“And you’ve said all these things to him?” Hunter questions with a smirk.
“Yes,” I admit, bowing my head. “It’s why I went to Europe, met April, and applied for this job. We don’t get along.”
“But your sisters do?”
I begin to fidget with the cushion sitting on my lap. “They adore him. He treats them like they’re queens.”
Hunter purses his lips, then tilts his head. “I’m surprised you have the backbone to go up against Lex Edwards. Many have tried and failed. It explains why you had no problem speaking to me.”
My elbow purposely knocks into his side, causing him to scowl.
“You’re cute outside the office. Why do you act like a jerk when wearing the suit?”
“Alexandra, you know I’m still your boss, right?”
“Yeah, but you won’t fire me. I’ve got something you want.”
He rubs his chin as I climb on top of him, a grin spreading across his face. “What exactly is that?”
“You’re just about to find out …”
* * *
It’s one thing to be alone with Hunter in his penthouse, but another to be around him inside a bustling office.
I went back to the main house on Sunday night since April had a crisis. Her tampon was stuck, and Kathy was out as usual. We were no longer period sisters, much to April’s disappointment. Her cycle started arriving earlier.
I may not have many skills, but tampon removal happens to be one of them.
Hunter informed me his week is booked out with meetings, dinners, and a day trip to Silicon Valley. Naturally, I told him it’s fine since we’re not in a relationship. He has his life, and I have mine.
Although, I don’t really have a life. Just a bestie I’m lying to, plus sisters who continue to blow up my phone with the latest gossip.
With Hunter in and out of the office, it makes work life easier. I manage to get a lot done, working close with Meredith, who has been feeling unwell of late.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go home?” I ask, examining how her shoulders slump as she occasionally clutches onto her chest. “You really should see a doctor.”
“It’s fine,” she reassures me as I stare at her with concern. “I’ll tell you what, if I don’t feel well after lunch, then I’ll go visit the doctor.”
“Good.”
I exit her office and run into Josh.
“Oh, hey,” I greet, surprised to see him since it’s been a while. “Sorry I haven’t gotten back to you about hanging out. I’ve been super busy.”
Josh flattens his lips but quickly forces a smile. “It’s fine. Actually, today is my last day.”
“Your last day? You’re leaving.”
“They’re transferring my role to the Denver office. I agreed to go.”
“I guess goodbye is in order.”
I reach out to hug him, ignoring how stiff he is in my embrace. When I pull back, Hunter enters his office with clients but continues to stare at me with a pinched expression.
“It was nice knowing you, Alexa,” Josh says before walking back to his desk.
Lunchtime in the office is always deserted, except for the geeks who hang around eating homemade sandwiches while collecting coins on some stupid game on their phone.