FALLING FOR MY ONE NIGHT STAND BOSS

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER FIVE

The phone rang on Kaia's desk. She didn't respond immediately, but the high-pitched noise broke the office's silence. She was already aware of its identity. The number sounded almost too familiar. Already dreading the conversation, she sighed as she picked it up.

Ella's voice came over the line, "Hey, Kaia." Miss Watterson is on the phone with me. She is insistent on talking to Levi, even after I told her that he was busy.

Kaia let out a sharp sigh. She did, of course. Those who were predictable were always successful. Levi wasn't at fault. He had repeatedly stated that his contacts should only contact him via his mobile device, not the office. If he didn't respond, he was either busy or didn't want to deal with them. Easy.

However, some women didn't understand and demanded more time and attention. They never seemed to grasp boundaries. This was especially evident when Levi became increasingly distant and unresponsive. He lost the excitement, and these women were left fumbling for something they couldn't understand.

"Thanks, Ella," Kaia said. "I'll see to it."

Even before the conversation began, Kaia sensed its weight. She disliked dealing with Levi's previous relationships, particularly when they believed they could skip her and go directly to him. Kaia had to brace herself after Holly thanked her and hung up.

A second later, the line clicked, and the receiver was filled with Miss Watterson's piercing voice. "Send me to Levi." Now."

Although Kaia didn't recoil, she was already losing patience. "I'm sorry, Miss Watterson, but Levi is busy." You have his cell phone number—"

"If he never responds, what's the point of having it?" You could hear Miss Watterson's frustration in her voice.

Kaia closed her mouth and mentally counted. Ten seconds. Take a breath. She had to deal with the situation even though it wasn't her problem. " Levi is busy, but I can appreciate your frustration. His time is limited, and we're working on something significant."

Miss Watterson's response was predictably loud and demanding. "Your 'important work' doesn't matter to me. You are merely his secretary. How familiar are you with him? Even though the words were painful, Kaia remained silent. She was aware of her responsibilities, and they did not include defending herself to ladies like Miss Watterson.

"Miss Watterson, I'm sorry you feel that way. Unfortunately, I don't have any control over the situation. Mr. Matthews is not available at this time. Call him on his cell phone or leave a message.

Miss Watterson's voice lowered an octave after a pause on the other end. "I don't need to leave a message. Speaking with Levi now is crucial to me. You're simply getting in the way.

On her desk, Kaia's hands balled into fists. She was annoyed by Miss Watterson's condescending tone. However, she maintained her composure and her tone. "Miss Watterson, I'm simply following instructions." I am unable to connect with you.

The woman on the other end was becoming agitated. The phone rang with a sharp squeal. "You have no right to talk to me in that manner! He should recognize my importance and respond. He had better take action on this.

Ella had lost patience. It was excessively disrespectful. "I'm afraid there is nothing else I can do, Miss Watterson. You can leave a message or get in touch with Levi directly. We won't connect your call.

There was a final click as the line went dead in her ear. Kaia took a few deep breaths and stared at the phone before setting it down. It was another day, and another woman believed she could force her way into Jaxon's life.

"Kaia?" From the doorway came Levi's voice.

Despite feeling the weight of his stare, Kaia didn't raise her head. Instead, she tried to regain some semblance of composure by concentrating on her computer screen and quickly navigating the keys. She said, keeping her gaze fixed on the screen, "That was Miss Watterson."

Even though Levi didn't immediately respond, she could sense the slight shift in his posture and the hint of frustration that lingered in the air like a cloud. "What did she want?"

Kaia continued typing and answered, "She was upset because she couldn't get through to you." "Every time she calls, it seems like you should answer."

Levi let out a worn-out sigh. "Remove her from the guest list for the Christmas party." Currently, I don't need this drama." He spoke flatly, almost bored, but Kaia could tell he wanted this issue resolved. Despite her prior experience dealing with his ex-partners, Kaia still found it unsettling.

The office Christmas party was rapidly approaching, and Kaia was overwhelmed with her workload. This problem with Miss Watterson added to the turmoil of the holiday preparations. Despite her busy schedule, she had to watch over Levi's romantic life. Whether she liked it or not, it was a job requirement.

"As usual, do you want me to get her a parting gift?" Despite feeling a hint of resentment seeping in, Kaia asked in a composed tone. She always had to tie up the loose ends because Levi had a habit of ending relationships with women. She had long since stopped questioning why she was responsible for his messy breakups, even though she had never understood why.

"No, I'll take care of it this time." Levi's tone was harsh, almost demanding. "It's not a huge deal."

Kaia finally looked up at him and arched an eyebrow. Her chest flickered with the rare moment of surprise. "Really?" she said in a quiet, incredulous voice. He had never said that to her before.

Levi didn't look at her for very long. Without waiting for an answer, he pivoted and returned to his office. "Believe me, Kaia. It is alright.

Kaia gazed at the door he had just entered. She wasn't sure what had changed today, but something about Levi's attitude unnerved her. He wasn't the type to take charge of such circumstances and deal with the fallout, and she didn't like the change that had occurred.

As she reclined in her chair, a question began to take shape in her mind. How much longer could she continue with this? For what length of time could she continue to clean up after Levi and act as though nothing was wrong?

This was not always how she felt about her work. It had been thrilling, even glitzy, at first. For most people, working for someone like Levi Matthews

Had seemed like the ideal opportunity. Now, though, it was beginning to seem like a never-ending chaos cycle. There were new crises every day, new women to manage, demands, and expectations she could never fully satisfy.

What about her personal life? In the maelstrom of work, it had become simple to lose oneself. When had she lost interest in her needs and wants? When had she begun focusing all her energy on Levi and his endless problems?

Kaia felt the moment's pressure as she ran her fingers through her hair. Perhaps the issue was that she didn't know the answers. She had lost her sense of purpose in this place. She had no idea what she attempted to demonstrate by remaining and enduring everything.

She snapped out of her reverie when her phone buzzed. When she looked at the screen, she noticed a text message from Jaxon.

Are you doing all right?

With her fingers hovering over the keys, Kaia gave a slight smile. Jaxon was the only person with no expectations of her, and he didn't seem like a continuation of Levi's universe. He recognized her as Kaia, who she was before everything became so complicated.

She typed a quick reply.

I'm making it through. Another day in paradise.

After pressing the send button, she reclined in her chair and let the office quiet envelop her. It wasn't silent, though. Questions, uncertainties, and the persistent sense that things would get worse before they got better were all in the quiet.