Chapter 8

So, how was your first day?” Yvonne asked, walking into the kitchen with a paper bag in hand. My brow arched in curiosity as she pulled out a bottle of wine.

“Really, Yvonne? Wine on a weeknight?” I teased, amused by her antics. She hugged the bottle to her chest like it was her most prized possession, her lips forming a pout.

“Of course! Today was a success for both of us. I landed a wealthy client, and you survived your first day with Neil Railway. That definitely calls for a celebration,” she declared, kissing the bottle before setting it on the kitchen island.

I shook my head and returned my attention to my laptop. Even though I had come home late from work, I still had a few emails to respond to before calling it a night.

“What did you order?” she asked, rummaging around for glass cups. I had to admit, her being here to cheer me up was a blessing. She’d always been my biggest supporter. I wouldn’t trade her for someone else

“Seafood boil, just like you demanded in your text,” I reminded her, watching as her face lit up with delight. She popped open the bottle and poured us each a glass, handing one to me.

“Cheers to both of us!”

“So, how was your first day with Mr. Handsome? Was it the classic love at first sight?” she teased, wiggling her eyebrows as she took a sip from her own glass.

“You wish,” I scoffed, taking a slow sip of my wine. “He gives me chills,” I added, making her snicker.

“But you can’t deny he’s a fine piece of work,” she countered, sitting down across from me. Yvonne had a bad habit of swooning over anyone she found remotely attractive. Unfortunately for Berlin, he never made it into her good graces. She’d hated him from day one.

“He’s strict and scarier than my father,” I said, shuddering at the memory of today’s events. “And he’s also an incredible actor,” I added, referring to how he acted like I meant nothing to me.

“You’re great at acting too, so it shouldn’t be too hard for you both to pretend he didn’t give you the night of your life,” she said with a mischievous grin.

“Sometimes, I want to throw you out the window,” I muttered, narrowing my eyes at her.

“I know, I know,” she replied with a playful hair flip.

Our food arrived a few minutes later, and we settled into the living room to eat.

“Seafood will always have a special place in my heart,” I groaned in satisfaction as I polished off the last of my meal, licking my fingers clean.

I was reaching for my glass of water when my phone rang. My heart skipped a beat and I nearly choked when I saw Neil Railway flashing on the screen. Yvonne glanced at the caller ID and burst into laughter.

“You saved his name as ‘Boss’?” she asked, looking at me incredulously. What else was I supposed to save it as? Prince charming?

I shot her a look and quickly answered the call, peeling off the plastic wrap from my hands. “Good evening, sir,” I cleared my throat, trying to sound professional.

“Check your email. I need you to review the batch I just sent and prepare a summary for tomorrow morning’s meeting,” he ordered in that gruff tone that sent shivers down my spine. It was already nighttime.

“Now?” I blurted out before I could stop myself.

“I believe I was quite clear with my instructions,” he replied, his voice sharp.

I bit down on my lower lip, resisting the urge to curse under my breath. “Yes, sir. I’ll get on it right away,” I mumbled in resignation.

“Good. See you tomorrow,” he said, and the line went dead.

I let out a dramatic groan, dropping my phone onto the table. Yvonne looked like she was seconds away from bursting into laughter.

“Well, at least you survived the first day,” she said, forcing out a sympathetic smile.

I sighed, pouring myself another glass of wine. “It is well with my soul,” I muttered, downing it in one go.

Yvonne chuckled as she gathered up our leftovers. “You’ll be alright. Just hang in there,” she reassured, heading to the kitchen.

I let out another sigh, following her to wash my hands, mentally preparing myself for another late night of work.

The next morning, I got to my office as early as I could. I was still half-awake as I set up my computer and printed the paper documents that I needed. It had been a long time I stayed up late working.

Realizing that I also needed coffee, I submitted the papers at Mr. Railway’s desk and went downstairs. Katie was ready at her desk, fixing her makeup as she looked in the mirror she was holding. She looked up to see me and smiled.

“If it means seeing you in amazing dresses like this everyday, I’ll gladly come early to work!” she exclaimed with a whistle and clapped her hands. I rolled my eyes playfully at her compliment.

“You really have a sweet mouth, don’t you?” I chuckled, taking in her appearance—she was wearing a blue dressed shirt and a high waisted black that made her waist look so small. I envied her hourglass figure but I wouldn’t trade mine for anything.

“Only when I see something I like...or someone,” she winked and I laughed. I did look nice today even though I wasn’t feeling the need to dress up, I wore a brown dress that hugged my curves in the right places but in a professional way.

My lower part would always attract attention so I hoped we wouldn’t be having any meetings outside the company today.

“You came very early today. I hope it’s nothing serious,” Katie asked as she closed her lipstick and put it in her bag. I shook my head as I smoothened my dress.

“I just needed to submit some documents. I need to get coffee now, I haven’t had breakfast yet,” I told her. She nodded and waved me off dismissively.

“Carry on,” she said and I grinned before walking out of the building and heading for the diner across the street.

I got myself a latte and Mr. Railway’s regular custom coffee. Remembering the bitter taste, I internally gagged as I went back to my office.

For a man so attractive, he was plain and introverted. I wondered if he had a girlfriend.

‘If he had a girlfriend, he wouldn’t have made you scream throughout that night,’ the subconscious in my head mocked as I sat in my chair making me close my legs immediately. Memories of our night together began to resurfacing and I had to take a sip of my latte to distract myself.

This man clearly had a strong effect on me and he wasn’t even here. My heart began to race at the thought of seeing him today and my cheeks started to heat up.

“Oh God, not today,” I groaned and patted my cheeks, trying to stop myself from blushing.

Then my intercom phone rang, startling me in the process. Thankfully, I didn’t spill my latte.

I quickly picked up, “Good morning.”

“My office. Now,” Mr. Railway’s deep voice demanded and the line went off. My heart nearly escaped my chest as I tried to calm myself down. Why was I anxious?