2. Awkward Encounter

Two Years Later...

That's right. I survived two years working with this neurotic man. It only took 25 therapy sessions and 72 hours of commitment to a mental hospital.

Kidding....it wasn't that bad. But it isn't that great either.

The more I got to know him, the easier it got, at least. However, I wouldn't wish this upon my worst enemy. How should I put it? He was a literal Devil.

I had to be at work at 8 am sharp. I was 3 minutes late one day during my second week. No big deal, right? WRONG. He made me type up an instructional manual consisting of 100 pages only to find out that I didn't need to do that since they already had it saved on the cloud. He made me do that to punish me and then bragged about how he taught me about structures and disciplines. Excuse me? What? How?

Did I mention I also have to take out all the green skittles from his candy bowl every morning? I wish I were kidding.

After arriving at work, I had to make his coffee consisting of no creamer or sugar. I believe in my heart that people who drink their coffee this way are sociopaths. I was also the person to be in charge of keeping track of all of his meetings and schedules, but that was the normal part of the job. He kept me busy and on my toes all day, every day. By the time I was home, I was too exhausted to do anything.

"Babe, you need to stop answering your phone when you are with me," My boyfriend Mark said.

Yes, I am in a very mature and adult relationship with Mark. Is that so surprising? What, did you think this was some cliched scenario where I would fall in love with the handsome, stoic, billionaire boss? Get out of here with that attitude!

Mark is an amazing boyfriend. He is smart, good looking, funny, and has a great job as a book editor. Together we make a fine couple, or so our parents think. We have been together for 6 months now, and I couldn't be any happier. He fully supports my job and is very understanding about it, to an extent, of course.

"I am sorry I just can't ignore my boss. He gets really irritable," I shrugged.

"He is also way too demanding," Mark commented. "You have a life outside of work, doesn't he know that?"

Hard to tell. He calls me anytime, any day, whenever he feels like it. As if on cue, my phone started to ring.

"Don't answer it..." Mark started to say, but I had already answered.

"Hello! What can I do for you, sir?" I asked.

"I need you to pick up my suit from the dry cleaning and bring it over to my house," he said.

Not even a simple hello. Typical Boss.

"Sure thing, I will bring it right over," I said in a sweet tone. He hung up. I guess we are not saying goodbye either.

"What is it this time?" Mark inquired.

"Eh...I gotta go. Got to run an errand for him," I said.

"See! This is what I am talking about! You never get a break," Mark was starting to get angry.

"I know, but that's my job baby, I knew what I signed up for. Don't worry, I am going to apply for the next position real soon," I said and kissed him.

Mark started to calm down and pulled me into a deeper kiss. "I just...miss you a lot," he said quietly.

"I know, and I am sorry. You've been very patient with me, so thank you," I smiled.

I hurried outside to call a cab. If I don't get the suit at his house in half an hour, he will have my head. And I love my head. Some say it is quite pretty.

It took me less than ten minutes to reach my destination. I told the cab driver to wait for me while I pick up the dry cleaning since all expenses are paid by Mr. Richie Rich anyway. I arrived at his mansion pretty quickly and exhaled. I made it. There was no way he wouldn't recognize my hard work and promote me to the next level.

His mansion was cold and quiet as always. He was the only person who lived here, minus the maids and the cook. I bet he never changed sheets in his life. I looked around and didn't see him anywhere. I don't know what I was expecting. It's not like he was the type of guy to greet his employee at the door and welcome them with a smile.

"Mr. Adams? Sir? I have your Suit!" I yelled, but no one answered. I guess I'll just go upstairs and put it on his bed. Maybe he walked away for a minute. I went upstairs and looked around.

"Mr. Adams? It's Ariel with your dry cleaning," I called out again, still no answer.

I pushed the double door into his bedroom. It was enormous. I think I can fit my entire apartment in this room. Rich people sure like the lavish lifestyle. I entered the room quietly and quickly strode to the bed. All I have to do is lay the suit down and walk away. Easy peasy.

I set it down and turned around, and smashed my face against a rock wall.

"OUCH!" I screamed and held my nose. Who put a rock wall behind me? My nose must be broken now. I looked up and almost had a mini cardiac arrest. I slammed against the Bossman himself! And of course, he has rock hard abs and chest.

He stood in front of me, wearing nothing but a towel covering his manhood. I am so dead.

"Miss Young, do you make a habit of barging into men's bedroom?" he glared at me.

"I...um...I didn't mean....ugh, I am sorry sir, I didn't mean to, I swear!" I stammered nervously and tried to cover my eyes, but he grabbed my wrist.

"Then what are you doing?" he asked.

"I was just delivering your suit, and I thought you were not home," I said, then looked at him closely.

Droplets of water traveled down his wide shoulder and chest, slowly dripping all the way down to his V-shaped indentation above the towel which was wrapped loosely around his waist. His usual slick back hair was wet and messy. I could feel my cheeks turn red and my body heat rise at the sight of a fine specimen that was standing before me.

Stop it, Ariel, stop getting flustered over your boss, I scolded myself in my mind. He is just an arrogant self-preening asshole who doesn't deserve any more attention. Besides, I have a boyfriend. A sweet, caring, amazing boyfriend.

Bad thoughts, begone! I thought to myself.

"Um...if there's nothing else, I am going to head out now," I said nervously while slowly backing down towards the door.

"Fine, I hope you didn't hurt your nose too much," he said grimly.

"Oh, no, no, my nose is fine. You smell really nice, so it's kind of happy, actually." I said and immediately shut my mouth and ran out.

Why the fuck did I just say that...