took up the majority of the top floor. When you walked in, my area was the first thing you saw. It was more open than Paul’s, but was still hidden behind the walls that surrounded our corner. I liked that we had privacy, as I wasn’t comfortable being out in the open for all to see. Paul had complete privacy with his as he could shut his door and block everything out whenever he wanted. Inside, his office was surrounded by huge picture windows that showed off a magnificent view of the city.
Hearing Paul clear his throat brought me back to the present. I took a deep breath. Here goes nothing. Even after having to hear Ethan’s many pep talks about moving on from Paul, I’d already decided I would. At least that’s what I kept telling myself.
We’d been on the road a little while when I looked over at him as he drove. The same adoration I always felt when I looked at him came over me and I sighed. I still loved him. Even though I shouldn’t, I still loved Paul Pierce.
Hearing my sigh, he looked over at me. “Everything okay?”
“Yes. I’m just sleepy. I always get that way on road trips.”
He smiled at me. “Well then get some rest. I’ll wake you up when we get there.”
“I don’t want to sleep. I’d feel bad if I did, leaving you alone to drive,” I told him, looking out the window.
“Don’t be silly. I’m fine and I don’t want you to get worn out.”
“It’s okay, really,” I said. The last thing I wanted to do was waste any precious time with him. While I knew this was just a business trip, it was still alone time with him.
“Truth be told, I prefer your company, but I honestly wouldn’t mind if you did fall asleep. Either way.”
I looked over at him. “Thanks.”
He looked back at me, then to the road. We didn’t say much for a while after that. We just sat there, enjoying the scenery on our way out of town.
As I admired the beautiful green pines and flowing waterfalls, I felt content. Being with Paul was easy. We’d always had a rapport that most bosses didn’t share with their employees. Even though he’d been acting strange lately, overall things were still the same with us and I was relieved. I’d never really felt uneasy with him and I definitely didn’t want to start now.
“So Casey wasn’t too pleased about this trip of ours,” he said out of the blue. Surprised, I turned my head toward him.
“What? Why?” I asked.
He sighed. “I don’t know. For some reason she feels threatened by you. She has for a while now. I haven’t said anything, but I can sense she’s getting more aggressive and thought I had better tell you so you’re not caught off guard.”
I started to laugh. He looked at me, surprised. “What?”
“You think I don’t already know this?”
“You knew?”
“Yes, of course. She is only civil to me when you’re around. But to be honest, I have no idea why she feels threatened. We just work together and we’re friends.”
He ran his hand through his hair, messing the waves. “That’s what I’ve told her, repeatedly. I think she envies you.”
I choked down my surprise. “She envies me?” I couldn’t believe it.
“Don’t act so surprised. You are a beautiful and confident woman who does a spectacular job. She sees how proud I am of you and our work and I think it bugs her.” He looked over at me to see my reaction.
“Well, I appreciate what you said about my job performance, but honestly, she has nothing to worry about. If anything, I should be jealous of her.”
He started to laugh, “No, no way. Believe me, you have no reason to be jealous of Casey.”
I looked at him, not knowing what to say.
“Don’t get me wrong. She’s great, she really is, but you possess something most people don’t. You are just natural at everything you do. You don’t try to be someone you’re not and you don’t bullshit around. You are just...well, you. It’s quite sexy, to be honest.”
Come again?
“Um, thank you?”
He burst out laughing. “I’m serious. You are one of a kind.”
The confusion burst inside me again for the millionth time this week. What had suddenly changed between us? He’d always been very kind and complimentary, but never like this. This was completely new and I wasn’t sure how to handle it.
“Anyway, I had to reassure her over and over