Literally stop. My racing heart falters and falls back into a normal, steady beat. All of that preparation and anticipation for nothing. Maybe he’s just getting coffee or copying some papers. I shake my head and realise suddenly just how ridiculous I’ve been acting. What was I thinking? I leave the requested documents on his desk and go straight to the kitchen. I’m going to need a strong coffee to compensate for the hour less of sleep that I got. For no f*****g reason.

I lean on the counter waiting for the coffee machine to fire up. The smell of the beans as they grind perks me up a little. I get my favourite mug that dons the wonderful phrase “f**k Monday’s”. Couldn’t agree more. I haven’t looked forward to the Christmas holidays this much since I was a kid writing letters to Santa. I flick on the radio and smile when there is already a Christmas song playing. I feel a breath on my neck and spin around with a fright. There’s nobody there. My skin tingles and I get goosebumps all over. No sign of a single person anywhere.

“Get a grip”, I mumble to myself.

I finish making my coffee, gather up my files and hurry back to my desk. The hair on the back of my neck stays on end, as if someone is following close behind. Elijah’s office is still empty. Whatever. I twirl my new necklace between my fingers as my computer fires up. I had worn it not only because I actually like it, but I was hoping it would catch Elijah’s eye. Maybe even make him smile.

Despite my deflated mood, the morning passes quickly. The endless calls and mountains of preparatory paperwork to be done keeps my mind off a certain someone. He hasn’t shown up at all yet which is so unlike him. God, maybe it’s because of me. Maybe he doesn’t want to see me. I even had David, another lawyer here, ask me where the Thompson v Jones files were. That just confirmed that Elijah’s first text on Saturday was complete bullshit. What is he playing?

“I’m going out for my lunch today. Will you be good without me?”

Eoin, my fairly new assistant feigns insult at my question.

“I’m sure I’ll survive. One whole hour without the amazing Grace, what ever will I do?”

“Oh, sure, I see how it is. I was going to bring you back one of those chai lattes that you love so much, but since you don’t need me at all…”

“No, no, no, don’t do me like that, girl. You know I can’t breathe without you, can’t function without my chai.” He presses his hands together to beg.

“You’re lucky you’re pretty when you beg.” I laugh and head towards the elevator.

I lied when I said that Sophia was the only fun person that I work with. Eoin is just as fun and just as sassy as us. He has never hidden his list for Elijah or any other man in the company that he deems handsome. He is funny as hell, and my days would be worse off if he wasn’t in them. But he confided in me that he is newly sober and so avoids social functions. For now at least.

For how skimpy I tried to make my outfit today, I was still smart enough to bring my warm coat. It’s snowing again and it’s coming down hard. I should have worn boots instead of these heels. I walk quickly, and carefully, down to Lou’s a few doors down. It is one of my absolute favourite places in the city of Ardarra. In a place that can be so large and dull, it is a haven of life and colour and character.

The door rings as I enter. The heat from the blazing fire hits my cheeks with a welcome burn. The lights are low, most of the glow coming from tall candles perched in old wine bottles. Most of them are so well used that the bottle is no longer visible, only long, flowing streams of colourful wax appear to be supporting the newest candle. The walls are covered in bookshelves, plants, and art work. Fairy lights cover most surfaces making the place feel magical. I get in the queue and relax to the Christmas music playing softly in the background.

The hair on the back of my neck stands on end and then I hear, “Hello, Grace.” The deep, raspy voice is so distinct I don’t even have to turn around to know who it is. My stomach does a somersault and my knees wobble. I quickly compose myself, hoping he didn’t notice any of those things.

“Elijah,” I say casually over my shoulder. I know I’m doing a shitty job of acting nonchalant. Something I’m usually superb at. He chuckles. The sound is a rumble that vibrates through my bones. He’s standing so close that I can feel his warmth.

“I see those files were extremely urgent for you.” I remark sarcastically, trying to ease some of the tension.

“Vital. I needed to see just how obliging you were.”

“Excuse me?” I spin around to face him. Another chuckle. “Obliging? I do my job. I’m good at my job. I’m professional.”

“I see you’re wearing the necklace,” his eyes trail down to the diamond on my chest, then down a little further. I blush. My head is spinning. This man makes no sense.

“It suits you.” He touches the crescent-shaped pendant with a finger, gently grazing my skin. Except there’s nothing gentle about it. The simple contact sends shocks to my heart. Lightning bolts. The rest of the world disappears. We are the only people to exist right now. I stare at him not knowing what to say or think. Those chocolate and honey brown eyes of his linger on my mouth and I realise my lips are parted as I pant for air.

I freeze as he places a hand on my waist and leans in close. His lips brush against my ear as he says, “Enjoy your lunch, little liar.”

“Next please!” Sings the barista and Elijah leaves with a wink.