Layla (4 page)

“Wait. What do you mean traveling?”

“We’
ll be taking some trips together. When I attend conferences, I’m required to write up reports, articles, and news clippings because I send them to the director and other personnel. I need you there for that.”

“Can’t I just do it from home?”

He smiled. “I’m really not that bad. But no, you can’t do it from home. Perhaps you should consider that before you officially accept the job. You act like you can’t stand me, so you might want to reconsider everything.”

I sighed. Kyle seemed like a nice guy—for the most part. I did enjoy talking to him, but his insistent interest in me was annoying. The harder he pushed, the more I didn’t want him. “I don’t know.”

Kyle’s expression didn’t change, but his eyes darkened. He glanced out the window then looked down at the table. “I’m sincerely sorry that I’ve made you so uncomfortable that you would consider refusing a job you really want. I’ll drop the act. You have my word.”

I looked at him, spotting the truth in his eyes. “Why are you interested in me anyway? There’s nothing special about me. Every girl in this room is far more beautiful than I am. I’m a bartender who just starting making a move toward a real career. I have no idea what I’m doing with my life.”

“No one knows what they’re doing. You aren’t the only one,” Kyle said. He looked into my face before he answered my question. “Well, the initial reason why I approached you was because I thought you were pretty. I love the light color of your hair and your bright eyes. You have a gorgeous body and a perfect face. I admit that the physical attraction caught my eye.” I wasn’t expecting such words so I felt my cheeks redden slightly. When I looked in the mirror, I saw a belly and round hips. I didn’t think I was gorgeous, let alone attractive. And my face was far from perfect. “But when that drunk asshole was giving you shit, calling you baby, you didn’t ask for help, you didn’t avoid him, and you didn’t get scared. You told him where to go, and when he didn’t stop, you took care of it by smashing his face into the counter. That was the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.” My eyes widened. I thought I was totally psychotic, rude, and just violent. “Most women aren’t strong like that. They avoid situations and remain passive, especially with their emotions. With them, it’s always a confusing puzzle. You, on the other hand, are blunt and truthful. I’m never confused about what you’re thinking or what you want. It’s…refreshing.” He rubbed his chin for a moment, feeing the soft prickle on his face. “The city is a dangerous place and a lot of women don’t take that seriously. I like that you understand that people aren’t trustworthy and innately good. With you, trust has to be earned. It’s never given freely. I like that you guard your heart, body, and mind. You carry a weapon in your purse, which gives me relief. And when I approached you in the darkness, you did exactly what I would want my girlfriend to do. You took charge and protected yourself. You’re different than other girls. You are strong and independent. You take care of yourself. I find that—really amazing.” He stared at me, gauging my reaction. I didn’t know how to respond to that. I intimidated most men with my head strong personality and my zero tolerance for bullshit. Most guys would think I was a bitch for acting the way I do. Kyle leaned back in his chair. “I’m not used to getting rejected by women. To be honest, I can’t recall a time it ever happened other than when I was four and kissed a girl on the playground. I guess the fact that you shut me down so quickly made me more interested. Most girls swoon over me as soon as I act charming, and the rest is history. There’s a lot more to you than what’s on the surface. You have a good head on those shoulders and you don’t need a man in your life. My good looks and charisma don’t seem to affect you, which makes me even more attracted to you.”

I avoided his gaze because
there were no coherent thoughts in my head. His little speech left me winded. I just met him and he seemed to understand me pretty well. And for the first time, I felt like a guy really respected me. I never had a guy show such a strong interest in me. Guys asked me out from time to time, but there was no thought behind it. It was mainly because they were desperate and I was just at the right place and the right time. A guy had never come to my work just to ask me out. And I’d never been asked out by someone as gorgeous as he was. I still didn’t say anything.

The waitress brought the tab and Kyle quickly inserted his card before she took it back. He drummed his fingers on the table, waiting for me to say something. After a while, he gave up. “I’ve done everything I can to get you to go out with me, but clearly, nothing is going to work. I accept that and I’ll back off. I’m sorry if I mad
e you uncomfortable or scared. The working environment will be professional and safe. Please don’t’ reject the offer because of me. That’s the last thing I want to happen.”

“Why did you pick me?”

“I thought you were the most qualified.”

“Is that the truth?”

He touched his tie while he glanced at the table. “I guess not. There were other people more qualified than you. But the reason why I chose you isn’t because of my attraction to you. It’s because you wanted it the most. While work experience and personality are important, drive and motivation are just as essential. I can tell you and I will work well together and you won’t let me down. In that respect, you were the best candidate for the position. Please accept it.”

“I really want this job.”

“Then please take it. I want bother you anymore. I promise.”

“Then yes, I accept.”

He smiled at me. “That’s great. But can I ask you something personal?”

“I may not answer.”

“Why don’t you want to go out with me?” He leaned forward and stared at my face.

“Now
that you’re my boss, it would be unprofessional and inappropriate. I wouldn’t want my colleagues to hate me before they even knew me.”

“There’s no policy that prohibit
s inter-department data. There are actually a few married couples that work in the same hallway as my office.”

“It’s still unprofessional.”

“Well, that isn’t the only reason, right? You didn’t want to date me before. Tell me why.”

After being in
such a bad relationship that wasted years of my life, I wasn’t looking for another one. When I met Jared, I thought he was a safe choice. I met him in a bar, but I could immediately tell how sweet and loyal he was. But I had been wrong. All the men I chose were assholes, they didn’t care about me, and they certainly didn’t love me. As much as I hated to admit it, my heart was damaged. I needed to put it back together before I considered dating someone else. Kyle was smart, attractive, funny, cute, and easy to talk to. But, I couldn’t let myself feel anything for him—for anyone. How could I be in a successful relationship if I wasn’t successful alone? And I didn’t know Kyle well enough to trust him. If I fell for him, he may just break my heart and then I would have to see him at work every day. That would be unbearable.

“Layla?”

“Sorry, I was thinking.”

“And?”

“I—I just don’t want to date anyone.”

“So it isn’t personal?”

I shrugged. “I guess.”

“Could you elaborate on that?”

“No.”

He stared at me, his eyes softening slightly. Kyle didn’t press the subject and let it die at the table.
“Okay.”

“Thank you for lunch,” I said quietly.

“You’re very welcome. Will I be seeing you tomorrow at the office?”

“Yes. I’ll go quit my job right now. I’m going to dance on
the counter and give everyone the bird.”

He laughed. “That sounds like quite a show.”

“What time?”

“
Eight.”

“I’ll be there.”

Kyle stood up then helped me from the seat. We walked outside the restaurant then stopped on the sidewalk. He kept his hands in his pockets. The watch he wore wasn’t the black digital one, but a metal Rolex. He looked sharp and classy, definitely someone I would check out if I saw him pass by. He must have a line of girls waiting for him, just begging to get his attention for even a moment. Kyle stood in front of me, staring into my face with an intense gaze. Nothing was said but I could feel his thoughts leak through his skin. The frustration was evident on his face. No matter what he did, he still couldn’t have me. It was driving him crazy.

I looked at his lips, eyeing the corners. They looked wet and kissable. I wondered what they tasted like, felt l
ike against my mouth. As my thoughts turned sexual and sinister, I forced them into the dark recesses of my mind. This man was my boss and colleague. Even if I wanted something to happen with him, it couldn’t. And I was an emotional wreck who had a limited capacity for friendship, passion, and definitely love. Kyle seemed like a nice guy, despite our awkward meeting. The conversation between us was easy and unforced. He seemed interested in everything I had to say, and he was such a keen observer of my behaviors and actions. I already felt like we were friends—in a way. The sexual tension was starting to form between us. I think it had always been there, but I had been immune to it on my end. Now that he was charming and sweet, I started to notice it more. It was hard not to.

Kyle extended his hand and
shook mine. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Ms. Gallagher.”

“Call me Layla.”

He smiled. “Good. Because that name is too beautiful not to be used.” He nodded then walked away, moving into the crowd as he headed back to the office. Entranced, I watched him leave, noting his upright posture and elegant form. His head reached over the crowd because of his height. His movement was fluid and straight. His feet never dragged on the ground and he held himself like someone of importance. His confidence was clear even blocks away. After I couldn’t see him any longer, I left.

6

When I walked into Satin Magazine the next morning, I was directed to
the human resources department where I filled out paperwork and received my badge. Then I went across the building until I reached the same receptionist I saw a few days ago. She was playing solitaire again.

“I’m here to see Mr. Benedict,” I said.

She stared at the screen, clearly at a stalemate.

“Move the five to the right pile and disperse the other cards. Then take the king from the deck.”

She finally looked at me and stared at me for a moment. When she went back to her computer, she followed my recommendation and it worked. “Thanks,” she said.

“No problem.”

She stood up and smiled at me. “Are you the new copy editor?”

Wow. She’s actually talking to me. “Yes.”

“I’m Joanna.”

“Layla.”

“I’ll show you your office.”

“Thanks.”

She turned down the hallway until she unlocked an office door. When it was open, it revealed a small room with a large window that took up the entire wall. There was a desk, a computer, and bookshelves on either side.

“Here’s your key,” Joanna said. “We don’t have any spares so don’t lose it.”

“Thank you.”

Joanna was very thin, borderline eating disorder sick. Her elbows stuck out because there was barely enough skin. Her hair had a red tint to it, but it was so many different colors I couldn’t tell what her natural hair color was. Her eyebrows were dark brown, so I wondered if that was any indication. Her skirt was a little loose on the hips, and it’s probably because they didn’
t make clothes small enough for her. Maybe she should try children’s clothes. “Let me know if you need anything.” She turned and left.

I stared at the office for a moment before I put down my purse and sat behind the desk. When I felt the wood under my fingers, I was relieved I wouldn’t be pouring drinks over it anymore. It was such a nice change. I was finally getting my life on the right track
.

There was a knock on the open door. “Can I come in?” Kyle asked.

I looked up at him and saw the gray colored suit he wore. A tie with specks of yellow was around his neck. Every time I saw him, he was wearing the color in some way. His suit fit his upper body perfectly, masking the toned muscles of his chest and stomach. Every time I looked at him, I wondered what he looked like shirtless. Those thoughts needed to stop.

“Of course, come in,” I said.

He strolled into the room, his shoulders back and his posture straight. “So what do you think?”

I stared at his body. “You look nice.”

He smiled. “Thank you. But I was referring to the office.”

“Oh.” Now I felt stupid. “It’s—great. I love it.”

“If you have any special needs, we’ll accommodate you. The chair I used to have was so uncomfortable I felt like I was sitting on a fork.

I chuckled. “I think I’ll be fine.”

“Let’s get started, then.” He came behind the desk and leaned over me, grabbing the mouse from the computer. Kyle was closer to me than he’d ever been. The scent of his cologne was noticeable. I liked the musky smell. The soft fabric of his suit touched my shoulder, and I could faintly feel the outline of his arms. They were thick and wide.  Kyle wrote down my log in information and showed me the system they used. I paid attention to everything he said, but there were times when I was distracted by his proximity. Sometimes I wondered if he did it on purpose.

“You can print out anything you need to edit, but please refrain from doing so. We are advocates for the environment and we take it very seriously. We avoid printing at all cost. The only time we use fresh paper is for the magazine itself. If you need to send a letter to so
meone or attachments, email them. Never hand out hard copies.”

I nodded. “That sounds wonderful.”

“Also, we have competitions to see how much we recycle per year compared to our other stations. If anyone sees you throw away something that can be recycled, the employees will give you a hard time about it. Just a warning.”

“Okay.”

“And bring Tupperware to work, not plastic bags. People will automatically dislike you if you don’t.”

“Thanks for the heads up.”

Kyle smiled. “Other than that, no one will give you any trouble.” He stood up then came around the desk. “My office is right next door so you can reach me at any time. Please don’t hesitate to ask me anything. I would prefer it if you asked for clarification instead of doing it wrong. That just gives me more work.”

“Of course, Mr. Benedict.”

He shook his head. “Kyle.” He walked out and returned to his office.

I got to work on a few papers and reports that needed to be copy edited. There was nothing from the magazine, and I wondered if I would be working on it. Kyle probably wanted to see how well I would do with smaller projects before he gave me the big stuff. When lunchtime came around, Kyle walked into my office.

“Let me introduce you to the rest of the staff.”

I stood up and rubbed the wrinkles from my dress. “Let’s do it.”

“And don’t be nervous.”

“Who said I was nervous?”

“And don’t hit anyone,” he teased.

“Well, I know who I’m going for first,” I said as I eyed him.

We walked into the hallway then into the break room at the end of the corridor.

“Hello everyone.
This is Layla, our new copy editor,” Kyle said.

I smiled at everyone and gave a slight nod.

An older blonde woman approached me and shook my head. “I’m the designer coordinator. It’s nice to me you.”

“You too,” I said politely. I went around the break room and made my introductions. Everyone was a girl except for the last person.
He was tall and thin, slightly toned in the arms and the stomach. He had brown hair that was almost blond. He smiled at me, rubbing me the wrong way.

“So one of the models is a copy editor?” he asked, extending his hand.

I shook it, feeling my annoyance rise to the surface. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” he said without releasing my hand. “If there’s anything you need, I’m just right down the hall. I’m Taylor.”

I pulled my hand away but it took an effort for him to release me.

He stayed directly in front of me, too close for an office conversation.

Kyle came beside me, his shoulder touching mine. “Taylor, how’s Vanessa?”

“Oh. She’s great,” he said, staring at me.

“And how about your kids?”

He waved him away. “They’re fine.”

“You have kids?” I asked in surprise. I felt the perverted thoughts leak from him as he stared me down.

“Uh, yeah.
They’re little though.”

Kyle placed his hand around my waist. The touch made my hairs stand on end. His
hand took up my whole side because it was so large. If he placed both hands around my waist, he could cover me entirely. The embrace was innocent but still made my heart accelerate. I wasn’t sure why he was touching me like that.

Kyle pulled me closer to him. “Layla is a dire asset to me. She’s very busy working for me, so please don’t bother her.”

“Bother her?” Taylor asked. “We work together. We’ll have to collaborate at some point.”

“You can collaborate with me,” Kyle said in a deep voice. He pulled me toward the door then dropped his hand when we were in the hallway. We didn’t speak until we reached my office.

His stared at me with fire in his eyes. His shoulders were tense and his arms looked flexed. Kyle put his hands in his pockets, but he still looked threatening. “If anyone bothers you, let me know and I’ll take care of it.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

He stepped toward me, the menace becoming more intense. “You will tell me. As the department manager, it’s my responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of my workers. If anyone is bothering you, verbally or physically, you tell me immediately, Layla. I mean it.”

I shook my head. “You’re acting like he just tried to rape me.”

Kyle stared me down.

“All he did was
check me out. That’s normal. It’s in every office, every job in the world. It’s how life is. He doesn’t seem threatening or weird. You’re overreacting.”

He rubbed his chin then looked at the ground. It seemed like his emotional moment had passed. “Just keep me informed.”

“And I can take care of myself.”

“I’ll take care of you,” he said quickly.

I didn’t know what that meant but I didn’t push it. “I should get to work.”

“You know where to find me.” He turned out of the office and left.

I finished the assignment I was given by Kyle and was shocked when five o’clock arrived. The day went by so fast, I couldn’t believe it. It was so different than working at the bar. Every minute I was staring at the clock, begging it to go faster.

Kyle walked into my office. “Did you have a good first day?”

“Yes. I love it here.”

He nodded. “Good. I was hoping you would.”

I grabbed my purse from behind the desk then turned off my computer. We left the office then walked to the exit of the building. His hands were in his pockets as he walked, very casual.

“Would you like to get a friendly drink?” he asked.
“To celebrate your first day?”

“I’m actually meeting up with my friends to do just that.”

He nodded then stood in front of me, staring at me. I felt like has waiting for something to happen. Kyle didn’t move. I felt the strap of my purse then looked at the passing cabs.

“Can I come along?” he asked.

“Why?”

He shrugged. “I would like to hang out with you as a friend.”

“But my friends will be there.”

“I’m sure I’ll like them,” he said. “I
f they can put up with you then they must be pretty awesome.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m not that bad.”

“You’re one of the most stubborn people I know.”

“That’s not a good way to get me to invite you.”

He laughed. “Let me tag along.”

“Fine,” I said. “But my friends won’t be interested in dating you either.”

He raised an eyebrow. “That’s fine. I wasn’t looking for a date.” He waved down a cab and we got inside. After we arrived at the small bar, we spotted my two friends sitting at a table against the wall.

“Hey, beautiful,” Janet said as she hugged me then kissed me on the cheek. “Did you kick ass your first day?”

“Of course,” I said.

Cassie hugged me next. “Congratulations. I know you hated that bar.”

“This is so much better,” I said with a sigh. “It’s nice knowing someone isn’t going to try to shove a twenty down the front of my shirt.”

“Well…” Kyle said with a smile.

My friends looked at him, their eyes wide.

“This is my boss, Kyle,” I explained. “He wanted to take me out after my first day.”

Janet smiled at him as she shook his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“Likewise,” Kyle said.

Cassie tried not to laugh. “Hi.”

My friends were making it so obvious that I already told them everything about Kyle. I hoped he didn’t notice.

“Yes, I’m the guy who was stalking your friend for a while,” Kyle said. “I can see that she already told you the story.”

Janet laughed. “Do you have a bruise from the
tazer?”

“Yes, it looks like someone drew on me with a permanent marker.”

Cassie laughed. “I can’t believe you hired Layla. You know she’s crazy, right?”

I glared at her. “Thanks.”

Kyle smiled at me then pulled out my chair. After I sat down, he sat next to me. “I like crazy,” he said.

Janet gave me the eye and I rolled my eyes.

We ordered our drinks and finger food and talked about my day. Kyle was talkative and got along with my friends perfectly. He made Cassie laugh so hard that her wine came out of her nose.

Kyle looked at me and winked.

I just shook my head, rolling my eyes.

“So, they got karaoke here?” he asked.

“Why?” I asked suspiciously.

He pushed his beer to me. “I want to hear you sing.”

“I only sing when I’m drunk.”

“
Which is why I want you to finish my glass.”

Janet shook her head. “Believe
me, you don’t want to see that. You would have to fire her.”

“If I haven’t fired her by now, I think she’s safe,” Kyle said. He placed his arm over my chair casually, but my friends both caught the look. They played it cool and didn’t say anything.

Cassie looked at Janet and a silent conversation happened between them.

“Uh, we’re going to go,” Janet said as she stood up. “I have my yoga class.”