The Office Curve

Fancy Meeting You Here, Gorgeous... (Edited)

Yeah...that awkward moment when realize that fate is basically the hardcore version of an internet troll.

Even worse?  When you distinctly remember the moment he mentioned that he was starting a new job - and that was before he slid his hands down your pants while keeping his eyes on the cab driver.

Jesus.

I swear, I heard Eduard Khil musically laughing at me in my head, wearing that hideous troll face mask.

I had no choice but to sit down beside him as Ms. Bradley began to prattle on about what she ideas she had for the blog and the timetable she was expecting for eventual release.  And while I kind of heard her voice circling inside my foggy mind, I was on edge the entire time.   I forbade myself from looking to the left of me, wishing that this was all a very bad dream that I would wake up from at any time.

But I had no self control.  I broke my own command and tried to sneak a glance.

It was like he was waiting for me to sneak it.  Not only did he catch me red-handed, he winked at me for good measure.

I need to start bringing Poise Pads to work if this is how it's going to be.

"I want you to to get ideas from the other workers as well as our regular website visitors on what would like to be seen on the blog," Ms. Bradley prattled on.  "We're still a small fish in a big sea, so I want the blog to really connect with visitors.  And since Mr. Harris here is very good at what he does, I expect nothing less than perfection."

That's not all he's good at, madam.  "Ms. Bradley, I can assure that I will do every I can fufill all your requests.  I'm very excited about this, so of course, I'm going to give it my all."

"That's what I like to hear!  You've only been here half and hour, and already I've received a return on my investment."  As she turned to me, I hoped to God that she didn't notice how frantic I was underneath the calm facade.  "And of course, I know how much of a hard worker you are, Zara.  That's why I wanted you to be the main contributor on the blog.  And that's how I know that the two of you are a match made in heaven."

Oh God, no...  Now, fate's just being a jerk.  "You can count on me, Ms. Bradley.  You know I aim to please."

If he thought that didn't catch that secret chuckle, he was sadly mistaken.  I willed myself not to go crimson in front of the boss.

"Now, if there's nothing else, I'd like for you to come with me as I introduce Kaim to the rest of the office," she said as she got up from her desk.  "After that, I will direct you both to your new corner office."

"Corner office?" I piped up.  "But I already have an office, Ms. Bradley."

"Oh really?  I thought it was more like a utility closet."  Hey, I happen to like my small office - even if I can barely fit in there.  "In any case, I think it's better of the two of you share an office since you'll be working together so much.  So, you'll need to delegate some of your tasks to the others while you move.  The sooner you get it done, the better."

I hate fate - I hate it!  Don't I get a say in who I'm stuck with?  "But Ms. Bradley..."

"If it's all right with you, Ms. Bradley, I would like you permission to take Ms. Mercier out for a business lunch later," Kaim piped in.  He may have sounded all professional-like and respectful, but the fluttering of my heart knew there was more to this request than common courtesy.  "I think it would help us start on the right foot, and we can...get to know each other more on a professional level."

"Ah, you know, that's not..." I began to protest.

"That's a wonderful idea, Mr. Harris.  I don't know why I didn't think of that."  Because Fate didn't give a crap about you until this very moment.  "Why don't you do that after Zara has finished moving office?  Then you can take the time you need."

"That sounds great, thank you."  The heat from his eyes made my heart clench tight.  "I'm really looking forward to it."

"Well, let's get out there and introduce you to the lionesses!"  Ms. Bradley said with a wink.  She wasn't kidding, either.  "Stay near me, and they won't attack you - much."

"Ah, okay," he said with a nervous chuckle.  "Will do."

Ms. Bradley made her way out of the room and I followed behind her, struggling with my resolve.  Even as a told myself over and over again that this wasn't happening, the fluttering of my heart and the moistness of my core told me otherwise.  The point was really driven home when I felt him press against me slightly, the faint scent of Acqua di Gio filling my nostrils, taunting me as it did a few nights before.

"Fancy meeting you here, gorgeous."Kaim made sure he was close enough so that only I could hear it.  "I was beginning to think I'd never see you again, and now, we're going to be partners."  God, he's so sexy when he chuckles...damn it!  "I don't know what I did to have fate be so kind to me, but I'm glad it is."

"If you say so..."  I will not think sexy thoughts.  Never mind that he's wearing the liquid panty dropper and he himself looks like he was born to drop panties.  "I'm glad fate likes one of us."

"What?  You're not happy to see me again?"  If I answered "no", I wouldn't be honest with myself.  Fear is a hell of a motivator.  "Is that why you never called me?"

"N-No.  That's not it..."

"Then why not?" 

"I didn't think you were being serious with me."  It was the absolute truth.  "And besides - one-night stands only happen one time, right?"

"In theory, yes.  But then again..."  His voice dropped even lower, and I swear, I wanted to lunge at him right then and there.  "I was never one for following rules - especially if there's someone worth breaking them for."

I drew a loud exhale as we made our way to the front of the office, his words swirling inside my head.  Agitation gripped from all sides, and I found myself going over the layout of the office, wondering which utility closet had the best soundproofing for a wild romp in the morning with Gorgeous Blue Eyes behind me.

He's not messing around, is it?  Just at my heart believed from the beginning, this is really happening.

I can't...I can't even...how do I handle this?

If these other female co-workers who've started gazing at him, licking their lips and steadying themselves are any indication, I need to handle it quickly.

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Author's Note:  I know this is short, but I just wanted to get something written before bed.  I think things get spicy again tomorrow.  Night!