“Grouchy boss, you’re scaring everyone again. Just thought you should know. It’s not good for work morale.”
He leaned back in his chair, looking every bit the powerful man he was. His frown lines disappeared, a naughty light popping up in his eyes.
“What’s your strategy to change that?”
“I’m supposed to do that?”
“You have a good track record of lifting my mood.”
/> I tried not to look too pleased, but I was ready to do a happy dance.
“And I need a strategy? Hadn’t thought about anything that elaborate.”
“I’m a demanding man.” He grinned. I felt as if my bra and panties were suddenly on fire.
“And don’t I know it?” My tone was a little too sassy, but he kept grinning. Mission accomplished. “I’ll think about it.”
“I can give you a few suggestions.”
I narrowed my eyes, certain he was baiting me again. “I’m good. My phone’s ringing. Have to get back to it.”
“You afraid to be in here with me too long?”
I shook my head. He laughed, clearly not buying it. I wasn’t afraid, per se... I was just not ready to trust myself around him.
I felt him watch me as I left the room. My breath was a little shaky. Honestly, so were my legs.
Things were definitely getting too intense around here.
In the afternoon, I received a surprise phone call. I was just about to go on a short coffee break when the phone rang.
“Sienna Hensley,” I said.
“Hi, Sienna. You’re the interim branding VP, right?”
“Yes. Who am I talking to?”
“Winston’s mother.”
“Wow. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s so great to meet you. Even through the phone.”
I was rambling. But the woman was practically a legend. I pressed my lips together, determined to sound professional, not like a fangirl at a concert.
“I’ve been told that you’re closest to my son out of the entire team.”
“Yes. You could say that.”
I had no clue what else to add. How did she even know this?
“So, here is the thing. My son’s back, but I almost never see him. He keeps saying he needs to work until late in the evening.”
“That’s right, ma’am.”
“Don’t call me that. Makes me feel like I’m a hundred years old.”
I smiled. “Mrs. Statham.”
“So, what’s with all these late-night work sessions?”