Unlocking my Boss’s Heart (Romance in Sweet Comedy #4)

5. Anton

Chapter five

Anton

T he elevator’s occupants were all nervous about the upcoming meeting as we headed down to the lower floor. Olivia’s anxious tic was tapping her fingers on her clipboard as she was now, and the two paralegals were practically biting their nails.

Unlike them, I felt energized. Something about taking on cases and winning them gave me the glee of victory each time, especially since each case was unique and challenging in its unique way. That was why I chose law.

Before we reached the bottom floor, the elevator dinged, and the doors opened. The person waiting to join our ride instantly captured my attention. Celia Adams, the new employee, stood there, smartly dressed in a champagne-colored blazer and skirt, her blond hair styled in large, loose curls this time.

Oh, yes, I definitely prefer the hair loose.

She had a soft gasp when she saw me. Her eyes widened for a split second, and she hesitated, unsure of herself. For a moment, she reminded me of a fawn caught in the headlights. Her cheeks bloomed with color, only making her even more attractive.

Just as the elevator doors started to close, she stepped inside. The doors jolted and disappeared back into the wall. Olivia pressed the button to close them so we could be on our way.

“Excuse me,” Celia muttered, settling into the corner beside me.

We stood side by side, our sleeves brushing against each other. Why was she coming down with us if she wasn’t joining the meeting?

“Running for the hills already?” I tease, unable to resist.

“Are you here to stop me if I am?” she countered with a slight smile.

It surprised me how easily we slipped back into the casual rapport we’d established at the bookstore, especially in front of my other employees.

“I would certainly try,” I replied.

Her blush deepened slightly. “I forgot my purse at home this morning, and my cousin came to drop it off.”

“Ah.” I glanced at the file in her hands. Today was her first day, and I didn’t know she’d already been assigned a case. “What’s this?” I asked, fingering the corner of the case file.

She looked up at me, then back at her file, confusion furrowing her brows before her eyes widened in understanding. “Oh, no, this is just the employee handbook.”

I nodded. “It’s quite thick.”

She glanced sideways at me. “I was told it’s the exact size the boss wanted.”

Her smile was enchanting. Was that a jab at me? Did she think I didn’t know what was in my own company’s handbook?

Amused, I turned fully to face her. “Really? Well, what the boss wants, the boss gets.”

I remembered revising the handbook a few months ago, but I hadn’t changed the length. Besides, she wouldn’t know the difference. I expected her to retreat, to assume that deer-like demeanor I’d seen earlier. Most people would—mutter an apology or keep silent to avoid further confrontation.

But she held my gaze and shrugged. “Yeah, that’s what I’m told. We all must please the boss.”

I let out a small chortle of surprise. Maybe I was wrong to have likened her to a timid doe.

She seemed surprised by her own boldness, too. She quickly placed a palm on my forearm. “I'm joking, I’m joking. I’m sorry, it must be first-day jitters making me talk. Plus, I don’t want you to think I’m repeating employee gossip.”

My eyes strayed to her hand on my jacket sleeve, wondering if she realized she’d put it there. She straightened, pulling her hand away before clearing her throat awkwardly.

“Hmm,” I acknowledged.

From the corner of my eye, I could see Olivia and the two other paralegals staring straight ahead, but I knew they were listening. How could they not be? The elevator suddenly felt like the smallest one ever built.

I should keep quiet now, but I was enjoying our little conversation. I wanted to hear what else she had to say.

“You’ve been here, what?” I glanced at my watch. “Four hours? How’s it been?”

She laughed. “You’re already reviewing my job?”

“Yes,” I replied, tilting my head toward her, waiting for her to continue.

I wasn’t sure why, but I wanted to know what she thought of my law practice. I’d poured time and energy into making the firm what it was today. With the low employee turnover rate and a 94% case success rate, I’d reached the high standards I’d set for myself. But I still wanted her opinion.

The elevator dinged, and the doors slid open. The two paralegals hurried out, their footsteps echoing. I stepped out, and Celia followed behind me.

“Well, some of your employees are quite prickly.” She casted a pointed glance at my five o’clock shadow. “And apparently, it’s a sin to drink lattes with ice in these parts.”

My laughter was abrupt and unexpected for both of us. I had anticipated something about the work environment or the employee handbook, but she threw me a curveball. I got the sense she intensified her Southern drawl a bit as she said, “these parts.”

I brushed my palm over my jaw, feeling the prickly stubble that had begun to grow. I would need to take care of it once I got home tonight.

Olivia cleared her throat. “I’m sorry, Mr. Waltons, but the board members are waiting.”

“Of course,” I answered, turning back to Miss Adams. “Have a good day.”

I turned toward the hall, and before I got too far, I heard Miss Adams mutter, “You, too.”

I glanced back at her and couldn’t help but notice how pretty she looked.

Not again, Anton , a warning in the back of my head called me out, but I reasoned that not all women were troublesome, with marriage and family-making ideas in their heads. And I wasn’t doing anything—just admiring. But even as I told myself that, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was only trying to convince myself of something I didn’t fully believe.