Love's Paradox

Chapter 5: Deliciously Handsome Boss

I wake to my phone's incessant playing of the Disco Song of Death that lets me know the temp agency is calling. My hand slaps around on my bedside table until I find my phone.

"Hello?" I answer groggily.

"Rae," Pam Tucker says with way too much cheer. She's used to me answering the phone like this. "Livingston Oil needs someone to fill in for their office assistant who called in sick. They specifically asked for you. Can you make it by 9:30?"

Things I don't want to do today: move. I open one eye to check the time on my alarm clock. It's 8:45—not nearly enough time for me to get ready. But a job is a job. "Sure," I grumble. "Text me the address."

After hanging up, I dash around the apartment in search of clean clothes and a steaming mug of chai tea latte.

There's a note taped to the bathroom mirror from Hunter. I read it as I brush my teeth. It basically says that he'll be out of town for the weekend because he's doing shows for five different bachelorette parties in Indiana and to call his older brother Bubba—I kid you not—if I need someone to kick Ian's ass.

While exfoliating in the shower, my default ringtone echoes through the bathroom. I flounder while trying to dry my hand and reach for my phone while still lathered up in the shower. The name flashing on my phone is one I'm not expecting: Parker. Wait. How'd he get my number?

"It's not a good time," I say upon answering.

There's a pause. "Are you showering?" he asks, chuckling.

"What? No," I say, voice hitting shrill notes. "That's just the faucet."

"Liar," he says. "You're naked right now, aren't you? And probably soapy."

I can't help but smile. "Shut it, Leather Boy."

More laughter.

"How'd you get my number?" I demand.

"Easy. I texted myself using your phone last night," he says. "You didn't think you'd get away so easily, did you?"

"Listen, Parker. I'm running behind this morning, and I really need to get to work," I say in exasperation. "Can we continue this stimulating conversation later?"

"Stimulating?" There's a note of amusement in his voice. "Interesting word choice."

I say nothing, hoping my silent eye roll comes through the phone loud and clear.

"I'll talk to you soon. Goodbye, Rae." He hangs up.

I huff in exasperation, wondering what that was about.

***

Since it's past rush hour, I don't get stuck in traffic as I head to the downtown area. I've never heard of Livingston Oil before. As a matter of fact, I didn't even know there were any oil companies in Bowling Green. It takes me several minutes to find the office, even with GPS. Eventually I give up and search on foot, only to find I parked right in front of the building. Livingston Oil is a tiny office located above a furniture store.

When I enter through the glass door on the second floor, the office is eerily quiet. With the office assistant out sick, there's no one to greet me. "Hello?" I call. "I'm Rae Zachery from the temp agency. Anyone here?"

A door opens at the end of the short hallway and out steps Parker. I drop my messenger bag in surprise, and my mouth does that whole fish out of water thing. He leans against the doorframe, a sly grin on his face. He's even more alluring than he was last night, jaw thick with stubble, eyes piercingly dark, and hair just long enough he can tuck it behind his ears. But this morning he's wearing a dark purple button down shirt and a black vest, tie, and slacks to match, his overall presence debonair. I have to force my tongue back into my mouth.