"Work can wait," Stan said.
"Work is the only thing I know how to do."
My mentor stood up and paced around his desk. "Then listen to your boss, Tasha. My decision still stands. GroGreen is done. Call it a success. You can go back to public outreach and community work on your own time, but I think you should give the whole situation a little breathing room."
"Whole situation?" I asked.
Stan sighed. "I hear rumors too, you know. You and Rainer getting to know each other was great for the company at the start of your campaign. But, now, I think it's, ah, confusing?"
I gave him a weak giggle. "You're just mad the rumors aren't about us anymore."
"Just say the word, my dear. One kiss, even just a peck on the cheek, and everyone would forget about you and Rainer," Stan said.
"Desperate measures?" I joked.
"There's my Tasha." Stan hit the button that opened his office door. "Now, get to work. Pitch me a new project by the end of the day."
I walked out of Stan's office feeling more steady than I had since lunch. Until I saw Rainer.
I panicked and walked in the opposite direction. On the other side of the executive floor, far from the spacious offices with amazing views, was a maze of cubicles where all the assistants and executive team members worked. It was a regular route for me as I often had memos and correspondences to give to Stan's assistants, but it seemed like everyone was watching me. Eyes peeked over the edges of cubicles, sliding away from computer screens to watch as I bustled by trying to look busy.
Rainer followed me. A few calculated turns amongst the cubicles, and it was obvious that he was chasing me. I acted casual, waved at a few people I knew, but my pace was too nervous and fast.
I imagined if I turned and double-backed that Rainer would try to cut me off. I didn't want to end up face to face with him in the middle of a vast audience of co-workers. So, I pretended my phone was ringing and dove into a nearby break room to answer it.
My hope that Rainer had missed my fast dodge was destroyed when he strolled into the break room after me. I was still holding my phone to my ear and held up a finger as if I was listening to someone who could not be interrupted.
I made one last effort to skirt around Rainer, but he blocked the door.
"Great, yes. I'll make a note of it. Thanks," I said to my inactive phone. "Excuse me. I have to get back to my office. Stan wants a new project pitch by the end of the day."
Rainer grinned and stood firm in the doorway. "You know that avoiding me shows you have feelings for me, right?"
I caught my phone before it clattered to the floor. "What? I don't have feelings for you, and avoiding you has nothing to do with that."
"With what?" Rainer crossed his arms and leaned on the door frame. "The fact that we had one fantastic night together?"
My cheeks blazed at the thought of someone overhearing us. I grabbed Rainer's arm and dragged him into the break room. He stepped forward willingly, and I found myself pressed up against the small kitchenette counter.
"You're blushing. Your pulse is jumping. Why can't you just admit you're attracted to me?" Rainer asked.
"What good would that do?" I asked.
Rainer smiled and leaned closer. "See? It's questions like that, plus that merry little office chase, that make me think there's something here we still need to explore."
I shoved against his chest hard. "You're just bored. Most people find a new project when they're bored at work. It's a hell of a lot more professional than looking for another conquest."
He frowned at that but did not move back. "What if I'm not looking for another conquest? What if all I've ever been looking for was right here?"
I wiggled out from the counter, fueled by the anger I felt. How could he mess with my emotions like that? "You practice that line at home?" I asked.
Rainer grabbed my arm and swung me around. His lips crashed against mine and a wave of desire tumbled over me. When he broke the tumultuous kiss, his eyes flashed. "Tell me you didn't feel that."
I had to take a few breaths before I could speak, but then I managed to say: "All I felt was inappropriate work behavior."
Rainer backed off with an angry sigh. "Fine. We'll talk about this after work. Alone. Until you admit I'm not wrong. There's something between us, and I don't understand why you won't let yourself feel it."
I straightened out my work blouse but couldn't come up with a response. By the time I looked up from pressing my shirt primly, Rainer was gone. I took a minute to pour a cup of tepid coffee with a shaking hand. I figured now I could leave without looking as if I'd been part of a scene.