Oliver is tall, blonde, and about our age. “Cute,” she says, and he is, in that boy-next-door kind of way. He twists our way, and Amberley lifts her hand, calling him over. “He started yesterday. Seems nice enough.” Oliver makes his way over, and Amberley smiles up at him. “I see you’re back. Glad we didn't scare you off.” She laughs.
“Nearly, but my girlfriend would flip if I left my job, and that is scary.” He grins, taking a seat. “I’m Oliver.” He looks at me.
“Lauren.”
“So, you're her partner in crime?” He smirks at us both.
“The one and only.” I laugh, cupping my chin and fluttering my lashes.
“Amberley said you’re on nights this week?”
“Yeah, back on normal shifts next week.”
“I’m with security,” he tells me as I sip on my drink.
“Enjoying it?”
“Yeah, this hotel is far more upmarket than any other place I’ve worked. I was hoping to meet the boss. Isn't he some kind of super-rich hotel god?” Or a massive twat.
I sip my drink. “Has he not been in?”
“Nope,” Amberley sighs. “He is mega-rich. I read somewhere he purchased holiday homes in Mexico and Aspen this last month.” Oliver whistles. “Yeah. Oh, to be rich,” she murmurs.
I check my watch and realise I’m due to start shortly. “I better get sorted. Nice to meet you, Oliver.”
“And you.”
“I’m going to walk with Lauren. I’ll see you tomorrow, Ollie.” Amberley gets up with me.
“That name is reserved for my future wife.”
“Well, then, tell your girlfriend she has competition.” Amberley winks jokingly. Oliver shakes his head, and I let her link arms with me. We’re more than halfway across the canteen when Cain walks in, eyes seeking me out.
“Lindel, a word.” Since when does he use my surname?
“I’m due to start my shift. Is everything okay?” I smile, despite Amberley frowning at our boss.
Cain scratches his jaw, and my eyes are drawn to the shadow of hair there. “I’m aware. I suggest you hurry up and follow me, then.” He turns on his heel and saunters off, a hand in his trouser pocket, looking mega-rich and like a multi-holiday-home owner. Posh wanker.
I eye my friend and pretend to adjust a tie I’m not even wearing. “Look at me. I’m a pompous twat,” I whisper and Amberley giggles. I peck her cheek and jump when he snaps my name. Rolling my eyes, I turn and walk quickly to catch up with him. I follow him silently across the lobby and to the elevators at the far end. My boss stands with his back straight, legs firmly apart, as he waits for the lift to open. I manage to reach him in time and get in the lift before the doors close. There are two other people in the lift, both from cleaning, so we all stand in silence, too afraid to speak with Cain in attendance. They rush off on level three, and we carry on to the top floor, where he walks towards his office. No pleasantries—just pure, spine-tingling tension escorting us all the way. He holds the door for me, and I smile as I enter. Is this about Perry’s? It must be.
“Have a seat.” Cain closes the door, and I watch as he walks to his desk and takes a seat.
“Will I need one?” I ask, trying to gauge what is going on here.
“I hope not.”
“Then I’d prefer to stand.” It also allows me the distance the chair wouldn’t. I cross farther into the room, closer to him, but a foot or two away from the back of the seat he offered me. Tilting his head, my boss pushes up from his chair, and I widen my eyes as he moves around the desk, circling me. I move with him so his desk is now behind me, and he is standing less than a metre away.
“What happened with you and DeLuca?” he demands.
My head snaps back. Is he serious? “I’m sorry. If this isn’t work-related, then I really do need to get back downstairs.” I try to side-step him, but Cain's foot lands in front of mine. His hand takes my elbow.
“Lauren, did you sleep with him?”
“That's none of your business, Cain!” I snap. He is towering over me, his face a mask of irritation. He grits his teeth loud enough that they grind. Jeez!
“Maybe not, but I want to know.”