#Chapter 29: The Secretary
Abby

I get off at my stop and walk over to the restaurant. Just my luck. Karl is already standing outside with

my daily coffee in hand.

I take it from him, unable to meet his gaze. Partly from anger, partly from embarrassment. If he only

knew what I dreamed of last night. Knowing him, he’d probably love it. Then he’d suggest we make it

reality. And honestly, after my failed attempt with Adam last night, I’m not sure if I would refuse.

“I hate him,” I think to myself, indiscernibly shaking my head slightly and avoiding his gaze. “Don’t even

think about it. It was just a w et dre am, and nothing else. Those dreams can happen with anybody.”

Almost as though he’s reading my mind, Karl gives me a curious look, and I feel warmth rush to my

cheeks. His hair is the same as it was then, and the wind blows long strands of it down across his

forehead. I can almost see my fingers gripping on to it. The corner of his mouth twitches, but he doesn’t

smile.

“You, okay?” he asks. I force myself to look away.

“Fine,” I snap, letting the door fall shut behind me. He puts out a hand to stop it and follows me further

into the restaurant.

“You sure? You’re acting a little funny.”

“I said I’m fine.”

I stomp across the dining room and shove my way into the kitchen. I can hear him trailing after me, but

he keeps his distance, thank G od.

I close my office door and sink into my chair. What has gotten into me? One s tupid dream, and now I’m

embarrassed to talk to him. What am I, a twelve-year-old girl? He’s my ex-husband, and he hurt me.

Badly. He’s an as s hole. A manipulator. A male chauvinist. He’s… s exy. He knows me. He’s good in

bed.

I have to shake my head again to dispel the thoughts. Now isn’t the time to be giggling like an idiot

because I had one sex dream about him. And besides, I’m probably just misremembering what sex

with him was really like. It couldn’t have been that good… right?

Right. He’s awful.

I repeat it over and over until I’ve managed to shove the dream from my mind. I will not let my

subconscious trick me into letting him off the h ook. Good in bed or not, he’s got some serious groveling

not be enough. No, it’ll never be enough. I’m stronger

get back together with my ex.

it helps

But unfortunately, like most nights, the rush doesn’t

cut it into strips. Part of prepping the

and Karl is helping me with it tonight.

than me, he’s

already managed to annoy Ethan, who was setting things

himself from ordering Ethan around, even though Ethan outranks

ck tries to boss me around one more time…” Ethan had

than I had ever seen

said, shooting an angry glance at Karl’s back

him.”

better.” Ethan’s voice was harsher than I expected, and seemingly harsher than

He softened a bit, and passed a hand over his weary

at you. He just pis ses

“Don’t sweat it. I promise Karl won’t

I say. Karl is faster

him mopping floors and setting tables, but I figured he might as well help

my turn to take Karl off of their hands, like a babysitter

handling an unruly toddler.

a stack of carrots

do

answering grin. Last night’s debacle with Adam, and my

I’ve been mulling over.

in. It’s not fair to Adam that I fell asleep thinking about Karl and

got a bit too drunk. We all do sometimes. Hell, I embarrassed

long ago.

for your thoughts?” Karl asks as he grabs another

have him here to keep

any of my worries with

about our old sex life. As far as

him at all.

“Nothing interesting.”

“I seriously doubt that.”

flirt with me,

he asks, batting his eyelashes

the carrots. And hurry up; you’re slower than molas s

grandma,”

I can tell he wants to smile, but he’s doing what he

avoid it.

take for granted

the world doesn’t get to see that side of him. He has to be the

must

he says.

quickly look away and resume my task. Maybe

at the bar setting everything

the breakroom getting changed.

it just looked like I was staring,” I say. “I barely noticed

his chiseled jaw and warm brown eyes. I know a

one has eyes like Karl. If he cares

the world with just

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