Summer’s POV
I dropped my smile. A friend.”
Heather’s lips curled into a smirk. “Come on, Summer. Don’t be like that. We’re colleagues! I’m just trying to get to know you better. ‘No need to be so secretive,
The cheerful tone didn’t match the calculating look in her eyes.
“Heather,” I said, my voice cooling several degrees, “you’re right that we’re colleagues. And that’s exactly why my personal life isn’t something I need to share. I’d be happy to discuss work–related matters with you anytime.”
Other employees were starting to notice our conversation, glancing over as they packed up for the day.
Heather raised her voice slightly, ensuring others could hear. “Summer, we’re all colleagues here. I’m just trying to be friendly! It’s not like I’m asking for state secrets.” She gave a theatrical sigh. “You’ve only been here two days, and I’m trying to help you fit in. There’s no need to be so guarded.”
The implication was clear–she was suggesting I had gotten my position through James’s influence. Given James’s position as Brandon’s right–hand man, this wasn’t just idle gossip; it was a calculated attack on my professional credibility.
frowned, gathering my belongings more quickly. “I came to Stark Group to do a job, not to discuss my personal connections. I’m ̧ sorry, but I have somewhere to be.”
“Wow,” Heather said loudly, “I was just making conversation. Everyone else gets along fine here. You might want to reconsider this attitude if you plan to stick around.”
Several coworkers were openly staring now, their expressions ranging from curiosity to judgment.
“Excuse me,” I said firmly, standing up straight. “I need to go.”
As I walked away, I heard Heather let out a dismissive snort. I was halfway to the elevator when I heard Leo’s sharp voice from behind me.
“Ms. Bell.”
Glancing back, I saw Leo standing behind Heather, his expression distinctly displeased. Clearly, he’d overheard our exchange.
The garage was quiet when I arrived. Brandon was leaning against his car, scrolling through his phone. He looked up as I approached, slipping the device into his pocket.
“Sorry to keep you waiting,” I called, quickening my pace.
“You’re right on time,” he replied, taking my bag from my shoulder.
“Got held up, I said brushing it off. “Let’s go!”
thought you were coming down earlier?”
Brandon opened the passenger door for me. As I slid into the seat, gaught him studying my face carefully.
So, I asked, changing the subject as he settled into the driver’s sea where are we eating?”
1/3
Chapter 164
“James mentioned a new steak place in Manhattan,” Brandon replied, starting the engine. “How does that sound?”
My mood instantly brightened. That sounds amazing!”
Just then, Brandon’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen before answering. “James.”
I couldn’t hear James’s side of the conversation, but I noticed Brandon’s expression darken slightly.
“I understand,” he said after a moment. “Thank you.”
When he hung up, his eyes turned to me with that intense look.
“What?” I asked, smiling nervously. “Why are you looking at me like that?”
Brandon leaned over, reaching across me to secure my seatbelt. “Steak it is, then.”
His face was so close I could feel his breath on my cheek. Despite being married, I felt my face heat up.
I asked. “Did you already get movie tickets?”
“Mmm,” he confirmed, pulling back. “Did something happen at work today?”
I blinked in surprise. “How do you always know?”
“Just a guess,” he said, though we both knew it wasn’t. “Want to talk about it?”
“It was nothing,” I insisted. “Just a minor thing with a coworker. Nothing I can’t handle.”
Brandon’s eyes stayed on me. “You know you can tell me if there’s a problem.”
“I know, but really, it’s fine! If I came running to you for every little workplace drama, what would be the point of me having a job at all?” I patted his arm. “I can handle myself. Trust me. Now, I’m starving!”
The movie theater was just around the corner, and we arrived as the previews flickered across the screen. The crowd consisted, mostly of younger couples, their chatter fading as the lights dimmed. Brandon guided us through the throng with ease, leading me to premium seats near the back–private enough, but still surrounded by whispers and glances. I caught a group of girls nearby stealing looks at him, their hushed giggles barely audible over the swelling soundtrack.
He passed me a box of popcorn and a soda, which I set in the cup holder with an exaggerated sigh. “I’m still stuffed from dinner. Can’t eat a thing yet.” My skirt rode up slightly as I crossed my legs, and I tugged it down absentmindedly, oblivious to the way Brandon’s eyes flicked toward the motion.
I glanced around, catching whispered conversations from a group of girls nearby. They were definitely checking out Brandon.
“They think you’re a celebrity,” I whispered, amused. “I can hear them trying to figure out which movie you’re from.”
Brandon handed me the ticket stub. “James recommended it. Said women generally enjoy this type of film.”
Hooked at the title and had to hide a smile. It was exactly the kind of coming–of–age romance that teenage girls would go crazy for.
“Not all women like the same movies,” I told him, “but this will do!
The lights dimmed, the screen glowing with the film’s opening credits, and the theater hushed into a cocoon of shadows and sound.
8%1
Chapter 164
I tried to focus on the story–some doe–eyed girl pining for a boy with a crooked smile–but Brandon’s presence beside me was a distraction, his broad shoulder brushing mine, his heat seeping through the thin fabric of my blouse. I didn’t notice at first when his hand settled on my thigh, casual under the jacket he’d draped over my lap earlier. I thought it was innocent, a comforting weight, until his fingers began to move.
Slow, deliberate circles traced over my skirt, inching higher with every pass. My breath caught, a sharp little gasp I swallowed down as I shot him a sidelong glance. His face was turned toward the screen, jaw set, eyes fixed on the flickering images as if nothing was happening. But under the jacket, his hand was alive, sliding beneath the hem of my skirt, brushing the bare skin where my stockings ended. My thighs clenched instinctively, trapping his fingers, but he pressed on, nudging them apart with a firm, unyielding touch.
“Brandon” I hissed under my breath, my voice a shaky whisper lost in the movie’s swelling soundtrack. “What the hell are you doing?”
Chapter Comments
LIKE
