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I’m still reeling from what happened earlier.
Leaning back in my chair, I close my eyes. I’m exhausted, and it’s not even three o’clock yet. There’s no harm in a five minute nap to refuel and recharge before I return that call.
“What are you doing?”
My eyes pop open to find my new boss standing in front of my desk. I look past him to the closed elevator doors. How did he get here? I should have heard the elevator. He must have taken the stairs from the floor below us.
Straightening in my chair, I look him dead in the eye. “I’m working, Mr. Adver.”
“It’s Adler.” He points at my left hand. “What the hell is that?”
Twirling the white stick in my fingers, I sigh. “It’s a heart-shaped lollipop.”
I follow that up with a quick lick of the cherry flavored candy.
“A lollipop?”
“A cherry lollipop.” I pop it in my mouth and slide it out over my lips.
Watching every move I make, he repeats my words back. “A cherry lollipop.”
“It’s delicious.” Without thinking, I push it toward him. “Do you want a bite?”
What the hell is wrong with me? Who asks their boss a question like that?
Before I have a chance to drop my hand, he reaches for the lollipop, spinning the stick between his fingers. In one fluid movement, he tosses it over my shoulder toward the wastebasket.
He misses.
I turn to see shards of red candy on the floor.
Jumping to my feet, I round my desk. “Why did you do that?”
“Satisfy yourself after hours.”
He did not just say that. “Excuse me?”
Glaring at me, he shoves a hand through his hair. “Satisfy your sweet tooth after hours. You’re my executive assistant. It’s not professional for you to be sitting here sucking on that.”
“Duke never cared if I sucked it at work. He liked it.”
Did that come out the way I think it did?
I scrub a hand over my forehead. “What I meant to say is Blanche Heald brings them in for the staff whenever she makes up a bunch for her grandkids. Duke loved them too.”
Crossing his arms over his chest, he narrows his gaze. “Blanche from accounting?”
I nod. “She’s a good friend to the Garents. Duke always kissed her on the cheek to thank her for the candy.”
Contemplating that, he looks around the office. “Blanche and I are not friends, and I hate candy. I never want to see another one of those in this office.”
“Fine.” I drop my hands to my hips. “I’ll save them for when I’m done work.”
Staring at the broken candy on the floor, he lets out a heavy exhale. “You’re done now. Leave, Isabella.”
Done? Is he firing me over this?