My Heart Skips a Beat

by E. L. Todd

  I met his gaze without backing down.

  And then…

  I sat up in bed, my body covered in sweat and my breathing labored. A scream escaped my lips and then I almost fell out of bed. I ran my fingers through my hair while the final threads of the dream started to dissipate. My mind was still in a haze, and I felt like I was still dreaming.

  I rubbed the back of my neck and closed my eyes, trying to return to a state of calm. The image was still in my mind, but it was fading faster than I could examine it. I lay back down then stared at the ceiling.

  Then sleep took me again. And I wasn’t sure if I dreamt that at all.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Thomas

  When I got to my office, I immediately got to work. I was meeting a few clients today, and I had a stack of paperwork with my name on it. While I loved my job and it kept me on my toes, the work never seemed to end.

  I was surprised my brother asked me for a loan. We were never very close, and he never tried to spend time with me. I was practically a stranger to him. All through our childhood, he preferred hanging out with his friends instead of me. I felt like the black sheep of the family. Since I was quiet and different, no one ever noticed me. I faded into the background like a forgotten memory. I didn’t want their pity, and I didn’t want Theo to hang out with me only because I asked, so I moved on with my own life. My friends from college were my best buds, and I stopped caring whether my brother and extended family liked me or not. Other people liked me, and that was all that mattered. I was successful, and I did that without anyone’s help.

  If his business were successful, a five percent return would be nice. Even if his income wasn’t impressive, it was still free money every year. I could use that for a vacation or a donation to charity. My brother was an idiot for thinking I would just give him money without expecting anything in return. He never reached out to me unless he wanted something. Why he wanted to have brunch with me was beyond my understanding

  As I sat at my desk, my thoughts moved to Rome. I hadn’t run into her at the office, but I knew I would eventually. She was a beautiful girl with a more beautiful heart. She was definitely someone I’d like to take out to dinner and share a quiet conversation with. Unfortunately, that could never happen. Dating or fooling around with a coworker was suicide. When the relationship ended, it would always be awkward. I’d seen it first hand, and I learned from other people’s mistakes.

  I spent the morning with my clients. A couple had given me their life savings, and I was happy to inform that I not only doubled their money, but tripled it. They intended to use the extra cash to pay for their grandchildren’s college tuition, a very noteworthy donation.

  A lot of people assumed I worked this job because all I cared about was getting rich. Obviously, that was partially true. I did care about the money. I wouldn’t have spent so many years in school without a huge reward. But I did care about the financial future of my clients. When I helped them achieve their goals, I felt good about it. And the fact they trusted me with the most important thing they possessed was a humbling experience. Besides, we had the same interest. If they made money, I made money. It was a win-win situation.

  When lunchtime came around, I was starving. There was a deli just down the road I loved, but I had too much to do to make the walk. And if I asked my assistant, who had the biggest attitude I’d ever met, she would flat-out tell me no. When I had a lot of work to do, so did she. And she liked to be off work right at three because she needed to pick up her kids from school.

  I headed to the break room and was pleased to see pizza was on the menu. There was always a vegetarian one for me and another girl who worked there. At least I wasn’t the only person who was ‘different’.

  Roger was talking to Matthew quietly, not bothering to keep his voice down. “Dude, she’s got a nice rack. When she bent over to pick up her pen, I got a nice view. And let me just say, it was nice.”

  They had to be talking about Rome, unfortunately.

  “You should have seen her ass instead,” Matthew said. “Top choice, quality meat.”

  The fact they were both married with kids was sickening. I grabbed my pizza and tried to ignore them.

  “Hey, Thomas.”

  Damn. “What’s up?” I purposely sat on the far end of the table to keep my distance.

  “You’re a good-looking young guy,” Matthew said. “You should go for it.”

  “I don’t date coworkers,” I said dismissively. I pulled out my phone and pretended to do something important.

  “Who said anything about dating?” Matthew asked. “Just show her around your office…if you know what I mean.” He winked but it just came off creepy.

  I decided to change the subject. “How’s the Smith account coming?”

  “It’s alright,” he said, his mood suddenly changing. “If only the VAT tax wasn’t such a pain in the ass, you know?”

  “Yeah,” I agreed, just to keep the conversation going. If I had it my way, I wouldn’t talk to any of these creeps at all. But they were my coworkers, so I did have to be pleasant around them. But when I was off the clock, I didn’t think about them.

  Matthew talked about his investors and what their next step was. Every time he talked about his job, it sounded like he was bored with it. He’s been here twenty years, so I guess the novelty wore off at some point.

  The door opened and Rome walked inside. She wore a tight pencil skirt that showed the outline of her hips, and a dark green collared shirt. Every curve was highlighted. She looked like she belonged on the runway, not an office. Her brown hair was slightly curled, and a pair of glasses sat on the bridge of her nose.

  I discreetly glanced at her, and thought the glasses looked cute on her.

  Matthew stopped in mid-sentence and changed the topic. “When I hit the gym yesterday, I benched two-hundred pounds.” He puffed up his chest and tried to seem bigger than he really was.

  “Me too,” Roger said awkwardly.

  “Physical fitness is important…” Matthew continued talking like he was extremely fit, not middle age and overweight.

  He sounded like a total idiot.

  Rome didn’t seem to notice. She immediately picked up a plate and tried to decide what she wanted.

  The men gawked at her, their eyes trying to see through her clothes.

  God, I felt bad for her. I couldn’t believe she had to deal with this on a daily basis. There was no way she was oblivious to it. She chose to ignore it. What else would she do?

  “Got plans tonight, Rome?” Matthew asked, coming close to her.

  “Nope,” she said. “Probably just watch TV at home.”

  “Well…I have a yacht.” Matthew brushed his nose on purpose, showing off his expensive watch. “I should give you a tour sometime.”

  “That sounds nice,” Rome said. “But I’m very busy.” She gave him a forced smile then grabbed a slice of pizza.

  “Well, maybe sometime when you’re free…” Matthew wouldn’t let the rejection go.

  “Ask your wife first and get back to me.” She grabbed a few napkins and didn’t look at him.

  I grinned broadly, liking her spunk.

  “Uh, yeah…” Matthew drifted away, clearly embarrassed. He left the lunchroom and Roger followed.

  When we were alone, she glanced at me, probably assessing if I was another creep that wanted to look up her skirt. She looked at me then dropped her gaze. Then she did a double take. “Thomas?”

  I stood up and adjusted my tie. “It’s nice to see you again, Rome.” I extended my hand to shake hers, being as professional as possible.

  She took it weakly. “I—I didn’t know you worked here.” Her eyes were bright with excitement.

  I shrugged. “It’s a small world, huh?” I sat back down and sipped my water.

  “Can I join you?” she asked.

  “Sure.”

  She sat beside me, a lot more relaxed than she was a second ago. The change was obvious. Sh
e clearly didn’t see me as a jerk like the rest of the office. “What are the odds?”

  “I know.” I tried to act surprised but I wasn’t. “Are you liking the job so far?”

  She shrugged. “I like the job itself—not so much the people I work with.”

  I nodded. “Yeah…I’m sure it’ll die down. You’re just new and they aren’t used to you.”

  “They act this way every time a new girl works here?”

  “Well, no,” I admitted. “You’re exceptionally beautiful, and of course, every guy here noticed.”

  She didn’t seem offended by the compliment I gave her.

  What was I supposed to do? Act like she wasn’t? She knew she was beautiful, and so did I. “I apologize on behalf of my colleagues. If someone bothers you, let me know. I’ll take care of it.”

  “Well, that’s awfully nice of you.”

  “I always look out for the underdog.”

  She picked at her pizza, taking small bites but eating very little.

  I ate quietly, unsure what else to say.

  “My boss purposely dropped his stack of pens and asked me to pick them up.”

  I was even more embarrassed of my sex. Why did we have to act like dogs around pretty women?

  “But when I picked it up, I bent my knees and kept my back straight so he couldn’t see anything. He didn’t bother hiding his disappointment.” She rolled her eyes. “At least all the girls here are nice.”

  “Yeah…would you prefer a different boss?” I asked.

  “Well, of course,” she said. “But I don’t see how that could happen.” She finished her pizza then dabbed her mouth with a napkin.

  “I can request to switch my assistant with you,” I offered.

  Her eyes were wide. “You would do that?”

  “If that’s what you want,” I said. “I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

  “I would love that,” she blurted. “Hands down, you’re the only guy in this building who’s not a creep.”

  If only she knew all the shit they said when she wasn’t around. “Why don’t you find another job, if you don’t mind me saying so?”

  She looked at her empty plate. “I really needed something…”

  I didn’t press her further and stick my nose in her financial situation. “You’ll just need to submit a request to work for me. And they’ll make the switch.”

  “I won’t get in trouble for that?”

  “No, not if you say you’re uncomfortable and prefer working with me.”

  “What about your assistant?”

  I shrugged. “Theresa is great. She’s worked for me for years. But I doubt she’ll mind being moved. Besides, I think she’s getting bored of my routines.”

  “I just…don’t want to make anyone upset.”

  “How about I ask Theresa first?”

  She smiled. “That would be great. Thank you.”

  “Sure.”

  She leaned back in her seat and sighed. “What’s your last name, Thomas?”

  “Riley,” I answered.

  “Are you an advisor?”

  I nodded.

  “Do you like it?”

  “A lot, actually.”

  “You’re the youngest guy in this building,” she noted.

  It wasn’t a question so I didn’t know how to respond. “I was very fortunate to be given an opportunity here.”

  “Well, you must be good at what you do.”

  I shrugged. “I do my best.”

  She watched me for a moment, taking in my features. “You’re humble…it’s the first time I’ve seen any humility since I started.”

  “Well, the guys here are competitive. They want you to know what they can bring to the table.”

  “I see…” She tucked a strand of brown hair behind her ear. Her eyes looked brightly green because of her shirt. They were amplified through the lens of her glasses.

  “Are those reading glasses?” I asked.

  “Yes,” she answered. “I have a hard time reading up close for long periods of time. It gives me a headache.”

  I finished my lunch then stood up. “It was nice talking to you, Rome.”

  “You too, Thomas.” She stood up and gave me a smile. “It’s nice having a friend.”

  I admit I was a little disappointed she wasn’t into me. When we met in the coffee shop, I thought she was. But then she walked away and never looked back. She was a sweet girl who was beautiful on the inside as well as the outside. It was the first time I met a girl I genuinely liked and respected. But it was for the best. If we were going to work together, we could never date anyway. A friendship was all we could have. “It is.”

  ***

  I approached Theresa’s desk. “Can I speak to you for a moment?”

  “Of course, Mr. Riley.” She put down her pen and gave me her full attention.

  “I was speaking to Rome earlier and she…expressed her desire to work with someone different.”

  She nodded. “I don’t blame her. That poor girl is being chased like a sheep. I remember the days when men used to chase me like that…”

  I ignored her last comment. “She asked if she could be my secretary. However, she wanted me to ask how you would feel about that. If you’re averse to working for someone else, she completely understands. But we weren’t going to put the request in until you gave us an answer.”

  She looked at me then a grin spread across her face. “It looks like you’re a wolf too…”

  The assumption wasn’t surprising. “It’s completely professional, I assure you.”

  “Thomas, why don’t you not be professional for once in your life?” She gave me a look that reminded me of my mother. “Live a little. For the time I’ve been working for you, you’re always the first one here in the morning and the last one to leave. You never have a girlfriend and you don’t even mention girls. Loosen up.”

  I put my hands in my pockets. “I keep my personal life separate from the office, and I always will. I admit Rome is an attractive woman, but I don’t intend to date her or…anything else.”

  “Well, you should. She’s a sweet girl.”

  This conversation could continue indefinitely. “Anyway, how do you feel about it? Would you be interested in working with Mr. Giles?”

  “Honestly, I prefer you. But, I’ll make the transfer.”

  “Are you sure?” I asked. “You aren’t obligated to do anything.”

  “You’ve been a wonderful boss to me, Thomas. Working with you has been a pleasure. I’d like to repay your generosity by making the switch. You should get to know this girl…you would have beautiful children.”

  I smirked and let the comment slide. “Well, thank you, Theresa. Rome will be thrilled.”

  She waved me away. “Now let me get back to work.”

  ***

  At the end of the day, Rome knocked on my door.

  “Come in,” I called.

  She walked inside, graceful on her heels. “Sorry to bother you—”

  “You aren’t bothering me.”

  She smiled then approached my desk. “Did you have a chance to speak to Theresa?”

  “I did.” I stood up and put my hands in my pockets. “She’s willing to make the move.”

  “Really?” she said excitedly. “She doesn’t mind?”

  “No.” I omitted all the talk about Rome and I having beautiful children.

  She clapped her hands together and breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, that’s wonderful. I’m so happy.”

  Seeing her excitement made me realize just how uncomfortable she was working for Mr. Giles. At least if she was my secretary, I could protect her. She wouldn’t have to be harassed left and right. I could never have a daughter because I wouldn’t be able to handle men gawking at her when she became an adult. It’s a thought that kept me up into the night. “I’m not exactly fun to work for,” I teased. “I’m a scatter-brain, I’m unorganized, and the work never ends.”

  She crossed her a
rms over her chest and looked amused. “Was that supposed to scare me off?”

  “I just want you to be prepared.”

  “I think I can handle it.” She approached my desk then extended her hand. “I look forward to working for you—honestly. I’m not just being polite.”

  “I do too.” I returned the embrace and dropped my hand.

  “How long do you think it will be before the request gets approved?”

  “A few days.”

  “Well, that isn’t too far from now,” she said.

  “It’s not.”

  “Well, I’ll see you later, Thomas.”

  “Bye, Rome.”

  She gave me a final wave before she walked out.

  I sat behind my desk and forced her from my thoughts.

  ***

  There was a knock on my door at nine on Sunday.

  Was it Theo? He actually remembered? He was really going to force me to go? I pulled a shirt on before I opened the door.

  Theo was on the other side, wearing jeans and a light jacket. “Ready for brunch?”

  We were really doing this? “Sorry, I didn’t know you were coming.”

  “Last week, I said I was.” He crossed his arms over his chest and didn’t step into my apartment. “Why would those plans change?”

  Maybe because you’ve ditched me more times than I can count. “Let me change.”

  He stayed by the door and waited.

  After I got dressed, I walked out the door and locked it behind me. “Where?”

  “There’s this really good place on the corner,” he said. “Alex and I went there last week.”

  I walked beside him then glanced at my watch.

  “Have other plans today?” he asked.

  “No.”

  We walked inside then found a table. A lot of couples and families were inside. I ordered an orange juice and Theo ordered a coffee. After our orders were put in, there was nothing else to do but look at each other.

  “How was your week?” he asked.

  “Fine.”

  “Why are you only talkative when money is involved?” he said with an attitude.

  “Why are you only talkative when you want something?”

  He narrowed his eyes. “When I want something?”

  “Did you misunderstand what I said?” This wasn’t a good way to start off our afternoon.