Justice(13)
I didn’t sleep that night, processing everything. I could not have a thing for my boss. Besides the whole it’s against regulations thing, and the threat of us both getting fired, there were several other issues. He’s fifteen years older than me. He’s divorced, though no kids thank God. His idea of fun is staying in and reading a book. He was fucking Harry O’Hara for God’s sake! The legend! Was I that desperate for companionship that I’d risk my entire career with a stupid move like that? Or was it just a lame, girly attempt to make a man I admire and respect take some notice of me as a woman? My mind twisted itself up, down and sideways trying to make sense of it all. As the hours ticked by I convinced myself it was a fluke. I was semi-drunk, vulnerable, and self-destructive. I’d pretend nothing happened. That was the plan.
Until I got to the squad room and saw him. He was coming out of his office as I walked in. Our eyes locked and it took all my resolve not to run across the room, push him up against a desk, and kiss him for all my worth. His expression told me he felt exactly the same way. He turned back into his office and didn’t come out until I left on a case. Still, after that look, I couldn’t pay attention to work all day. That kiss, that look…I knew I should stay away. It’d be better for us both. I would deal with Justin and his perfect bride, bride Jesus Christ, without dragging my fantastic boss and livelihood down with me. I’d be alone, sure. But that’s easier.
With those thoughts circling my head, I grabbed my keys and headed over to Harry’s. He met me in the lobby, and I managed to wait until we were in the elevator before I did what I had wanted to do that morning. And more. I’m a bad girl.
That was five months ago. Five months of dinners in out of the way places, stolen kisses in his office, and hotel rooms at lunch. Harry could lose his job, and I’d be a laughing stock, but we can’t stop. It’s thrilling, all the sneaking around. I haven’t even told Justin. And yet this has been my longest, most healthy relationship ever. I’ll enjoy it while it lasts.
Like now. I walk over to him and sit on the bed, entwining my fingers in his. “You’re already getting laid. You can lay off the charm.”
“Never.” He kisses my palm. “Why don’t we both call in sick? Stay in bed all day?”
“Well, I would, but my boss is kind of a slave driver. He’d have my ass.”
“Learn some new jokes, Fallon.” He kisses my wrist where I have a massive bruise from last night.
“Well, the bad jokes are all part of my dastardly plan to get you to break up with me. I figure I say them enough, you’ll get bored, realize you’re far too good for me, dump me, and then I can have the bed all to myself again. Is it working?” He pulls me to him for a sweet kiss, his now ten o’clock shadow scratching my chin. “Eww. Morning breath.” I sit back up. “You need a shave, O’Hara. Can’t face the press resembling a hobo.” I stand up and continue getting ready.
“You are such a ray of sunshine in the mornings, Jo.”
“I’ve had about five hours of sleep in two days. You’re lucky I don’t grow snakes out of my head and turn you to stone.”
“I think you’d look sexy with snakes in your hair.”
“You have got sex on the brain! I don’t think your girlfriend is satisfying you enough. You should dump her.”
“I’ve grown accustomed to your face. And wise-ass remarks.”
I stick my tongue out, garnering a chuckle. My expression softens. “I dry cleaned your spare suit. It’s in the closet.”
He tosses the covers off as I walk into the living room. While I make the coffee, he does his thing in the bathroom. I don’t know when exactly we started that annoying ritual of leaving things at each other’s apartments. It started with toothbrushes and toiletries, but somewhere around month three I noticed that in both our apartments we unconsciously made room for each other’s clothes. Suits, pajamas, underwear all meshed together. It blew my mind, especially when I noticed the tampons in his medicine cabinet. Still makes me uncomfortable.
I turn on the radio as I down my black coffee. The prison break is on every station. Alkaline terrorized the city for two years, killing three dozen people, destroying buildings, and scarring superhero Ranger so badly he was forced to retire. Apparently, the city is “gripped in panic,” people should “stay indoors,” and “nobody is safe from this madman.” I shut off the radio when the president of the Alkaline fan club comes on pledging her undying love. Sensationalist bullshit. If this city were gripped in panic every time the news says we are, this would be the biggest ghost town in the world. At least my name isn’t mentioned.