Mixed Signals

Work and also Coffee

I was slightly taken aback by Ian, a man who lived in my building, worked where I did, and a total stranger who offered to buy me coffee. I texted Elle to let her know what was going on, just to be safe if he were a pyscho ax murderer or something. As it turned out, Ian was quite the gentleman. He insisted upon buying my food, and refused to hear it when I told him I could pay for it myself.

We walked a little ways and then grabbed a taxi, making small talk about the weather and whatnot. I had plenty of opportunity to size him up, check him out. Probably in his early 30s, he was tall, about a foot taller than me, and in incredible shape. He was built with lean muscle, his gray suit accentuating his build graciously. He had short, curly reddish-brown hair, light blue eyes that shone with a constant sort of amusement and mischief, and a perfect smile. He had high cheekbones and a strong jaw that was lined with scruff.

Over all, the man was damn attractive.

"So, where do you work in the company?" Ian spoke, pulling me out of my inspection.

"Oh, somewhere in publishing. I write," I shrugged, taking a bite of my pastry. "Writing for the catalogs and things. Low-level work."

He nodded appreciatively. "That's a great part the company, I've heard. Run by people who really know what they're doing."

"Good to know," I pulled my phone out of my pocket and checked the time. My stomach dropped. 8:34. "Oh, shit."

"What?" Ian sounded nonchalant.

"I'm late," panic overrode my body, washing over me like a tidal wave. "I'm late on my first day of work, holy fuck."

Realizing my inarticulate choice of words, I corrected myself. "Sorry, I'm so sorry, I just... I can't lose this job without even getting a chance to do it."

He looked at me in amusement. "I don't think your supervisors will really care that you're late."

The taxi slowed and pulled in front of the high-rise building. Ian got out first and held the for open for me as I followed suit, the chilly autumn air nipping at my face. Nerves made me feel wobbly. I took a deep breath as we entered the building. A large lobby with smooth cream marble floors greeted us.

"Good morning, Mr. Everett," a man's voice that sounded very feminine echoed toward us.

"Teddy," Ian gained composure, like the business man I just witnessed he was, his voice taking a huskier tone. Which was, indeed, very sexy. "How are you this morning?"

Teddy, a slim man with dark hair and piercing gray eyes, handed Ian a clip board that Ian gave a once-over and signed. "Wonderful, sir," he glanced in my direction as if he had just realized I was there, and his chipper tonality turned suggestive and curious. "How are you?"

"Fantastic," the man next to me replied. "This is Miss Gemma..."

"LeBlanc," I held out my hand politely. Teddy took it and squeezed lightly.

"Lovely to meet you," he smiled politely, but I got the feeling that he was recoiling on the inside.

"She's new," Ian continued. "In the publishing department. Why don't we give her the tour?"

Teddy nodded curtly, and clicked away quickly in the direction of the elevators. We followed, Ian putting his hand in the center of my back. Tingles shot to my stomach at the sudden contact. He left his hand there until we boarded the elevator. Teddy eyed me suspiciously, protectively.

He pressed the button for the eleventh floor and the ascent was silent, save for the light instrumental music playing. When the elevator dinged, the doors opened to reveal a spacious room, with an intricate maze of desks, some with privacy barriers, some without.

People bustled about, staplers clicking and the dull roar of conversation filling the air. I glanced at Ian nervously who caught my eye and winked cheekily.

"Good morning, Mr. Everett," was tossed our direction as we walked to the far end of the room, Teddy giving me a brief over view of the layout. Ian smiled politely and steered me along with a hand on my back once again.

We stopped at the far right hand corner of the room. Offices lined the back wall with glass dividers and doors.

"This is your desk," Teddy gestured to a corner desk with privacy walls on the right side of it and the front. The left side, which was closest to one of the offices with glass dividers, had no barrier. "Make yourself comfortable. Mr. Everett, I'm going to check on the meeting."

"Cancel it, please," Ian shook his head. "We can reschedule for next week."

"Yes, sir," Teddy nodded and left.

Ian and I stood at my desk for a moment quietly.

"Thank you," I broke the silence. "For showing me around and everything, Ia-- Mr. Everett."

He laughed at my correction. "Please, when it's just the two of us, call me Ian. I hate formalities unless it's completely necessary."

I smiled gratefully. "Good to know." I shifted uncomfortably as the quiet enveloped us again. "Well, I should get to work."

He nodded. "Well, my office is literally right there," he pointed to the glass-encased office directly next to my desk. "If you need anything, just let me know."

He winked and left me, while I settled in.