Mixed Signals

At the Office

Gemma sat at the desk on the other side of the glass. The back of her computer was turned in my direction, so she sat mostly facing me. Her blue eyes darted to and fro across the screen as she tapped rapidly on the keyboard, focused and unintentionally attractive in doing so. I sat mostly eyeing her on and off for a solid two hours before anyone distracted me.

When someone did finally come into my office, it was not anyone I cared to see. Winona, one of the women in the office I had wrongfully had relations with, came into my office unannounced, but not unseen.

"Hello, Ian," she said, her tone sensual. "How are you?"

"Fine," I replied curtly, appearing busy. "What do you need?"

"You," she purred. She closed the blinds on the glass.

I sighed exasperatedly. "No, Winona. Get back to work. Leave me be."

"But darling," she persisted, advancing. She sat on the corner of my desk, pulling her skirt higher up her leg.

"I'm not your darling." I said harshly. "Get out of my office. Now."

I stood, pacing to the glass wall and pulling open the blinds. Gemma's big blue eyes met my gaze and I suddenly felt self conscious. I opened the door, prompting Winona to stand from her seat on my desk and leave. Fortunately she didn't linger long. As I shut the door, I locked eyes with Gemma yet again, stirring up an unfamiliar feeling.

Her eyes flickered away to her computer screen, an unreadable expression plaguing her features. I lingered for just a moment longer before delving into my work. Fortunately, I wasn't disturbed again. Teddy interrupted me right as I was about to break for lunch, coming in to gossip.

"So, Ian," he was giddy, the look on his face giving it away. "What's with the new girl?"

"Gemma?" I glanced her way. She was completely oblivious of my constant staring. I let my eyes flicker back to Teddy. "We live in the same building, and met on the elevator this morning. Got some coffee. That's it. Why?"

A sly grin slid onto his features. "You want to fuck her, don't you?" The way he said it wasn't a question.

I looked at her again.

"I don't know," shrugging, I stood, leaving my suit jacket on the back of my chair. "But I do know that I'm going to ask her to have lunch. Excuse me."

My assistant placed his hand on my chest as I attempt to move past him. He looked at me with his hawkish grey eyes. "Be careful with her, understand? She seems like a good one."

"I know." I nodded, sliding past him. I opened my door and locked onto Gemma. I let a smile play on my lips as I moved toward her.

She looked up when I leaned on the edge of her desk. She smiled bashfully, "Hey there."

"Hi," I chuckled. "How are you doing so far?"

"Decent," she replied, clicking her mouse a few times. "You?"

"Good, good," I cleared my throat. "Do you want to go grab some food? I don't want you to have to eat by yourself."

"Um... Hmm," she thought about my offer for a moment. "Are you sure about it this? That it's not, like, inappropriate to have lunch with an employee?"

I scoffed at the notion. "God, no. I'm introducing you to the company, showing you the ropes. It's purely platonic, I assure you. Business, even."

She nodded comprehensively. She bit the inside of her lip, an adorable action that stirred up that unfamiliar feeling again. "Sure, why not?" She finally said, grinning. "I don't necessarily like eating alone, anyway. It'll be nice to have someone other than my best friend to talk to. I love her, but she can be a little... Much, I guess."

I laughed. Gemma stood, picking up her bag and slinging it over her shoulder. We headed to the elevator, and just as we got there, Winona came out of nowhere, a malicious grin ruining her otherwise beautiful features.

"Mr. Everett," her voice was passive. "I've got some documents I need you to look over."

I sighed. Glancing at Gemma, I noticed she stood tall, chin up. Determination and uninterest glittered in her eyes. "I'm sure they can wait, Winona. I'm just heading out to lunch."

A flare of anger lit her face. "They're very important, Mr. Everett. Urgent, from the... Erm," she paused.

"It can wait," I turned on my heel, placing my hand tentatively on Gemma's back and we boarded the elevator. Once the doors shut, we were alone. "I'm sorry about that."

"I can understand," she sounded pensive. "I don't mean to pry, but I can recognize her, um, behavior. Did you two... Erm... You know what, never mind. It's none of my business. I'm sorry. Forget I said anything." Red blossomed on her cheeks, and I could tell she was embarrassed.

I smiled affably. "No, it's no problem. But to answer your question, yes. And I can assure you, it was a mistake. She took a drunken night and tried to make a very unhealthy relationship out of it."

She nodded quickly, obviously just trying to get our conversation over with. I changed the subject.

"Where do you want to go?" I asked brightly.