Geek Girl's Romance: Love in the Workplace Page 5

  Maybe I’m reading too much into his body language. “You know we never got to finish…watching Serenity. I have it on Blu-ray if you’d like to come back over to my place?” She studied his face to gauge his reaction. His eyes widened and his lips started to curve upward, but he pursed them and then blew out a breath. If she had to name his expression, she’d have said resolved.

  “I’m sorry. I have something to do early tomorrow morning.” He tugged at his ear and didn’t even glance her way. Mary Allison’s nostrils flared as her blood boiled. She knew a brush-off when she heard one, and Holden was clearly lying.

  What happened? How did I lose him? Is he having second thoughts about getting involved with a coworker? If he’s worried about the sticky proposition of co-mingling romantic and professional relationships, haven’t we already crossed that line? She tapped her fingernail against her front teeth as her brain ran through the events of his visit to her home earlier in the day. Only a few hours ago, he had made her come and promised to spend hours making their “first time” memorable. How could he possibly think their personal and work affairs hadn’t already been whirled around in an industrial-strength blender?

  She squirmed in her seat and finally took the liberty of turning on his radio to break up the silence. She was a little surprised to hear the alternative rock station blare through the speakers but didn’t comment. They barely spoke for the rest of the ride back to her place, and by the time they arrived, her stomach felt sick, her spirit was crushed, and she wanted out of that ice locker. As he pulled into her driveway, she grabbed her bag and unfastened her seat belt. She nearly jumped out before the car stopped moving. “Don’t worry about walking me to the door.” She threw the words at him like daggers before slamming the door behind her and running to her front porch.

  She fished her key out of her bag as she stomped up the steps, and once inside, she slammed that door behind her too. With tears welling up in her eyes, she turned around and looked through her peephole. Holden’s car remained in the driveway with him still sitting behind the wheel. What the fuck is he hesitating for? Get the fuck out of here!

  She glanced at the clock, noting the time was barely nine-thirty at night so his bullshit story about needing to get up early didn’t hold water. If he could use such an obvious lie as an excuse, she’d use the same one to get rid of him. She slapped the switch to turn off the front porch light before running to turn off the lamp. Once she was shrouded in darkness, she peeked out the window to find Holden’s car still sitting in her driveway.

  Leave, asshole! As she balled up her fist, nostrils flaring even as tears ran down her cheeks, she heard the doorbell ring. Fuck that!

  He couldn’t humiliate her and then act as if nothing happened. She ignored the bell and instead ran around making sure all the house lights were off in every room. Once the house was as dark as a tomb and the only illumination was from the track lighting around the cement walkway leading from the driveway to the front porch, she looked through the peephole again. All she could make out was a shadow but the dark blob appeared to be moving away. She sucked in a breath and held the air until she saw the headlights of Holden’s pretentious Prius back out of her yard. Once he was gone, she turned on her lamp again.

  After plopping down in her seat, she picked up her phone and texted Donnie: You will not fucking believe what happened to me!

  Within five minutes, her phone was playing Donnie’s ringtone. She pressed the button to answer and his voice was in her ear. “Bitch, please! You know you can’t leave a cryptic message like that on my phone. You need to dish. Now!”

  “Oh shit, Donnie…so fucked up!” She grabbed some tissues and wiped her face as she spilled the whole shameful debacle of how she had shown her O-face to a man who had a ton of control over her livelihood and had even lowered herself to the ranks of a part-time illustrator as a favor to him, only for him to put on a diaper, turn into a baby, and diss the hell out of her. She kept wagging her head, hardly able to believe the words she was saying herself. Being rejected so heartily had put her right back in that place she had been in high school, sitting behind those thick, black-rimmed glasses while being eaten alive by a size extra-small school uniform. She sniffled, feeling as if she had been hauled out of a warm bed and dumped into a virtual pit of dark, damp unpleasantness. “My hands are shaking. I feel so foolish and unwanted.”

  “That is some bullshit, boo! Fuck him! If he did that stupid shit to you, he is on his fucking period!” Donnie’s animated voice let her know he meant every word, and she couldn’t help but giggle. One thing she could always count on was her best friend’s ability to make her laugh.

  “You are so crazy! He’s not gay.” Her snickering escalated into a snort.

  “Hooker! That is not what I meant. Gays don’t be having periods. Well, gay men don’t. What I meant was he fucked up. He probably has a small dick, and he was too embarrassed to let you see.”

  She sighed, remembering the feel of Holden’s cock against her palm. “Nah, that’s another bitch of a thing. I touched it. He’s packing and I was expecting to hit it.”

  “Aw damn, that is harsh. Sorry, boo. I don’t know what’s wrong with that fool but he’s definitely stupid and fucked up.”

  “Thanks, Donnie.” She curled up on the couch. “Did you get my Facebook message? Bitch needs to charge and carry her cell phone every once in a while.”

  “Yeah, I saw it. I guess we’re going shopping tomorrow.” She stared at the ceiling, unable to conjure any excitement.

  “Yes, and that’s not all. I’m not about to leave my little bitch sitting at the house all by herself tonight while I party at the club. Get your round ass up, pack an overnight bag, put on that Caprica Six dress I made for you, and mix yourself a drink. I’m picking you up in less than an hour.”

  She ran a hand through her hair, pushing a few wayward strands away from her face as she pouted. “It’s too early to go to a club.”

  “Hook, please!” Donnie sounded exasperated. “Who do you think you are telling that? I know! That’s why we’re going to the gay bar first. The sisters will have you smiling again in no time. We’ll do a little dancing and then head to the straight club and get you laid!”

  “You stupid mofo! I don’t want to hit it with some stranger. I had a moment this morning. Nathan Fillion makes me weak.”

  “I know that’s right!” Donnie cackled. “Mary Allison, you are a strong, independent woman. You fuck who you want when you want.”

  She exhaled a breath caught in her throat. “Yeah, I know, but I don’t wanna. I’ll go with you though. I need something to get my mind off what a great big fool I made of myself. I’ll be ready when you get here.” She sat up and stretched with her arms above her head.

  After ending the call, she jumped in the shower. There was no telling what kind of smell Mark Melton’s nasty-ass abode put in her hair. As she shampooed and washed her body with some passion-fruit-scented shampoo, she realized the sweet, citrus fragrance was probably what Holden always smelled all over her when he came to her house.

  “Ugh! Don’t think about that prick!” she cautioned herself as she closed her eyes and let the water pelt her, running down over her face.

  After drying off, she put on the dress Donnie instructed her to wear. Her best friend was a designer with his own label and a boutique. Ever since he got ahold of her school uniform and made alterations until the damn thing fit, she had been his muse. She’d been so grateful she’d have done anything for him, but he said seeing how happy a little thing like a well-fitted uniform made her had inspired him. With his original creations, he only felt he had done his best when the outfit “captured the wearer’s whimsy”.

  Based on the dresses he designed for her, he felt her whimsy was best represented by recreations of iconic outfits worn by SyFy sex symbols, not that she was complaining. Mary Allison loved every stitch Donnie made for her and felt like a rock star wearing them. She lotioned her skin in preparation for working her
assets into the dazzling and form-fitting red dress famously worn by Tricia Hefner as she slinked through a genius’s subconscious in the newer Battlestar Galactica series.

  Since the garment custom made for her, it was comfortable unless she drank too much booze or had a heavy dinner. She held the built-in bra that served as the backbone of the whole shebang against her breasts as she stepped into the dress. With a bit of twisting and stretching, she zipped up her gown, holding her breath until she arranged the tastefully obscene amount of cleavage created by the bodice. Her eyes widened as she looked at her reflection, turning to the side to check out her rear end. Too bad Holden won’t see me wearing this. Her lips pushed together, the bottom one poking out before she swallowed back her pain. I’ll be sure to take pictures.

  She fanned her face, taking a few shallow breaths before lengthening her lashes with a little mascara and accentuating her lips with her signature Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick. She hugged her chest, remembering how Holden’s light touch had warmed her body but realized the evening air would raise chill bumps on her skin if she ventured out in only a spaghetti-strap dress with side cutouts. She sighed as she grabbed a sweater before stepping back in front of the looking glass to check on her look one last time. Holden can go screw himself.

  She chose a small silver purse from her selection and put her ID, money, and lipstick inside before packing a pair of pajamas and a simple, comfy outfit for shopping in her gym bag. Remembering what Donnie said about her phone, Mary Allison grabbed her cell off the charger before tossing it into the bag too. She headed to the kitchen and then mixed a little Captain Morgan into some Coke. She closed her eyes as the liquid rolled over her tongue. Holden’s face flashed in her mind, and she banished the thought of him. No! I’m going to drink enough to have fun and forget about my fickle editor at least for a little while.

  Chapter Five

  On the drive home from Mary Allison’s house, Holden replayed his behavior in his mind and felt like the biggest tool that ever lived. She hadn’t done anything wrong, but he had turned as cold as Siberia toward her without any explanation. No wonder she was so angry. His chest had been filled with a gnawing empty sensation, and the fear of her breaking him had left him nearly paralyzed.

  If I’d looked her way or tried to talk to her, I would have lost my resolve. He gripped the steering wheel, his stomach ill and a sickening feeling creeping up into his throat. I love her. I hadn’t meant to upset her, but she’ll move past this moment soon enough. What happened between us didn’t mean the same thing to her. Why would she care? She already has someone else.

  He rubbed his aching head, wishing he had some water to banish the dryness in his throat. Wrestling with his survival instincts, he had debated his next move. Considering the consequences, he groaned, worries plaguing his mind. I fucked up. She might even refuse to work with me. A human resources conundrum would certainly be vexing. My damn brother would be so smug!

  Thoughts of his pathetic attempt to rushed to the door to beg her forgiveness brought a heated flush to his cheeks and made his head spin. I must have looked like such an idiot standing there in the dark. He chuckled, remembering how she’d shut off the lights as if she were going to bed—he couldn’t blame her after the stupid excuse he had given about needing to get up early. He groaned. Fuck!

  Steadily making the drive home, he struggled to escape his damning thoughts. Worse than remembering her anger, he couldn’t let go of her scent or thoughts of her warmth mingling with his or the sound of her moans as he touched her. Dating was usually easy—the rule was to never get serious with one woman, always keep things casual, friendly, and fun. I broke my rules and not just today.

  He gripped the steering wheel so hard his palms hurt while gritting his teeth. “Damn it!”

  Once he entered his condo’s parking garage, he rested his forehead on the airbag as he tried to think of a way to fix what he had done. Lots of things ran through his head, a text, flowers, or maybe a handwritten note would do the trick. I might need all three. No, a face-to-face apology would be best. I have to go back.

  Feeling even stupider for having driven thirty-nine minutes only to go right back, Holden stared at his face in the rearview mirror and shook his head. “It’s too late. Cutting off your feelings now won’t change it.”

  On the long trek back, he practiced what he would as he drove, determined to make things right. He made a quick stop to pick up some flowers and supplies to prepare a handwritten note with a heartfelt apology. If she won’t see me, I can still leave the flowers and note on the small table beside the rocking chair on her porch.

  Just as Holden was closing in on his destination, another car turned at a stoplight and got in front of him, trying his patience. When the green BMW turned onto Mary Allison’s street, he assumed the driver was one of her neighbors but was startled when the car turned into her driveway. Not knowing who was in the vehicle, he couldn’t pull up behind him, so he did the only thing he could think of at the moment and turned off his lights before pulling into her next-door neighbor’s driveway, hoping like hell no one would notice him in the dark.

  From his vantage point, Holden watched a blond man step out of the car. The darkness and distance prevented him from studying the man’s facial features, but a lump formed in his throat as he recalled the profile picture of the man who had messaged her about having a slumber party. He gulped, choking back bile while praying the man was at the wrong address. A minute later, Mary Allison exited her house wearing a sexy, red dress and black sweater while holding an overnight bag. His gaze settled on her body, particularly the way her breasts pushed together. His pulse reacted and he palmed his face. All he could do was sit back and watch as she ran up and hugged the guy before heading for the passenger seat. Holden’s muscles tensed and he clenched his jaw as the unworthy bastard walked to the driver’s side without holding the door for her or even helping her with her bag.

  Bullocks! Do all American women like assholes? He had spent most of his dating years in Great Britain until recently but was certainly starting to see a pattern.

  Unsure what he should do, he waited until the BMW pulled away before leaving the stranger’s driveway and pulling into Mary Allison’s. He sat frozen for a few minutes as he realized there was no way he could leave the flowers and the note now without looking desperate. Do I want to apologize now? It’s sort of fucked up of her to run off to have sex with another man after coming so close to doing the deed with me earlier in the day.

  He held his head in his hands and rubbed his temples. One the other hand, she didn’t owe him anything, and the situation he found himself in was of his own doing.

  He groaned, hating himself for having been a coward. I should have accepted Mary Allison’s invitation to return home with her instead of sitting alone while the woman I want runs off with a douche bag in a fancy car. A fantasy of spreading her legs back and lavishing kisses on her thighs flashed in his head.

  Damn it!” Without a lot of options left, he decided he would speak to her later and extend a short apology for “zoning out.” He put his car in gear before backing out into the street to start the journey home again.

  Chapter Six

  Drinking the night away, a very intoxicated Mary Allison plastered a smile on her face, accepting the compliments lavished on her by gay men and drag queens alike who admired Donnie’s creation. Even as they told her how “hot” she looked, her brain buzzed with thoughts of her boss slipping his hand down her pants. Her face flamed with embarrassment over how stupid she’d been as she sipped from her third margarita.

  The snapping of fingers in front of her face drew her out of her paralyzing humiliation, and she pushed Donnie’s hand away while winging an eyebrow. “What the hell?”

  “Hey, wake up. You’re going to be an honorary in the drag fashion show about to go down.” Mary Allison grimaced while shaking her head.

  She knew Donnie wanted to show off his work, but walking across the stage without help mi
ght be a stretch for her. Her gaze trailed his face from his eyes glimmer with excitement to his grin. “Are you sure no one will get upset? I’m not exactly eye candy around here.” She pointed to her boobs.

  “Bitch, please. Some of those queens going to look more like a woman than you. Get up.” He reached for her hand but she pulled away.

  Her lips poked out. “That’s worse. I’ll be stiff and I’ll look stupid. Someone might be offended.”

  “Hooker, we’re all family here. No one is asking you to lip sync. All you have to do is walk down the stage and back.”

  “But…”

  He lifted a hand showing her his palm. “This is not the Junior Miss pageant or even a paying gig. You ain’t takin’ work away from anyone, but if someone hands you a tip, take that shit.” He lifted a finger in the air before waving his hand. “Now go pimp my design!” He took her drink and helped her to her feet. “And watch your tipsy ass. Don’t fall off the stage.” He shook his finger at her before he shooed her along.

  “Fine, I’m going. I’m going.” She huffed as she slipped behind the curtain. “Unbelievable.”

  As she entered the lineup, a six-foot-tall queen looked her up and down. “Girl, I don’t know if you’re wearin’ that dress or if it is wearing you, but hot damn, you look good.”

  Captivated by his beauty, Mary Allison stood back and took in the whole picture. A long, strapless, pink dress clung to his slender frame and was accented by elbow-length white gloves and a rhinestone choker. Perfectly plucked eyebrows and expertly applied makeup gave him the face of an angel while an ash-blonde wig finished off the look. Except for his height and an enormous pair of rhinestone-adorned heels, there was no indication he wasn’t a woman.