A Broken Forever(93)

"The meetings were over and for the most part everything I needed to do was accessible over my phone."

"But you never sat on your phone and did work."

"That's true. Things are fine, I'll promise you that. Other work aspects may have required my attention but it isn't an issue. I'm going to head back to the office, order some takeout and stay late to catch up."

Guilt settled in as the image of that massive building being completely dark and empty, minus a single desk lamp lighting the work that was beneath. The picture gnawed away at my insides as I thought of how incredibly selfish I had been to keep him away.

"Oh Stef, I'm so … " His finger covered my lips to keep me from saying the words swimming in the pit of my stomach.

"Don't apologize, Greyson Rose. I wanted to be here, and it was my choice to stay as long as I had. My line of work is a bit more serious so spending a day joking around and having fun is almost unheard of."

"I guess, but, I still wish you didn't need to stay late to make up all the time lost."

Stefan smiled, cupping his hands over my shoulders, and gently rubbing his thumbs in a circular motion. "Time with you is never lost time. I just hope you realize that now, I'm going to stop by even more."

My sorrow vanished instantly as my entire body lit up. "Really?"

"Without a doubt."

"Good, you're welcome anytime."

He released me with a relief-filled sigh. "And whenever you want to yell at someone, you know where my office is."

I bit back my embarrassed laugh as heat rose to my cheeks at my past outbursts.

"That I do."

He smiled down at me for just a minute before reaching out suddenly and wrapping his arms around my shoulders. My mind hesitated but my arms circled around his back, sliding up to rest against the top of his shoulder blades.

"I'll see you soon, pretty girl." I nodded my head against his chest. My vulnerable side wanted to know if he promised he wouldn't stay away, but I decided that question was best kept to myself.

"Don't stay up too late working, please." I opted for instead.

"I promise."

With a kiss to the top of my head we separated. Once again getting into our own cars and driving off to our separate lives.



Richard was off to bed and I promised I'd be in soon. It was a little after 11:00pm; there was one thing I had to do before I would be able to sleep peacefully. After debating this the entire evening, I decided this fell within the realm of acceptable friend concerns. Listening for a few seconds to make sure all was quiet I composed a new text.

Me: I hope you're not slaving away over work this late at night.



       
         
       
        

I waited anxiously from the moment I pressed send till my phone's dark screen lit up in my lap.

Stefan Harrison: Worried about me, Pretty Girl? ; )

I felt my tension immediately ease at his playful response.

Me: Hardly! I just figured someone needed to check in with you.

Stefan Harrison: That is very sweet for someone who isn't worried. And don't you worry, Barney the janitor stopped in ten minutes ago. Took the trash and told me to clean up before I left. Sounds like his boss is a hard ass = /

My laugh came out much louder than anticipated and for a couple minutes I sat with my hand over my mouth, listening. It was absolutely ridiculous that I was behaving like a child that didn't want to wake mom and dad. I was a grown woman and had every right to have friends. Of course, I knew this was a little different since my fiancé had no idea this particular friend existed in my life. After convincing myself I needed to calm down I went back to my phone.

Me: Poor Barney! Did he not realize it was you?

Stefan Harrison: I'm betting not. Most of the late nights I have here are done in the board room with a team of people. At least he's efficient, I'll make sure he gets a raise in the morning.

Me: Good! =] Except now there is no denying you are still working away. Are you going to be done anytime soon?

Stefan Harrison: Doesn't really look like it. Few new accounts came in today and it's great but usually takes a bit to get them into the comp. I need to enter their info before I leave so their coverage with us starts immediately.

Me: Okay … I suppose I can't scold you for taking care of others. Can you please promise that you'll at least try to head home soonish?

For all I knew Stefan always worked until sunrise, passed out on his desk and was back at it a couple hours later. This time I felt personally responsible for the late night and I had to be sure he didn't make himself sick because of the day spent with us.