Everything for Her

by Alexa Riley

  Oz: Fuck, baby. Are you in the cafeteria? I’m not sure I like the idea of others seeing you blush.

  Me: Jealous?

  Oz: Incredibly.

  I smile even bigger at that. Is it messed up to be happy someone’s getting jealous over you? Maybe, but I don’t care.

  Me: There’s not a ton of people, and I’m off to the side. Besides, it’s pretty lame in here.

  Oz: What’s wrong with the cafeteria?

  Me: I got a salad and the lettuce looks pretty bad. They don’t have a ton of choices. Maybe I’ll go back to packing my lunch.

  I should have done that in the first place but I got a little flustered about my date with Oz and forgot. I’d rather be eating at my desk trying to get the pile of reports done.

  Oz: What do you normally like to have for lunch?

  Me: A salad or deli sandwich, something not too heavy.

  I glance up when I hear the chair at my table move. I see Eric sit down beside me. I give him a soft smile, trying to be nice. I don’t like him, but I don’t really have a solid reason why.

  “Those reports are taking forever.” Eric sighs, like he’s been worked to the bone. Maybe they wouldn’t take so long if Skyler and I didn’t have to fix his mistakes, but I keep that comment to myself.

  “There are a lot of them,” I say, not really agreeing with him. There are a lot of them to get done, and as we’re new, they’re having us all go over each other’s work to make sure we aren’t missing anything. It’s easy enough. They’re redundant. I’d label it more busywork, but it’s stuff that has to be done, and being at the bottom of the food chain makes it our job. I’m happy to do it and will do it with a smile on my face because I’m glad to be here. They could stick me in the mailing room and I’d still be thankful. It takes time to get what you want. That’s something I learned early in life, and I have no problem doing the work to get it.

  “Well, I got told I’d be working late, and so did Skyler. I’m sure when you get back to your desk, you’ll be asked, too.”

  Well, that sucks. I guess I won’t be seeing Oz tonight.

  “Thank for the heads-up.” I push my chair back, not wanting to hang out, and I’m not eating this salad. Maybe I can grab a bag of chips from the vending machine to hold me over if I’m going to be working late.

  “You heading back already? You didn’t eat yet.” He points at my plate.

  “Yeah. I’d rather get back to work and get these reports done. The sooner I get back to them, the sooner I can leave tonight, if we’re working late.”

  “I was hoping to eat with you. Get to know you a little better.” His eyes travel over me, making me think he doesn’t mean getting to know me on a friendly coworker level.

  “Sorry,” is all I can manage in reply, because what else can I say to that? I have no desire to get to know him better. I turn to leave, and I swear I can sense his eyes on me, but I refuse to turn around and see. Dumping my tray, I make my exit from the cafeteria and see Paige talking to a man next to the elevator. She has her hands on her hips, and I can tell by the look on her face that she’s agitated by whatever it is they’re talking about.

  The man makes Paige look smaller than normal, even in her tall heels. Not that it takes much with her tiny size. He’s got almost a foot and a half on her. Not only that, but the man is built like a freaking linebacker. He’s wearing a button-up white shirt, but the sleeves are rolled up, revealing his muscled forearms and the tattoos that cover them. His black slacks are fitted to his thick thighs, which look to be about the size of Paige’s waist. Everything about the man is muscle. He’s got short blond hair and bright blue eyes. He kind of reminds me of Captain America, if he had tats.

  He has a smirk on his face at whatever Paige is going off about, almost like he finds it adorable. I stand and stare, wondering what’s going to happen. The guy probably works in security with her, and after a second I realize he looks familiar. Then it hits me. It’s the same guy she was talking to at the club the other night. God, I hope she doesn’t get fired on the first day. She was so freaking excited about getting this job.

  As if she knows I’m looking at her, her head turns my way and she’s surprised. She quickly schools her features into a polite smile. She turns and says something to the man, who shakes his head and hits the elevator button like she dismissed him or something. After that, she walks toward me and he watches her go.

  “Everything okay?” I ask when she finally reaches me. She turns to watch the guy get into the elevator, his eyes locked on her as the doors close.

  “My boss,” she mutters, like she’s annoyed.

  “Isn’t that the guy from the club the other night?” With her photographic memory, no way would she miss that. But I could be wrong. It was dark and she was across the room talking to him that night.

  “Ah, yeah.”

  “Yikes. Did he hit on you that night? Because that would make things awkward for sure. Dating and working together can’t work. It would be a mess.” It’s definitely something I wouldn’t want to do. This job is too important to risk.

  “Because I date?” she jokes, making me laugh. No, Paige doesn’t date. She flirts sometimes, but that’s about it.

  “How was your breakfast?”

  My face warms once again, and her eyebrows rise.

  “That good, huh?”

  I’ve really got to get this blushing thing under control.

  “It was wonderful. I really like him, Paige. Like scary-like him, and this is happening so fast. It’s kind of freaking me out a little.”

  “Wow, that much?” Her brows furrow a little in concern.

  “Yeah. It’s too fast, isn’t it?”

  “You can’t help your emotions, Mal. You’ll be fine. You’re a smart girl, and if something happens I’ll be here to help you pick up the pieces.” She reaches out, grabbing my hand. “I got you.”

  It’s an odd way to put it, as if the heartbreak is impending. But I shake it off, thinking Paige always looks at things differently than I do.

  “I know. I’m so lucky to have gotten to pair up with you.” I wonder how things would have turned out if I hadn’t had her by my side these last four years. Would I have made it through college? Yeah, but having Paige has made things so much easier. She’s the first person in my life I could ever rely on, and I felt like she was there to catch me. She’s my only real family.

  “Don’t get all mushy on me.” She pulls me in for a hug. “Get back to work,” she says in my ear, making me laugh.

  “I’ll be home late. I hear I’m working after hours.”

  “All right. I’ll order something in. You can reheat it when you get home.”

  “Sounds good.” We say our goodbyes before I head back to my floor, stopping short when I get to my desk. There are six cubicles in the center of the floor with full offices all around them. I’m between Skyler and Eric.

  There is a sub sandwich sitting on my desk, and a coffee that looks to be made the way I like it.

  “Did you see someone drop this off?” I ask Skyler, who stands up to look over the low cubicle wall.

  “Some delivery boy dropped it off a few seconds ago. I thought you ordered it or something.” She shrugs, then leans a little closer. “If I have to fix one more of Eric’s reports, I’m going to choke him,” she whispers conspiratorially. I nod in agreement.

  “I know,” I tell her.

  She rolls her eyes, taking a deep breath before sitting back down at her own desk. Just then, Linda comes strolling out of her office. Like everyone else in this building, she’s dressed to the nines. I’m going to have to spend my first few paychecks on getting some better clothes. Maybe I can find stuff I can mix and match so I won’t need as many things. I didn’t notice it the first time we met, but she looks extremely young to be my boss. It gives m
e hope that you can move up fast if you work hard.

  “Mallory, I need you to stay with Eric and Skyler until all those reports are done.”

  “Of course.”

  She nods and turns, heading back into her office.

  I sit down at my desk, pulling out my phone. This sandwich could have only come from one person. I laugh when I see I have three missed texts and a missed phone call, all from Oz. He’s clearly not patient.

  Oz: You have to eat, baby.

  Oz: Is there something else you can get there?

  Oz: I’ll get it worked out for you.

  How he did this so fast blows my mind.

  Me: I swear, you really are the Wizard of Oz pulling all the strings. Thank you for the sandwich and coffee.

  Clearly, the man can pop out of nowhere and make things happen.

  Oz: I don’t like when you don’t respond to my messages.

  This should worry me, but again, the stupid butterflies in my stomach have a mind of their own. This can’t be healthy.

  Me: I’m at work. Sometimes things come up and I can’t text right away.

  Oz: I can’t wait to see you tonight.

  I snort at his change of subject. I love how he doesn’t seem to care that he comes on strong and almost sounds a little needy. This isn’t a game with him.

  Me: About tonight, sorry, I can’t make it. Something came up with work and I have to stay late.

  I send the text message and wait for a response before I get back to work, but nothing comes. The silence is very un-Oz-like. He’s always quick to respond, and when I don’t respond to him fast enough, he’s sending another message or calling.

  I wait a few more moments and think maybe he got caught up with work, so I put my phone into my bag and take a sip of the coffee sitting on my desk. I smile, thinking of this morning. I’m mystified as to how he knew the way I like my coffee.

  I let myself fall into my work, wanting to get everything they added to my pile done. Eric was already slowing us down. I tried to show him each time he messed up where the problem was but he seemed more interested in me fixing it.

  “Mallory.” Linda says my name, and I sit up straight like I’ve been caught doing something bad. I turn around and see her coming out of her office again, her face a little pinched.

  “I won’t be needing you after all.”

  “Oh.” I don’t understand why she seems upset. Maybe she isn’t happy with something I did. “It’s quite fine. I’m more than happy to help,” I tell her, trying to reassure her. I don’t want everyone else working late and I’m not.

  “No, no, I’m sure Skyler and Eric can handle it.”

  I see Skyler looking at us, probably wondering the same thing I am. Why don’t I have to help?

  “Ma’am, I’d really like to stay and help them.” I’m a little panicked, like I did something wrong. Why is she cutting me out?

  She doesn’t answer me for a second, almost like she’s thinking about it. Then she lets out a breath, like she’s giving up.

  “I’m sorry. I meant I won’t need any of you tonight. We can get them finished tomorrow.” With that, she turns and leaves.

  Skyler and I look at each other as if to say what was that? Then Eric comes strolling back from lunch.

  “We’re not working late now,” Skyler informs him.

  “Nice,” he responds, sitting down in his chair.

  I sit back down at my desk, thinking how weird that was, but then I get excited and reach into my bag, picking up my phone to text Oz after letting Paige know my change of plans.

  Me: Never mind. I don’t have to work late. Can’t wait for dinner!

  His response is instant this time.

  Oz: I’m counting the seconds.

  Me: I’ll text you when I’m out front. I really need to get back to work. xoxox.

  Oz: Eat your lunch first. See you soon, baby. xxx.

  Chapter Nine

  Mallory

  * * *

  The rest of my day is spent elbow-deep in reports. We may not have had to stay late, but that doesn’t mean there’s not a stack of work to be done. I refrain from checking my phone throughout the day as I try to focus on work. I know that the second he sends something, I’ll spend an hour melting over it. He’s so charming it makes me ache.

  I can’t believe what I did in the car with him this morning. Every time it crosses my mind, the blush burns my cheeks. I’ve never done anything like that with a boy before, but Oz most definitely isn’t a boy. No, he’s all man, head to toe.

  Caught up in the moment, I’d let myself be taken away by desire, and it felt completely wonderful. Although Oz and I don’t know much about each other, there’s something happening between us. He’s sweet and intense, but I’m pulled to him like nothing I’ve ever felt before. He’s nearly a stranger on paper, because there’s not much I know about him. But the more I get to know, the more I like him. And isn’t that what dating is for? To get to know each other while having a good time? I’m sure I should be more worried about the fact that I’m so eager to get to know him, but I’m going with my gut. Although I don’t have any frame of reference and no real starting point, all I’ve ever really wanted in a man is someone who loves me and treats me well. Maybe Oz can be that.

  “I’m headed out. See you girls tomorrow.”

  I lean back out of my cubicle and watch Eric’s back retreat from our desks. I look over to see Skyler standing up and watching the same thing.

  “That little shit is getting on my last nerve,” she says, and I can’t hide my smile. She looks down at me and shrugs a shoulder. “I’m finishing this last one up, and then I’m calling it a day. Want to grab a drink afterward?”

  “Oh, I’d love to, but I’ve got plans.” I’m disappointed because Skyler seems like fun. And she doesn’t seem like the type of girl to ask if she doesn’t mean it. “What about Friday?”

  I’m unsure what’s happening the rest of the week. It’s only Tuesday, and I want to hedge my bets with Oz. But I’m sure I can do drinks after work one night with Skyler, and then maybe Oz and I can do dinner after. Or maybe I’m getting ahead of myself. I keep telling myself to play it cool, but here I am, planning days together.

  “Oh, that sounds good. I met a couple of the junior associates on the top floor this afternoon when I took those forms up. Maybe I’ll invite some of them. I know everyone likes to go to Marie’s Yacht Club next door.”

  “I’ll ask my roommate, too. She works in security here.” Skyler smiles at me and I’m excited. “It’s a plan,” I agree, and then we go back to finishing our work.

  Skyler and I get ready to leave at the same time, both of us cleaning up and grabbing our bags. Before we get to the elevator, I grab my phone and check for text messages. I’m not disappointed when I slide the screen and see what Oz left for me.

  The first is a pic of a grumpy cat that says I love math. It makes people cry. Skyler looks at me and raises an eyebrow when I snort. I end up showing her the pic, and she snorts, too. We’re obviously easily amused.

  He also left me a few texts that I read privately as we wait for the elevator.

  Oz: I’m thinking of you too much today. I fear for the future of my company.

  Oz: In case I forgot to tell you, you looked gorgeous today.

  Oz: How’s the red lip stain holding up? Will we test its durability again after dinner?

  Oz: I’m outside waiting when you’re finished with work.

  My cheeks burn, and I bite my lip as I send him a quick response.

  Me: All finished and on the way down. Lip stain is doing well...but could be faulty. We should do another case study, just to be sure.

  His response is immediate as the elevator doors open and Skyler and I step through.

  Oz
: If anything, I’m thorough.

  “Is that your boyfriend?” Skyler asks as I tuck my phone away.

  “Yes,” I say, thinking he may be. I don’t know how soon into dating you do that, but it’s like we are headed in that direction. That’s something to bring up with Oz tonight. Are we exclusive? I think I know what his answer would be, but I’d like to put it out there and be sure. “Yes,” I say again, this time a bit more confidently. “Do you have a boyfriend?”

  “Girlfriend. We’ve been together since high school.” Skyler pulls out her phone and shows me a picture. “This is Jamie.” The dark-haired beauty is next to Skyler on a beach, the two of them in bikinis. I’m immediately jealous of their slim bodies.

  “Wow, she’s hot,” I blurt out. Realizing that may have been rude, I follow it up with a hurried, “Sorry.”

  Skyler laughs and puts her phone away. “I know, right? She’s a babe. I’ll see if she wants to come out with us on Friday...if it’s okay to bring our partners.”

  “Oh, that sounds like fun. Maybe I’ll ask my—” I pause for a quick second, then just say it “—boyfriend. See if he wants to come, too.”

  “Sure. Sounds like a good time. After we hit Marie’s Yacht Club for some food we can go to Seven Eight Nine—it’s a club next door if we want to go dancing after.”

  “Good call.” I think about Oz and I meeting there. Maybe he’d like to go back so we could dance.

  We exit the elevator and walk through the lobby. I make my way toward the front of the building. Skyler said she was taking a cab to meet Jamie for dinner, so we walk outside together. Looking left, I see Oz’s limo, and as I spot it, the door opens.

  “I’m this way. See you tomorrow,” I toss over my shoulder, making my way over to Oz.

  He steps out as I approach, his black suit looking as crisp as it did this morning. The gray tie catches a little of the setting sun, and his smile beams at me, dimples and all. As I approach him, I see his eyes move past me, and then his smile drops.

  I turn, looking over my shoulder, and see Skyler staring at us. She has an odd look on her face, but after a second, she walks away in the other direction.