Sleeping With the Boss(20)

“I’m going to sue you for sexual harassment.”

Julian burst out laughing causing her to giggle at the comment.

“You and I both know you could never go through with anything like that. You don’t crave the attention like others do. You’re happier being left alone,” he said.

“How do you know that?” Dancing at a club was different from having your whole life spread out in a newspaper for the whole world to dissect and mock. She’d rather stick to dancing in Wade’s club. That was as much attention as she wanted.

“I’ve watched you at business meetings. You don’t like questions fired directly at you. You begin to fidget, and your cheeks turn red. It is really cute to see.”

“Great. Me looking like a strawberry is cute?” She smiled though. He’d noticed her, and that had to account for something. Or was she clutching at straws?

Shaking her head she gazed down at the pad in front of her. “You better make me look busy. I don’t want any work colleagues to doubt my ability.”

“If they doubt your ability they can answer to me.”

Heather smiled. She listened to him dictate several pieces of information he wanted her to copy up. Notes were taken, and then when enough time passed she left his office. He told her to leave the door open.

“I want to be able to see you at all times,” he said.

She smiled as she sat at her desk. She knew there would be times she’d be working where he watched her.

By the time lunch came she delivered Julian his food, and then disappeared into the ladies’ room to make the calls she had to make. As usual all her friends were together when she dialled one of their numbers.

“Heather, you’ve got to start getting out of work. Wade is a fantastic cook,” Connie said.

“I know. Work commitments and all that.” She looked under each stall to make sure she was alone.

“Do you ever think your crush on your boss could be down to the amount of time you spend together?” Amber asked.

Heather jerked. It was nearly the same as what Julian had said.

“I guess I’ll soon find out,” she said. “Speaking of which, I’m not going to be home tonight.”

She heard the silence on the other end. The silence and the disapproval at her comment.

“You’re going home with him?” Ashley asked.

“Yes, why is this such a shock to everyone?” Heather knew her friends didn’t approve, which was stupid. They were the ones who had encouraged her to take this leap.

“We thought you’d see his attraction for you then fight it. He’s not right for you, Heather. Look at all the times you’ve complained about his scumbag techniques.” This was coming from Connie. “This will end in tears.”

“And if it doesn’t?” Heather found herself asking.

There was a round of frustrated sighing. “Can you hear yourself? You sound like a woman in one of those romantic films you love so much. Julian is never going to change. He will break your heart and leave you broken. You have to see this, Heather.” Amber ranted over the phone.

It was strange. When her friends were disapproving, she knew who said what.

“I see it. I know this will end in heartbreak for me. I also know I won’t be able to look at him afterwards. There is a lot I know will happen. But I also know that if I don’t do this, then I’ll regret. Put my feelings aside. Wouldn’t you guys jump at the chance to be with the man you love?”

“At what price?” Connie asked.

“Any price. I have you guys to help me afterwards. It’s asking a lot. I love you guys and would hate to cause any problems for you.” She stared at her reflection wishing she knew all the answers.

“We’ll all be here for you. I can’t promise I won’t kick his ass, but I’ll make sure you’re cared for,” Ashley said.

“You better get in touch with Elijah. He’ll be worried about you,” Amber said.

Heather snorted. “I’ll get in touch with him.”

“Regardless of what you think of him, Elijah does love you. You’ll need to get over whatever issues you’re feeling.”

“I will. Thanks, guys.”

“Be safe,” they all said.

She closed her phone. Her hands were shaking. It was the first real disagreement she’d ever had with her friends. She didn’t like arguing with them. None of them had ever felt the need to fight. She flipped he phone open and dialled Elijah’s number.

“Hello,” he said on the first ring.

“It’s me.”

“Heather? Are you all right? I thought you got to work safely?” The concern in his voice startled her.