9

Elaine

I bumped into Mr. Sturm on my way out of the bathroom, almost knocking off his glasses. He held my hands to steady me up. “Whoa, whoa. What’s the rush?”

I straightened, lowering my eyes. “N-nothing, Sir. I have to leave – “

He slipped an arm around my waist when I made to walk past him. I swallowed hard, turned on by our close proximity. This wasn’t how I envisioned things going. “Can we talk in my office for a minute?”

I wanted to refuse outright, but then I recalled Cora’s words. He was the father of my child. It wouldn’t be nice if I left without hearing what he had to say.

“Please?”

I exhaled. “Okay. But I’ve got a lot to do at home, so can you please make it snappy?”

I didn’t believe in sucking my boss-to-be shoes so he could consider me for the job. I made sure I treated everyone as they rightfully deserved. He’d been a dick. “Alright,” he gestured towards a blue door. His name was imprinted in gold calligraphy on the door, along with his official title.

He drew the door