Tessa felt her cheeks grow warm at his very straightforward innuendo. No matter how many ribald stories Kevin shared with them, she wasn’t sure she’d ever really get used to his very frank way of talking about sex. And, rather sadly, it was quite unlikely that Peter would be the least bit horny, despite the fact that they hadn’t seen each other in weeks. Or had sex for even longer. Things were – complicated.
With everyone settled in at their cubicles, the noise level in this section of the office began to rise dramatically. The sounds of telephones ringing, keyboards clacking, and voices speaking all co-mingled and seemed to get a bit louder with each passing minute. Tessa sighed, wishing for perhaps the thousandth time that she had a more private space – a secluded cubicle or desk in front of one of the private executive offices. Fortunately, she’d honed her powers of concentration very well over the past two years, so she could block out nearly all of the distractions around her. Except, of course, when her very favorite topic of conversation was brought up, as it was nearly every day. Then she was all ears, even though she was painstakingly careful not to betray even the slightest interest in what was being said. All it would take would be the tiniest hint she was interested, and her gossipy co-workers would be spreading the news of her infatuation all over the office. And Tessa would be mortified – absolutely mortified - if anyone ever guessed that she had a crush on Ian Gregson.
“Any sign of His Hotness yet this morning?” asked Gina in the sly, sultry tone that for some reason really grated on Tessa’s nerves. She also hated the rather undignified nickname that Gina, Alicia and Kevin had bestowed upon their boss. Oh, there was no question that the man was hot but he was also the epitome of suave sophistication and class, and Tessa privately thought such a nickname didn’t do him full justice or pay him the proper respect.
“Not yet,” offered Marisol. “He’s addressing a group at the Convention and Visitors Bureau this morning.”
One of Marisol’s jobs was to keep track of all the executives schedules, so that one could tell at a glance where a particular employee was on a given day and time.
“Mmm, guess we’ll have to wait a while longer to see what he’s wearing this morning,” lamented Gina. “He hasn’t worn the Dolce and Gabbana suit for a few weeks so maybe today will be the day.”
Tessa had zero idea how Gina and Alicia were able to identify which designer suit Mr. Gregson wore from one day to the next – and wondered why on earth they cared. She didn’t know an Armani from a Dior and it didn’t really matter, anyway – their gorgeous boss looked mouthwateringly handsome in whatever suit he wore, no matter the color, style or fabric.
“He was also out pretty late last night,” offered Alicia. “My mother texted me this morning that she saw him at a benefit dinner for the symphony last night.”
“Oooh, and what very lucky lady was he escorting last night?” asked Kevin, his pale blue eyes sparkling with interest. “Was it the bank president, the news anchor or the ballerina?”
Alicia gave a shrug that was meant to seem careless. Tessa knew that despite her co-workers feigned indifference, Alicia was actually very interested in who Mr. Gregson dated. And that it bothered her to no end that the man had such a rigid policy of never dating employees. Alicia had reportedly been one of many in a long line of hopefuls who had found that hard truth out. And while she never outright flirted with Mr. Gregson, she always went out of her way to greet him with a very interested smile, making it quite plain that if he were to ever change his mind she was ready, willing and available.
“I couldn’t say,” replied Alicia a little huffily. “My mother didn’t mention it and I didn’t care to ask. But he’s rarely seen with the same woman twice so whoever he escorted it can’t be too serious.”
“So that means there’s still hope for you, Ali,” teased Kevin, using the nickname he knew she despised. “Have you considered finding another job so that he might actually ask you out? I mean, that way he wouldn’t have to worry about his hands off the employees rule.”
Gina smirked. “She talks about doing that all the time. The fact that she hasn’t actually quit must mean she doesn’t think he’d ask her out regardless.”
Alicia threw a wadded-up piece of paper at her roommate. “Hah, hah. I haven’t noticed you turning in your resignation, either.”
Gina shrugged. “I’ve got my hands full with Alex at the moment. He’s not as hunky as His Hotness, and of course nobody’s even half as rich, but he’ll do for now.”