Office Love: Prologue

Office Love: Prologue

A/N: This book's part of the Awkward Love Series. The other three stories in the
series are Gym love, Fleeting Love, and Record Love and all four of these make up
the AL Series. While you don't have to read the other installments to read this
story, you should consider it anyways since doing so greatly enhances the
experience!
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-
The pounding of the music poured from the speakers, manifesting itself
through unavoidable beats, shaking the house from the very core. That was the first
noticeable factor aside, of course, from the chaotic crowd of hollering drunk
people. Somehow, I caught a glimpse of my friends Mason and Bennett in the
background and smirked, watching them head to the back. Perhaps all my wonderful
wing-man work was finally going to pay off tonight; I'd been playing cupid for them
for way too long so, clearly, it was time they got a clue. Enough of that though;
I'd already spent too much time focusing on my friends' love life and not enough on
mine.
In fact, it'd gotten to the point where I didn't even have one. I
focused on the beautiful girl who was dancing seductively in front of me, noting
the clear way she signaled me forward. She was gorgeous, with short blond hair and
bright blue eyes that seemed to capture my attention almost immediately. As I
stepped forward, I immediately caught the strong aroma of her perfume.
An intriguing blend of strawberry and vanilla surrounded her whole body
and made me breath in admiration. How was it that girls always smelled so amazing?
Hell, even her hair smelled great as I slowly pressed my forehead against hers and
danced to the beat of whatever song was on, boldly initiating small talk before she
had the chance to slip away.
"So, who are you here with?" I asked over the crowd, smiling as she
leaned in closer.
She settled her hands on my shoulder, slowly mouthing that she couldn't
hear me. Naturally, I pressed my mouth against her ear and tried again, making sure
to snake a hand around her waist for effect. It was certainly nice to enjoy a night
out.
"Who are you here with?" I asked, this time lower because of the
closeness Yet, it was that very realization that prompted me to take a quick step
back; she seemed a bit taken aback by the bold proximity.
She didn't reply right away, glancing around curiously before pointing
towards a partying woman in the distance. "My cousin let me tag along!"
I glanced around for anyone looking similar to her, but gave up when I
realized half of the people here looked like her, what with the style of outfit
they wore. It wasn't any type of judgment on my part, though; the resemblance was
honestly uncanny. Too many others looked awfully similar her with the same blond,
straight hair, simple top and a pair of faded short shorts. The brown boots were
also there, which was odd considering those were worn during cold seasons yet the
rest of the outfit made it seem like nobody felt the least cold.
"So, tell me your name," I continued, lowering my hand slightly, softly
grazing her waist.
"Meghan," she said over the loud beat of the music, giggling. "It's so
loud in here!"
I nodded my head in agreement, glancing back towards my friends had
gone off before asking if she wanted to get out of here.
-Shawn-
Allowing Kate and Meghan to stay home alone was probably the worst idea
I'd ever had. I was barely getting into my home after a long day at work when I
received the hysterical call from my niece, Kate.
"Hey," Kate sighed into the phone, already sounding troubled. "I'm
really sorry about this..."
 Almost immediately, I felt my heart pounding against my chest, somehow
knowing something was wrong before she'd even had the chance to explain. I could
sense the fear of her voice. What had they done now?
"What did you girls do?" I snapped into the phone, gripping it tightly
while holding it up against my ear.
"Uncle Shawn, there's this man that's trying to take Meghan from the
party and I don't know what to do! Please, could you please come pick us up?" she
begged, repeating the word "please" a couple more times for emphasis.
I stared at the ceiling, my jaw slacking as soon as she mentioned that
Meghan was in danger. Why would they go to a random party without telling me? Fuck,
why would Kate take my daughter to a party, knowing very well it wasn't right?
There was no pleasing them, truly! Every time I gave Meghan some freedom, she just
disobeyed and did something as stupid as heading to a college party while being
underage!
"I'm coming! Text me the damn address and hold on tight." I growled.
"You two better pray for a miracle because I'm making sure you're both grounded for
the rest of eternity!"
This was the last time I trusted Meghan to be responsible on her own. I
received the text and glanced at the address wearily, realizing it wasn't too far
from here. I set the phone down on the counter then, turning around and looking for
my keys. My damn keys had been in my hand not to long ago. Now, where had I put
them? They'd been in my damn hand just-By chance, I checked in my pocket, feeling
them against the palm of my hand before dashing out the door and towards my car.
I might have forgotten to put on my seat-belt before pulling out of my
driveway and accelerating to an illegal speed, but who could blame me?
-Eric-
I followed her out the door willing, smirking at the idea that she'd
been rather excited to ditch the party. There was a buzzing in my mind as her soft
hands pressed against my arm, spreading across my body as she followed me towards
the car.
Perhaps I was being a jackass for leaving Mason and Bennett behind, but
it wasn't as if I didn't have a perfectly good excuse. After all, some fun couldn't
kill me. I was suddenly so glad that I had those spare keys for Mason's car that
he'd given me when we moved into the dorm together, already trusting me simply
because we were long time best friends. I'd buy him a cake or something as an
apology for ditching him at the party; he liked cakes.
"So, tell me about yourself," I asked as we slowly walked towards my
car. "Like, what classes are you taking?"
Meghan thought about it for a second, biting her bottom lip as we
casually walked side by side. Her hands were still clinging to my arm, something
that made me smile. She twirled her hair for a second, moving it to the back of her
shoulder before continuing. The scent of strawberry and vanilla was still present,
but the windy air was making it somewhat difficult to catch.
"I'm taking Algebra 4?" she tried, to which I raised an eyebrow.
There wasn't such a thing as Algebra 4, even if her smile made me want
to ignore that fact. I thought back to her posture and then opened my eyes in
realization.
"Did you skip a year or something? I mean, there's no shame in that. I
almost did, except that I couldn't due to scholarships and-but hey, I definitely
would've if I had the option." I smiled, trying to be reassuring as possible. Some
of my friends had done that, and there was no shame in taking a break!
She closed her eyes tightly before shaking her head. There was a sound
of a car passing by, but I ignored it in favor of glancing at her curiously. What
did she mean then?
"See, I'm not exactly-"
Then, I heard the sound of a car door slamming, followed by a
hysterical outburst.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" an older male voice was
suddenly yelling from the other side of the street, glaring viciously while rushing
towards us.
I froze, staring at the suited man. He seemed... murderous. The
stranger had to be some crazy ex-boyfriend or something to that degree. He looked
about thirty, a bit too young to be an ex, which was honestly daunting. further.
Was Meghan really into older men? If so, I probably didn't stand a-
"Dad." Meghan paled.
My mouth opened into a wide "O" as I stared at him in shock. It was her
father! I glanced back at the house where the party was going on and found a girl
who looked slightly similar to Meghan glaring at me from the front porch of the
house.
Her cousin had probably called her father and warned him. The odd thing
was that she looked terrified as well, which probably meant the dad wasn't aware
either of them had come here at all. Yet, it was odd that he'd be here, supervising
his daughter, unless-
"Sir, this is all a misunderstanding!" I started, panicking as soon as
he grabbed me by the shirt and shoved me back, glaring at me with enough intensity
to ignite pure, unfiltered fear. Suddenly, I just wanted to bolt. He didn't just
look angry; he appeared downright murderous as he stood, seemingly willing to
strangle me right where I stood.
"You think it's funny to molest a young girl?" he yelled at me.
I shook my head. "I swear that wasn't my intention, sir!"
"She's sixteen, you bastard!" he screamed even louder, cutting me off
before I could say anything else.
I stared at him in disbelief and then turned to sigh at Meghan, who was
looking as panicked as I felt. The older girl was hurrying forward, grabbing her
cousin by the arm, and then pulling her towards the car.
"You're so damn grounded, the both of you!" he yelled back at them
before turning back towards me and shoving me against a lamppost pole, raising his
clenched hand.
Of course, I shook with fear, avoiding his terrifying gaze, and instead
focusing on the ground. He was much larger than I was, something that automatically
assured me that there was no way I'd win an actual fight against him. Even trying
would probably land me in the hospital, even if I did managed to win.
"You're going to stay away from my daughter or I'll fucking kill you,
do you hear me?" He breathed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You're so
damn lucky I got here in time!"
Suddenly, he turned to glance towards the car, pouting before releasing
a helpless sigh. He looked terrified for her sake and the fact that he was right
about one thing: I would've had sex with her without ever knowing she was a minor.
Having assumed so simply because she was at a college party. Why hadn't I asked?
Fuck, why hadn't I even bothered? I breathed deeply, trying to come up with some
way to apologize.
"I didn't know," I promised, raising my hands up in surrender.. "I'm so
sorry."
He shook his head, growling at me before slamming me in the chest with
his right hand. I gasped, but restrained myself from crying out in pain. Showing
weakness wouldn't help in this situation.
"You disgust me," he spat. "You're a pathetic little-"
I nodded, struggling to keep calm under his strong grasp. The idea that
he would beat me up was finally settling, making me nervous. I was just hoping he
was the sort of man to avoid doing anything too drastic in front of his daughter.
"I'm really sorry," I apologized once more. "I really am."
"I'm sure you are," he spat, pinning me back.
"I didn't know she was underage!" I snapped back, aware it was
probably stupid to yell back.
Before I could say anything else, he threw a single punch, shoving me
down towards the floor and yelling at me to "burn in hell". The ground around me
shook, a painful pounding evoking from the injury. Still, I didn't move at all,
waiting until the car had driven away before pushing myself to a sitting position
and trying to focus on my surroundings.
There was a blinding pain surrounding my left cheek, but everything
seemed all right other than that. I glanced around, disoriented for a few seconds
while the pain diminished from a sharp pain to a dull throbbing, the ache clearly
only starting. Then, I lowered my gaze towards the ground for a fleeting second and
there, laying against the pavement, I found a leather wallet open and facing down.
It wasn't mine. No, it was far too nice to be mine..
I glanced at it for a few seconds before reaching out and grabbing a
hold of it, inspecting it carefully. I flipped it and glanced at the driver's
license, then sighing when I realized it was that maniac's wallet.
It had his name on it as well, Shawn Briggs. I stared at it through my
half-open eyes and groaned once more before slipping the wallet into my pocket and
standing up. As much fun as it'd been in the beginning, being at this party was
suddenly not my priority anymore-not now that my entire face was hurting like a
bitch.
-Shawn-
"What the hell were you both thinking?" I yelled back at them. They
were huddled in the backseats, both equally terrified and hugging each other. I
couldn't tell if it was because of him or my reaction, but I didn't give a damn
either way.
They were trembling.
Good.
"I'm so sorry-" Kate started.
I shook my head. "Sorry doesn't cut it. Why in the world would you
think it was okay to take a sixteen-year-old girl to a college party, Kate? Why
would you ever do that?"
I loved my niece, truly. However, sometimes she truly made me question
whether I liked being around her or having her as far away from my family as
possible. She was just like my sister, reckless as hell.
"Dad, I wasn't going to-"
I narrowed my eyes at her through the rear-view mirror, immediately
silencing her. The last thing I needed was a half-assed excuse about how she wasn't
planning to do anything with that boy. What kind of fool did she take me for
anyways??
"You two are going to give me a heart attack," I muttered under my
breath and stopped at the red light. Then, I moved my hand towards my Blue-tooth to
call Kate's mom. That was when I realized I'd forgotten my phone at home. Then, I
also realized I had apparently forgotten my wallet, which was simply stupid of me.
I was an attorney driving without a driver's license. That was just
rich of me. I sped up, wishing to get home as quickly as possible to avoid getting
a ticket. Perhaps it wasn't the best plan of action, but whatever...
-Eric-
I couldn't stop thinking about what happened. A contributing factor to
my inability to forget was actually the blinding pain on my face that greeted me in
the morning when I woke up, but more so, the guilt of knowing I'd been about to
make such a huge mistake. It was fresh and harsh, just like I'd expected. Mason, my
roommate, was still asleep, leaving me almost alone in the dorm.
While sitting up from the bed, I glanced at the second wallet resting
on top of mine on my nightstand, mocking me with its mere existence. I hadn't even
bothered to check it any further than I had last night, uninterested in returning
it. However, the idea that a man with a family had lost his wallet, which most
likely contained money, worried me despite the harm he'd caused me.
Phaeric was nice like that.
Who was Phaeric? Well, that was actually my self-given nickname. It
derived from a clever mixture of Pharaoh and Eric, which single-handedly made me
awesome and raised my level of importance by monumental levels. In fact, that name
even gave me the ability to speak in the third person without making things weird,
apparently, because why the hell not.
Despite wanting to go back to sleep, blissfully ignoring my own
consciousness, I walked over to the black wallet and opened it, peeking inside to
find the driver's license. It said his name, just as it had last night, but this
time it was easier to see the picture attached to it. He didn't look nearly as
scary as he had last night, or furious. In fact, the light smile on his lips was
one I could've easily seen on his face, sincere enough despite the aggressiveness
he'd displayed.
Perhaps I just had to see the situation from his point of view.
Just as I'd assumed, the wallet had quite a lot of cash inside, several
credit cards, and a few other important cards and little notes. One of the things
that stuck out was a photo of his daughter he had inside the second row of the
wallet. She was smiling, probably about five in the picture.
"I screwed up," I mumbled to myself, digging through it once more and
finding a business card.
The card was for a law firm, and the card belonged to Shawn. Because,
of course, I'd stupidly managed to hit on a lawyer's underage daughter. He could
and would probably throw me in prison for being some kind of unintentional almost
underage molester if he ever found me. Could he do that? Fuck, what if he could?
I groaned out in annoyance, closing my eyes tightly and then looking at
the card once more. It was a slick one, containing no more than a name, an address,
and a phone on the front. On the back, it has business hours that clearly specified
that it was open today. He probably had enough money to hire some kind of hit man
to take me down.
I glanced at the hours once more. Damn it. I just needed to get in,
hand in the wallet to whoever was there to receive it, and then leave before he
could call the police or kill me. As soon as the wallet was out of my hands, I'd
finally be able to put this behind me.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for starting Office Love, part of the Awkward Love Series! Please
consider voting and commenting; I appreciate it tremendously! Welcome to the
Awkward Love Series. <3
-Hec

Ch. 1: The Ungrateful

Office Love: Chapter 1: The Ungrateful

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I decided that I was losing my mind the second I left the dorm and actually set out
on my way to this intimidating man's workplace. I debated on forms of
transportation, and my only options were to borrow my roommate's car for a quick
second or to take public transportation.

Ultimately, I ended up taking the bus. I wanted to take Mason's car, be an asshole,
but I was almost certain he would want to hang out with his Bennett, his boyfriend
(hopefully), today. He was clingy like that. Therefore, I decided to be polite and
decided to ride the nightmare-inducing form of transportation.

That's how I found myself on a half-empty bus, nervously shifting around in my

seat, going straight into the danger zone. Would he kill me? The idea that he would
wasn't enough to make me get off the bus and head back home, but it did make the
shifting nervously occur at an oddly quicker pace.

"Why so nervous? You're not going to commit a crime, right?" An older woman asked.
She was seating across from me, on the bench opposite. She didn't look very wary,
but rather as if it was a joke. I smiled weakly, shaking my head just in case. I
didn't want her thinking that.

"No, nothing like that," I replied politely, shifting to glance towards the window
of the bus.

"Then why do you look terrified?"

I didn't know how to answer that. There was a feeling of uncertainty at the pit of
my stomach at the thought of facing that man again. Shawn, he didn't seem like the
kind of person to forgive easily. I hoped that I would just be able to drop it off
somewhere and leave without having to see him at all.

"Is it girl drama?" She asked.

I laughed. She wasn't rude, not really. In fact, she was quite the opposite.
Talking to her was at least allowing me to breathe once more by helping me ignore
how I was heading straight to my possible death. I glanced down at her bag,
focusing on the label. She was a nurse. She wasn't exactly too elderly to work, but
she did seem frail in a way.

"Not quite," I replied.

"Boy drama?" She mused.

I shook my head quicker, signaling that it definitely wasn't that. Fearing death
wasn't what someone would consider boy drama. Besides, I was into girls. Hell,
being into girls was what had landed me in this situation to begin with, wasn't it?

"It's just complicated," I explained. "I think I made a mistake, but I didn't
actually mean to so I hope it won't be taken to heart."

"Mistakes are there to be made. What we do afterwards is what really defines who we
are," She informed me, full of intelligence and wisdom.

I couldn't help but nod in agreement, going as far as smiling. I liked her, no
matter how weird it was that she was questioning me and giving me resourceful
advice out of nowhere. It was nice talking to her, at least.

I glanced down at the leather wallet in my hand, hoping that was the case this time
around. I was trying to make it right, even if the mistake was something quite
awful. He, Shawn, had been quite mad at me. I couldn't really blame him, especially
considering how I almost unknowingly committed a felony.

"Let me guess, it has to do with whoever did that to your face?" She asked, almost
in a hushed tone.

I nodded, biting my bottom lip. The bruise had blossomed quite a lot over-night yet
at least the pain had faded for the most part. "You're not going to get them back
are you?"

"I'm going to try to mend something I screwed up," I turned to glance at her. "I
wouldn't actually hit him back though, because it was my fault either way."

-Shawn-

When I got home and found my phone was there, but not my wallet, I started
panicking. I never lost things, so it made no sense that it was gone.
Eventually, after turning half of the house upside down in a vain attempt to find
it, I gave up and decided that It was probably back at work on my office desk.
Instead, I focused the rest of my energy in scolding Meghan and shooting dirty
glares at my niece for the rest of the night.

-------

It wasn't there at the office either. I truly started panicking then, searching
through my drawers and then under the desk.

"Jacqueline, my wallet is gone!" I yelled at her from my office.

"Cancel your credit cards!" Jacqueline replied in a singsong voice. "Unless you
want to lose your money!"

I rolled my eyes, expecting her to come in and help me but then realizing this was
Jacqueline I was thinking of and she was as lazy as woman came.

"I had money in there!" I groaned.

Not to mention all of my other information, my driver's license, and basically

everything I owned that could go in a damn wallet.

"I think you're going to be okay, Boss," She pointed out.

I rolled my eyes. She didn't waste a single opportunity to mention how I was Lead
Attorney while she was an associate lawyer.

"You're jealousy is showing!" I yelled back, desperately searching through my

pockets as if my wallet would somehow appear inside of them.

"Up yours!"

-Eric-

I waved at the older woman as I left the bus, glancing around for the law firm. It
wasn't very hard to find, it being merely a block away from the bus stop.

It was quite large, that was the first thing I noticed. It was huge and looked
quite fancy in comparison to the buildings surrounding it. I walked inside,
immediately greeted by an empty desk.

"Hello?" I called out.

Of course, it was just my luck that the secretary was busy just when I needed to
hand something to him or her. I was about to just leave the wallet in the
secretary's desk, except that I glanced back towards the door and realized that
leaving the wallet in the secretary's desk could be a mistake. The door was open,
making it easy for anyone to stalk inside and grab the wallet if the wanted to.

The wallet had a lot of money inside.

I gulped down my fear, closing my eyes tightly before passing the main reception
and slipping into the elevator that stood behind. I assumed he would be in some
other floor, not the first one.

-------
Oddly enough, most of the doors were closed and with the lights off. I walked
around, confused as to the lack of people. It wasn't until the second to last floor
that I found a sign with his name on it. His name, Shawn Briggs was boldly set
across the front, signaling to his presence.

I didn't want to enter. No, entering the room was the last thing on my mind.

"Phaeric isn't scared of anything," I reminded myself, walking into the room and
coming face to face with Shawn's back.

He was standing up, glancing out the window as he talked on the phone. He was
wearing a suit, which was the first thing I noticed. He had also been wearing a
suit the last time I saw him, but this one was a different one. This one was a
brown toned blazer with similarly shaded pants.

I took tentative steps forward, reaching out to try to leave the wallet on his
desk. With any luck, he would never know I had come into his workplace at all.

Things didn't go quite as planned.

"Take a seat and don't touch anything," Shawn hissed, still not looking at me.

I blinked, taking a seat on one of the seats opposite to his and staring at him in
shock. I wanted to ask how he even knew I was here, but kept it to myself since he
was busy on the phone.

"Just send someone as soon as possible to fix this damn computer," He muttered into
the phone, hanging up and turning to face me, his glare incessant.

"I'm sorry." It was the first thing that popped into my mind. I didn't know what
else to say that would make this situation any better.

Apparently, an apology didn't go a long way for him, since he still looked ready to
murder. I set the wallet on his desk, glancing down at my hands, unsure of what
else I could say. I knew he wasn't going to forgive me, I had tried to take his
underage daughter to bed, and even if I was unaware of her age, forgiveness seemed
almost definitely improbably.

"You're a sick bastard, I hope you know that," He insulted me while reaching out
and grabbing his wallet.

He opened it and verified everything was still there, not even bothering me to give
me a thankful glance or anything. Oh no, not a single mention of thanks left him at
all while he checked his wallet. Sure enough (since I wasn't one to steal), there
was nothing missing and he nodded in agreement.

"I'm glad you did the right thing, at least for something," He muttered.

I rolled my eyes. Couldn't he give me a break? I wasn't aware of what was going on.
Hell, shouldn't he be angry with himself for not being a good father?

I didn't say this aloud since I wanted to stay alive.

"Look, I didn't mean her any harm," I tried. "I honestly didn't know."

"I don't doubt you didn't know. I doubt your tact when it comes to girls in
general, acting like you're all that."

I wasn't a player. I seriously wasn't. It was what Shawn was insinuating, even if
it was the farthest from the truth. Last night had been me trying to be fun for one
night after following in Mason's steps and almost hibernating in the dorm with him,
not looking for any relationships for quite some time. Perhaps I had been a little
inappropriate with her, but that was only because I felt the need to rebel a
little.

"Look, I'll fix your computer," I suggested, bringing up the last bit of the
conversation I had happened to over-hear as I entered the room before.

"Just get the hell out of my office," He signaled towards the door, clearly
irritated by my mere presence.

"It's not going to be here until Monday since working hours are from Monday to
Friday. Honestly, I'll fix it. It's the least I can do for the trouble I've
caused."

Perhaps I wanted to make him feel guilty for making my face look as if I'd fallen
from a cliff and landed on my face, or maybe I was just feeling polite that day.
Whatever it was, I was offering out of my own free will.

"This doesn't mean you're any less of a fucking bastard," He snapped, but stood up
from his desk anyways. It was evident that he really needed the compute up and
running again, considering how angry he looked at the sight of me there.

I nodded in agreement, heading towards the computer and sitting down. Well, I
wasn't going to college for computer engineering for nothing. This would be easy
enough to fix. I noticed a frame beside his computer on the desk. It was of him
hugging his daughter protectively, both of them younger.

I felt a tug of uncomfortable guilt washing over me, but pushed it to the back of
my mind as I glanced at the monitor.

-Shawn-

A part of me couldn't help but feel as if I was projecting my own anger at this
young man. Personally, the terror was just eating at me slowly. My precious (and
quite reckless) daughter would've gone through such corruption if I hadn't arrived
in that very moment.

I couldn't let her screw up in the same way I had. Oh no, she had to be better than
her rebellious father had been at her age. It had been at the exact age that she
currently had, that I had found myself in a similar situation. Pregnancy happened.

I was stupid and believed everything would be okay. Her mom and I were both sixteen
and the horror of what was occurring was enough for it to destroy the stupid
teenage romance we had. Eight and a half months later, Meghan was in my care and I
suddenly found myself a single father, alone since her mom had left the second the
baby was out of her.

Now, at thirty-two, there was no way I was going to let her to make the same
mistakes. No, I was wiser now, and there was no way I was allowing her to screw up
just as I had. Sure, my life hadn't gone to hell. However, it had been emotionally
exhausting.

Meghan was the most amazing thing that happened to me, yet it had also been the
most difficult thing to endure.

"What's the password?" The boy asked, turning to glance at me. I loomed over him,
signaling for him to move out of the fucking way so I could type it in.
He did stand up, cautiously stepping away from the desk and allowing me to put the
password into the dreaded computer. There was a weird exchange of places soon after
that, and he was once again behind the desk, typing into the computer.

The fact that he had found my wallet and brought it back intact didn't mean
anything. He was still an ass and that was final.

"Would you mind if I download an anti-virus? I have an account so all I would have
to do is download, no payment needed," He was walking on eggshells around me,
clearly worried for his safety. Good.

"Money is not a problem..."

"Eric's my name, by the way." He finished. "Okay, it's ninety six dollars."

I nodded, taking out my debit card. I wasn't very worried about him seeing my card
information considering he had just been in the possession of my wallet for a whole
night. I was still going to change all my card information anyways, so it didn't
matter whether he saw it right now or not.

He opened the webpage and bought the anti-virus product, his hands shaking briefly.
I rolled my eyes, leaning over and pushing down the picture of my daughter. I had
seen him glance at it several times, guiltily, and it was starting to annoy me.

"I wasn't-"

"Just fix the damn computer," I growled from behind him.

He shuddered and submitted the purchase page, glancing down at my card information
to type it into the computer.

"You also have some outdated programs that are slowing down the computer," He
informed me. "That is also, in turn, making the system shut off ocassionally."

I shrugged. Sure, there probably were some things in need of fixing. I didn't
really use that computer for anything but work, so I didn't take the time to make
sure all the programs were running smoothly. I probably should, but my schedule was
too tight to spend it trying to download stupid programs.

"I hope you're not expecting me to say thanks," I murmured.

Eric sighed, nodding.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thanks for reading. I have attached a collage of Eric Dirk (portrayed by
Michael Trevino) to this chapter. Also, please vote and comment if you enjoyed the
chapter!

-Hec

Ch. 2: Like They Do on the Discovery Channel

Office Love: Chapter 2: Like They Do on the Discovery Channel
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-
There was a constant shiver running down my spine as I sensed his
presence right behind me. The knowledge that he probably wanted to reach out and
strangle me was almost constantly buzzing in my ear, warning me to bolt out the
room and never look back.
So yeah, the idea that he would just kill me out of nowhere was
definitely present. In fact, the fear only grew when he reached over my shoulder
and slammed the picture of his daughter down. He had seen me looking at it.
Great, he was probably going to hire someone to murder me.
"You're going to stay away from her, correct?" he asked after several
minutes of silence. "I'm sure you're old enough to understand that your freedom
depends on your ability to comply with this."
I nodded my head, sighing under my breath at how slowly the file was
downloading and how many things needed an update. I wouldn't be leaving for a
while, and he seemed unwilling to move from behind me. He was probably not too
willing to leave me alone with his computer either, considering the kind of files
he had in here.
I had seen several folders with names that belonged to people, probably
from cases. He probably had all the legal documents and private information here.
"You better know what you're doing, or I'll-"
"-Kill me, I get it." I sighed under my breath.
His hand settled on my shoulder, causing another unsettling shiver to
run down my spine. "Trust me; death will be the smallest of your problems."
If he was an attorney, didn't he understand that threatening someone
like this gave grounds for persecution? Did he just not give a single damn? He sure
didn't seem like he gave a single damn. I turned to glance at him briefly before
realizing how close he was. I turned back around, jolting automatically.
"The file is done downloading," I stated, opening the file and running
the program before moving on to the other programs.
There was something about him that unsettled me, but I couldn't put my
finger on it. It was a combination of the strong tense way in which he glared at
me; the fact that he was so much older, taller, more intimidating; and how he
probably had the ability to squish me. It was frightening.
I, Phaeric, was facing intimidation from a mere human, how scandalous!
----
The world loved playing games with me. That was the only possible
explanation for what happened the second Shawn left the room shortly. He grumbled
about going to the bathroom and threatened me to stay put and not consider doing
anything weird if I wanted to live.
However, it was only minutes after he left that his daughter, Meghan,
walked into the office, a lunch box in hand.
We stared at each other with wide eyes before she gasped in horror.
I started panicking almost immediately; of course, I didn't want to die
and she probably didn't want to die either.
"He's going to kill you!" Meghan hissed.
I whined under my breath rushing towards the door and making sure that
he wasn't coming back yet. Seeing her here, it would most likely make Shawn lose it
completely.
I turned towards her, ready to tell her to leave.
Meghan was only panicking more, rushing around the room as if she could
find somewhere to hide. To make matters worse, her outfit wasn't exactly helping
causes. I tried my hardest to avoid looking anywhere but her face. She looked about
eighteen. This was all her fault.
"Why are you here, at his workplace?" I snapped, darting my eyes around
worriedly.
"I could ask you the same thing!" she scoffed. "Are you screwing with
his computer?"
I shook my head rapidly. "I'm fixing it. It's a long story. Just get
the hell out of here."
She shook her head and crossed her arms across her chest, standing her
ground. Okay, apparently she didn't mind my death in the very least. About two
minutes had passed already, and I was starting to feel dizzy. It didn't matter that
his computer was working amazingly now. Oh no, he'd probably make sure nobody ever
found me alive.
I threw my hands up in the air, signaling for her to get out of here.
Moreover, perhaps I was being a bit dramatic, but it was only to prove a point.
Shawn scared me shitless.
"I brought him lunch. It's part of my plan to get him to stop shooting
me dirty looks at every second of the day," she replied. "He hasn't said a word to
me since last night."
"That's your own damn fault!"
There was approaching footsteps and we both took several steps away
from each other, making sure there was at least a few feet of distance just in
case. I gulped in fear, bracing myself for the worst reaction from Shawn and
possibly my death, since apparently that was the only thing I could think of
anyways.
----
"I don't want to die!" I hissed at Meghan.
Then, a head popped into the office. It was a quite sharply dressed
young woman. Her eyes darted between Meghan and me before landing on me. She
probably knew who Meghan was. I, on the other hand, hadn't even checked in as a
guest.
"Who are you and why are you in Mr. Briggs office?" She asked
accusingly. "And answer quickly because I'm about ten seconds away from calling
security."
I blinked, trying to remember what I was even doing here. I had come in
to hand something back, yet I was still here several hours later. It didn't make
any sense to tell her what had honestly happened since it sounded so odd.
Therefore, I improvised.
"I came in to fix Mr. Briggs computer," I replied. "But I'm done now so
I should be leaving-"
"Oh, is he paying you?" Her eyes widened in amusement.
"You could say that, yes, I nodded, wincing internally. He was
technically paying me in the form of not killing me, right?
She narrowed her eyes briefly before smiling widely. "Awesome, then
just add my computer's fix to his tab as well, okay?"
I furrowed my eyes in confusion. Within seconds, she was signaling for
me to follow her back to her own office. Fearful of having her discover I hadn't
been honest, I played along. Fixing another computer didn't sound that bad, to be
honest. Besides, it was better than having her call security.
I didn't really want huge scary men with synchronized uniforms
manhandling me out of a building. I should've mailed the damn wallet. I groaned
under my breath. I could've mailed it! Why hadn't the idea even crossed my mind?
Meghan looked around in confusion before rolling her eyes and closing
the door to her dad's office. I cursed at Meghan under my breath while following
the strange woman out of the room. If the view from behind her was anything to go
by, she was apparently not only straightforward, but also rather attractive.
I fought hard to avoid staring at her ass as she led the way. Honestly,
she was quite hot.
----
I stared at the computer, blinking several times. It had a crack on it.
There was an actual crack on the screen. I turned to give the woman a questioning
glance but she just beamed at me, as if I could somehow fix a broken screen.
I was Phaeric, sure, but that didn't mean I had superpowers.
"Uh, I'm not certain there is a way to fix that immediately. Rather, I
think you should order a new monitor for the computer," I informed her, scratching
the back of my head. "How did that even happen?"
She took a deep breath, walking over to her desk and glaring at the
broken screen. The desk it was on was actually quite full of papers, all of which
were set in a crazy disorganized fashion. I sat down on the seat across from her
and watched as she cursed under her breath.
 "I have so much paperwork to do today, and now I'm going to have to do
it by hand?" She complained. "Thanks anyways, I'm sorry for wasting your time."
I didn't reply. Instead, I glanced down at the papers and took several,
placing them one behind the other and neatly setting them on the desk. I felt bad.
While she had initially terrified me with her attitude, she sounded like quite a
nice person.
"I mean, I can help if you want," I offered, cringing internally.
She broke into a wide smile. "Wait, seriously? Oh my goodness, thanks! You're a
lifesaver!"
I needed to learn how to stop being so kind. Honestly, as Phaeric, I
deserved some kind of humanitarian award or something. At least having her smile in
gratitude was enough of a reward, if not for the fact that a hot girl was smiling
at me now as if she was about to kiss me.
"Okay, I'm going to need you to- Oh, I'm Jacqueline Sterling by the
way. Again, thank you so much! Anyways, I'm going to need you to organize these in
alphabetical order so I can enter them into the file while-"
I groaned internally. This was not going to be fun.
-Shawn-
I started worrying the second I entered back into my office and spotted
my darling daughter sitting there, patiently waiting. I darted my eyes around the
room, looking for Eric so that I could give him a death glare.
"What do you think you're doing here?" I asked Meghan, stepping in
front of her and crossing my arms across my chest. "I told you not to leave the
house under any circumstance."
"I brought you lunch," She smiled weakly, handing me the lunch box.
It was sweet; I had to admit she could rock at kissing up sometimes.
However, I didn't return the smile, still too bothered about yesterday to truly
feel grateful that she was here, especially considering the boy was-
"Where's that kid?" I asked her, raising an eyebrow.
She furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, shrugging as if she had no clue
what I was talking about at all. "Which boy are you talking about, Daddy?"
She didn't fool me, but since bringing that bastard up in a
conversation with her sounded like awful idea, I let it go. "I'm going to assume he
left. I better not learn that you're still talking to him."
She nodded in agreement, pointing towards the lunch box.
"I made lasagna!" She grinned. "Your favorite!"
I rolled my eyes. This was her seriously kissing up, if I had ever seen
it, but that didn't mean I wouldn't enjoy the meal. I nodded in reply, opening the
lunchbox and taking the container out. It smelled quite great.
It wasn't great enough to forget what she had done last night, but it
was delicious enough to forget that the little bastard had escaped before I could
threaten him one last time.
With all the intimidating I had accomplished, seeing him around
certainly wouldn't be a problem anymore. Moreover, if he did decide to keep seeing
my daughter, perhaps I would have to give him another one of those ugly-looking
bruises he had on his face.
-Eric-
I smiled proudly at the work I had done. Somehow, I had helped
Jacqueline finish all the paperwork in less than an hour, which was apparently
amazing because she kept saying "thank you" repeatedly like some kind of pre-
recorded message.
"You, Eric, are such a great help!" She beamed.
"Don't worry about it," I replied while standing up. "So, I sort of
have to go now."
Now, I just wanted to get out of here and never come back. If I thought
about this in three years' time (the experience of being in this building in
general), it would still be too soon.
"Wait," She raised her hand up, biting the edge of her pen for a few
seconds, internally debating something.
 After several minutes of thinking, she finally spoke. "How would you
like to work here?"
I deadpanned, frowning at her. She had known me for less than an hour
and I had literally just helped organize files, yet she was offering me a job? She
stared at me with wide eyes, realizing how odd it had sounded.
"Well, it would be a paid internship. I mean, you're definitely in
college so I'm guessing you can apply for one to the firm?" She smiled.
Well, at least she knew her stuff.
"What gave it away?" I asked, sitting back down on the seat.
"The bruise on your face, your outfit, the fact that you look like a
teenager, and most importantly, the fact that you sneaked in here to give Mr.
Briggs his wallet back," She smiled. "Which, he told me he lost right after
mentioning he had gotten into an argument with a "college bastard" that was
threatening his daughter, yet told me he "found" today while he was walking towards
the bathroom and you just happened to be in his office."
"I do know how to fix computers," I mentioned, clearly beat by her
insane skills.
I shouldn't have been very surprised. She was a young attorney. It was
most likely that the reason she was so young yet with this job was her
intelligence.
She nodded. "I figured as much considering you were in his office for
quite some time. Either that or you two were doing like they do in the Discovery
Channel, getting horn-"
"I was fixing his computer," I cut in, shuddering at the thought (and
the reference to that terrifying song). "I felt bad for the misunderstanding, so I
offered to fix his computer. Uh, does he always tell you everything?"
She shrugged. "We're office buddies. Besides, if he didn't rage to me
then he would probably rage to the security woman and that poor old woman doesn't
deserve it."
I was glad she didn't keep referencing the song further than that,
since it was perhaps one of the most traumatizing (yet hilarious) songs ever.
Then, I blinked when what she said finally processed in my brain.
There security was an old woman, Jacqueline had been aware of who I was
the entire time, and I was being offered a paid internship. Well, that wasn't
something that happened every day.
"Sure," I replied. It couldn't kill to give it a shot. Well, as long as
I avoided Shawn, that was.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you so much for reading. Feel free to leave a vote and comment if you
enjoyed the chapter! I attached a collage of Eric Dane (Who portrays Shawn Briggs)
and the music video, The Bad Touch by The Bloodhound Gang (the musical reference
that Jacqueline made!)
-Hec

Ch. 3: Control Her

Office Love: Chapter 3: Control Her
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Shawn-
I barged into the room, glaring at Jacqueline with as much force as
possible. By this point, Eric was long gone and the only proof that he was ever in
the room was the out-of-place neatness that was usually never present in her office
space.
"You're not authorized to give that position out without my knowledge!"
I scolded her, crossing my arms across my chest and huffing angrily.
Jacqueline only laughed for a few seconds before quieting down. I had
gotten an e-mail from her, stating that she had picked an intern. While I initially
told her she could give it a go and just verify with me when she found one, I
regretted it the second I read the name Eric Dirk.
 "Calm down, it's just an internship," she reminded me. "It's no big
deal."
"He almost kidnapped my daughter!" I protested, which earned me a glare
from her. Okay, perhaps I was exaggerating just a bit. However, it wasn't as if he
was very innocent either.
"You told me you spotted them leaving the house together willingly.
Don't go around switching your story simply because you're angry or you hate him!"
she protested. "You could get him in some serious trouble out of spite."
She was right, of course, but it was still infuriating to know that the
same who had tried to pick my daughter up would be working here. That position of
paid internship in the law-firm was for both of us to decide on, given that both of
us would be sharing the assistant.
"I refuse to have him work for me." I stated, stomping my foot
forcefully.
"He won't then," she retorted, standing up and grabbing her bag. "Now,
if you would excuse me, it's my lunch break. Honestly, sometimes you act worse than
a child, Shawn."
I shook my head in disappointment. It was as if she was willingly
trying to sabotage my happiness or something. She knew how much I detested him. I'd
spent some time explaining to her how much I wanted him gone from this planet.
"He better stay away from Meghan," I threatened. "Or I'll finish what I
started that night!"
She rolled her eyes. "Real mature, Shawn, always so mature. I offered
the job because he's smart and capable. It wasn't about trying to bother you,
honestly. He fixed your computer and he helped me with my huge pile of paperwork.
In theory, he has proven that he can handle the small position."
I hated the she was right. I also hated him. I decided to voice my
thoughts.
"I hate him. He's just-"
She didn't reply right away. Instead, her face morphed into that of
sympathy. I knew what was coming before she even opened her mouth to speak.
"Are you sure you're not projecting?" she asked, her expression
softening. "I know Meghan is the same age that you were when-"
I almost regretted ever telling her about my life. She was one of my
closest friends, but I didn't always truly welcome her opinions, especially given
that she had the habit of not filtering her thoughts, not even for my sake. "Then
why are you offering him a job here, knowing that my daughter is bound to stop by
occasionally?"
He had to go. Seeing him every day was the last thing I needed. Work
was already stressful, not to mention my daughter kept acting up. No, the last
thing I needed was to have to deal with that menace.
"I'm offering him a job because he's efficient. Here's a thought:
control her." Jacqueline flipped her hair, grabbing her purse from the desk and
passing right by me. I stood in awe, trying to process what she'd just said.
I gasped. She was no longer my friend. "You're literally dead to me,
Miss Sterling."
She rolled her eyes, yelling at me as I stormed out of her office. "You
said that same thing to me a week ago when I ate the last bagel in the rec. room!"
"This time I mean it," I yelled bitterly. "And fuck you for that!"
-Eric-
I sat down on the bus seat, glaring at the ground. I was still trying
to wrap my mind around what had made me take the job. Sure, it was because of the
opportunity to get some good cash. However, the possibility that it would bring
more issues than it was worth was also present.
"Alone again?" A voice called out, shaking me from my thoughts.
I raised my gaze to focus on the person speaking. I started smiling
widely when I realized it was the older woman from the morning. I waved, flashing a
grin.
"Hey, I didn't know you got off at this time," I conversed, turning to
face her. There were several other people in the bus, especially at this time in
the afternoon, but I didn't really feel like talking to any of them.
"I do. How about you? You seem to be in a much brighter mood," She
pointed out.
I nodded in agreement, despite how untrue it was. More than anything, I
felt confused. The idea that I would have to tiptoe around the office in order to
stay away from him was troubling.
"So, did you break up with him?" She asked. "You better have. That boy
doesn't respect you at all!"
I blinked, staring at her with wide eyes. I was certain I had mentioned
how it was most definitely not a boyfriend or anything like that. She, however,
seemed fiercely convinced otherwise.
"I'm not into guys," I explained. "And even if I was, I would never go
for him. He's... well, he's terrifying."
The older woman rolled her eyes as if she didn't believe what I was
saying at all. I didn't really understand why she wouldn't, given that I wasn't
even displaying any signs that would imply I was gay at all (as if there were even
such things, to be honest) but I didn't push the issue forward.
"Don't let him treat you like that. Don't be scared to tell him off,"
She advised. "Sometimes men just need a little incentive to behave."
She grinned at that, which in turn made me grin as well.
I couldn't help but flash her a half-smile. I wasn't all that bothered
by her assumption of my connection to Shawn, even if it was wrong. Besides, she was
definitely right about me needing to stop letting him walk all over me. I needed to
work on that.
----
I didn't go back to the dorm right away. Instead, I stopped by the
store to pick some requested items. I had to pick up a bucket of ice cream and a
six-pack of energy drinks. No, not beers, but actual energy drinks. The one
requesting such was honestly Mason, given that it had taken him less than a few
hours to find himself in the same mood I was currently in, thanks to one Shawn
Briggs.
I walked into the store, heading immediately for the energy drink
section and picking a pack of twenty-four energy drinks. What? I needed the energy
as well. I hadn't even started my project. I still had to go home and work on a
project that I had managed to procrastinate until the very last minute. Sure, it
wasn't worth very many points, but missing assignments were not my cup of tea
either way.
"Hello there, Do you need any help?" A female worked asked, grinning as
she passed me to set a product back on the proper case. I blinked in confusion, but
didn't comment on how she was sort of puffing out her chest and walking oddly in a
fashion that made it seem as if she was about to fall or trying to be fancy.
"No thanks," I replied.
She didn't reply. Instead, she only sped up, dashing off onto the next
row and away from view. I didn't know what that was about, but it was certainly
odd. It wasn't until a few minutes later, when a male worker passed by that I
started noticing how odd their behavior was.
"Do you need anything?" He smiled widely at me.
I raised an eyebrow. "Do you?"
I didn't intend to be rude. Yet, he was almost as odd as the female
worked who had just passed by.
"Oh, sorry for annoying you," He pouted.
I glanced around carefully, cautiously stopping him before glancing
around once more.
"What was that all about?" I asked, not sure whether I truly wanted to
know or not to.
He started blushing. "Well, you're hot... So, my friend and I were
seeing who you would go for."
I frowned. Why were they assuming I was gay as well? I glanced down at
myself. Did I give off that vibe? I wasn't even aware that someone could give off
that certain vibe.
"Ah, thanks!" I smiled. "However, I'm actually not looking for a
relationship right now, with either one of you."
He nodded far too quickly before running off. Well, that was odd. I
couldn't decide whether to be offended that they were trying to test what I was
interested on, or flattered that they both seemed quite interested in me.
Instead of heading towards the ice cream section, I just headed
straight for the check out with the packet of energy drunks in hand. I just needed
to get home and sleep. Screw the project, I could work on it tomorrow.
-Shawn-
"Say it with me... I will not talk to the bastard," I repeated.
I had just gotten home after a long rough day at work and the most
rewarding thing was the idea that I could properly correct my daughter on her
erroneous ways. She needed to comprehend that he wasn't just bad for her, but also
an asshole.
Meghan rolled her eyes, setting her phone down on the dinner table and
glaring at me angrily. So what if this was the eight time I was making her do this?
I had to take precautions, and this one would keep me from losing my sanity and her
from keeping her purity!
She groaned under her breath, taking the earphones out of her pocket
and untangling them, probably attempting to drone me out with crappy generic pop
music. She couldn't put them on quickly enough, which gave me time to scold her
some more.
"Meghan, if I catch you talking to that trouble-making little
psychopath I will ground you until you die," I threatened.
"Can you just kill me now and let this be over?" she retorted, plugging
the earphone into her phone and sticking both of the earbuds into her ears. "I
won't talk to him at all, happy?"
Not quite, but it was a start. I needed to keep my little girl safe
from the likes of him. Trying to bribe Jacqueline into not hiring him had been
almost impossible. She was completely convinced that he was the right person to
take on the internship properly, as if the fact that he helped her for a couple of
hours was a big deal all of a sudden.
"He's not even useful!" I blurted out. "It's blasphemy!"
Meghan pursed her lips, gazing at me quizzically. "Didn't he fix your
computer?"
I waved her off. "That's beside the point. He's still useless to the
firm and Jacqueline is wrong."
"What do you mean?" She blinked.
"He's hired and-"
I noticed it. It was small and almost insignificant, but the glint in
her eyes was almost certainly there. I narrowed my eyes, glaring down at her. She
actually wanted to see him. She was trying to hide the excitement, but it wasn't
working all that well.
"You are to stay as far away from my office as possible, understood?"
My daughter looked about ready to make a run for the door, so I let her
go. I signaled for her to go to her room and she just gave me a thankful smile
before dashing off to do God-knows what.
"You better be studying!"
She was probably not studying.
I stared into the empty living room, huffing in annoyance. Eric, he
wasn't fit to work for us. It didn't make sense that doors were opening for him
when he had caused me nothing but anguish until now. First, he had tried to corrupt
my daughter. Now he was stalking into my job as if he had a right. . I didn't want
him there; work would be hell from now on.
"I hate everything," I muttered, repeating the phrase that Meghan had
growled out through gritted teeth when the season finale of her favorite reality
television show ended in a cliffhanger.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: I honestly love the title of this chapter. Thanks for reading. I attached a
collage of Dakota Fanning (who will portray Meghan Briggs). Please leave a comment
and vote if you enjoyed the chapter!
-Hec

Ch. 4: Awkward Shower Encounters

Office Love: Chapter 4: Awkward Shower Encounters

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

"I, Phaeric, am not scared of anything," I muttered to myself, gluing

on the graph onto the cardboard. I had spent about three hours on this project and
my body was actually aching from working. It looked quite nice, but there was
something missing. I glanced around, aware that Mason had left to deal with his boy
drama.

Oh, my roommate could be so delusional sometimes. Not only did he

manage to screw things up with one of the sweetest people ever, but he also seemed
clueless as to how he achieved such an incredulous feat.

Truly, Mason was a lost case.

I stared up at the project, smiling to myself contentedly. It looked

quite nice. It held the graph, the summary, analysis, and other information quite
nicely, symmetrically aligning along the corners.

My phone buzzed from where it lay on the desk, prompting me to stand up

and make my way over. I picked up the phone, glancing down at the number and then
answering it even though it said no name.

"Hey, Eric?" A bright voice asked.

It was Jacqueline. I glanced at the phone's screen once more, blinking

when I realized it was ten thirty pm. Why was she even calling me at this time?

"Yeah, Jacqueline?" I asked, sitting down on my bed and reaching out to

pass my fingers over my finished project.

She cleared her throat. "So, I talked to Shawn and you got the
internship!"

I stared at the completed project, attempting to wrap my head around

the fact that Shawn had accepted. He was allowing me to work there. It made
absolutely no sense. He hated me. Why would he ever let me work there if he hated
me?

"He said he doesn't have a problem with it?" I asked curiously, biting
my bottom lip.

That made no sense.

She sighed. "Well, no... not really."

That sounded more realistic, to be honest. I rolled my eyes, laying

back onto the bed.
 "However, he didn't say no!" She continued, laughing weakly. "Whatever
the case, you got the internship. That's what really matters, correct?"

I hadn't even sent in some kind of internship application of had a

meeting. She was literally just handing me the job. It made it rather hard to say
no. Ultimately, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes tightly. Doing new things
was what college was all about, correct?

"I get out of class at 12:00pm," I told her. "I can be there right
after that."

She didn't reply right away. "That sounds great. You can take a late
shift, given that we are in the office until late anyways. Okay, I sort of have to
go now given that it's sort of late."

It wasn't actually very late, but she hung up before I could say it
aloud. I had a job now, that was certainly odd.

-Shawn-

Seeing the glint in my daughter's eyes was enough to make me a nervous

wreck. She was certainly not going to stop seeing the boy, not if he was going to
be in close proximity. I mulled over my options, and ended up calling Jacqueline
right away.

"Hey Jacqueline," I greeted. "I want to ask you a very important

favor."

There was a lot of noise in the background for a few seconds, but then
her voice came through.

"You swore I was dead to you," She asked. "Yet now you're here...
asking for my help?"

I rolled my eyes, irritated that she was right. However, the fear of
having anything happen to my precious, and infuriating, daughter made me shove past
my pride and beg.

"I don't know what to do, Jacqueline. What do I do?"

Jacqueline's line crackled for a bit before she came back.

"What's his name?" She asked with a more serious voice..

I blinked. What?

"Uh, Eric?"

"Wolts. He said there's no chance, no chance..." She lamented.

I deadpanned, finally aware that she was shamelessly referencing The

Godfather during a moment of crisis. I growled under my breath, but didn't hang up.
I still needed to convince her against hiring him.

"Drop the references, Jacqueline. Come on, this is serious!" I pleaded.

"I don't know what to do about-"

"You can act like a man!" She yelled loudly. I could imagine her
throwing her arm into the air for emphasis.

I growled, growing increasingly irritated with her stupid references to

that damn movie.

"Jacqueline. You have no idea how close I am to cancelling the office's

subscription to ever magazine you love," I threatened. "Seriously, I need your
help!"

She gasped, but then giggled.

"What's the matter with you? Is this what you've become? A Hollywood
finocchio who cries like a woman? 'Oh, what do I do? What do I do?' What is that
nonsense? Ridiculous!" She said, getting word-by-word right. I was beginning to
think that perhaps she had just finished watching the film because she was
literally nailing the references. Even her voice had a raspy quality to it now. I
usually loved that movie, but now it was just annoying me.

"Can you just fire him?" I growled into the phone, glancing around to make sure my
daughter wasn't around. "I swear, Jacqueline. I will chop your hair off."

I was joking... sort of.

"I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse, Okay? I want you to leave it all to
me. Go on, go back to the party!" She replied theatrically before I heard some
clapping in the background.

I scoffed. "Are you seriously doing this with other people around in
order to humiliate me? What the hell? What party?"

She coughed, trying to stop herself from laughing. I narrowed my eyes,

rubbing my thumb and index finger against my temple.

"I already hired him, Shawn. There's no way I can call back and say
'never mind, Eric!'" She finally spoke in her normal carefree voice.

That was it. She could kiss Elle and Vogue goodbye. God damn it, it
only distracted her in the job anyways. I shoved the phone into my pocket and
stormed off to my room. Women were crazy, all of them.

-Eric-

While living in a dorm was fun and all, one of the things I hated the
most was the public showers. God, it was one of the most awkward places in
existence. Sure, I wasn't ashamed of my body or anything, but the idea of showering
in a crowded room was also not very enjoyable in all honesty.

Besides, who would ever want to share a bathroom with a million people?
No, that was simply disturbing.

My roommate, Mason, usually took a shower at around the wee hours of

the morning, when there was nobody in the showers. I, on the opposite hand, was far
too lazy to do something like that. No, Phaeric was perfect, sure, but not perfect
enough to be functional at three am in the morning.

That would be insanity.

Therefore, I sucked it up and took a shower with the rest of the

crowds, aware that my hatred of it was not as strong as my laziness.
 It all worked out somehow.

I walked into the stalls wearing only a towel around my waist and
holding a bag with my personal items. I casually passed by the shower stalls before
finally finding an empty one. I entered it, immediately noticing that today was far
more crowded than usual.

I glanced around curiously, removing the towel and instead focusing on

being quick and getting out of here in the least amount of time possible. I placed
the bag on the holder beside the stall and opened it to take of the shampoo bottle.

I would've just gone to the gym (the same one Mason was going on the
daily and had gone to a few hours back in order to search for Bennett, who happened
to work there) and taken a shower there, but the fact was that I was too lazy for
that as well.

Working out was great, but my brain was hurting from all the plotting.

I didn't notice anything was out of place until there was suddenly
another man in the stall, staring at me curiously. I blinked; staring back while
trying to comprehend what he was even doing in here.

"Hey there, my name is Wyatt!" He smiled at me.

I didn't mean to look at him, but he was standing there completely

naked, seemingly proud. My eyes widened. He sure had something to be proud about,
whoa. I shook my head and glanced back at his face before he could notice my
wandering eyes.

"Uh, could you please get out of my stall?" I asked, making a grab for
my towel in an attempt to cover myself. He was checking me out, quite bluntly in
fact.

"There are no more available," he pouted. "I thought maybe we could

share?"

I glanced around. Large walls
covered the opening, making it impossible
Therefore, it was very likely that nobody
The only give-away was probably the noise
wasn't.
separated the stalls and dark curtains
for anyone to see into any one stall.
was aware of his presence in my stall.
of the turned on showers, which mine

"Look, I'm flattered-" I began, covering my dick with the towel. "-but
I'm not interested in whatever you're about to offer."

He nodded. "You're hot, you know?"

I didn't know how to react, so I just shrugged.

This was odd. It was extremely awkward. I flinched when he leaned past
me and turned on the shower, making the spray hit me straight on the back. He
stayed there, actively gazing into my eyes.

"I think you are very interested," He corrected. "I think you just
don't know it yet."

I shoved him away before he got close enough to touch me, immediately
struggling to wrap my towel around my waist and running out of the stall. I left my
bag behind, but that didn't even matter anymore. My heart was beating out of my
chest and my hands were shaking so badly I felt like I would drop the towel that
was covering me any second now.

Luckily, I made it back into my dorm without any incidents of flashing.

-------

I stared at the door in anger. I would have to go take a shower

eventually. Hell, I would have to go and find my stupid bag at some point. It
didn't matter that Wyatt had scared me shitless; I still had to confront it. I
would just tell him I was straight and ask him to leave me alone, please.

I opened the dorm room cautiously, jolting when I saw him standing
there, fully dressed and holding the bag in one hand, leaning against the frame of
the door with the next. I narrowed my eyes, crossing my arms across my chest.

"How long were you waiting in that pose for me to open the door?" I
asked, reaching out and taking my bag from his out-stretched hand.

I was about to ask him how he had even found me when I realized that it
was obvious. Of course, he had found me if he had my stupid bag. The bag had my
name and dorm room in the side in messy permanent marker writing.

"A minute or so," He confessed. "But it was totally worth it."

I chuckled despite myself, rolling my eyes. "Thanks, I'm sort of busy

right now though so-"

"Mason?" He asked, pointing at the name on the dorm's white-board that

was hanging in the middle of the dorm's door, displaying both of our names. "Mason
is your roommate?"

I nodded. "Yep, he is. Why?"

Furthermore, how did he even know Mason? Last time I checked, Mason was
not into creepy overly sexual men with bold forms of approaching other men. He
shrugged as if it was unimportant.

"We're not really friends. I did see him just a while back though, at
the gym, though," he explained.

I narrowed my eyes. I vaguely remembered hearing his name somewhere,

but it wasn't coming to mind as of now. Wyatt... I could barely remember Mason
commenting on him once, but I couldn't remember if it had been positively or
negatively.

"So, let's start over. I'm Wyatt. It's glad to meet you." He smiled,
reaching out to shake my hand.

"Eric," I replied, still vaguely suspicious.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thanks for reading! Please remember to leave a vote and a comment! I attached
a collage of Adelaide Kane (who portrays Jacqueline Sterling) to this chapter.

-Hec
Ch. 5: The Great Bagel Shortage
Office Love: Chapter 5: The Great Bagel Shortage

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I started noticing something odd right after meeting Wyatt. The next
day, there was something so odd. It was very weird; he was everywhere I turned.
Perhaps I hadn't noticed his presence until then, or maybe we were just bumping
into each other randomly, but I did notice it.

I didn't get to ask Mason about Bennett at all, but that was mostly
because he got home very late and I was already asleep by then and then left for
class way before I was even awake in the morning. I would've texted him about it,
except that I didn't really mind it all that much.

"Wyatt," I greeted, as he halted me. I was heading towards the bus

station. I needed to get to the office already.

"Hey Eric," he beamed. "You look quite nice today."

I scratched the back of my head, still quite taken aback by his

boldness. "Uh, thanks?"

He nodded. "Seriously. I could just-"

"Do you remember how I said I'm not into guys?" I chuckled weakly,
suddenly uncomfortable. He was rather intimidating. He sighed, but didn't finish
the sentence. Good thing too, since I was almost sure he was going to make me blush
into the next millennium by saying something scandalous.

He sighed in frustration, but ultimately dropped whatever he was about

to say. I was grateful. Second-hand embarrassment was not something I was
comfortable with, not at all.

"I need to go," I mentioned. "I have to catch a bus."

He frowned. "I could give you a ride."

I shook my head to signal that no; I didn't need a ride at all (at
least not from him). I was both uncomfortable with having him drive me all the way
over there and uncomfortable being in a car with him.

"That's not necessary. The bus I'm taking takes me close to where the
building is at, but thanks for the offer. Have a nice day!" I couldn't distance
myself quickly enough. I literally ran away, rather worried that he would take it
upon himself to follow me all the way to my job.

I seriously needed to ask Mason from where he knew Wyatt because he was
too odd to be one of Mason's friends. Hell, Mason didn't really like to socialize
enough to have many friends either.

-------

I got off the bus, sighing in frustration.

Facing Shawn was something I would have to do eventually. It didn't

matter that he was over-reacting about this whole situation; he probably still
wanted to murder me. I entered through the main door, immediately noticing that
there was someone behind the counter. However, it had a different plaque than the
last time I came here, which was odd.

"Are you new?" I asked, frowning.

I was almost sure I had seen someone else when leaving here last time.

"Yeah, they fired the last secretary a few days ago," The girl replied,
clearly bored out of her mind.

I gulped. Okay, so apparently Shawn was quite angry.

"Do you have an appointment?" She asked, opening a planner and looking
down the list. "I don't even think there were any-"

Jacqueline was rushing forward, smiling widely at me, and waving as if

we hadn't seen each other in years and were long-lost friends who were meeting up
at an airport after years of being apart. I frowned, but didn't say anything.

"Could you make him a pass? Thanks!" Jacqueline beamed, signaling me

forward. "Come on already."

"Oh, okay." I passed by the secretary, awkwardly ignoring how she was
giving me a curious glance-over.

-Shawn-

"No, you can't come today," I growled into the phone at my insistent
daughter.

"I made you teriyaki chicken, damn it!" She yelled back, equally angry.

I scoffed. She knew I liked teriyaki chicken; how conniving of her.

"Your food bribery is not going to get your punishment lifted, just so
you know!" I muttered, frustrated beyond belief. She kept calling to bug me about
wanting to go out with her friends. At this point, I felt like taking her phone as
well just to have her stop.

I paused, turning towards my laptop and yawning in annoyance. She was

tiring me out with her persistency.

"I hate you!" She yelled dramatically. "You're the worst dad ever!"

I rolled my eyes, already growing tired of that phrase. It was the same
one she loved using every time I told her she had a strict curfew that couldn't be
broken.

"Anything else?" I prompted. "Oh yeah, I'm taking your phone when I get
home if I get another call from you in regards to nothing important."

She yelled through the phone before cutting the line. I sighed deeply,
rubbing my temple with my left hand. She was going to give me a heart attack or
something one of these days. For what? For some stupid sleepover? I had to say. Not
only was she still in trouble, there was also the fact that there would be no adult
supervision and it was in another city.
 Had I mentioned it was in another city? Yeah, it was in another city.

"Why are you screaming?" Jacqueline yelled as she passed by my office.

"None of your business," I muttered.

"Stop being an asshole," She chastised. Then, she walked right into the
office and smiled. "I have a case. I'm representing a-"

"Murdered," I deadpanned.

"He's innocent!" She yelled back, before leaving the room. I rolled my
eyes, relaxing briefly before I froze.

Someone was right there in front of me.

"Eric, help him out for today. I don't think you should tag along to a
prison," she mused, dashing out of the room. Jacqueline was brilliant.

In fact, Jacqueline was one of the most intelligent people I knew.

However, she clearly didn't understand what happened when you put a snake and a
mouse in a cage together, given that she was sticking the one person I wanted to
strangle, besides her of course, into my office.

"No," I replied, not bothering to glance up. I could feel Eric glancing
my way, but didn't look up to meet his gaze. Seeing his face would only anger me at
this point.

"Take him along, maybe leave him there," I called out, shrugging. "I
mean, I doubt he won't end up there eventually."

Jacqueline entered the office once again, scoffing. "Stop being an

asshole, you asshole."

"I don't want him!" I growled, focusing on the statistics before me. I
had a case I was supposed to be working on and his presence would just disturb me.
It didn't matter that he right in front of me, possibly getting offended. In fact,
I wanted him to be offended and possibly quit.

"Deal with it!" She retorted.

How did she even get this job again? Oh yeah, she was brilliant. I had
to keep reminding myself sometimes just to keep from firing her ass. She had won
enough cases to be an example of what a good attorney was. However, it just so
happened that she was also one of the most extroverted people ever created.

It wasn't very long until Jacqueline was long gone and the only two in
the office were Eric and I. What was I supposed to do with him, make him fetch me
coffee?

I finally glanced up at him, frowning when I realized he looked dumb-

founded. It was probably from my awkward argument with Jacqueline. Seriously, she
made me act like a child sometimes. It was troubling, considering I sounded like my
daughter in those instances.

"Hey," he waved weakly. "I'm Eric."

 I rolled my eyes. "The child molester, yes."

He groaned under his breath. "Seriously? Come on, I technically

didn't-"

I shook my head. "First things first, don't talk to me about

technicalities. You know my profession, correct? Therefore, you understand that
speaking in technicalities will not help you right now in the least."

He nodded. "I'm so-"

"Go fetch me a coffee. Make it black and make sure to get me a bagel as
well," I interjected, uninterested in hearing any more of his apologies.

"Okay," He sighed, leaving the office before I could call him a child
molester once again. Truthfully, I truly wanted to call him that at this point. It
was the only thing keeping me from screaming at him. Seeing him squirm at that term
brought me an unlikely high amount of joy.

That probably sounded rude, but I couldn't bring myself to care.

-Eric-

I jogged out of the office, stopping once I realized I had no clue

where I was going. I glanced around, frowning. Jacqueline hadn't really given me a
tour or anything like that. She had also told me I would mostly be working with
her, which apparently was a lie as well.

I glanced around, making my way down the hallway and making my way to
the front of the building once more.

"Excuse me, but do you guys have a rec. room?" I asked, quietly.

She didn't even turn around. Instead, she just pointed at a hallway and
nodded. It wasn't until a few seconds later that I realized she was talking on a
Bluetooth. I left without saying another word.

-------

I glared at the coffee maker, angry at it and at myself and at

everyone. Why had I even accepted this job? I took a deep breath, reaching over to
serve coffee on a mug that a post-it with Shawn's name on it. They were seriously
neat here. I placed it under the large metal machine and pressed the button,
watching as the coffee poured in. It wasn't so bad, even if he was rude.

Then, I found a box of freshly bought pastries from the nearest bakery.
I opened the box, expecting to grab a bagel and go. There were no bagels.

There were no bagels there at all!

I shoved the stupid donuts out of the way, desperately looking for any
bagels. Nothing. There wasn't a single bagel left. I paced around the room,
considering running to the store and getting some. Would he kill me if I didn't
have the stupid bagel? Considering his temper, I was willing to bet on it.

This was a catastrophe. If I died they would put I died due to The
Great Bagel Shortage. It would be comical yet also leave a gigantic traumatizing
scar on humanity.
 There was nobody else around, which only scared me more. If there was
someone else, I could've asked him or her how m strongly Shawn felt about food. I
considering bringing him another pastry but then dismissed the idea. If I brought
him some random pastry and he happened to dislike it because... uh, it reminded him
of his dead grandmother or something like that, would he scream at me?

Perhaps not of his dead grandmother (maybe his grandmother wasn't even
dead), but what if it was something similar?

I ran out, rushing to the main reception again. "Hey."

The secretary turned to glare at me now, clearly bothered that I kept

pestering her.

"There are no bagels," I said, frowning. Would she understand?

She paled.

I gasped. It was true; someone was definitely going to pay the price
now.

"I was supposed to go get some from the store. Shit!" She gasped,
immediately standing up and just sort of running out of the building. "Last
secretary got fired for that!"

"Really?" I frowned.

She nodded. "Well, that and letting some pedophile into the building."

I narrowed my eyes, sighing in disbelief. Shawn's stupid rumors about

me were seriously getting old now, just like him. Then, I stared at the empty
reception, blinking when I processed that she had literally just ran out of the
building. She had just ran off, arms flailing as she ran with a debit card in hand.

Shawn had fired the last secretary for not buying bagels. What? That
made no sense at all. This was supposed to be a serious job yet they all acted like
a bunch of weirdoes.

I huffed in annoyance.

"Hello?" I asked, whining under my breath. Why couldn't Jacqueline just

let me tag along to the stupid prison? I would have easily chosen to be around
criminals than deal with Shawn's attitude. He was such a difficult person to get
along with and his ability to hold a grudge was apparently quite incredible.

I sat behind the desk, aware that she probably expected me to take the
reins. Either that or she was so scared out of her mind by Shawn that she forgot
about her job. Speaking of, Shawn was probably waiting for the stupid coffee and
bagel. I sighed. She had to hurry up.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thanks for reading! Please vote & comment if you enjoyed it! I attached a
visual of Anthony Gastelier (who portrays Wyatt Perry).

-Hec

Ch. 6: That Man is Evil!

Office Love: Chapter 6: That Man is Evil!

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Shawn-

It had been about ten minutes and I still didn't have my coffee or my
bagel.

Honestly, his level of inefficiency was just appalling. I didn't want

to know how pathetic he would be at sorting through files or helping me with
anything important if he couldn't just get the bagels.

Of course, there was also the fact that there were no longer nay
bagels.

Yeah, perhaps I had purposefully asked for a bagel simply because I

wanted to see him freak out about the lack of them and possibly have a meltdown, so
what. I opened the browser that showed the video camera panels, grinning as he
rushed towards the main secretary and explained what was happening.

Of course, she soon started freaking out as well and then ran out to do
what she was supposed to do some time ago. It was fun to see them squirming like
that; it was a nice form of entertainment.

I closed the browser and went back to work, glancing at the case
tiredly. This one promised great gaining, but the case wasn't strong enough. There
was little proof, some suspiciously inconsistent variables, and it honestly made no
sense.

I went back to the browse after several minutes, watching the cameras
and spotting a grinning Eric with a bagel on a platter. He was putting a little
packet of cream cheeses on the side and almost skipping over with the coffee on his
other hand.

I stifled a laugh. His excitement looked almost pathetic since he was

merely fetching a snack and it wasn't very important or difficult.

He walked in, his smile fading completely until there was only a stoic
expression.

"Hey," he greeted.

That bothered me for some stupid reason. It probably shouldn't bother

me that he wasn't glad to be around me, but it was annoying to see his wide grin
completely gone. He set the bagel and the coffee on the table and then took a step
back.

"Why did you take so long?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

I saw panic in his eyes as he glanced out the window and then back to
me. He bit his bottom lip briefly before frowning.

"I'm sorry; I couldn't figure out how to use the machine properly."

This, of course, was a lie. The coffee was the first thing he had
grabbed. I, however, didn't question it. He could be the knight in shining armor if
he wanted. I didn't care as long as I got my bagel.
 "You don't know how to work an average coffee machine? Well, that
certainly worries me," I retorted, pulling the plate towards me and then lifting
the packet of cream cheese.

He shook his head. "I get it, I'm slow. What else do you need, sir?"

I raised an eyebrow. What else did I need? I hadn't even thought about
it. I didn't really feel comfortable with letting him look at my important work
files and it wasn't as if he could fetch me food forever.

What could he do?

"You can go fetch my dry cleaning." I shrugged.

Eric scoffed. "Come on, I can help. Seriously, try me."

I rolled my eyes. Fine, if the kid wanted to give me advice and attempt
to wrap his tiny little brain around a case then he could. I minimized the current
case and visited another one, one that I had decided not to pursue.

"There is a wedding site, venue, whose owners denied a same-sex couple

to book it based on their religious rights. Who would you say would win if this
case was to go to a local court?"

He thought about it, sitting down on the chair opposite me before

leaning forward and setting his hands on the table.

"Well, while the site owners probably should have the right to choose
who they give their services to, the problem for the owners is that the site is a
place of public accommodation and thus, this is a sign of discrimination." Eric
opinionated. "They would win based on that alone."

I shook my head. "That doesn't mean the owners don't have the right to
deny service. It is their venue. These are Christians with Christian values. Why
should they change their own values to adjust to those of homosexuals?"

Eric blinked. "Is that what you think?"

I shrugged. The reason I didn't take the case was simply since they had
been asking for too much. The lesbian couple hadn't just wanted the opportunity to
be able to marry there, but also to change the policy as a whole. Greedy people
often didn't get what they wanted.

He frowned.

"I don't think local is enough? I think they should look at the bigger
picture. Why should anybody be able to deny anyone that right? They should appeal
to Congress. The couple could clearly attempt to get Congress to pass a law,
right?"

His response shocked me a little. He had made an immediate connection

and similar form of thinking of the couple, but put it aside in order to correct
him.

He was being too greedy as well. I could see the desire for justice in
his eyes, but life wasn't fair.

"There is nothing in Article ten, section eight that states that

homophobia is incorrect. Honestly, they wouldn't have the jurisdiction to do
anything about it." I finally had him. "If anything, the only way to approach this
is to appeal to local courts, which is what I suggested to begin with. And even
then, I doubt they would win through local courts given that they would give
priority to religious beliefs/ religious freedom."

He, however, shook his head stubbornly, leaning forward.

"It affects the commerce clause, which is within the jurisdiction of

Congress. It is a long shot, but it's wrong that those Christians are denying that
couple the right to marry there. Hell, its wrong that anyone is being denied the
right to get married wherever the hell they want. Seriously, first it's that they
can't get married and now it's that they can't get married where they want. There
is always something."

I growled. "They can still get married, Eric, just somewhere else."

"But that was their dream wedding location," Eric pouted. He was
clearly letting personal ideas get in the way of his reasoning.

He had a strong point, but it was very far-fetched.

It was more likely that the Supreme Court would shoot that law down if
it got past Congress simply based on the idea that Congress couldn't connect
everything to the commerce clause. No, that was not something people would be okay
with at all. They would deem it unconstitutional.

"Congress can't regulate everything. Would you risk the possibility of

not being able to take any actions if state charges were dropped in favor of
federal charges?"

He shook his head, furrowing his eyebrows. I could see his face
flashing several different expressions of confusion.

"Can't they just charge them again from a local point if it doesn't
work out through congress?" He asked, confused.

I shook my head, smiling, "Fifth amendment prohibits double jeopardy."

"I think it would work though," Eric stated.

I rolled my eyed. A liberal with too much desire for government

intervention, of course. I thought of an example that would help him understand
exactly why it was a bad idea to go through congress.

"The violence Against Women Act of 1994. It sounds like a great cause.
It was for a noble reason and it Congress greatly received it because there was
nobody willing to deny that law passage. Who would deny that law passage,
honestly?"

Eric narrowed his eyes. "Where exactly are you going with this? I think
it's a great law that had the right to be passed."

I grinner. "It wasn't passed back then based on the fact that Congress
had overreached its authority under the commerce clause.

His jaw slacked.

"It was just trying to help stop abuse," he frowned.

 "That doesn't mean it was just to pass the law through Congress when it
should have been dealt with at a state level."

He remained silent for a few more minutes, probably trying to come up

with a response. I had to say, based on his ability to think I was starting to hate
him a little less. He was good at debating as well, even if he did happen to expose
his turmoil of emotions to a high degree.

"Fine, you can file my cases." I nodded. "But first, why did you look
so involved in that case?"

He shrugged. "Why did you pick to talk about that one?"

I glanced down at the case. It had been the first file I had opened on
the computer.

"Tell me, does this apply to you?" I asked. His eyes had seemed almost
lit with anger at the controversy as if perhaps he was an LGBT member himself and
this was personal. "Their... life-style."

He rolled his eyes.

"I don't like discrimination," he stated. "And even then, does it

matter even if it does or doesn't apply? I don't think it comes into play, do you?"

I shook my head. "Not at all."

"Good," he replied.

"Fine."

That was actually a stupid question to ask. Why would he have been
pursuing my daughter if he were gay? I was probably just too tired from my lack of
caffeine.

I finally reached out and took my mug in one hand, taking a sip of the
black coffee. It was quite delicious.

"Does this mean you're going to stop tormenting me?"

I almost choked on the coffee, lowering it to glare at him. "I'm not

tormenting you. I don't like you and I'm being forced to be with you in an office,
what do you expect me to do?"

He deadpanned. "Adjust?"

I scoffed.

"Excuse me?"

He raised an eyebrow, leaning back onto the chair and crossing his arms
across his chest as if this was his office. "I'm here to help you, Shawn. The least
you could do is give me a chance to prove that I'm not useless, or a pedophile, or
stupid, or whatever else you deem me."

I raised an eyebrow. Again, he had a strong point.

-Eric-
 I growled, walking down the street. He had sent me to get his stupid
dry cleaning just because I had told him to adjust. Clearly, he had it out for me.

"I was just trying to make peace, you know?" I yelled into the phone.
Mason was on the other line; he was in the car with the phone on speaker.

"You're so right," he replied monotonously.

"Are you... are you ignoring me?" I gasped. "You're such a cruel
friend. Phaeric is confiding in you, you peasant, and you can't even take a second
to give me some attention?"

Mason growled under his breath. "Eric, I'm trying to drive. Besides,
I've literally had the weirdest day so I would appreciate it if you just gave me a
break. Can you do that for me?"

He was clearly in a mood.

"What happened?" I asked, turning my head to see if I was getting

anywhere close to the dry cleaner's.

Couldn't he at least have let me take his car to pick them up? He was
expecting me to walk for two hours total just to get his stupid clothes. He was
such an evil man. Seriously, why did it even need to be this dry cleaner's
specifically if there was one a few minutes away from the office?

"I don't even want to talk about it. All you need to know is that I
hate the song Anaconda and that Bennett has an evil friend, an odd father, and a
murderous mom."

I burst out laughing. That was literally perfect.

"So no sex with Bennett then?" I laughed, grinning when I saw the dry
cleaner's in the distance.

"No, but at least I know he wants my Anaconda now," He blurted out

before coughing.

My jaw slacked. What?

"What?" I yelled into the phone.

He groaned. "It's a long story, Eric. Hell, I'll tell you all the odd
details when you get home."

I couldn't wait.

I hung up the phone and walked into the dry cleaner's, shaking my head
at the fact that I would have to carry all his clothes back for a whooping hour.
Why couldn't the bus pass by here?

There was an Asian woman standing behind the counter, smiling at me.

"Hello!" She cheered. "Welcome."

I nodded. "Hey, I have an order for Mr. Briggs pending."

She frowned and glanced down at her files, then back at me. She looked
completely confused. "Mr. Briggs doesn't frequent this place anymore. He used to be
a regular but that was a long time ago."

I clenched my teeth. Of course. That man was evil. I could imagine him
laughing his ass off at the fact that he made me walk all the way over here for
nothing, probably just to annoy me.

"Never mind then," I flashed a weak smile. "Have a nice day."

I hated him. I literally hated him.

"He is such a jerk," I growled as I walked back. "He just has it out
for me!"

I was speaking to myself, but I was so busy fuming that the odd glance
I got by a woman walking by didn't bother me. It was one thing to be rude and
another to send me on a stupid goose chase just because he thought so little of me.

He was just trying to sabotage me. I took a deep breath, clenching my

hands into fists. He was such a bastard.

-Shawn-

I smiled to myself, slightly less bothered by Eric. He was... not bad.

Besides, anyone who could hold a proper discussion like the one he had
was bound to be more than just stupid. I lifted my gaze to the clock and noticed
that he wasn't back yet, which was odd. It didn't take that long to go to the dry
cleaner's down the street.

Had I misinterpreted the distance? I frowned taking out the dry

cleaner's business card and then gasping. Oh, I had given him the card for the
previous one I used to frequent back when I lived like an hour away! Yeah, the fact
that I had the card myself implied that I hadn't given him the right one!

I hissed. That was unfortunate.

Then, I realized something worse. Oh, I had picked it up anyways. I had

completely forgotten. Well, my bad.

I almost called him, except that I soon realized I rather finish my

bagel, which I had been neglecting in favor of finishing an important e-mail.

I should've probably called Eric anyways just because it was rather

rude of me. However, hey, even if I was slightly warming up to Eric, that didn't
mean I didn't find this hilarious either way. Besides, he would manage.

It wasn't as if this one incident would change anything.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thanks for reading. Please vote & comment if you enjoyed the chapter. Oh yeah,
I totally got serious for this chapter when it comes to research regarding
politics. It should all be accurate.

-Hec

Ch. 7: Confused As Hell

Office Love: Chapter 7: Confused As Hell
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

"I want him to burn," I yelled, receiving an unimpressed glance from

Mason. He was busily typing away in his computer, moping around because of the fact
that he had to refrain from going to the gym (with Bennett) in order to finish his
paper.

"Then buy some kerosene," Mason replied uninterestedly.

I scoffed. "I'm not going to get my hands dirty and put myself in
jeopardy by committing a crime! Besides, I rather mess with him."

Mason lifted his gaze away from the laptop briefly to shake his head at
me and then lowered it back down. "Could you leave me alone? I'm trying to finish
this essay so I can catch up with Bennett."

Did he not have a life outside of that boy? I loved them together, I
truly did, but it was as if he was unable of doing anything but think, breath, and
be with Bennett. He consumed Bennett thoughts, dreamt Bennett dreams, and perhaps
even ate Bennett cereal for breakfast.

"No, you're here chilling with me!" I complained. "Bennett will

survive."

Mason, being Mason, froze and then stared at me with wide eyes. "You
don't like him?"

Oh no.

Damn it.

"No, I do-"

"He!" Mason began. I deadpanned. No, not another lecture on Bennett's

perfection please. "He is the most flawless being to ever, ever I'm saying, graze
the earth! You have no right to judge him because any argument will be deemed
invalid based on his perfection!"

I rolled my eyes, picking up my phone from the stand, grabbing a book,

and then shrugging my jacket from the bed. "I love you, bud, but you need to either
screw him and get past your puppy love phase or keep it to yourself!"

He didn't appreciate it. Luckily, I left the dorm before he could go

into why being with Bennett was in no way just about "sex" and that they were
better than that.

What did that mean? Oh, that meant that Bennett wasn't putting out yet,
of course.

-------

I sat down in the library, opening the book I had brought and settling
in. I would give Mason an hour or so, in which time he would probably calm down.

It was unlikely that he would finish his essay in time to go to the gym
today, but at least it would be eleven by then and he would be so busy freaking out
about not finishing it on time that he would have no choice but to post-pone the
"Bennett is life" lecture.

That boy needed help. Honestly, I had totally seen him accidentally
slip in Bennett's name into the paper without meaning to. He couldn't even say it
was on accident since Jefferson and Bennett sounded nothing alike.

"Hey, handsome," a voice greeted.

I glanced up at tensed as Wyatt invited himself to sit down before him.

Damn, he seriously didn't know when to back off.

"Yes?" I asked. "I'm reading a book right now but what's up?"

He shrugged. "Bored for the most part. I was roaming around looking for
something fun. I'm almost certain there's a party going on tonight."

I frowned. "It's not even Wednesday yet. Don't you think parties should
be left for the weekend?"

That was so hypocritical of me considering how I used to adore parties,

which was actually not a thing anymore because of Mason and his boring habits.
Whoa, my best friend was so annoying.

"I say that there's nothing wrong with celebrating every day like it's
your last!" he proclaimed, which earned him a hush from a student close-by who was
desperately studying a faded book on economics.

"Look, I need to finish this reading by Thursday and I'm a bit behind.
How about we post-pone this conversation until later?" I asked, lifting my book and
fixating my gaze on it once more. Honestly, I wasn't in the mood to withstand his
aggressive flirting.

"Come on, hot stuff. I know this great bar we can relax in," he coaxed.

I shook my head. "I'm not interested, but thanks for the offer."

I added the thanks as an aftermath, if only to avoid him getting angry

with me. I didn't need someone so persistent angry with me. I already had enough on
my plate with Shawn, the master of grudges and persistency, and having another
person willingly making my life a living hell seemed dull.

"Here, let me take you out and if you don't have fun then I'll stop
annoying you about it," he promised.

I narrowed my eyes, considering my options. Something told me he was

being sincere... about not leaving me along otherwise. Finally, with a deep sigh, I
nodded in agreement. "This is not a date."

He grinned. "Never said it was."

I rolled my eyes. "Dude, I'm not into-"

"-Dudes, okay," he replied, still smiling. I was slightly annoyed that

he was finishing my sentences, but followed him out of the library anyways.

Perhaps if I just agreed this once then he would get stop asking me
once he tried to put the moves on me and it didn't work at all.
-Jacqueline-

I rolled my eyes, carefully pouring the liquor into a cup. Honestly, he

made me want to drink my annoyance away most times.

"I didn't mean to send him all the way there!" he exclaimed. "He's
being ridiculous!"

I scoffed. Shawn had this way of making everything about him. Right now
he was merely trying to prove how this whole ordeal was Eric's fault and he was the
victim, even when we both understood that all Eric was trying to do was help out.

"He is one of the sweetest kids I've met," I replied.

"He's a brat," Shawn retorted.

How mature.

"Says the old man that acts like a child!" I laughed, pouring myself
another drink. I would totally charge him for the doctor appointments when they
detected liver problems.

I pursed my lips, thinking deeply about a solution. If Shawn didn't

approve, then we had to come up with some sort of compromise. "What if we bring in
another intern?" I asked.

He froze for a few seconds.

"Isn't one enough?"

"No, I mean, we could use the pair of hands. Besides, the pay is not
the high. We could always each have one. I'll keep Eric and you get the new one."

"Why do you get to keep Eric?" He replied. The cup full of alcohol was
muffling his words.

Why were we even drinking in the middle of a weekday anyways?

Then, he threw his head back and downed the whole drink at once. Where
we technically doing shots? We weren't even using shot glasses. I took a sip of my
drink, clearing my throat as the strong beverage ran down my throat.

I felt a buzz.

"What do you mean? I thought you hated him!" I snapped, growing

irritated. "Make up your mind already!"

He pouted. "I don't know. I just want him gone in general."

Nope, there was no way I was firing Eric for no good reason other than
the fact that Shawn disliked him. That was not a good enough reason at all. It
actually made me want to keep Eric around even more, if that made any sense.

"No, you didn't say that. You asked about the reason behind why I
should be the one to keep him rather than you," I reminded him.

He didn't answer. "They say to keep your friends close and your enemies
closer," he mumbled.
 I rolled my eyes. Sure.

"Whatever helps you sleep at night you grouch," I replied. "Now, how
the hell am I going to get home?"

Perhaps I hadn't thought this drinking thing out properly. Shawn

pointed to the couch and I narrowed my eyes. There was no way I was going to sleep
in the couch.

-------

Shawn was still yelling as I closed the door behind me and locked it.

"I was joking!" he yelled.

We had bet on how many piercings Meghan would get if her dad allowed
it. I said five, Shawn said zero because "she's pure and she would never get one.",
and that's how he lost. Ultimately, Meghan said five and I won the main room for
the night.

"The couch is so comfortable!" I yelled back, taking off my high heels.

"I hate you," he replied, but I heard the couch creaking as he got on
it.

I smirked. "It is unreasonable like your hatred for Eric?"

I heard Meghan laugh from somewhere in the house.

Shawn didn't reply at all, probably stunned by how correct I was.

Honestly, he had so many issued with that kid for no apparent reason. It was as if
the mere idea of them getting along was inconceivable.

It didn't even make sense to hold such a huge grudge, especially

considering that Meghan seemed as if she was completely over the incident.

-Eric-

The pounding of the music was unnerving. I didn't truly understand what
was going on that entirely well, but I did know that I wasn't in any regular bar.

For one, there were pink lights flashing all around the room and a
pulsing beat (that although somewhat awesome), threatened to split my ears in half.
Wyatt was holding my hand as he drove me through the crowd of shirtless men and-

Oh.

"Did you bring me to a gay bar?" I yelled at Wyatt, scoffing in

disbelief. What part of "not gay" did he not understand? "I'm not all that
comfortable with this, Wyatt!"

He only laughed, pulling me into the crowd of sweaty dancing bodies as

if he was hauling me into the middle of some cult initiation. Was this- was he
recruiting me?

Was it offensive to call gay people a cult? Oh no!

"Eric," he called out, pulling me closer. "Just relax."

 I was not relaxing. On the contrary, the flashing pink and newly added
blue ones were making my head spin. Oh yeah, there was also some random man
grabbing my ass.

"Can we please just leave?" I asked, shivering as hands roamed all

around me.

This didn't even feel like a bar. No, this seemed more like a wild rave
or perhaps a dancing orgy. I knew Mason and Bennett, who were gay, and they were
nothing like these dancing bimbos at all!

"Hey, can I try something really quick?" Wyatt asked unexpectedly.

I shook my head. "We should-"

Then, Wyatt leaned in and pressed his lips against my throat, mouthing
at the skin there tenderly. I gasped, shivering as his hand wrapped around my
waist. I wanted to stop him, but didn't know how.

"Just feel the music," he murmured against my skin.

I breathed shakily, nodding. I didn't really want to stay, but I also

didn't know how to push him away without being disrespectful. Something else I
found, which troubled me greatly, was that I truly didn't mind having him this
close at all.

I wasn't entirely comfortable with it, but I was also not panicking
exaggeratedly.

It wasn't until I felt his hand trailing down towards my ass that I
couldn't take it anymore. I was shaking. I just wanted to leave, now. It was too
much at once and I couldn't even think, let alone make decisions regarding what to
do with Wyatt.

"I'm not gay," I muttered before pushing him back. "I'm sorry Wyatt,
but I can't."

Then, I turned and dashed out of there as quickly as I could manage to

drag my feet. I didn't even know where I was heading, but I just wanted to be as
far away as I could possible get from the intimidating location.

-------

"Can you please pick me up?" I asked into the phone, sitting down on
the curb outside a convenience store while I watched the cars drift by in front of
me.

I've lost count of how many miles I've walked, but I was still nowhere
close to getting home and had finally given up on getting there by foot.

"Are you okay?" Mason asked.

"I'm okay," I replied, taking a deep breath.

In reality, I wasn't, but I couldn't say that. Nobody truly asked if

one was okay because he or she wanted to hear something other than yes. The desired
reply was always "yes, I'm okay" and everything else was weird and uncalled for,
always. Mason cared, but he wasn't asking if I was okay because he truly wanted to
know. He was just asking because that was what best friends do.
 "I'm glad," He sounded relieved. "Okay, I'm on my way now. I just had
to drive away from Bennett's mom. It was intense."

I shook my head. Typical Mason.

"So, you sure you're okay, bud?" he asked.

I thought about. Well, not really.

"No, actually..." I sighed. "I'm not okay. I'm confused as hell Mason.
I'm so very confused and I really just don't know what to do about it."

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N:Thank you for reading. Please make sure to leave a vote and a comment if you
enjoyed the chapter. Thank you for 25k views. I love you.

-Hec

Ch. 8: Call, Boy

Office Love: Chapter 8: Call, Boy

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I had barely finished sighing in relief about having such an incredible

friend when I received the call from Mason. Mason, the idiot.

"Eric, I love you bud and I'm so sorry-"

I rolled my eyes. No. Of course, something had gone wrong in about two
minutes.

"What was it? Tire popped, car crash, ran out of gas, or you've been
abducted?"

"Jerk. Okay, look, I was literally about to go put gas in the car after
I left the restaurant with Bennett but then-"

"-at midnight?" I cut in.

"Yes, at midnight. Would you stop interrupting me for a quick second?"

I rolled my eyes. His car had run out of gas. Oh, Mason. How wasn't I
even surprised? Seriously, did it even make sense? Neither of us was making
absolutely no sense as of lately. I glanced around, whining under my breath. I was
in the middle of nowhere.

I refused to go back in there with Wyatt, so I was suddenly quite short

in options.

"What are you planning on doing?" I asked.

"The only place close-by is Bennett's house," Mason lamented. "Trust

me, I'm not excited about this at all, Eric."
 I winced. Yeah, that would probably quite terrifying considering that
he had literally just driven away from there in an attempt to escape his mother. I
chuckled at that. She was probably some tiny woman that he was being unreasonable
nervous about. "Who the hell am I going to call at this hour?"

"I don't know, man." I didn't doubt that he was as lost as I was, but
it did annoy him that his bad luck was going to harm me this time around. God damn
it, Mason.

I growled and hung up. Seriously, Mason was such an idiot sometimes.
Bennett had Mason so wrapped up around his finger that they boy couldn't even
remember to put gas in his own damn car. The worst part was that he was probably
not doing it willingly. They were both ridiculous.

I scrolled through my contacts, trying to come up with who was probably

awake at this time. Any of the people I knew would kill me and I honestly hadn't
talked to most of them for quite some time now. Since I had been avoiding parties,
I had sort of been avoiding my friends a bit, (given that they were the party-going
type).

I was lost in the middle of nowhere.

I turned back towards the building with the pounding music, glaring at
it. I seriously didn't want to go back in there at all. Hell, apparently Wyatt
hadn't even cared enough to chase after me either so it was definitely not worth
going back in there.

Then, an imaginary light bulb lit up above my head. I did know one
person that might be up. Jacqueline was the sort of crazy person that would be
readily available at whatever time.

I winced; calling my boss was probably not a good idea.

I glanced around the dark empty street and thought about it once more.
I glanced down at my phone and then pouted. My batter was down to twenty percent
and falling quickly.

I called her, eerily aware that it was most likely the most
unprofessional thing ever. She answered at the first ring. I didn't even speak,
focusing instead in the quite background her. Okay, perhaps she wasn't partying it
up at this time.

"Yes, Eric?" She asked, clearly awake. Her voice was a bit slurred.

"Uh, hey. I know this is probably ridiculous, but is there any way I
could ask for a favor?"

"I'm listening," she replied.

-Shawn-

"I had alcohol Jacqueline. Are you insane?" I growled, shaking my head
in disbelief. Was she honestly asking me to drive while drunk? Well, buzzed, but
whatever. "I can't drive right now!"

"You stopped after a glass and that was a few hours ago. For the love
of everything pink, you owe that boy! You made him walk his ass for hours!"

I scoffed. I owed Eric absolutely nothing. Was it my fault if he simply

wasn't smart enough to call the place and make sure he was heading to the right
location?

"He's good at walking then," I replied.

"I will ban bagels in the office," she threatened.

I stared at her with wide eyes. She didn't have the power to do that.
If anything, I had the power to do that, but I wouldn't. No, I would never do
something so awful. I narrowed my eyes. She was clearly going to take a different
route.

"You can't do that," I glowered.

"I can pay the secretary extra not to get them," she replied.

"I can fire her!" I retorted.

"Then I'll offer the same deal to the next one we hire!"

-------

I pulled out of my garage, muttering under my breath. Wench. She was a

horrible human being for making me drive. She was right though, I felt quite sober.
I didn't even feel a buzz anymore, which had probably passed from the nap.

I followed the GPS, sighing under my breath. Why did I have to pick him
up? Honestly, was it that hard for the kid to get a ride? He was attractive enough.
Couldn't he stick out his thumb or something and catch a ride with some trucker?

Whoa.

Okay, perhaps that was somewhat disturbing.

Hell... that sounded like the beginning of some very morbid graphic
movie. I shuddered. Oh no, that would be terrifying. Eric would be completely
harassed and murdered in some corner.

Then, I glanced down at my outfit and didn't look all that well myself.
I was literally in a wrinkled dress shirt, half-opened tie, and with no shoes on. I
looked like a wreck.

I shook my head, focusing on the drive. It didn't even matter. I just

needed to get him and take him to his stupid home and then I could go home and
finally sleep.

-Eric-

I had sent the address to Jacqueline just as soon as my battery died. I

sighed in relief, sitting down against the curb and taking a deep breath. She had
said yes.

There was something odd in her voice, a hint of amusement about

something, but I didn't question. No, I wasn't about to question someone who was
going to do me such a big favor.

"Hey big boy," a voice called out beside me.

I expected Wyatt. Instead, however, I came face to face with a crotch

that pressed against a tight pair of black jeans. I lifted my gaze to meet a
shirtless man who, damn, looked quite ripped. I blinked several times, trying to
process what was going on.

"You can't just sit there and expect customers, love. You need to show
off," he offered. "Come on, stand up and show them that body of yours."

I just kept blinking.

He thought I was a- Oh.

"Oh no, I'm not an, ahem, selling sex person thingy..." I tried
wincing. I couldn't come up with the right term to let him know that I wasn't what
he thought I was. "Streetwalker?"

He patted my shoulder and grinned wickedly while shaking his head.

"Come on, I can see it on your eyes. Perhaps you're usually a callboy. Seriously,
though, waiting by the curb is usually the same as getting the calls. They say it's
more dangerous, but that's total bull. There's no shame. We had to make our money
however we can, right?"

I just nodded, too tired to keep trying to convince him that I was not
some hooker was clearly was obviously not getting me anywhere.

"Besides, this way at least we get to see if they're hot before-hand. I

usually just say not to the... inferior ones."

I scoffed. He was clearly cocky.

He didn't reply to my scoff. Instead, he just grinned at me and took a

step forward.

"Why are you so over-dressed though? I mean, I like the shirt and all,
but it needs to go if you're not even wearing shorts. Come on, half of getting
someone to stop is showing a little bit of the goods."

I glanced down. What in the world was wrong with my shirt?

"What?"

"Take off the shirt. You have to show some skin. Why waste a perfectly
nice body?"

He helped me up to my feet, stepping forward and literally stripping me

off my shirt before reaching over and sticking a corner into my back pocket. I
flushed at the closeness, but didn't make a move to push him away.

I wanted to bolt. However, it wasn't as if I could. Oh no, my phone was

dead and this was exactly where I had asked Jacqueline to pick me up. I couldn't
just run off, have her come down here, and meet up with this attractive man.

I had to admit, he was quite hot. His six-pack was proof enough, not to
mention he had quite a defined v-line that left little to the imagination as to
what lay underneath those tight black jeans.

I shook my head in an attempt to clear my thoughts.

"Do the girls around here pay well at least?" I asked, awkwardly trying
to make conversation. I needed to stop. Besides, all I could imagine were old women
coming around and being scary.

"Not into that at all, but honestly, men are where it's at. They pay
much more too," he explained, frowning. "Are you trying to tell me you haven't
grabbed some male customers yet? Come on, don't lie to me, you look like a total
bottom."

He was staring at my ass, which just made me even more uncomfortable.

"N- No, I'm n- not into that," I stammered.

He raised an eyebrow, literally manhandling me onto my side and

slapping and grasping my ass firmly as if it was an everyday occurrence. I jolted.
"Really? Dude, Men would pay some serious cash for a piece of that tight ass. Hell,
even I would pay for a go at ravishing that."

I chocked on air, turning around in an attempt to hide my blush and

taking a few steps back just because I was crawling out of my skin. He was too
bold.

"Man, I'm honestly not into that."

He rolled his eyes. "Whatever you say. All I know is that around here
you get to charge more and I don't think it's a coincidence that you're here now."

I growled. It was a coincidence though!

"I don't really know... what?" I wanted to run.

He smirked. "In fact, I'm actually seeing that there's no business

right now so how about we head back to the hotel I rented over there a few blocks
down? I can teach you a few tricks and maybe see just how much you should be
charging for that sweet little bubble-"

I honestly didn't know what to say. Perhaps I would've died if it

weren't for the fact that a car pulled up beside us exactly at that second. I
relaxed for a split second before panicking again. Then, I turned and found Shawn
there and raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, I definitely want to take this one," he murmured to me, taking a

step forward.

I rushed towards the car before he could even get close enough to reach
out and touch the driver's seat door and cleared my throat, opening the car and
getting in before he could say anything.

Shawn, instead of immediately driving away, stopped and stared at me,

clearly judging.

"What is going on?" he asked drowsily.

Before I could reply, the shirtless man leaned in to peek in through

the window and smirked.

"Well, fine then. Go get it, kid! I see I got some serious competition
in this curb now," the hot man said before walking away, swaying his hips
seductively as he walked. "Good thing you got a sexy one too, looks like he'll
treat you well."
 I heard the last part almost as a whisper, but groaned out in annoyance
anyways. Seriously, why was this even happening to me? I had to refrain from ever
accept another offer from Wyatt ever again because this was simply ridiculous.

Shawn gasped. "Are you a-"

"No!" I snapped, then, I glanced down at his clothes and realized that
he honestly looked like the sort of businessperson that was desperately seeking out
a hooker in the middle of the night, with his messily disorganized clothes and the
sweat dribbling down his forehead. Could we be any more pathetic?

"Then why are you shirtless?"

I groaned out, turning to face the window because of the shame. "He
thought I was a call boy and gave me a few pointers onto how to get a job."

Shawn burst out laughing, but I had already been expecting that from
him. I slipped my shirt back on, growling in annoyance at the fact that the hooker
had totally stuck a paper with his number writer on it onto the paper.

Then, I turned to stare at him. "I called Jacqueline, why are you
here?"

I didn't mean to sound rude, but it came out a little bit judgmental.

He raised an eyebrow, pouting. "I mean, I can totally go back and leave
you with your friend over there if you want."

I glared down at the stupid paper with the number.

"He gave you his number? I thought you said you weren't into-"

I threw the paper out the window before he could finish his sentence. I
didn't want to give him the satisfaction of giving him something to mock me about,
like having some random shirtless man's number. It didn't matter how hot he was.

"He's creepy and I'm not," I muttered angrily.

"Good," he replied. "Good thing you happened to call, boy."

"Cute," I snapped sarcastically. "Real cute."

Shawn shrugged. "I believe he called me sexy, Eric,"

He was honestly enjoying this excessively.

"I wouldn't believe everything he says. He literally grasped my ass and

then called me a total bottom," I literally brought my hand up to cover my mouth,
but it was too late.

Shawn was already gasping for air, laughing loudly.

"Well, are you?"

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Make sure to leave a vote and a comment if you enjoyed
the chapter. In addition, make sure to follow my twitter, @HecDaevis, for the
latest news on updates, new stories, and more!
-Hec

Ch. 9: Coming Out (But Not Really)

Office Love: Chapter 9: Coming Out (But Not Really)

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I sat there, staring at him in shock. Had he honestly just asked me

that?

"I d-don't think that comes into play here, Shawn," I replied.

The space between us was too small for my liking now.

He shrugged, as if it wasn't a big deal. "I wouldn't judge you for it.
I mean, I guess he's right about that."

I huffed before crossing my arms across my chest. What did that even
mean? Why did they all take me for the submissive kind? I was a man. A manly man,
thank you very much.

"Well, I'm not into men sticking their dicks up my ass so no," I
replied bitterly. I didn't usually mind, but this was an exception.

Shawn burst into laughter once more, lifting his right hand to shed a
tear that was building in his right eye. He was laughing so hard he was almost
crying. I wanted to punch him with a brick.

He was enjoying this far too much. I could see the glint of amusement
in his eyes. He thought this was a joke. He thought that I was a joke.

"Quite a mouth on you, huh?" he replied, shaking his head in disbelief.

I shrugged.

I always took the crap they gave me and smiled at it as if it didn't

matter. That was it. I always let everyone step all over me without fighting back.
That's why they thought I was gay, because I never took the time to tell them that
they were wrong. I just smiled away and let them label me just as they wanted.

That would have to stop.

The confusion I felt in the club had to have been a small moment of
panic. It was nothing. They were just throwing themselves at me and that messed
with my mind.

Yeah, that had to be it.

-------

Shawn and I were standing there, both of us all too scared to say
anything. There were some cop cars further ahead, parked for what I could assume
was an incident. I obviously noticed the flashing red and blue lights on the police
cars, but I would've never assumed anything was wrong with us unless he said it
aloud.
 "I'm sort of a little drunk," he started. "But I'm not sure if I'm
buzzed enough for it to be bad though?"

My eyes widened. Is that why he was so giddy and kept laughing like a
maniac?

I turned towards him, leaning in to smell him. Sure enough, I smelt the
alcohol. The smell had been so potent in that stupid nightclub that I hadn't even
detected how Shawn smelled. Damn it, this wasn't good, not good at all.

His incredible cologne also made me want to- to buy it... Yeah, I'd ask
him about it later and buy it for myself. Definitely.

"Park the car, Shawn," I called out. "Now."

He did, swerving towards the sidewalk and stopping right beside it. I
reached out over him and took out the keys from the ignition, immediately putting
them into my pocket. There was no way I was going to get into trouble with
authorities because of him.

"You can't do that," he muttered, and sure enough, he was definitely

not all there. I could hear a slight slur in his voice. However, it was minimal
enough so that one had to know he was drunk to detect it.

"I'm not going to let you get a DUI for being reckless," I replied.

He didn't seem all that thrilled to be in a car with me, but that
didn't matter as much as avoiding the police.

"How long do you think they'll be there?" he asked.

I shrugged. "As long as they need to be there?"

He turned around and punched me playfully in the arm, but not before
chuckling. Whoa, I much preferred this Shawn, the one that didn't call me a
molester of the youth every few minutes and actually did something other than scowl
in anger at every living thing.

"Aren't you supposed to be like, I don't know, abiding by the law

more?" I asked. Seriously, for someone that fought for justice, he was sure not
demonstrating what justice was all about. He could've crashed and killed us, or a
pedestrian, or a dog.

He could've killed a poor innocent dog, the monster.

He chuckled at that. "Because of my job? Oh god, I think you just

contradicted yourself bud. Trust me; people in my line of work are anything but
law-abiding citizens. I'm perhaps one of the only in the area that hasn't tried to
bribe our local judge yet."

I sat there, confused beyond belief. Sure, I didn't exactly believe

that he didn't live, but this was a whole other side to Shawn. I almost liked this
side of him, despite the fact that I was sadly aware that it wouldn't last too
long.

He would be back to his rude ways as soon as the alcohol was out of his
system.
 He lay back against the seat, shuffling a beat before getting
comfortable. "So, tell me about your night, Eric."

"There's not much to tell," I replied honestly. Well, at least not much
I wanted to tell anyone ever.

He thought about it for a few seconds before turning back to look at

me. "Why were you by the area?"

"I went to a club," I shrugged.

He smirked, reaching out and settling a hand on my shoulder as if he

was about to tell me something extremely important and he needed me to pay
attention.

"The only club by that area is the gay club you were standing right
outside of," he mentioned casually.

I stared at him in shock. He was right. There weren't any other clubs
in the area aside from that one. My mind immediately started searching for an
answer, only to come up blank. How in the world was I supposed to excuse that?

There was no way in hell that he would believe that I went that a gay
dude, one that openly flirts with me, forced me to go there against my will. Uh,
that sounded so odd.

"It's not what it looks like," I said right before realizing that
saying that was definitely not going to help my case at all.

"Sure, Eric. Well, at least now I'm not as worried about you kidnapping
my daughter."

I opened my mouth to scream at him, except, I stared at his expression

of relief and realized that perhaps this humiliating experience was one of the most
opportunistic things possible.

"Yeah, nothing to worry about," I replied between gritted teeth.

His head shot towards me, mouth slacking as if he wasn't expecting it.
Which, I'm not sure how he wasn't unless he was joking to begin with- oh. He had
been joking.

"Seriously?" he asked, suddenly leaning away from me. He pressed his

body towards the car door.

I still wasn't too involved. I had time to tell him I was joking and
avoid lying to him just for my personal gain. I could do the right thing and avoid
any trouble. Mason would get so mad if he found out I lied about something like
this just because I could.

"Yeah, I'm gay."

The blood quite literally drained from his face.

I tried to keep my breathing even, repeating that it would be okay

under my breath several times. Hell, I'd just come out of the closet without even
being in there. How odd was that?

-Shawn-
 I stared at the boy in front of me, more confused than I'd ever been in
my entire life (aside from that one time Meghan, as a baby, refused to sleep
without her stupid blanket and I didn't understand why in the world not).

"You're not into... women?" I asked. "You're into men?"

I sounded ridiculous, but I couldn't help it. This was quite the
surprise. I hadn't even truly assumed that he was gay. I had just been trying to
give him a hard time. Hell, I would've probably believed that one of his friends,
that perhaps happened to be gay, dragged him here more than the fact that he was
actually gay.

He had been trying to get away from here, so that definitely made
sense.

Why had he even hit on my daughter then?

He nodded, glancing around before sighing deeply. "That's what being

gay means, isn't it about being interested in men?"

I nodded.

"But never you, of course, because that would be gross."

I nodded once before frowning in confusion. I let his words process

before I replied. Why in the world not? I mean, I wasn't gross. What?

"What is that supposed to mean? Why not me? I'm not that bad!" I
defended myself. "In fact, I believe he-"

"The streetwalker called you sexy, yes, I remember. Well, to each their
own I guess," he replied, shrugging with disinterest.

I scoffed. He was so wrong. There was no way I wasn't a catch. Hell, I

had money. I kept in shape (the bagels would never bring me down no matter how much
Jacqueline said they might in future years), and he was just wrong.

"You're wrong," I said. "You'd be lucky to get a piece of this."

-Eric-

"Well, I don't want a piece of... that," I replied, rolling my eyes for
effect. Shawn was starting to get on my nerves again.

Even his drunk self was annoying. Goodness gracious, someone save me.

"Well, I don't want to give you a piece of this either," he pouted,

forcing me to glance away immediately.

How had I even found myself in this situation? How did I always do this
to myself?

Once I glanced to the front, I realized the police cars were finally
gone. I sighed in relief, digging through my pocket and handing him the key. I
would be fine as long as this day finished already. "Could you start driving
already? Damn."

"First you complain because I'm driving and now you want me to drive?"
he asked curiously, making a move to get the key.

"Fine, I'll drive then," I replied, not giving him the key.

He shook his head, clearly bothered by the idea of me driving his car.
I couldn't really blame him though since this car looked like it cost quite a bit
of cash. Still, he was right about me not being concise. I couldn't let him drive
in this condition.

I nodded, stepping out of the car and going around. I peaked in through
his side, opening the door and watching as he frowned at me in annoyance. "No way."

That was his only response.

I started pulling him, getting beyond irritated. I just wanted to get

home now. Honestly, it didn't even matter how but I wanted to sleep.

"I swear, Shawn, if you don't let me drive I'll-"

"You'll do what?" he snapped back, yanking his arm away from my grasp.
He was tense, which probably meant he was actually getting angry now. "Suck me
off?"

I scoffed. Okay, so he was going to be mean now. It was weird, but I

still felt quite offended even though it didn't even truly apply to me. Hell, I
felt offended on Mason and Bennett's behalf.

"You're being a jackass," I replied before pulling him out by force.

He complied, moving to the passenger's seat before slumping down onto

the seat and complaining. "This is my car, damn it!" he complained.

I rolled my eyes, putting on my seatbelt and watching as he put his on

too.

"I'm just trying to keep us from getting into trouble."

"I drove all the way over here," he countered. "You wouldn't have even
known if I hadn't said anything."

I growled. He didn't shut up. "Next time you might want to keep your
mouth shut then."

He did quite down then, clearly taken aback.

"Whoa, I didn't realize you had balls, Eric," he insulted.

I just rolled my eyes. There was no point in arguing with him. He was
going to continue bothering me whether I liked it or not.

"So, you weren't going to molest my daughter that night?" he asked out
of nowhere. "I mean, it certainly looked like you were."

I tapped my fingers on the wheel, trying to come up with an excuse.

However, it had to be something that was close enough to the truth so that he would
believe it and she wouldn't shoot it down. The bruise he had given me was starting
to heal; I didn't need him giving me another shiner.

"I was just trying to take her home because there was this older man
harassing her. Yet, she told me not to say anything because she was embarrassed
about it. He was like... your age."

"What?" he yelled loudly, his scream laced with both anger and shock.

I had most definitely thrown Meghan under the bus.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thanks for reading. Please make sure to leave a vote and a comment if you
enjoyed the chapter. Oh yeah, by the way, if you were curious about Mason and
Bennett then I recommend that you go check out Gym Love! There are some great
references to OL (as in some scenes, usually conversations between Mason and Eric,
which I choose not to add here). In addition, there are other things that, while
not extremely important to read in order to enjoy OL, are still awesome to read
about if you're reading this book and want to know more!

-Hec

Ch. 10: I Wanna Take You To A Gay Bar

Office Love: Chapter 10: I Wanna Take You To A Gay Bar

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Shawn-

I waited until we got to his dorm and he had turned off the car briefly
before I reached out and I pressed my hand on the back of his neck, squeezing
softly.

"What else have you been keeping from me, Eric?" I asked, attempting to
sound as sinister as humanly possible.

Eric's eyes widened as he turned to stare at me. He shook his head, but
didn't say anything. Of course, I was scaring him. I couldn't scare him if I
expected him to talk to me about this horrible incident.

A man my age.

She was going to do God knows what with someone my age! How screwed up
was that? I growled in outrage, doing my best to keep myself under control. I would
take everything she ever loved. No more phones. No more laptop. Curfew was
irrelevant because the house would become her prison.

I wasn't over-reacting. Anything could've happened to her.

I shuddered at the idea of something happening to her. Did she not care
about me at all? How could she be so irresponsible? Didn't she understand that
whatever happened to her affected me as well? She was my daughter. My child. How
could I not worry about her well-being?

"I swear that I know nothing else. Seriously, I'm as uninvolved as

uninvolved people get," he assured me. He even raised his hands in surrender as if
I was about to strangle him.

"What about Kate, my niece? Did she have anything to do with this?" I
asked carefully. I would throw her off the damn cliff beside the ocean near my
house if she anything to do with it. Sure, she would fall into the ocean and
survive, but surely, the fear would be scarring for life.

He shook his head, staring at me with fear-struck eyes. I felt bad for
harassing him like this yet this was my daughter's life on the line. An old
perverted man had been after my beautiful little bundle of joy- she was acting just
as her mother had back when we were both young.

Why was she doing this to me? Did she want me to die from a heart
attack?

"Why didn't you tell me before? Why didn't she tell me before?" I
yelled suddenly. "Is she okay?"

I noticed my hand was shaking against his neck. I was anxious. The
whole ordeal just had me confused and anxious. He nodded, lowering his gaze shortly
before lifting it to meet my eyes.

"She's completely fine. It was stupid and irrelevant and-"

"I'm sending her to some boarding school," I blurted out. "Or a

military academy."

Eric shook his head, lifting his hands and settling them on my
shoulder. "Shawn. Just ground her. You don't have to do something so extreme. It's
only going to end up harming you in the process. The distance will hurt you more
than her!"

I bit my bottom lip. "How would you know? Do you have a kid?"

He shook his head. "I just- I'm assuming here."

He was definitely right. I didn't want her away from me. Quite on the
contrary, I wanted her closer than ever, close enough to protect about everyone.
She was my baby girl, nobody was allowed to harm her.

"I don't know what to do with her," I groaned, letting go off his back
and melting back onto the seat.

His hands were still on my shoulder, but he was starting to let go.

"Are you sure you're in any condition to drive?" Eric asked. "You seem
very tense.

I nodded.

"I'll only hit a few cars on the way there," I mumbled. That was the
residue alcohol in my system talking. However, Eric mustn't have enjoyed my joke
because he took the key from the ignition and slipped it into his jean pocket.

"I'm not letting you get into a car crash, Shawn," he announced.

I rolled my eyes.

He was being ridiculous. "I'll be completely fine. I'm an adult; I can

make good choices."

Eric pouted, crossing his arms across his chest and glaring directly at
the wheel as if he was considering something. He didn't say much else, but that was
fine. I didn't feel like speaking anymore. Clearly, there was too much being said
anyways.

"I'm sorry," he muttered after some time. "I'm really sorry."

I shrugged. "For telling me?"

He sighed.

"I'm just sorry."

I waved him off, running my fingers through my hair briefly before

opening the door. I had to get back into the driver's seat. I needed to get home
and have a very serious conversation with my daughter.

I walked around, arriving at the driver's side and noticing Eric was
still in the seat, glaring at the wheel as if he was trying to find some secret
code written in the leather binding of the wheel itself.

"I need to go home, Eric," I told him.

He nodded. "I'm-'

"I get it. You're sorry. It's okay. I think I rather know than be
completely unware of these sort of things. Besides, at least now I can deal with it
properly."

He didn't seem all that alleviated by my answer. I didn't know how else
to assure him that it was okay so instead, I opened the door, waited for him to
take off his seatbelt, and then extended my hand and helped him out of the seat.

"See you in the office tomorrow, okay?" I asked.

He nodded, not saying another word before walking into the main
entrance. I didn't say anything either, not until I realized that he still had my
key in his pocket and had clearly forgotten to give them back.

I ran after him after closing the car door, rolling my eyes. There was
something wrong with him now. He looked seriously distracted.

"Eric!" I yelled after him, stopping only once my hands was pressing
against his back.

He jolted, turning towards me and staring at me in fear.

"You have my keys," I chuckled.

"Oh, those... yes." He fumbled through his pocket before retrieving

them and handing them to me. Finally, I could get home and have a serious
conversation with my daughter.

"Have a good night Eric," I said.

"Please don't go too hard on her," he replied, clearly worried.

"Please."

I nodded, staring at him in confusion. He looked almost guilty,

probably about confessing to what had actually happened that night. At least he
felt bad. Huh, perhaps he wasn't such a bad person after all.

"You're not too bad, you know?" I replied, ignoring his plea. "You're
certainly being helpful right now."

He groaned under his breath and walked away, not returning the
compliment. That was fine. He'd probably just had a long day. I couldn't really say
much either, considering that I was completely spent from hearing the news itself
and from having to drive around in the middle of the night.

-Eric-

He was always an asshole.

"He's always just so rude to me," I muttered under my breath,

desperately trying to come up with some reason to validate that lying to him like
this had been okay. It wasn't, of course, but I wanted to try to get rid of the
guilt.

It was bubbling under the surface like an active volcano, torn between
exploding and cooling down. At this point, it was dangerously close to exploding.
My phone was on my lap, every conscious part of me pressuring me into calling and
clearing the misunderstanding up. I still had time. Lying about being Gay had been
one thing, but this was a whole other problem.

This was going to affect him and his daughter, perhaps even cause a
rapture. I was going to be responsible if anything horrible happened to them.

I fell back on the bed, closing my eyes tightly.

Why hadn't I just stayed home?

-Shawn-

The veins on my neck were popping out, threatening to explode from the
sheer stress I was enduring. I wanted to rip through furniture... that was how
angry I felt. My innocent daughter was apparently not very innocent after all.

Without Eric there to calm me down, I was just a boiling mess. I was
gripping the wheel too tightly to keep from screaming in outrage, occasionally
lifting my knuckle to bite on it in hopes of relieving some stress.

It was useless. I was furious.

-------

"Daddy, I don't know what you're talking about!" she swore, pouting as
I extended my hand and stared directly at the phone she was cradling protectively.

"Don't play dumb with me, Meghan. You know exactly what I'm referring
to so just drop the act!" I replied angrily.

Jacqueline was standing beside me, rubbing her eyes. "Dude, you're
scarring the child."

"Scarring as in leaving permanent damage?" I asked, reaching out and

ripping the phone from her hand.

"Dad!" She complained hysterically. "Jacqueline, tell him to stop being

such a-"

I raised an eyebrow. "Give me your laptop."

She broke down into tears.

I felt bad, but she had to learn at some point.

Jacqueline crossed her arms, rolling her eyes in disbelief and walking
off towards the room. She said something about not wanting to get involved because
it was not her problem and she didn't want me to chew her arm off in case she said
anything. She was a smart girl.

"Who said that? Did Kate tell you?" she yelled!" Kate is such a bitch!"

"Language!" I snapped. "She's your family!"

She rolled her puffy red tear-stroked eyes, crossing her arms across
her chest and sniffing. She looked just like a child. God, why was she misbehaving?
I hated punishing her, but she had to learn her lesson somehow.

"You're not allowed to go to friend's house. I want you home right

after school and there's no way you're going to your friend's party this weekend."

That... That is when the real fireworks went off.

"I hate you!" she yelled hysterically. "I hate you! I wish you weren't
my dad! I hate you, I hate you so much!"

I nodded, putting a stoic face even though my heart hurt a little.

This was for her own good, I just had to remember that and wait it out.
She would come around eventually, once she understood that she couldn't go around
seeking men who doubled her age. Hell, at this point even Eric seeking her out
would've been a better choice.

I shook my head in disbelief. What in the world was even happening in

my life?

"I hate you!" She yelled one final time before she slammed her door
closed and started crying even louder.

I rolled my eyes, massaging the bridge of my nose with my left hand and
running my fingers through my hair with the other one. She was the reason I was
getting white hairs, clearly.

-Eric-

I saw Mason briefly, but I didn't even have time to stop and chat with
him. I couldn't, the guilt was eating me alive. Instead, I did something that
perhaps only guilty people did. I went out and bought him some bacon and egg
bagels. I even ditched class just to go into the office and give them to him. I
felt... awful. Honestly, the guilt was consuming me entirely.

I expected to walk into an office full of angry shouts and even louder
screams. Instead, I raised an eyebrow when I realized that the secretary was
talking on the phone and looking directly at me.

I passed by her, narrowing my eyes but not bothering to ask her what
was wrong. I just wanted to give him the damn bagel and perhaps start work early.

The trip to his office was uneventful. Jacqueline was on the phone as
she passed me by and she waved excitedly (and slightly confused by my being here so
early), but had to drift off almost immediately.

Upon entrance into Shawn's office is when I truly felt that something
was off.

"I wanna take you to a gay bar. I wanna take you to a gay bar. I wanna
take you to a gay bar. Gay bar. Gay bar. Gay bar!" the speakers blared suddenly
before going into a quick instrumental break.

Shawn was sitting in his office chair, smirking up at me from behind

the desk. Jacqueline started laughing from all the way in her office. She knew,
apparently.

My jaw most literally slacked. He was openly mocking me with a song.

What a major ass. I chuckled, setting the take-out foot on top of his desk and
turning my attention to his laptop.

"Can you turn that off?" I asked just as the singer mentioned something
about... well, sucking dick? I couldn't be too sure. The singer wasn't singing the
real lyrics and instead they had the sound of a whip snapping replacing it so I had
to assume.

I walked around towards the screen, staring at the music video in awe.
Well, that was certainly... uh... gay. Yet, it seemed more mocking than actually
supposed to represent gay people appropriately.

The video was still hilarious.

"What? This was a really popular song way before your time," he
chuckled back.

I nodded. Sure.

At least he was smiling at me rather than scowling like usual.

Something told me I was on his good side now, maybe it was the fact that he was
being so playful despite being Shawn. Damn, why was lying bringing such good
results? It made it hard to feel guilty!

Then, I realized just how dorky this joke had been. He'd totally had
his secretary warn him for my arrival so he could have the video set up and ready
to play. He'd planned this.

"Did you want to make fun of me so badly that you had the secretary
tell you when I was dropping by?" I asked, scrunching my eyebrows in confusion/

He shrugged, blushing lightly. "Maybe."

-Shawn-

I started coughing once the video got a little too, awkward, and
finally, I decided to turn it off once several clones of the singer started
mentioning something about having "something to put in you" and dancing on poles
while half-naked. Honestly, it was getting a bit out of hand.

"You're so weird," Eric rolled his eyes, going back around to the other
side of my office and sitting down. "I totally ditched class today by the way."

I raised my eyebrows, staring at the frozen screen. It was a bit odd,

but I felt tempted to continue watching the video for some reason. The song was...
catchy.

"Shawn?" he asked, nudging a white bag forward. "I, uh, brought you
something."

"What?" I asked, pulling on the bag and taking out the contents.

It was a bagel sandwich. He'd brought me a bagel sandwich. "I love

these," I whispered in excitement.

He nodded, smiling weakly before turning towards the door and then back
towards me. "Yeah, I sort of got the impression that you did."

I loved bagels. Eric was definitely not that bad. Hell, this definitely
made up for all the stress I had to go through in the morning while Meghan spent
the whole time pleading me to reconsider my punishment.

"It's a bacon and egg one," he added.

"Bacon?" I gasped, staring at the delicious sandwich in awe.

My heart swelled just a tiny bit.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you so much for reading. Honestly, the support on this story as well as
Gym Love has me different shades of ecstatic. Just know that I appreciate it so
very much. Please feel free to leave me a comment and a vote if you enjoyed the
chapter! I attached the music video for Gay Bar - Electric Six (mentioned by
Shawn), to the chapter. It's hilarious... so watch it.

-Hec

Ch. 11: Suck It (And See)

Office Love: Chapter 11: Suck It (And See)

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Shawn-

"Wait, so it's mostly paperwork?" Eric asked as he sorted through

files.

I nodded, rolling my eyes at his tone. He sounded in shock, as if he

couldn't believe it. Which, okay, when I had first started my major for law I had
assumed it was a lot more exciting that it truly was.

Yeah, I was also quite a neglectful believer.

At one point, when I was young and first had to figure shit out and get
baby shampoo for Meghan, I believed the shampoo that said no more tears was
referring to the idea of it not hurting when it got into the eye when in reality it
was referring to the tears in the hair. It was a serious mind-fuck when one time a
baby version of her was playing in the tub and it got into her eye and she started
bawling her eyes out, but I digress.

"Well, at least what they say about the pay isn't a lie," he muttered
as he moved the stack aside and went for the next one. He had offered to
alphabetize my disgustingly disorganized disarray of papers, once I had shamelessly
neglected out of laziness.

"Yeah, I suppose," I replied, surfing through my e-mails in search of

one from a specific client. There was a brilliant opportunity for a case in the
horizon and I had to monitor it.

Eric glanced over, pressing his shoulder against mine as he looked at

my screen. I didn't even stop him; I just leaned away so he could get closer and
read. This was my business account so there was no risk of him seeing some... odd
e-mail subscriptions.

I turned to look at him, raising an eyebrow. He had absolutely no

shame. He was quite obviously staring over as if he had the right to do that.

I nudged him, smirking when he yelped.

"What are you looking at?" I asked curiously.

His face reddened. He moved back towards his side of the desk, focusing
in on the papers he was supposed to be shifting through instead of looking over.

I smiled.

The reason he was on my side of the desk was since he appeared unable
to read my writing at times, something that I honestly couldn't be angry about. My
writing was, well, it was quite messy. So, I told him to move the seat that was on
the opposite side of the desk to be beside me so he could just turn and ask me if
anything.

He would get used to reading my writing eventually.

"So, how's your morning?" he asked casually while leaning in to read

the name of the client on a paper.

I set my hand on his shoulder and leaned in, chuckling under my breath.
"Her last name is Villanova. She was actually here a few months back because she
was seeking to re-open her case, but sadly, the circumstances didn't allow it."

His mouth formed into an o shape as he nodded and put the paper in the
back of his stack, where I presumed the v's where.

Then, I remembered he had asked me a question.

"My morning was... it was quite something. "I sighed. "But you don't
want to hear about it.

He shook his head, lowering the stack of papers and turning to face me.
"Sure I do. Trust me; I've been called a great listener and advice-giving confidant
several times this week alone."

I snorted. "How humble of you."

 He shrugged. "I, the Almighty Phaaaa- anyways, why was your morning not
so great?"

Eric's eyes were wide open now, his mouth quivering lightly. He had
almost said something he hadn't intended to say. "Phaaaaa?" I asked curiously. Oh,
I was definitely interested in knowing what that was about, especially considering
how he had quite literally put the word almighty before it.

-Eric-

I groaned internally, irritated by my own slip-up. The idea of telling

him about my, although awesome, also incredibly awkward alter ego was not exactly
my idea of fun in the least. I glanced around, desperately seeking some exit. I
just needed to leave, now.

"What were you going to say?" he asked.

"Phaeric," I replied while flashing him a weak smile. The almighty

Phaeric was not doing so hot at all, no sir.

"Phaeric... what?" he asked. "Is that... Is that like a mixture of your

name and Pharaoh?"

My jaw quite literally dropped. In fact, he reached out and closed it

for me, something that I would've snorted at it I weren't in absolute shock. He
understood. Nobody ever guessed correctly. Many assumed it was a combination of my
name and fail, some rude unmentionable individuals assumed it was a combination of
fag and Eric, but nobody ever made the correct assumption, until now.

"Yes," I gasped. "That's it!"

He frowned, clearly confused. "Really?"

I nodded, ecstatic. This was awesome! I raised my hand, clenching into

a fist, and ready for an epic fist-bump. He raised an eyebrow before meeting my
fist with a palm.

"That's not a fist bump," I deadpanned, just as he said, "Is that even
a high-five?"

I rolled my eyes, still excited about the news even if he was being
awkward. I nudged him once. I could certainly get used to being his friend. Hell,
it was actually quite fun to talk to him when he wasn't being a major asshole with
no heart.

"Well, I actually really like that name," he assured me. "It's a bit
dorky, but I like it."

"Who says dorky is bad?" I muttered under my breath, smiling.

He waved his hand to signal the unimportance of what had just happened.
"Anyways, tell me more about what happened that day at the party. Tell me exactly
what happened! I just- I have to tell you, I'm so sorry for being so rude when you
were actually saving my daughter! I feel like such an ass."

I nodded, taking a deep breath. I felt dizzy from the guilt. My chest
quite literally hurting as the sense of dread spread through my being. He was
thanking me. He was smiling at me and thanking me sincerely.
 I was awful.

"I- nothing else really," I replied. "I mean, it just sort of happened
and then it passed..."

My explanation was stupid and made little sense, but I had no strength
in me to keep elaborating on the lie.

He did the unexpected. He reached out and actually embraced me in a hug

patting my back while chuckling. "Thanks, Eric. I can't believe how great you are.
I mean, you're quite literally a life saver!"

"Thanks?" I squeaked.

I wanted to scream at him to stop thanking me, but the words wouldn't
come out. Instead, I awkwardly patted his back in return and sort of melted into
the embrace. His cologne, an alluring woodsy smelled quite good as well, was
comforting even.

It wasn't the sweet perfume I usually smelled when I hugged a girl. It

wasn't even the sporty spicy scent I smelled when we had our bro hugs, yet there
was an edge of masculinity present in the scene that I didn't mind for some reason.
It was... pleasing.

"Eric, let go," Shawn said awkwardly.

I blinked several times, realizing I had been clinging on to him. For a

split-second, my mind went blank and I felt the need to say, I'll never let go
Jack! However, I wasn't Rose and we weren't on a sinking ship in the middle of the
ocean so I bit my tongue, let go, and laughed awkwardly before turning back to the
front. I immediately noticed Jacqueline standing there. She had an eyebrow raised,
her eyes drifting towards the lack of space between my shoulder and his.

Just then, extremely inconveniently, my phone started to ring.

"You can take it," Shawn said stiffly, clearing his throat. "The call,
that is."

I nodded, dashing out of there. It was uncomfortable, but at least I

had gotten out of having to formulate an imaginary story regarding how I had
supposedly saved his daughter.

I checked the phone. Mason, of course.

-Jacqueline-

I sat down, leaning back against the seat and narrowing my eyes at him.
What? Why did I even have to come in here? Nothing was making sense.

"I thought you said you didn't need him," I asked. "Shawn, you clearly
said..."

"I know what I said," Shawn replied. "Things change. I don't mind him
being here, not really."

"Clearly. I mean, you were totally getting that bromance on just now."

Shawn rolled his eyes, snorting at my comment as if I was being

illogical. Uh, I wasn't. I had very well walked into them hugging it out just as he
would do with his daughter when he was at his most affectionate. Meghan never
appreciated it, especially considering he ruffled her hair and called her "his
little princess", but Eric was a whole other issue.

He had seemed... into it.

"It's not weird. Can I not be grateful that he saved my daughter's

life?" he snapped.

I shrugged. "Then, as soon as you stopped hugging you were literally

pressed against each other."

"The desk is small," he countered.

"Why was he even in your side of the desk?" I asked.

"Convenience," he retorted, before wincing. We both knew how that

sounded. "Convenience to verify he was working correctly.

I nodded, leaning back on the seat and quite graciously whipping my

hair back. "Whatever lets you sleep at night," I joked.

He wasn't very happy with my response, but he didn't reply. Instead,

his eyes drifted towards the door. I rolled my eyes, watching as he fidgeted there
under my scrutinizing gaze.

"I liked him first," I groaned. "Hell, you said you hated him. You were
bashing him just yesterday."

He gaped at me. "I don't like him! Jacqueline, I'm not a homosexual!
Besides, I'm just being friendly, is all. He saved my daughter! I can be nice if I
want!"

I ignored his reply, shaking my head in disbelief. He, my best friend,

was quite cruelly ripping the cute possible boy-toy away! He had muscles and
everything. I growled. "The worst part is that I can't even compete." I shot him a
dirty look. "I don't have a dick."

"You sure act like one though," he countered childishly.

I motioned towards my crotch, crudely slamming my hands down in an x

formation and grinning. "Suck it."

He scoffed. "Child."

"I could say that exact same!" I yelled back. Then, I slumped in my
chair. "Can't you apply your newly realized sexual preference with someone else? I
can hook you up with some extremely hot buff gay men that are closer to your age,
Shawn."

He rolled his eyes. "I'm not gay, Jacqueline!"

Then, his eyes narrowed. "Don't think I missed the bit where you called
me old either."

I didn't reply. Instead, I pressed my tongue against my cheek and

raised my clenched hand to push the imaginary dick into my mouth, forming the
universal sign of "sucking penis". He didn't appreciate it. He didn't appreciate it
one bit.
 He stood up, slamming his hands on the desk. "Jacqueline, I've never
even dated a man before. I'm not interested in him, or any man for that matter, in
that way!"

Nope. He wouldn't be able to convince me so easily.

I stood up and shook my head in disapproval once more. "I love you
Shawn, but this is stealing!" I was playful, but seeing him fret about it made me
want to pursue the conversation even more. I would have probably dropped it if he
hadn't reacted to my joking accusation.

"You're delusional!" he yelled out as I left his office. "I'm

interested in... women."

I rolled my eyes, not stopping to counter with a huge factor, which was
how he hadn't gone in a date... ever really. Not once had he gone out. Every day it
was just work and taking care of his daughter. He had never tried for anything
outside of that.

I sighed. Perhaps it was because he was afraid of it ending as it had

with... her.

Stopping in the middle of the hall, I darted my eyes down both sides of
the hall and considered my options. He was saying no, but I couldn't just be a bad
friend to him. It was okay. It wasn't as if I was really going to pursue anything
with him. He was a bit too buff for me anyways.

I didn't even believe it myself. Still, I had to the right thing.

I turned back and peeked my head into the room. Eric was there once
more. He was sitting on the chair with his shoulder pressed against Shawn once
more. He was shifting through papers once more, his head tilting slightly as he
tried to read them.

Shawn raised his gaze from the laptop and tensed, leaning away from
Eric almost immediately. Eric, in turn, shot him a curious look before also turning
to glance my way. God, being more apparent would've literally been impossible.

"It's fine," I told him, smiling. "But don't think I'm not going to
fangirl about it until the day I die."

He growled. "You're ridiculous."

Eric looked confused. "Did I miss something?"

Shawn's eyes widened. He turned towards Eric, shaking his head. "No,
you didn't." He was still looking at him a few seconds later, flashing him a small
smile. Oh boy. This was beyond normal if he was as straight as he claimed to be.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please, feel free to leave a vote and a comment if you
enjoyed the chapter. Thanks! In addition, I attached a link to a music video (Suck
it And See - Arctic Monkeys).

-Hec
Ch. 12: When I Fill You In, Is It Hard To Swallow?
Office Love: Chapter 12: When I Fill You In, Is It Hard To Swallow?

A/N: I just wanted to say thank you for the votes and the comments. I mean, you
don't have to, yet you do... I don't know how to phrase it, but I'm extremely
grateful for the incredible support this story is receiving. I just- I love you so
much. So there. Important "A/N" at the end of the chapter. <3 xoxo

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Shawn-

Perhaps I was being a bit friendly with Eric. However, that was only
because of the simple fact that he had literally saved my daughter's innocence.
That was the only reason, aside from the fact that I'd come to the realization that
he was actually a rad person.

I smiled at him, trying to shake the grin, but failing miserably. He

was back to work, biting his tongue softly as he concentrated on shuffling through
the disarray of files I was managing. It was rather intriguing seeing him so
focused on such a simple task.

"You're a slob," he reprimanded.

I nodded in agreement; there was no denying that my laziness was

extremely present when it came to organizing files. How did I ever find the
paperwork I needed?

"Well, at least all the useful information is on my computer," I

replied, grinning widely. He seemed bothered, which only amused me further.

"For a successful attorney, you sure work like a secretary," he mumbled

once he finished on the current stack and moved along to stick it into the grey
filing cabinet that neatly sat in the right corner of my office.

"I'm telling the nice girl in the front," I threatened as I closed my

laptop and took a deep breath. I had a meeting to attend to regarding a client, but
then I would be free.

Eric scoffed. "You don't even know her name do you? How rude."

I turned to glare at him, narrowing my eyes but not replying. I had to

be grateful. He had saved my daughter from a predator after all. Instead of
commenting on how constipated he appeared while shuffling through papers, I just
nodded and closed my eyes.

"I have a meeting soon and it sucks because I don't want to go," I
explained, sounding highly childish but also far too tired to bother with trying to
sound mature.

Eric snorted. "Post-pone it," he replied.

"I can't do that, Eric. It's an important business meeting," I replied

sarcastically. "I can't just call and be like, 'oh no, sorry sir. I don't care that
the man who stole from you runs around free and spending your money, I'm too tired
to deal with it right now' since that's not how life works."

Eric nudged me once, pressing his side against me for a quick second
before chuckling. I tensed for a moment, taking a deep breath before relaxing.
Everything was okay.

"I'll get you a coffee, okay?" he asked. "Maybe a bagel?"

I groaned. "That sounds wonderful."

Eric stood up, walking around the desk and heading towards the door. I
called out his name, raising my head and looking at him. "I can just have the
secretary bring it, Eric."

He shook his head. "It's no problem."

He flashed me a wide grin before leaving, a grin that left me confused.

When did he even become a friend? My arm was tingling, a warmth spreading through
me that was indescribable. I turned towards the out-of-place chair beside me and
glared at it. It was the chairs fault.

Hastily, I stood up and moved the chair back to the other side of the
office. Better.

That was much better.

-Eric-

I walked at a regular pace, scratching the back of my back as I tried

to find my way back towards the office. Jacqueline started walking beside me about
halfway there, something that I hadn't realized until she tapped on my shoulder.

"Hey Eric. I see you're adjusting well," she greeted.

I nodded, smiling. "You could certainly say that. I'm just happy all
the tension has smoothed over to be honest."

Jacqueline snorted. "I'm not too sure about that, but whatever."

I frowned, turning to give her a questioning glance before just

shrugging. Jacqueline was so odd; trying to figure out what she was referring to
was hopeless. There wasn't tension... was there? Was Shawn still mad at me? Was she
mad at me?

"So, I decided that I'm going to recruit my own intern since you seem
to be getting cozy with Shawn," she alerted me.

I cringed at her choice of words, but nodded. "Cozy? Uh, we're on good
terms, yes."

She waved me off, rolling her eyes at me. We finally made it into the
rec. room, which prompted her to drift off towards the coffee machine. Since she
was doing that, I decided to grab the bagel first.

With her hand on the coffee machine button, she turned towards me and
raised an eyebrow. "That man has a real problem."

I grinned. He certainly did. "Bagel addiction?"

She nodded.

"I think it's endearing," I replied. "Uh- amusing."

 She stopped pressing on the button, raised the coffee cup up to her
lips, and took a sip while wiggling her eyebrows. Yeah, she was certainly odd. She
breathed out in relief, taking a deep breath of the coffee and cradling the cup in
her hand as if it were a baby. "Coffee keeps me sane, Eric. Anyways, it was nice
having you as an intern for me. I'll tell him you're all his and that he can do
whatever he wants with you, okay? That bipolar ass."

I cringed again, clearing my throat and trying to ignore the specific

word choice. As she so eloquently put it, I was his intern only now. "That's...
okay."

"He can have you all for himself," she elaborated.

"I'm aware," I replied. My voice was suddenly a bit squeakier for some
reason. I cleared my throat once more, grabbing a cup, and settling it under the
coffee machine, pressing the button and focusing on the dark liquid that poured
out.

"He can use you as he sees fit," she continued.

"Are you done?" I snapped then, darting my eyes between her and the
door. He choice word was beginning to bother me... a lot.

"What? I was referring to working for him. Why, did you hear something
else?" she asked innocently before taking a step towards the door.

"I didn't get to teach you all you needed to know about working here so
just... you know, have him fill you in."

I groaned under my breath, turning towards the machine to avoid showing

the blush that was certainly from my cheeks. Damn it, Jacqueline.

---------

The first thing I noticed when I entered the office with the plated
bagel and coffee in hand was that the chair was on the other side of the table. I
stared at it briefly before gazing up at Shawn questioningly. Then, I realized that
I had the hang of it now so I could be on the other side.

"I- yeah." I sighed before settling the coffee and bagel on the table
and sitting down on the awkwardly placed chair. Then, I took out my phone and
unlocked it. I had to start going in about an hour if I didn't want to miss the bus
back to the dorm. Not to mention that Mason would be angry if I wasn't there to
comfort him after he inevitably made things worse with Bennett today.

That boy was hopeless.

Out of absolutely nowhere, Shawn gasped. I lifter my gaze to find him

staring directly at my phone. Then, I lowered it a bit. "Oh sorry, am I not allowed
to use it?" I asked worriedly. There was blush starting to form across my cheeks at
the embarrassment of being so unprofessional.

He shook his head, lifting his hand and pointing at it. "You watch that
show too!"

He was smiling widely.

I grinned as well, pleasantly surprised. "I do!"

-------

"And then she died," He finished, nodding enthusiastically. "There was

this whole dramatic scene where the head was chopped off. It was, honestly, bizarre
yet fascinating.

Shawn was explaining the plot line of a television show between sips of
coffee and bites off the bagel he was devouring. He still had about thirty minutes
before he needed to start heading out towards his meeting and he had caught a
glimpse of my phone cover, the one that had the logo of the show present.

Shawn immediately started geeking out about it, something that was...
surprising. Odd, but amusing at the same time. Seeing him so excited was quite
striking. He was being kind to me now, sure, but seeing him have a freak out over a
show (fanboy, if you will) was another level of critically shocking.

The series that we were having a conversation about revolved around

zombies and a group of misfits trying to survive. While he was completely caught up
with the show (including the current season, season five), I had absolutely no time
to watch due to my classes.

I had no clue how he had the time to watch considering how his job kept
him here for so many hours, but I only listened gleefully rather than question him.
Even though things were fine and he was smiling at me, it was probably a good idea
to try and keep things friendly rather than out-right accuse him for anything for
no reason.

"It sucked," he assured me. "I hated that episode."

Yeah, I was about two seasons behind and with no plans to watch it
anytime soon considering how now I had a job and the same amount of classes as
before. How did I even have time to breathe? Anyways, that was why I didn't mind
the spoilers at all. Usually I would bitch and whine about them, but in that
particular instance I just loved the show so much that It was a requirement for me
to know.

Thus, I was eagerly letting him give me all his hard-to-swallow...

spoilers. Hard to swallow since, you know, so many people died and all. Yep.

Then, I truly processed what he had just said. Wait, that girl (as much
hate as she received from fans for being... well, selectively idiotic) was awesome!
I gasped.

"She died," I stammered, gasping in shock. He was such an important

character, how could they just kill her off like that? She mattered, a lot.

He grinned. "She wasn't all that."

I scoffed at that, crossing my arms across my chest. He was so

heartless sometimes. I tried to glare at him, but I couldn't hold the stern
expression while he smirked at me for some bizarre reason.

"Then, he glanced down at his clock." I shoulg get going soon. I'm
almost certain I can't be late for this meeting. It's highly important that I'm
punctual or-"

The phone started ringing, to which he picked it up and greeted.

I just sat there; watching his expression go from a smile, fade to a

frown, and then move on to a stoic expression.

"They cancelled it," he deadpanned.

I broke into laughter, shaking my head in disbelief. So much for it

being a highly important meeting, correct? I shook my head in disbelief. This was
just hilarious. "At least you're free?" he asked.

He rolled his eyes. "I don't know about free. Now I have to go home and
deal with Meghan-" he frowned. "Wait, Eric. Hey, I have an idea. Do you want to
have dinner at my house?"

I stopped laughing abruptly, immediately staring at him in confusion.

Wait, what?

He shook his head. "Hear me out. Meghan... she totally threw you under
the bus! She acted as if it it was you all along, probably to avoid getting into
more trouble. I think she owes you an apology!"

I shook my head crazily. "Shawn, she's fine. Seriously, I promise,

she's fine. She's good. No, no apologies necessary."

He reached out and settled his hand on the back of my neck, shaking me
softly as if to calm me down. The playful motion sent a shiver down my spine. "I
really want you to stop by for dinner tonight. Consider it my way of apologizing
for being so rude to you."

My heart sunk, but I just couldn't look away from his soft eyes. I
nodded, shuddering as his hands caressed my nape softly.

"Okay?" he asked, using his other hand to grasp my shoulder firmly. It

reminded me of the kind of poses fatherly figures did, even if the reaction my body
was giving in return was anything but what one would expect. I didn't feel safe.
Instead, I felt like bolting, my body a quivering mess.

I nodded, more forcefully now. "I-I'll go."

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please make sure to leave a vote and a comment before
you go if you enjoyed the chapter.

In addition, I have decided to hold something special (this one time) because I
love you. I'm going to be dedicating this chapter and the last one to two lucky
readers. The dedi for this chapter will be granted to one random reader that votes
on this chapter. Yeah, that's it. I'll just look through my notifications at random
times during the week and choose one before the next update goes up! For the dedi
on the last chapter, I will pick who gets it less randomly. It will work like Gym
Love's deal, which involves me granting the dedi to the most
creative/hilarious/amazing comment I receive on this chapter throughout the week.
Again, thank you so much for the support! Make sure to check out the primary story,
Gym Love!

[Follow me on twitter for info on updates and more: @HecDaevis]

-Hec
Ch. 13: Bobbing Head, Now You're Dead
Office Love: Chapter 13: Bobbing Head, Now You're Dead

[A/N: Updates for Both Gym Love and Office Love have been moved to Fridays!]

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I gulped down, shaking my head in disbelief. Things... things were

going too far, excessively quickly. Shawn was grinning at me from his side of the
car, nodding his head to the beat of the blasting song coming from the radio and
acting friendly.

It was quite the guilt trip.

Sure, the idea of being his friend wasn't bad, but it also implied that
we were both being fair with each other and I was certainly being unfair in this
specific situation. Not to mention that there was no way I'd be able to keep this
up for too long.

Meghan would find out that I was the one who three her under the bus.
Hell, it hadn't even been a bus. It had been an eighteen-wheeler with sharp
contractions and dirty-covered wheels. Her daughter would tell Shawn and I'd be
done for. I would be done as in he would drown me in my own blood and thrown into
the ocean to never be found again.

"I love this song," Shawn mentioned, bobbing his head to the rhythm of
the song. I nodded. It was a good song. It was quite unfortunate that I was a tad
too preoccupied freaking out to enjoy the song, truly.

"Are you sure this is appropriate?" I asked him, flashing a blank

expression.

No fear. Phaeric shows no fear, I chanted repeatedly under my breath.

Shawn shrugs. "You're a co-worker and I want to invite you to eat at my

house. I mean, I don't see the harm. Do you?"

His gaze rested of me for a bit before he glanced back towards the
road, tapping his fingers on the wheel and bobbing his head to the beat of the
noise once more.

I shrugged. Making a big deal out of such a meaningless act was my only
escape here. What else was I to tell him? Oh, I'm sorry. I lied to your face about
your daughter's whereabouts to save my own pathetic behind. Please don't hate me!

Yeah, that wasn't going to work. He would fire me and give me another
shiner before I got the opportunity to explain my reasons and the logic behind my
decision.

"Come on. Relax. I just want her to apologize so we can out this behind
us," he assured me. "There won't be any drama, okay?"

I nodded, flashing a weak smile. There would be. Oh, there certainly
would be if the truth got out. I obviously couldn't mention that. Therefore, I just
widened my smile and started bobbing my head to the song as well, sighing when he
grinned at me joining in. He was quite pleasant for an asshole, which seemed
unprecedented.

"You want this behind you..." he wondered, lifting his gaze to meet
mine. "Don't you?"

Yet, then again, I was kind of an asshole for someone who pretended to
be an almighty individual.

I nodded, sighing deeply.

-Meghan-

"I'm talking from a house phone Maggie. This is literally what poverty
feels like," I complained, melting into the sofa and groaning. It was literally the
most embarrassment. I had to call my friends through house phones, my evil father
had ripped my laptop from my grasp, and my only companion was not loneliness.

"Throw a party, duh!" Maggie giggled. Springs sounded as she lay down
on her bed on the other side of the bed. How sad. She had the cheap kind of beds. I
took a moment to appreciate my incredible Water Bed.

Dad hadn't wanted to buy it, deeming it as worthless, but I'd convinced
him rather quickly. Besides, his excuses about how it was uncomfortable, hard to
maintain, and didn't look nice were lame and therefore, he was wrong. That's how it
worked.

I drifted back to the conversation, cutting into the middle of her rant
about how much fun a party would be to focus on talking about the most important
subject... me. "Uh, he would totally kill me though!" I replied. "I mean, not even
Jake, the hot football player that totally wants me is worth the risk!"

I laughed at that. Of course, he was; whom was I kidding?

"You know what? I'll figure something out," I promised, grinning to

myself. I had nothing more to discuss with her for now, so I hung up right after.
The party was a go. Honestly, I just had to figure out how to make it work.

The house alarm beeped, alarming that someone was home. Dad! I
struggled to stand up growling under my bed at how difficult it was to get up from
the stupid liquid-based bed. It took me a good minute, but I was soon on my feet,
dashing down the stairs and into another possible opportunity to wear my father
out. Enough days of approaching him in such a way and he'd give me my life back for
sure.

By life, of course, I meant my phone.

I froze as soon as I reached the end of the stairs, staring ahead at

the one person I never expected to be standing beside my father... smiling. Eric
was grinning at my dad, the two of them apparently joking about some lame character
from some zombie television show that didn't matter.

"Uh, hello?" I asked, frowning. "Did you bring him here to kill him in
front of my eyes? Or like, is this some sort of sacrifice in my name?"

My father raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms across his chest and
scoffing. "Excuse me?" Beside him, Eric appeared almost too pale. His hands were
also shaking at his side, a weak smile being the only sign that he was still alive.
That could only mean one thing. He was going to be harassed in front of my pure
innocent eyes!
 I started to panic. "D-don't kill him!" I ran to stand in between them,
glaring at my father. "I promise that he can change!"

-Eric-

She quite literally lifted her hands and pressed them against her
father's chest, attempting to shove him back as if he was even attempting to lunge
at me. He wasn't. Shawn had just been standing there, glancing at his daughter in
disbelief.

Shawn's eyes darted in between his daughter and me for a few seconds
before he rolled his eyes, giving me a stoic expression that read, do you see what
I have to deal with? I had to agree, she was a bit dramatic. "I invited him over
for dinner. Please, try to behave, at least for today. Oh yeah, and how about you
stop trying to blame him for your disturbing actions?"

She shook her head. "Dad, I swear, I have no idea what you're even-"

Meghan shut up as soon as Shawn's eyes narrowed and his facial

expression turned to an extremely serious one. I shivered; he'd clearly gone into
parental mode. I couldn't even recognize him from the playful Shawn that had been
bobbing his head along to an oldie just ten minutes ago in the car.

Then Shawn opened his mouth and I instantly reached forward, settling a
hand on his chest before moving it to his shoulder. Damn, he was quite firm
underneath that dress shirt. Where did the bagels even go? I would've expected him
to be a bit soft at least, but no.

"Are you done?" Shawn chuckled, glancing down.

I blinked, realizing I had been squeezing his shoulder and arm like
some fool. I cleared my throat, nodding my bead wildly.

Laughing awkwardly, I pulled him along (by pushing his back this time)
towards what I would assume was his living room. I couldn't be too sure. Quite
honestly, his gigantic house was blowing me away.

"Shawn, how about you give me a tour?" I suggested. "I honestly don't
care about-"

"-it'll take a second. I just- I don't want my daughter to think she

can get away with it," Shawn explained. He had his eyebrows furrowed in concern...
concern for his daughter's integrity. I felt a lump in my throat, the idea that I
was the reason for this situation leaving a bitter vile taste in my mouth.

Shawn opened his mouth once more and I cleared my throat, racking my
fingers through my hair in exasperation. My heart was beating painfully against my
chest. Meghan would tell him the truth and then I'd be in a world of hurt. I
started mentally preparing myself for those internal monologues that character gave
in a calm voice while someone ripped their body apart.

It was unavoidable.

"You're already grounded Meghan. Come on, just give it a rest, and
apologize to Eric. He told me the whole truth."
 Meghan turned to glance at me once, her eyes widening and her mouth
opening before closing once more. She was gaping at me, reaching out to point a
finger at me.

I didn't know what to say, so I stayed quiet.

She shook her head, flipping her blonde hair as she turned to face her
father once more. I could feel the moment of my demise approaching... and
approaching quickly.

"You're right," she confessed falsely. "Eric totally saved me from

making a huge mistake."

I stood there, watching as Shawn nodded in agreement and reached out to

huge her daughter. "Apologize... and never, ever do that again!" he said. "I'm
going to go into the kitchen to get dinner ready."

My whole body froze to the ground. With eyes, glued to the back of her
blonde-haired head, I just stared at her while she agreed with her father and then
turned to glare at me.

"I'm so sorry Eric," she replied, her eyes narrowing. She sounded quite
sincere despite her vicious scowl. Shawn made an appreciative noise and then he
made his way to the kitchen. She tapped her foot, waiting until he was out of
earshot before continuing. "For trusting you, you fucking asshole."

I winced. Okay, I deserved that.

"I'm going to guess that you didn't do this in order to be with me,"
she guessed, rolling her eyes. "Because if you did then you definitely didn't screw
me in the way I imagined it, buddy. Instead, you screwed me over... not over a
table, but just over."

I nodded, frowning at the awkwardly sexual mentions but also too

ashamed to question anything she was saying.

"You're going to make it up to me," she muttered angrily. "I'm still

not sure how, but you're going to make this worth my time. I lost my Starbucks card
for this hell!"

With that, she flipped her blonde hair once more and walked into the
kitchen.

I blinked, confused and uncomfortable. I'd just entered some type of

drama, apparently.

Boy, that girl was sure quite the case. How did I ever find her
attractive? Perhaps it had been the loud booming music drowning out her words since
hearing her talk was quite bothersome.

I sighed in annoyance, following Meghan and staring at their large

beautiful marbled kitchen in disbelief.

"It's nice," I complimented.

What was nicer was Shawn, with an apron on, cutting meat with a butcher
knife. He was meticulously chopping, biting his top lip as he focused on the task
of dividing the meat on the wooden board properly. Was it odd that I found it...
interesting?
 I shook my head, turning to face Meghan once more. She was rather busy
on a house phone, probably plotting my demise.

"Hey, could you pass me the seasoning from the cabinet behind me?"
Shawn asked, grinning at me. "We're making barbeque apparently."

I nodded, walking behind him, towards the large wooden cabinet and
opening it. I gazed in at the different layers, hearing him mention a few names and
taking the ingredients out. Upon turning round I found him cutting a large piece of
meat. His back was flexing as he cut into the raw meat. I didn't stare as his thin
dress-shirt revealed many details on his body. I stumbled towards the table beside
him, setting the condiments on the table and then taking a few steps back.

I scoffed. Men admired other men's manliness sometimes. That was

normal.

"Anything wrong?" Meghan called out, raising an eyebrow.

I raised my gaze, meeting his briefly before glancing out the window.
Nothing. Nothing was wrong.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please make sure to leave a vote and a comment before
you go if you enjoyed the chapter. I love going through your comments. It makes me
extremely happy and just gives me butterflies to see the reception & feedback. <3
Oh yeah, one last thing... whoa, thank you for 150k reads!

[Follow me on twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, & Instagram. Info on my profile. I'm being
social now, apparently!]

-Hec

Ch. 14: You Got Me in Chains

Office Love: Chapter 14: You Got Me in Chains

A/N: The alternative chapter title was going to be "It'll feel Better (If You Turn
Around), but then I thought about it and decided it was too promiscuous. However,
it was such a good title that I just had to share it.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I sat back on the seat Shawn had pointed for me to take, staring
straight ahead, as Meghan explained how awful and unfair the Starbucks change from
Pumpkin Spice to Gingerbread Latte truly was.

"You're being dramatic." Shawn scowled. "It's just coffee!"

She gasped. "This was a difficult transition, Dad! I wasn't ready!"

"Drama queen," Shawn taunted.

I snickered as Meghan slammed her hands on the table, stood up and

glared deeply into her father's eyes. I didn't know what to expect. However, it
seemed that he had an idea because he lifted a finger in the air and pointed a
finger. He opened his mouth to silence her but it was too late.

"Bagels are gross and fattening!"

Shawn literally stumbled back, clutching at his chest as if she'd just

told him she was pregnant and the baby's daddy was the neighbor. My eyes darted
between them as Shawn stormed outside to the patio to get the meat.

I turned to raise an eyebrow at her, confused by their behavior. "Was

that even necessary?" I asked.

She shrugged, sitting back down and cradling the house phone as if it
were a part of her lifeline.

"I'm going to have to take this to school now," she grumbled under my
breath.

At first, I stood very still, trying to process what she was saying.
Then, after I restrained myself from immediately breaking into laughter, I turned
to grin at her.

"Good luck with that, Meghan," I replied.

She narrowed her eyes but stuck the phone into her pocket.

Meghan was going to have a very bad day when she realized that those
didn't work when they weren't close to the boxes. House phones were odd like that.

When I turned back to the middle of the table, Shawn was setting it,
absent-mindedly re-positioning the plates as if he couldn't decide where they
should go. It was endearing to watch him... well, doing something so normal as if
it were an ordinary occurrence.

I would've expected him to have some sort of house cleaner system going
on. Apparently, that was definitely not the case. It was pleasant to see that he
wasn't a stuck-up snob... well, all the time.

"I didn't take you for a Domestic Father," I teased, watching as he

stumbled with a platter of cooked vegetables, cursing under his breath.

Shawn scoffed.

In response, I grinned, glancing towards the door that led out towards
the patio as the rich aroma of freshly cooked meat sent my senses into over-drive.
His cooking smelled fantastic. It was shocking that he even knew how to crack an
egg when he had been so determined to have me do all his bidding at the office.

I followed Shawn with my eyes as he walked back out to get the meat.
Impatience was definitely occurring. I grinned as he tightened his apron around his
waist, still fascinated by the idea that he was wearing one at all. Now, if only it
had said "Kiss the Cook" or perhaps some cheesy reference to him being a Dad that
cooks it would've been priceless.

Then, I met Meghan's eyes once more. She was grinning, seemingly
ecstatic to have something, anything over me. She leaned forward, moving her hair
behind her shoulder with her left hand and using the other one to sustain herself
up.

"What's so interesting?" she asked, smirking.

 I rolled my eyes.

"I didn't know your father could cook," I replied calmly. "I was taken
by surprise. Why?"

"It's weird the kind of things that we learn, right?" Meghan asked,
smiling knowingly.

While I didn't respond to her mocking expression, I did frown at her

conviction. Was she honestly that mad with me? Shouldn't her father, the one who
almost got the heart attack, be the one to get angrier? She would probably get her
things back in a few days. Shawn seemed like the sort of parent that Meghan could
easily manipulate by playing the "Daddy's little girl" card.

"Isn't it?" she insisted.

I groaned. "Meghan, look, I'm honestly sorry about the trouble I've
caused."

"Maybe you should've thought about it before!" she snapped back,

flashing a fake smile behind me. I turned to find Shawn came back into the room,
smirking proudly as he set the platters of meat on the middle of the table.

"I made these," he announce proudly.

"I know. I couldn't help-" I cut myself off right and avoiding
mentioning how I kept staring at his body- his body... making food. Yep.

"Well, let's just eat," he suggested. He patted my shoulders while

passing by my seat and sitting down in his. The warmth of his rough hands on my
shoulders stayed there for a few seconds after he was already serving himself and
signaling for me to do the same.

I almost missed the grumpy Shawn. This one was just confusing and
constantly made my stomach twist into knots.

-Jacqueline-

I sat back on my desk, sighing in annoyance as I pulled up the e-mail

with all the applications for interns. Honestly, Eric had been like a beautiful
miracle when I found him. It had been the perfect excuse to avoid having to sort
through these piles of applications from people who were probably not even worth
it. Yet, Shawn, the boy toy stealer, had robbed him from me.

If they didn't at least get it on soon and made it worth my time, I

would start World War 3 and blow Shawn to pieces. He'd given me some credit on my
work credit card and I would buy the huge cannon I had stumbled upon online with
it. A confetti cannon for when he finally realized he needed Eric's bubble butt in
his life. This had to become canon. It had to.

"Excuse me, Miss Sterling," the secretary called out.

I raised an eyebrow, turning to face her. "Yes?"

She played with her hands a bit before meeting my gaze. "Well, I have
someone on the line that would love to speak with Mr. Briggs but he is nowhere to
be."
 I frowned. Shawn was gone? He was always here until the second he had
to leave. I stood up, following her to his office. Sure enough, he and Eric were
both gone. The office was empty, the lights were off and even the seat that Eric
had been seating on was back to its original spot.

"Maybe they went to have sex?" I shrugged.

The secretary stared at me in shock, bringing a hand up to cover her

mouth as she (very dramatically) pressed her back against the wall.

"Miss Sterling, how could you say such a thing!" she gasped,
flabbergasted.

I merely rolled my eyes, reaching out and patting her shoulder. "Come
on. Don't tell me you don't see that spark. Seriously!"

She didn't see it apparently since she just nodded, stared at me in

fear, and then dismissed herself.

I started walking back to my office, confused by her shock. It was a

beautiful romance forming; why was she so damn petrified?

"I swear, they better be getting it on," I muttered aloud.

I had many applications to sort through now, but with some time on my
hands now that he was gone, perhaps I'd be able to find someone competent. The real
problem was that many people weren't competent in the least, which meant a lot of
sorting.

I was tempted to call Shawn, but decided against it. I'd just
interrogate him in the morning.

-Shawn-

Eric leaned back on his chair, grinning widely. "That was actually
delicious."

I smiled as well, trying to avoid reading too deeply into his surprise.
It was a compliment, so I'd let it slide this one time. I stood up to start picking
up the plates, yet Meghan shot up from her seat, beating me to picking up even my
own.

"I'll do it daddy!" she offered, clearly kissing up to me in the only

way she knew, which was doing me favors. I didn't really feel bad about it.
Besides, it wasn't hard to stick plates into a dishwasher.

I bit back a grin, nodding in agreement. "Thanks angel."

I didn't miss how Eric almost choked on air at the nickname. Yeah,
perhaps it was time to find her a new one. I glanced down at my clock, realizing it
was rather late. I didn't really want to go back to work and I really didn't have
much to do back there.

"I think we should be heading back-"

"Into the living room to watch that season you need to catch up on?" I
finished for him, grinning when he did a double take.

"How about... work?" he asked cautiously, narrowing his eyes. "Is this
some test to see if I'm responsible?"

I shook my head. I hadn't taken a day off (or in this case, a half-day
off) in forever. Besides, the zombie phenomenon was incredible enough that I didn't
mind seeing it once more. If he caught up then perhaps (if he wanted to) we could
start watching it together and then I'd finally have someone to talk about it with
that cared.

I spoke to Meghan about it sometimes after I watched it in the middle

of the night (my only spare time), but she was never too interested in what I had
to say about the show. What a pity. What did I do wrong with her?

Eric still seemed doubtful, leaving me no option but to throw a hand

over his shoulder and guide him into the living room. "Come on, I know that the
second season's lack of action left things seeming dim, but it honestly gets
better."

He grinned, nodding wearily. "Okay, fine... We can watch it.

When we made it into my living room, his eyes literally lit up. He
stared at my smaller television set, reaching over, and touching it as if it were
some kind of gift.

"This is huge!" he announced. "This is amazing. I want to marry it."

I grinned. "The one in my room is twice in size."

He turned rapidly, shaking his head in disbelief. "You selfish, selfish

man, leaving the good television for yourself."

Eric crossed his arm across his chest, taking a step forward. "That's
so rude of you, man. A brother just wants to watch zombie guts flying in a large
screen and you feel the need to hold out?"

I rolled my eyes at his suddenly "gangster" tone, hitting him on the

arm when he made a move to sit on the sofa. I didn't know whether to ask or not,
but I was a bit too excited about seeing the show with someone who cared to think
too deeply into it.

"We can watch it in my room if you want," I offered, wincing as soon as

I said it. It sounded off. No, it would've sounded wrong if I was gay. It was fine.
"You know, because we're friends, right?"

-Eric-

I was about to cheer at the idea, except that I had to bit back my
excitement when I realized he believed I was gay. I couldn't show too much
excitement or things would get weird. I nodded, shrugging as if it didn't matter.

"If you think it's not inappropriate," I replied nonchalantly.

His excitement faded down as well as he nodded stoically. "Yeah, of

course. Let's... uh, go."

I followed his lead, turning to get a glimpse of Meghan as she

uninterestedly walked back to her room. Shawn started calling her, but then waved
it off. That had to do with the fact that she didn't even like the show.

-------
 I stared at the screen drowsily, stretching out as the eight episode in
a row started playing. Shawn kept nodding his head as well, apparently dozing off.
We were both on his bed, a few feet apart, as we watched the extremely large screen
(he was definitely not lying) and enjoyed the amazing show.

His bed had been perfectly neat when we first came in, but somehow it
was now a mess. Truthfully, too much excitement over the characters almost dying
and having me literally grip at it as the screen actors almost died had harmed the
poor fabric.

"I think it's time to call it a night, Shawn," I suggested, turning to

face him. He shook his head, raising his hand to make a point.

"We're literally almost done. This is the last episode," he replied

stubbornly, shuffling on his exaggeratedly large, but actually comfortable, bed to
face me. He reached out and tussled my hair, grinning. "Don't you want to go all
the way?"

I blinked, reaching out to rub my eyes. Sleep was close to over-taking

me.

"I don't even know," I replied just as a large scream came from the
scream. One of the minor characters was dying off, but I couldn't really care
enough to see it.

His hand motion stopped from its rough pattern, but stayed there,
slowly grazing down past my cheek and stopping only when it reached the side of my
neck.

"I'm sorry about your bed," I whispered, lowering my gaze.

He shook his head. "Doesn't matter."

"You're tense," he noticed, reaching out and slowly squeezing my

shoulder. I gasped, shuddering slightly as his awkwardly placed hands slowly worked
out the knots around my neck. I was a stressed out. Having a child blackmailing me
had apparently been enough to stressing. "Anything on your mind?"

"Your hands feel great," I offered, closing my eyes. "Don't stop."

"Why are you so stressed out, Eric? What do you feel?"

I didn't really understand his words; his hands were too distracting.
"I feel you."

He chuckled. "Kay."

When I opened my eyes, I couldn't help but following his gaze. It led
straight to my throat as he expertly rubbed at the area between my shoulder blades.
He slipped his hands through the neck of my shirt, effectively getting a better
grasp on my back. Why was he so good at this? I moaned in contentment as he rubbed
over a particularly tense area.

"It'd be a bit easier if you turned around," he suggested wearily, but

I was too relaxed to acknowledge his request fully.

I shook my head while opening my eyes to glance his way. "Nah, just
keep going."
 His hands kept moving up and down my back, leaving me breathless. I'd
gotten back massages before, but something about his hands that left me motionless.
I was in chains... for his hands... his hand. It sounded weird, but it was too true
in that moment.

He snorted. "It'll feel better, Eric."

I pouted. "I like watching you do it."

Shawn stopped then, staring at me confusedly. My skin was still

tingling from the roughness of his hands against my flesh. His fingers were also
there, moving softly against the back of my body. I didn't really consider what I
was doing. I just leaned over and pressed my lips against his as his fingers
started caressing at my nape.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Surprise update for my loves because I love you. Now, how about a vote for
that #Sheric kiss? Thank you so much for the amazing feedback and support, guys! I
want to see some serious fangirl action! Oh yeah, I attached a visual of Eric that
refers to his state of mind (metaphor being taken literally, heh.) I also attached
a music video (Chains - Nick Jonas).

-Hec

Ch. 15: Hardening Circumstances

Office Love: Chapter 15: Hardening Circumstances.

A/N: Once again, I had another title for the chapter in mind that I will sadly not
be using. It was going to be "Misunderstanding Lead to... Grinding, Apparently".
Trying to keep things pure is literally hopeless. Help. Oh yeah, thank you so much
for 200k views! Guys, Office Love is #8 in Humor!

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Shawn-

I wrapped my arms around the waist of whoever was beside me I sighed in

contentment, pressing my nose up until the stranger's neck. I rested it in the nook
of the stranger's neck as if it was common. My mind was still reeling, but the one
thing that didn't allow me to go to sleep was that I had clothes on.

Sleeping with clothes on was never my cup of tea, but apparently, I'd
fallen asleep. I still felt too drowsy to speak, but my body had other ideas of
alertness. One feel at the individual's skin and I felt myself getting hard,
excited despite my lack of knowledge on how I'd gotten here.

I moved my hands towards their jeans, slowly caressing the patch of

skin between their shirt and jeans, maneuvering my hands around the button and
breaking it free.

Why were there so much clothes between us?

I blinked, but it was pitch black in the room. I didn't even care; the
arousal was all that mattered now. I hadn't had any pleasure in too long, and my
body was buzzing with excitement.
 The body beside me grumbled tiredly, turning beside me and pressing
their face into my chest. I sighed, burying my face into their hair, humming when
the appealing cologne caught my attention. Then, I started pulling at the hem of
their shirt, pulling it upwards while lifting my other hand to rub my eyes.

I felt like a truck had hit me, which was probably from staying up so
late.

The person's hair was somewhat short, but I didn't mind it all too
much. In fact, It was easier to press myself forward without worry of pulling hair
or causing any annoying pain.

I didn't feel in control of my own body. I didn't really question

anything. Instead, I pressed myself closer to the source of heat, pulling the body
closer and gasping when I felt something hard pressing against my torso.

My reaction, surprisingly, was to grind forward, feeling myself harden

against their leg, seeking some kind of release. I pulled at their hair, smiling
goofily as their shirt came off. I bit my lip, lifting my hand to wrap it around
the person's neck and pull them into a kiss.

Then, I finally opened my eyes, meeting a drowsy Eric. He was mouthing

against my jaw; slowly widening his eyes as well as he realized what was happening.

At first, the corner of my mouth curled up into a smile. He was opening

his eyes as well, drowsily staring ahead, and then closing them once more. I kept
leaning forward for a second or two. That was until I realized that this was Eric,
as in Eric the man and my intern. I jolted upwards, backing away almost
immediately.

"Eric!" I screamed, still crawling back on the bed. "Eric, what the
hell are you doing here?"

I yelped once more once I reached the end of the bed and toppled over,
unceremoniously falling to the floor. I felt the stinging pain as soon as I fell,
wincing from both the shock and the sharp pain present on my head. I'd hit it
against the floor.

"S-Shawn?" Eric sputtered. Unlike me, he was completely shirtless and

the button on his jeans was unbuckled.

I'd done that. I've been the one to start undressing him. What was
wrong with me?

I stared ahead in shock, trying to reason what was going on. When
nothing came to mind, I just lay back against the floor, biting back the yelp that
wanted to escape past my shut lips once my head touched the cool surface of the
floor. My head was pounding now.

From the corner of my eyes, I saw Eric crawling off the bed, coming
towards me. At first, I considered running out of the room, however, once he was
within reach he leaned forward and helped me sit up.

"Are you okay?" he asked quietly, his voice small and full of guilt.

I nodded, avoiding his gaze. I was beginning to remember what had led
to us. We'd both been watching television when we fell asleep. Then, I started
having a dream... a dream where I'd kissed him. Perhaps that's why I had reacted in
such way to him being beside me. Yeah, I was just in need of release.
 It was merely a stupid misunderstanding.

"I-I'm sorry," Eric started, reaching out for his shirt and then
standing up. He turned for the door, his head hung low. "I'll get you some ice for
your head, wait."

"It's not-this was my fault, Eric," I mumbled, halting him. "I had a
dream I was kissing someone last night. I just... I guess I must've confused you
for... whoa, this is so embarrassing."

I felt like some hormonal teenager with no control over his actions; it
was the most humiliating experience of my life.

I scrubbed my face with my hands, sighing tiredly. I should've just let

him go home when he asked and avoided this whole misunderstanding. More
importantly, why didn't my hard-on refuse to subside? It was painfully pressing
against my pants, a remainder that things were shamefully confusing.

When I turned to glance in his general direction he was standing there,

his jaw slacked.

"That's not... That's not what... happened," he whispered.

I blinked. "What?"

Suddenly, he was shaking his head, backing away. "Nothing. Forget I

said anything. Let me get that ice. It's okay. These things happen. It's totally-"

He tripped backwards, falling flat on his ass as soon as he made it

through the doorframe. I just stared as he kept babbling and then crawled away. He
literally crawled away, that was how much I'd terrified the kid.

I had scared a gay man away. How was that even possible? How was I the
one who even initiated anything? Whether we were both fully conscious or not, it
was still extremely awkward to consider that, I, the straight one, had been the one
to kiss him first... to grind against him. I glanced down, trying impossibly hard
to think of anything that would help my problem below the waist disappear.

I groaned in annoyance, laying back on the ground and closing my eyes

tightly. What in the world was happening?

-Jacqueline-

Interviews. Interview. Interviews.

I was about twenty in and nothing. Not a single person that had come in
was showing me that they knew what they were doing. I bit the end of my pen,
staring at the girl in front of me. She had her hair in ponytails, something that
made me rather uncomfortable. She moved her brightly tinted blue colored hair
behind her shoulders and raised her chin, attempting to look confident and instead
appearing lost, as if she was staring at the ceiling.

I sighed in disappointment; she was wearing a crop top.

It made no sense. Who came to an interview wearing a crop-top? People

didn't do that. This wasn't an interview to work for an adult entertainment
company. Did the law firm's name remind her of some pornographic company? Was she
just at the wrong place?
 "Are you lost?" I voiced my thoughts.

"Oh, no. Of course not. I have like, almost a full high school
diploma," she replied.

I stared. This woman was twenty-five. What?

"I'll get back to you," I replied politely, about five seconds from
tossing her out.

"I think I'm the perfect candidate for this internship position," she
declared. "I'm on my phone all the time, texting, so I'm totally quick at typing!"

She was smiling proudly, petting the phone she was gripping on to as
she spoke. I frowned, staring at her in confusion. Was she serious?

"I'll get back to you," I replied, flashing a bright smile.

It quickly turned to a stoic glare after she had left and I was once
again alone with my thoughts. This was exactly what I'd been trying to avoid when
giving Eric the position. Why did Shawn have to "mark" him?

I pressed my head against the desk, sighing in annoyance. It was far

too early and I just needed someone that made sense to come. This process would've
taken longer if I hadn't already been working on a list before finding Eric, but I
still wouldn't find anyone fit for the job unless a miracle struck.

I still had a few minutes until the next interview so I let my eyes
close, resting briefly.

I jolted upwards once there was a knock on the door, putting on a

bright smile for the next person. This time, the girl had nicely combed natural-
colored hair, something that was a relief. She was wearing a beautiful white blouse
as well, as well as a black skirt that contrasted perfectly with her dark long
locks.

She was dressed to impress. I liked it.

"Hello," I greeted, grinning. The last five people had come dressed as
if they'd barely woken up. Literally, one of them had been wearing pajamas. People
complained about unemployment rates, but perhaps the problem was the people being
useless rather than the jobs being too hard to obtain.

"Good Morning Miss. Sterling. My name is Violet Faith," she greeted,

sitting down and handing me her resume. "A pleasure to meet you."

"You brought a resume." I sighed in relief. Half of the past

interviewed losers had forgotten to bring one for one reason or another. I smiled,
taking it from her.

I opened it and peeked at it, nodding in approval. Perhaps I'd found

myself a new intern. I raised my gaze, preparing my questions, but half-convinced
that it was a good idea. At a young age, she was already quite established and had
previous experience at such type of work. Perhaps I was rushing it just as I had
with Eric, but at least Violet was better than the blue-haired bimbo was.

One could say I had faith in her. Heh.

-Eric-

I searched for a cup for a good five minutes, growling as I looked

throughout the cabinets. Ultimately, I found a beautiful tall glass in one of the
upper cabinets. I proceeded to serve myself some water, taking small sips all while
trying to calm my nerves.

I started making my way towards the refrigeration, searching for the

ice I'd promised him. It was the least I could do after what I'd done. I'd done
something awful; I'd kissed him.

He didn't remember, or perhaps he was blocking it out, but I couldn't.

Hell, not to mention the horrible incident this morning. I'd literally grinded up
against him! What was wrong with me? He would fire me. He was going to fire me so
quick. Now there weren't just the lies, but there were also inappropriate
situations that I was accountable for... why was I making so many mistakes?

I shook my head in disbelief, taking another sip.

My hands were shaking as I gripped the glass with two hands. Was there
any alcohol around here? I really needed some alcohol, now. There were so many
questions running through my hand. Like, for example, why had I almost grinded back
against Shawn when he gripped me closer to him?

I cringed, serving myself more water and downing it.

I gripped at my shirt, setting the half-full glass on the counter to

put my shirt on. Why hadn't I put my shirt on yet? With shaky hands, I glanced at
my shirt, trying to find the neck hole in vain. Why was he so damn big?

"Eric?" Meghan asked in shock, staring at me from across the kitchen. I

almost tripped once more, realizing she was only wearing a thin nightgown. I turned
around almost immediately, accidentally knocking over the glass over on the
counter.

I darted my eyes between her and the spilled water, growling under my
breath as I used my shirt to stop the water from falling to the floor. There went
my shirt.

"Why are you here?" she asked accusingly, as if I'd sneaked in or

something. "Any why are you shirtless?"

I raised my finger to point towards the door, but then decided that
having her dad explain the situation was better than the option of Shawn walking in
on me shirtless with his daughter barely dressed as well. Oh no, the last thing I
needed were more misunderstandings.

I rushed towards the doorframe, Shawn's name in the tip of my tongue as

I began to call out for him.

"He'll explain, wait-"

I slammed chest first into him, my jaw slacking at his curious gaze.
His arms reached out to stabilize me, but my thoughts were still swirling out of
control. I had to get back to my dorm and away from Shawn... now.

"I-what's going on here?" Meghan snapped, raising an eyebrow.

I lowered my gaze, realizing that Shawn had placed his hands on my bare
torso in order to keep me from falling, effectively making it seem as if... oh no.

I took a few million steps back, only stopping once I felt my lower
back pressing against the sink counter. Then, I turned to gaze at Shawn, widening
my eyes and waiting for him to explain what was going on since I had no idea.

"He fell asleep on the couch in my room while we were watching The
Walking Dead." Shawn shrugged. "It was a nice finale."

I nodded, biting my bottom lip. If only I'd been on his couch. Now I
couldn't stop thinking about how big he was. Damn, he had been born gifted in that
department.

"Is that so?" Meghan turned to glare at me.

I nodded my head wildly. "Nothing more."

I felt Shawn's gaze settle on me once more, curious... playful, but I

avoided it, instead glancing down at the ground and pressing my hand against my
painfully beating heart. I could envision it ripping straight out of my chest with
all the agonizing shock I was enduring.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. I'd love it if you left a comment and a vote if you
enjoyed the chapter! I attached a visual of Kat Graham (who portrays Violet Faith).

In addition, I just posted the second installment of my Equity Trilogy, CONTENTION.

It comes after INTEGRATION, the first installment. I would appreciate it if you
went and checked it out! I love you.

-Hec

Ch. 16: Troubled

Office Love: Chapter 16: Troubled
A/N: This story hit #2 in Humor. I don't know what to say. I love you so much.
Honestly, every vote, read, and comment is appreciated and treasured so very much.
So yeah, consider voting and commenting like hell!
[In addition, there is an important "A/N" at the end of the chapter.]
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-
"I have to go," I said, turning towards the door. Meghan was smirking
at me as if she had caught me in the act and all I really wanted to do was to get
as far away from her knowing facial expression as was humanly possible. Lucky for
me, Shawn didn't seem very bothered.
"Already?" Shawn asked.
I nodded wildly. "I have class and then I have to go to the office.
Seriously, I should just go," I replied making a run for the door.
Shawn just stared at me, confused. However, I didn't wait for him to
reply. I walked over to the door, opened it, walked out, and closed it behind me in
within two seconds. I just had to get as far away from the crazy, if only for a
second.
"You're shirtless!" Shawn yelled from inside his house. "Wait, I'll get
you something!"
I glanced down, groaning in annoyance when I realized that yes, I had
absolutely nothing to cover my chest, and my jean was still unbuttoned. I buttoned
it, growling under my breath as I waited by the door.
However, I didn't go back in. Oh no, going back in there meant going
back to seeing Meghan and I'd had enough of her for one day.
-Shawn-
Eric was clearly angry with me about the little misunderstanding. He'd
dashed out of my house so quickly that he didn't even have a chance to put his
shirt on, a shirt that I noticed was completely soaked on top of the counter.
"I'm going to drive him home," I told Meghan after grabbing him one of
my shirts.
"Walking? You want me to walk." Meghan stared at me, confused. "But
walking is for the common peasant's life, Dad."
I rolled my eyes, rushing over and giving him a quick kiss on the
forehead. "Walking is good for you. Besides, you're, what, ten minutes away?"
"What if someone kidnaps me?" she yelled melodramatically. "Dad!"
However, I grabbed my keys and walked out, smiling as soon as I noticed
the sight before me.
Eric was a few feet away, kicking at the inactive sparkling system with
his arms braces around himself as he shivered. I came up behind him and nudged him.
Eric quite literally jolted back, turning to stare at me in shock
before noticing the shirt in my hand.
"Is that for me?" he asked.
I nodded, handing it to him and watching as he put it on. It fit him a
bit too big, but he didn't complain. It was probably because he was at least not
freezing his ass now.
"Can I drive you?" I asked. "It's my fault you stayed so late anyways."
"I'm guessing Jacqueline is going to have some strong opinions about
you being late to the office."
I shrugged. "She always has strong opinions; I just ignore them."
-Wyatt-
(If you've read this from Gym Love, keep scrolling until I say stop. If not, please
read it; it's important.)
I lay down on my bed, turning to look at the other empty bed and
sighing in annoyance. My roommate had taken a prolonged leave, leaving me here, all
alone and bored out of my mind. Going to the gym sounded like an idea, but my mind
was still recovering from the lecture we'd received today in class.
Therefore, I took out my phone, turning over onto my stomach and
pulling up the story I had been reading.
It was a romance humor, one of my favorite kind of stories. It had to
do with this main character whose names was Warren. He has these love interests,
incredibly love interests that both pinned after him. It was insane, but they both
loved him for some reason.
I went to the spot where I'd last stopped reading and opened the page,
grinning to myself when I saw that Warren was really close to confessing his love
for his best friend, the one he was supposed to end up with despite the author's
inability to comprehend logic.
The idea behind the story was great, but the part that truly captured
me was how he met people that were interested. How did he even do it? He didn't
seek love; it just found him. Truly, he spent the entirety of the book too involved
in his own personal plans and paid no attention to the love that was coming his
way, yet he got it and more.
I turned over to my stomach, sighing. How was it that a fictional
character could get love, and I was struggling to find a one-night stand? I stood
up, walking over to the mirror and staring at my own reflection. I rubbed my
cheeks, trying to see if perhaps I was growing wrinkles or something. No, nothing
yet.
Leaning closer, I couldn't see why. Why couldn't I find myself a prince
charming?
Sure, Warren didn't exactly have a prince charming... but he had love.
Love, was it even a real emotion? How could one determine it? Why couldn't I even
get a glimpse of it? I wasn't asking for love... but perhaps maybe something more
stable than a quick fuck would be enough.
Was I trying too hard?
"I just want someone to like me for me," I told my own reflection. The
only times I ever got that kind of attention were through a quick fuck... and even
then, I'd be lucky if the man having sex with me asked for my name.
I glanced away from the mirror, suddenly too self-conscious to stare at
myself. Whatever, relationships didn't make sense anyways.
I exited the reading application, taking a deep breath and sticking my
phone into my back pocket. One-night stands were all right. Who needed a stable
relationship?
Not me!
Then, I stood up and decided to go to the gym. I had to leave the
house. Honestly, it wasn't healthy for me to be stuck in my room all day reading
stories even if it was comforting and nice to indulge in them.
----
I passed by the yoga class, glancing in and shrugging. Sure, it wasn't
as if I had anything better to do anyways. I walked in, gabbing a mat from the
corner of the room and pulling it out, dropping it at the back, behind some older
woman, and joining into the class.
At first, I focused on the instruction on the left. It wasn't until
five minutes into the class that I realized that the other instructor was no other
than Bennett.
I did a double take, smiling. Hah! I had no clue he even taught this
class.
"Don't you even fucking think about it," a voice hissed from beside me.
I tensed immediately, tensing up and turning to find Mason there,
glaring down at me. He'd moved his yoga mat to be beside me. "Stay away from him,
dude. You're so desperate."
My body tensed immediately, remembering how desperate and lonely the
girl at the front counter had appeared, the one that had been too bold and
aggressive in her way of being. It had only backfired for her since he's openly
rejected her. I was just like her. I sighed, bending down and touching the floor.
"What are you jealous I'll steal him away?" I asked back, trying my
hardest not to bolt out of the room. "Because he doesn't look all that into you."
Honestly, I wasn't even in the mood to flirt today. Furthermore, I
didn't need this wall of muscle to give me the jealous boyfriend lecture; I knew it
too well already, especially because of how he himself had given it to me already
in regards to Bennett.
I rolled my eyes, leaning down to imitate their forward bend.
"You're pathetic," Mason continued, "Being a slut is not going to get
you anywhere."
I felt my throat closing up.
Letting him see that his words were affecting me would do no good. I
turned towards him, raising an eyebrow. I had to appear confident... collected...
unapologetic.
"But spreading my legs feels so good though," I replied, flashing a
cocky smirk and putting my best bitch-face on. It hurt... but it would be worse if
I showed any emotion other than confidence.
"You're disgusting," he shook his head. "Just don't harass him. Go prey
on some other dude."
"Could you just stop-?"
"It's like you have no respect for yourself. Or maybe it's just that
you deserve no respect," he muttered, staring straight ahead. I noticed that his
eyes kept darting between Bennett and the other hot instructor. They were laughing
amongst themselves, conversing casually as the class carried on. "The worst part is
that you're just a lonely person who lacks affection."
If he was going to have his jealous breakdown, I wasn't going to be a
part of it. I stood up, crossing my arms across my chest. I'd had about enough from
him. He could keep his comments to himself.
"Here, I'll go. Happy?" I asked before leaving the yoga room, sighing
in annoyance. I didn't even want to explain that I'd walked into the class without
prior knowledge of Bennett's presence here, or otherwise I would've avoided it out
of fear of encountering his psychotic friend. "He's not even worth my time."
"It's sad," he murmured. "You're just lonely."
I felt my heart sink with guilt; he was right.
----
(Stop! Start reading now. This is new!)
I rushed into my room, slamming the door behind me and growling in
annoyance. Screw everyone. It wasn't fair, but I couldn't stop my heart from
pounding furiously against my chest. The feeling of helplessness was
overwhelming... catastrophic. I couldn't breathe, not really, yet I knew why.
Mason had been right. There was nothing more to me. Finding someone had
been so important to me that I hadn't even realized that perhaps I'd been throwing
myself without any sort of shame. How pathetic.
What was the point of romance? What was the point of love when it was
so out of reach?
I opened my phone once more, opening the disturbing application and
stared at the story before me, glaring at it. That wasn't real. Things didn't
happen like that, not in real life. One could pretend, but that didn't mean that it
was the truth.
Love was nothing like that. It was scarce and so ignorant that it hurt.
How was it possible for him to have three love interests? How attractive was he?
Did he even work out? How was he in such good shape without working out? Did that
make sense? No, it certainly didn't.
"This is bullshit," I growled, heading to my desk and sitting down,
opening my laptop and heading to the browser.
I didn't really think about it... I just looked up the webpage and
cleared my thoughts as I logged into the account I had used for a year now as
solely a reader.
I opened the "create a story" tab almost immediately, something that
I'd honestly never even tried, and headed to the blank space. If the world couldn't
give me a realistic story, then perhaps I'd have to make one myself.
My mind kept drifting back to Mason's word. About how I was lonely and
pathetic. Well, if I was lonely, then so was the world. Wasn't that it? Wasn't it
that simple? There was so much loneliness out there... enough to fill an ocean.
I needed to show that love could be real, that it could be realistic
and pure. Perhaps chasing boys hadn't worked, but that was okay. I would make it
work somehow. I would.
I stumbled through my first words, groaning in annoyance when nothing
came to mind. Then, I got it. All along, I'd known it. Real love was short... lust-
filled, but short. It was so tiny and insignificant, yet so addictive.
"Our fleeting love will be known. It'll be insane. It will cause a
riot." I murmured as I typed. Sighing. "But it will end, like everything does. And
I will miss it so dearly."
I closed my eyes, trying to think of what else to say.
"Our fleeting love will burn like a morning glory. While it shines, the
sparks will blind and mesmerize, but then it will die and all that will be left
will be darkness."
This love would be tragic like anything else, but... it would mean
something.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: I'm aware that the last part was a bit random since we haven't seen Wyatt in
quite some time, but this is important because I posted another companion story
(aside from this one) called Fleeting Love that will have him as the main character
and involve another character from Gym Love as well as Eric to some degree. These
three stories will compose the Awkward Love Series. What? What do you mean that
that's crazy? I attached a visual of Wyatt. Oh yeah, the story Wyatt was mentioning
was totally my very own, Nothing but Sex Appeal. You should consider reading it!
-Hec

Important Message! (Fleeting Love Alert!)

Companion Story Announcement for Fleeting Love! (Awkward Love Series)
I have actually created a companion story, Fleeting Love, for the storyline
regarding Wyatt Perry and Roman Gale (Roman is from Gym Love solely so you might
not know him). This means that the Wyatt storyline started in the last chapter will
continue in Fleeting Love. However, I am continuing this story; I wanted to
introduce FL in the last chapter so you would be aware. Instead, I will be updating
Wyatt and Roman's storyline on the new companion story, Fleeting Love, which will
focus exclusively on them.
What does that mean exactly?
This is the second companion story that has come out of Gym Love. The first
one was this story itself. I would also like to repeat that Gym Love and Office
Love are NOT ending yet. Office Love, Gym Love, Fleeting Love, & Record Love will
be updated together to keep continuity regarding Wyatt and other characters, who
WILL remain in Office Love while he will be the main character of Fleeting Love.
Why companion stories?
While I initially intended for Gym Love to include both storylines (#Bason
and #Sheric), I have realized that Wyatt and Roman deserve their own story. Part of
the reason behind The Awkward Love Series being born; I feel like this specific
universe has a lot of potential when considering branching out. I got this idea for
a story regarding Wyatt and after some great feedback, I decided to give it a shot,
thus bringing me to create a second companion story for Gym Love (and the third
addition to the Awkward Love Series after Office Love).
Do I have to read all three stories in the series? (Gym Love, Office Love,
Fleeting Love, & Record Love?)
No, reading all four of the stories that form a part of The Awkward Love
Series is not necessary. You can read Gym Love, Office Love, Fleeting Love, &
Record Love interchangeably without fear of getting lost. This is because they are
separate storylines in their totality with different locations and main characters.
However, I do think that it would be best (for you, the reader), if you read all
three since they can go along with each other if you so desire to read them as I
update. It greatly enhances the experience due to the crossovers. Speaking of
which...
Will there be any crossovers?
Of course. Since they are in the same universe, you will definitely see
many awesome things occurring within the stories that will link them together.
In the end, it's up to you to see if you want to check Fleeting Love and
keep in tune with that story. It is now out, so feel free to go check it out!
Otherwise, regardless of your answer, you had better prepare yourself for a lot
more Office Love.
-Hec

Ch. 17: Just Wiggle Your Way In

Office Love: Chapter 17: Just Wiggle Your Way In

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Shawn-

By the time I finally made it to the office it was a quarter 'till

ten and Jacqueline was being a creep and waiting for me in front of the building,
her back prepped against the secretary's desk. The secretary, by the way, looked
quite pleased with the view.
 I'd probably fire him soon.

"What're you looking at? I asked cautiously, entering the main

reception and scratching the back of my head.

"Had a fun night with Eric?" she wiggled her eyebrows. "Don't think
I didn't notice how you ditched early yesterday."

I rolled my eyes, sighing in disbelief. The secretary was staring

at us in shock, darting his eyes between the back of Jacqueline's head and me.
Without replying, I passed by both of them and into my office. As much as I
tolerated her awkward behavior, today I was in no mood to withstand her perverted
ideas.

"Tell me how it went!" she pleaded, following closely behind me.

"Was it good? I mean, come on, I bet his sweet frat ass is-"

"He's not in a frat," I snapped back. "Well, I don't think so at

least."

Well, I hoped so at least since all I thought when I envisioned a

frat-house was hardcore hazing and disturbing gangbangs. Hell, those had been the
only frats around when I was going to a university. I shuddered at the idea. I knew
frat houses weren't all like that, but still... It was a traumatizing idea. No,
Eric would never do that.

"Fine. Was his college ass to your liking, boss?" she asked,
smirking.

"I'm not interested in him... or men," I grumbled, taking a seat on

my office seat and opening up my laptop. "My daughter was there you pervert."

She wiggled your eyebrows. "Don't worry. Next time I'll take her
out of your hands so you can enjoy some quality time with him."

I rolled my eyes once more, sighing in annoyance. Quite literally,

she made me want to rip the hair out of my head. I narrowed my eyes, daring her to
say anything else. She didn't seem all that scared, especially considering that she
sat on the opposite chair and propped her feet up on the desk, right beside my
laptop.

"This is a nice desk, Jacqueline," I scolded, shoving her heels out

of the way. They were red.

"Just admit that you two did something," she pleaded. "The fangirls
are waiting."

I raised an eyebrow. "The what?"

However, she was already on her way, waving her hand as if it was
nothing to worry about and I was just being paranoid. She was losing it. Truly, I
was beginning to worry about her well-being. Perhaps all the stressful work was
finally taking its toll on her brain. I'd told her not to take on too many cases at
once, but she never listened!

"Just know that you're sinking my ship!" she began. "Shooting cannons right through
it!"

I blinked. Ship?
 "You own a ship?" I asked. "Since when do you even like the ocean?"

She broke into a high-pitched laughter, shaking her head as she

walked off to her own office. Good, at least she was gone.

"I'm not dumb just because I don't understand your stupid slang!" I
yelled out, but she was still laughing loudly, openly mocking me.

-Eric-

I lay back on my bed, staring ahead. My head hurt. It just-it hurt.

I couldn't think of what was up or down, it was all just a jumbled mess.

I stumbled to my room, laying down and growling onto the pillow.

Why had I kissed him? I didn't even know.

The moment had just called for it, honestly. He had this way with
his hands. I'd gone to get massages before, but nothing compared to his hands-

Nope, I wouldn't go there.

I just closed my eyes, sighing in annoyance. Why couldn't things

just work out for me? Why were things becoming so complex when simplicity was such
a beautiful thing?

I'd been close (so close... Just, so damn close) to falling asleep
when my alarm clock rang. I jolted, turning over and slapping it. Class, oh yeah.
Well, at least it was Friday and the weekend was around the corner, ready to
embrace me with love.

I stood up, rushing over to get ready. I hadn't even showered. Why
hadn't I showered at Shawn's house? Oh yeah, it had already been too awkward too
add nakedness into the equation. I shook my head in annoyance, clutching my stomach
as it roared. I also hadn't eaten anything. Seriously, things were just sucking
today.

"I'm Phaeric," I sighed to myself in reassurance. "Sleep and hunger

are for the weak."

My stomach still rumbled, and my eyes still fought to remain open.

I growled.

"Something someone, please give me strength," I pleaded, leaving

the bedroom and running towards my first class.

I had been so very close to my class when I realized that I was

empty-handed.

My eyes lowered to my hand, noticing how they were both free of

anything. I had no books, with me, nothing.

"Please no," I grumbled, before turning back on my heels and

jogging back to my dorm.

I entered my dorm five minutes later, panting as I stomped over to

my bed and grabbed my backpack. Perfect. Today was just going perfectly. First, I
felt Shawn's hard-on pressing against my leg, then I did the same with Shawn, and
now I was forgetting everything. If the sky started falling, I would probably start
throwing people off buildings.

The kiss. Not to mention that stupid kiss. It refused to leave my

mind no matter how hard I tried to suppress the uncomfortable moment.

"I hate all you represent," I barked at the backpack. It didn't

reply, but it wasn't as if I was expecting any reply anyways.

I left once again, slamming the door behind me and jogging down the
hallway without bothering to make sure nobody was passing by. I had about ten
minutes to get to class and no chance of getting good seats anymore. In the large
podium, people came thirty minutes early just to get a seat in the very back row,
about thirty rows back. That was the struggle off college classes.

Literally, I'd seen people bringing binoculars just to see the

board.

It was insane.

-Violet-

I was picking what type of butter to take when I received the call.
In all honesty, I hadn't been expecting to hear back so quickly. Part of me jolted
at the idea of the firm calling back so quickly, while another was glad that they
were ripping the bandage off so quickly, leaving me no time to stress about the
results.

My hands fumbled with the phone as I answered the call, a shocked

expression coming over my face when I realized I didn't know the number. I just-it
had to be. I heard a girl's voice-I think her name was Jacqueline.

"Hello?" I answered. The nerves were killing me. I'd only gone in
today, so the chances of her calling me to tell me I wasn't getting the job were
quite high. However, I had to remain hopeful. This had to be it. It just had to;
there was no way around it.

I couldn't afford to keep searching, especially when Mom was

already paying for everything regarding my life. It was time to start taking charge
and be a responsible adult.

I took a deep breath, preparing myself for the rejection speech and
another month worth of looking for a job. It was tough, but wasn't it always in the
job market?

"Hello is this Violet Faith?" the girl asked. "Oh hell, well, I
wanted to call and tell you that although I still need to process the paperwork,
you got the job."

I stared at the butter, widening my eyes in surprise.

I got it. I had it!

"Really?" I called out excitedly. "Oh. Thank you so much!"

Jacqueline laughed, agreeing with me. "The reason I was calling was
to make sure you sorted your schedule. I'll e-mail you the exact time and schedule
but it should begin Monday. Any objections? Questions?

"Not at all," I cut in. "Thank you. No objections at all, I

promise."

"Oh, great!" she cheered. "Have a nice day."

I sighed in relief, leaning down and taking a deep breath. I'd been
freaking out the entire interview, worried about perhaps not being the right person
for the job. Sure, it was just a job as an assistant... or perhaps it had been a
paid internship, but it was something that would pay and it related to what I was
studying.

I glanced in front of me, smiling at the bright eyes that were

grinning with joy.

I cooed at Jeremiah, smiling widely.

"Mommy got the job," I told him excitedly. "Things are going to get
so much better now, I promise."

Jeremiah cocked his head, turning to glance at the toy section.

"Does that mean I can get the car I wanted? The one that turns into a robot?"

I giggled in agreement, leaning in to hug him. Two months searching

for a job. Goodness, this was the best thing to happen to me since... Jeremiah. I
squeezed him tightly, letting go only when I realized I was suffocating my poor
three year old.

"Let's hurry up and thank you with grandma though. Come on, let's
get some butter for that cookie mix that you wanted to do with her and then we'll
pick out whatever car you want okay?" I asked, smiling down at him.

Perhaps things were going to start going my way after all.

Who said I couldn't raise a child and go to a university at the

same time? "I'm going to prove them wrong, honey," I told him, leaning in to kiss
his nose.

He furrowed his eyebrows, looking at me questioningly. "What do you

mean?"

I just grinned, turning to get the butter out of the freezing

station and then following Jeremiah as he hauled me over to the toy section of the
store. Perhaps things would be all right.

-Shawn-

I typed a mile per minute, rubbing the bridge of my nose while a

single hand worked the right side of the keyboard. It was... what, the second time
I'd attempted to write this response? I couldn't really focus all too well, and my
focus was still wavering slightly, but I just had to get this case.

What case? Well, only the most important one by far.

I'd received the e-mail requesting my law-abiding services this

morning, an e-mail that I'd only now seen due to being so damn busy with everything
that happened in the morning. I pressed the backspace at thunder speed, releasing a
shaky breath once I realized I had no way to reply without sounding like a fool.

This case was huge. No, not just huge. It was enormous. There was a
lawsuit placed by an online streaming service on an artist due to the artist
pulling his music from the catalog despite the fact that there had been a contract
insisting that the artist was unable to do such a thing.

The artist had been able to wiggle its way out of it in order to
assure a high first tally week of sales and in the process had done some heavy
damage to the reputation of the streaming service, stating that it was stealing the
value of artist's music. This, in turn, had caused several more artists to pull
their catalogue out of the streaming service for music, effectively leaving the
service at a high disadvantage now that they lacked a large amount of influential
support in the form of, well, songs.

He'd brought defamation to the service. It was quite controversial

and the press was covering heavily, but it was nothing I couldn't manage. The first
step would be releasing an official statement stating-

I was getting ahead of myself. The first step was to convince his
management to let me represent him in court now that the service was suing for
defamation. First, I had to wiggle my way into the case and then the planning would
begin.

"The accusation regarding your act's part in the defamation process

is absurd and I'll be happy to..." I sighed, reading allowed to what I had read and
realizing how accusatory I sounded. I couldn't really take a side since I had
little to no interest in current music trends, but I still wanted this case.

Their accusations are unfounded and if you let me represent your

act I will make sure to end this long stressful process with little to no
altercations, I typed. There. That sounded much better. I clasped my hands together
and sighed, before sending the message to the management team of the artist and
smirking. Perfect. Just perfect.

I'd been waiting for a case like this to hit! Finally. The last
time I'd gotten such an interested case had been three years ago and it had been in
regards to a mayor who had been accused of stealing money from the categorical
grants sent to the city.

Things were finally brightening.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you so much for reading! Please, make sure to check out the other two
stories that make up the Awkward Love Series, Gym Love & Fleeting Love! For now,
that is all. Oh, please consider leaving a vote and a comment if you enjoyed the
chapter, it really helps!

-Hec

Ch. 18: Let Me Prepare You

Office Love: Chapter 18: Let Me Prepare You

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I took a deep breath as I sat down on the bus seat and relaxed.
Today was Friday, which meant that I would have a long nice weekend to sleep. I
didn't even care to go anywhere; sleep was the only thing on my mind.
 Almost unconsciously, I took out my phone and started mindlessly
shifting through it, attempting to come up with something to do. Nothing truly came
to mind. My eyelids were fluttering lazy, half-closed, when I heard the voice.

"Hello there young man," the voice called.

I turned back, initially beyond confused at the reason behind the

old woman speaking to me. When I glanced down and noticed the bag that she had, the
one with the hospital's logo is when I realized that I knew exactly whom she was
and why she was smiling at me.

"It's Eric," I greeted. "I-nice to see you again."

She nodded. "The same goes to you. I see your face is no longer
bruised up."

I nodded. The injury had faded away, leaving behind an odd

sensation of past pain but not really anything else. I turned my torso to face her,
setting my arms on the back of my seat and giving her my attention.

"It's okay now," I replied.

"Did you solve the... problem?" she asked. "You seem much calmer
now, although a bit frustrated."

I nodded. Frustrated. That was the perfect word to describe how I

felt about my newly found horrible luck. Truly, it was some kind of miracle that I
was still alive.

"I'm just having a rough day," I assured her. "Everything is fine.

Oddly enough, it's going better than I assumed."

She raised an eyebrow. "Boy trouble's over?"

I didn't really know how to reply. Last time I'd just let it go,
yet something in my chest was keeping me from being okay with her referring to it
in such a way. Shawn and I were nothing and would probably never be anything.

"I'm not into-"

She grinned. "I remember what you said. I was merely asking."

While I didn't want to play along with the idea, I did let it go
and instead decided to explain the awkward way in which my life had shifted upside
down and I'd somehow ended up working at the same law firm where the man who'd
almost murdered me worked.

Well, perhaps not murder, but certainly destroy.

"I'm working at his law firm," I replied.

She nodded in approval, reaching over and patting my arm as if she

was praising me. "One with money. Yeah, nice choice."

My jaw slacked. I cleared my throat and took a second to process

what she was assuming, and then I released a shaky uncomfortably breath.

"We're not together," I replied. Was this a thing? Were they seeing
something that I wasn't? All I could see was an eccentric boss and an awkward
friend. What was I supposed to be seeing exactly?

"I'm not, that's not important," I tried, rubbing the back of my

neck.

"No, of course not. He is more valuable than the money, correct?"

I flashed a weak smile. "Sure," I lied, turning to the front. My

heart was pounding against my chest as my mind drifted to the kiss once more. What
a kiss it had been. Then, I tried to think of girls-anything.

Nothing. I couldn't even try to stop my mind from going back to the
feel of his arms wrapping around my waist... pulling me closer.

I cleared my throat, rubbing my closed eyes before opening them and

encountering her, sitting there with a knowing smirk flashing across her features.
What was I supposed to do with that piece of information? So... I liked it. That
didn't have to mean anything. I had been tired, sleepy, and sex hadn't been
happening with anyone for far too long.

"Fear is an enjoyment killer," she explained to my back. I kept

staring ahead, unable to turn and face her gaze. "You won't know what living is
until you choose to take the leap and live, Eric."

What did she even mean by leaping? What did leaping have to do with
everything?

Did she meant I had to speak about it with Shawn? I groaned under
my breath, already dreading having to go through such an awkward experience. He
would merely shoot me down and tell me that I was seeing things where there was
nothing.

"I'm new to that," I confessed awkwardly.

"What?'

I didn't reply. Instead, I shrugged. Saying the word would make it

too real; too present in my mind. That would make it a problem, present and
unavoidable. I wasn't interested in Shawn. It had just been a reaction to feeling
someone beside me.

"Maybe you should work on accepting that it might be a

possibility," she suggested before standing up. I glanced around the bus, noticing
the door opening. I raised an eyebrow, confused by her sudden leaving. Last time
I'd been first one to get off the bus.

"Wait, I'm not... done," I finished lamely. Talking with her was
helping, even if it was confusing the hell out of me.

She shook her head. "I think you know exactly what to do, Eric."

Then, she was gone, leaving me with my thoughts. For once in my

life, I felt unable to consider it. I always tried to be open, but being open had
just gotten me here.

"I'm not gay," I mumbled under my breath, running my fingers

through my hair and tugging softly, frustrated with the outcome of our
conversation.
-Shawn-

I noticed something wrong as soon as Eric walked into the office.

It hadn't even been the way in which he said hello; there was no smile where there
usually was. I tore my eyes away from my laptop screen, giving him a questioning
glance.

"Everything okay, kid?" I asked curiously, watching as he slumped

into the seat and pouted tiredly. He looked... defeated. His eyes were avoiding
mine as well. It was somewhat disheartening.

He nodded stiffly before hesitantly turning to look at me in the

eyes. Something was wrong, but pushing was not my job. He was a grown-ass man. He
could deal with his own problems.

"If you want to talk about it I'm here," I offered before glancing
back down at the screen, desperately hoping to receive an email reply. Then, I
snorted under my breath, surprised by my own willingness to help. When had I even
been the helpful kind? I didn't retract my suggestion, yet it was still odd. "Just-
we're fine right?"

I was referring to the occurrences of the morning.

"Have you eaten yet?" he asked as he stood up, bluntly changing the
subject. I hadn't even replied but he was already making his way towards the door.
I merely shook my head, sensing him leave. I frowned at his awkward behavior.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"I'll get you some coffee, okay?" Then, he left. I stared at the
empty space where he had been just seconds prior and narrowed my eyes.

I hadn't expected him to make a big deal out of what happened. It

had just been... an accident. Those happened sometimes.

"Eric," I called out before remembering he'd left. "Damn it."

I just had to hope that he wouldn't forget my bagel. I'd made sure
to threaten the secretary in regards to making sure that we always had bagels in
stock and then explained to her how many secretaries had been fired just because of
this single issue.

Speaking of which, wasn't I supposed to fire the current secretary?

I shrugged.

I saw an email pop up in my inbox and my heart stopped for a split-

second before I let out a groan. It wasn't important; Jacqueline had sent me a
stupid spam mail.

"Lover boy is here," I read her message aloud before rolling my

eyes. Then, "here... click on this. It's important for you to be prepared for
what's going to go down."

Untrustingly, I inspected the link for a few seconds. It was the

word "Prep" and it lit up to a bright blue when I passed my mouse over it.

"What did you send me you creep?" I screamed at her.

There was no reply.

 Far too curious to ignore it, I clicked on the link and then
prepared myself for the worst.

My jaw slacked as the site opened up on another tab and I was

suddenly facing a screen full of men having sex with other men... all of them in an
office setting. The pair on the top left was literally mounting each other, both of
the men facing the screen and staring ahead with their mouths wide open, as if in
the middle of a moan. They were all in different stated of undressing, making it
awfully clear that they had all been dressed formally before getting doing and
doing something so... inappropriate. My hands were shaking as I switched back to
the tab of my mail inbox and took a deep breath. Nope. No. Just... no.

"You're an awful human being!" I yelled, my voice breaking at the

end. Why was she even aware of these sites?

I heard Jacqueline's laugh from her office, followed by some

murmured comment. She was too far away too listen, but I could already picture that
it was inappropriate and nothing I needed or wanted to hear. My mouse hovered over
the bar that displayed the tabs. I made sure to be pressing the x button,
effectively deleting it. Then, I went to my history and made sure to delete it from
there.

Then, the cookies.

Then, saved passwords just in case.

I considered resetting my computer to factory settings just in

case.

When I was done, I dialed her office phone number, tapping my

fingers on the desk while anxiously waiting for her to answer. She did almost
immediately, flooding my speaker with her loud laughing.

I rolled my eyes.

"Is this what you do during office hours? You have a job, you
know?" I scolded bitterly.

"I was merely trying to prepare you," she replied sweetly. Then, in
a deeper voice. "Let me prepare you, my child."

Yeah, she belonged in some mental institution... definitely.

"You're so morbid," I snapped before hanging up.

-Eric-

I settled the bagel onto a plate before grabbing his mug, sighing
under my breath. I had to talk to Shawn about the kiss. I couldn't just let the
intensity rise up in my chest and explode. No, it was important to clear the air
and made sure everything was okay between us. Whether that means seeking something
or not, I owed myself as much.

My mind kept going back to it. There was guilt there, mixed in with
a sense of utter confusion. I just-I had to know if it had meant something.

My hands were shaking against the empty mug as I set it under the
coffee machine and pressed the button, the anticipation building inside me, and
threatening to explode. Would it make a difference? I couldn't imagine it making
any sort of difference. Shawn had a kid. Hell, he was about ten years older than I
was.

Still, we had to talk about it, if only to make sure we were both
clear that nothing was happening.

I nodded to myself, mustering as much courage as I could find

within myself. I would confront him about it. I had to do it. I turned around, not
even bothering for the coffee before grabbing the bagel and getting ready to march
straight into his office.

I didn't notice the blonde-haired grin approaching until Meghan was

standing beside me with her arms across her chest until I turned and spotted her
grin.

"What are you doing here?" I jolted, utterly confused by her

appearance. Wasn't she supposed to be in school still? "Why aren't you in school?"

"Dad wanted me to walk to school," she said, as if that explained

anything at all.

I rolled my eyes, not bothering to ask why that even mattered at

all and instead taking the freshly brewed coffee from underneath the nozzle of the
coffee maker. It smelled delicious.

"Maybe you should've gone somewhere where Shawn wouldn't find out
that you'd ditched school," I offered, grinning slightly. Going to the workplace of
her parent was the weirdest thing she could've done. Someone was bound to find her
if she stayed here for too long.

"Well, I didn't have your number and I need to retrieve that favor
so I needed to speak with you," she retorted.

I frowned. "Favor?"

Meghan tilted her head. "The one where you help me pull a party at
my house and in exchange I don't tell my dad about your disastrous lie regarding
how an old man was supposedly the one that I'd been talking to at that party we
went to, do you see?"

I groaned under my breath, glancing over my shoulder to make sure

nobody was close-by. I would get into so much trouble if Shawn found out about
that. He would literally murder me, not to mention that there would be no "talking
it out" because he would be too busy attempting to throw me off a cliff for being a
liar.

Nice Shawn was so pleasant, though.

"I-" I sighed. "I don't know how to help."

"Don't worry; I know exactly what you have to do," she replied,
turning and closing the door that led into the rec room.

I sighed, taking a deep breath and nodding. "This one favor and you
won't tell him at all?"

Meghan nodded. "Unless for some reason it doesn't work out, of

course. If something goes awry then I'm definitely going to tell him."
 The threat made absolutely no sense, especially considering how she
was the one who was willingly attempting to have a party. However, I nodded in
agreement and listened. I couldn't have Shawn hating me.

"He probably wants this," I mentioned lamely, tilting my head to

signal the coffee and the bagel. "I should take it to him."

She shrugged, raising an eyebrow. "He can wait."

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and leaving a comment if you
enjoyed the chapter.

-Hec

Ch. 19: (Let Me) Upgrade You

Office Love: Chapter 19: (Let Me) Upgrade You

[A/N: I attached a visual of Eric because why not.]

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Meghan-

"If he finds out he will kill me," Eric hissed as I shoved him
towards the office. I shrugged, rolling my eyes as he struggled. All I needed was
the house to myself; it wasn't that hard, was it?

"I'm just asking you to distract him. Is that too hard?" I asked
innocently, smirking when Eric let out a deep sigh. The biggest issue was to get
him out of the house, and that wouldn't be too hard if Eric could keep him out all
night.

Eric didn't seem too pleased; too bad that he didn't have an option
in the matter, it being a blackmail and all.

We neared the office and I started slowing down, glancing around

carefully to make sure that my father wasn't coming out of his office, Then, I
pushed him forwards.

"If I do this for you we're even, right?" he asked carefully,

narrowing his eyes.

I nodded, lying right to his face.

He'd gone ahead and thrown me under the bus. There was no way that
I was going to let him forget. Oh no, the blackmailing would continue as far as
possible.

"I don't believe you," he murmured when I didn't really reply with
anything other than the nod of my head.

"I don't care," I retorted, pushing me towards the office door once
more.
 Eric, quite unwillingly, walked into the room, turning back to
glare at me before shaking his head in disbelief. There was something so odd about
him. I couldn't quite place what exactly, but he had this odd vibe about him. That
and wandering eyes, which oddly enough, always seemed to settle on my father.

-Eric-

I glared at the ground, stepping into the office cautiously and

making my way to the office chair. I'd known something like this would happen
eventually. He'll, I'd expected it. Perhaps I hadn't expected to happen at the
office in the middle of the day, but I'd known that she would get mad at me
eventually. Moreover, while distracting Shawn didn't seem like a good idea, saying
no to the one person who was capable of getting me in some major problem was also
not a choice.

Shawn glanced up, frowning. "Weren't you going to go get me a

coffee... and a bagel?"

I waved him off, laughing awkward. "Was I? My bad."

Shawn narrowed his eyes, raising an eyebrow and leaning back on his
seat, focusing on me. That didn't make things easier. He just waited expectantly
for me to speak.

"What's on your mind?" he asked.

I felt a lump form in my throat. I didn't know how to phrase it.

Quite literally, I had to find a way to distract him all day. How was I supposed to
do that? I paced around the room, finally settling on the seat and trying to avoid
crawling out of my own skin. I was doing this to avoid his wrath; I just had to
remember that this was for a greater good.

"Hey, I was wondering, would you mind dropping me off today after
work?" I asked carefully, fully aware of how completely unprofessional it sounded
for me, an intern, to ask my boss to drop me off. I almost wanted him to reply with
a resounding no.

"Sure," he replied, shrugging as if it was no big deal.

I blinked. "Really?"

Shawn frowned. "Yes, of course. Why not?"

The guilt only settled deeper into my being with the knowledge that
he was willingly offering to drive me somewhere and I was planning to distract him
so his teenage daughter could throw a party. A party of all things.

"Thank you," I replied, shooting up from my seat and taking steps

back. "I'll go get your coffee and bagel now."

That was the least I could do.

-Shawn-

Eric was squirming on the passenger's seat, gazing around as if he

was about to be viciously attacked. I merely watched from beside him, rolling my
eyes every time our gazes met and he put on a fake smile. There was clearly
something bothering him, but I wasn't going to force him to share if he wasn't
interested in doing so.

"Everything okay?" I asked casually, pulling out of the office's

parking lot.

"Thank you for this," he replied. "Seriously, it's really nice of

you."

I shrugged. I could be nice on occasion. "It's fine Eric. I mean,

you're my friend right?"

His eyes drifted for a bit, meeting mine before they immediately
shot down to the ground. He looked so obviously uncomfortable, but I couldn't quite
picture why that was. Then, it hit me. The way he was gazing across to sneak
glances at me, purely nervous and uncomfortable.

"Do you have a crush on me?" I asked, biting back a smile and
instead trying my hardest to give him a solemn expression. The last thing I needed
was to scare him into oblivion. It was okay if it was just a little crush, no big
deal.

Eric blinked, tilting his head sideways and frowning in confusion.

"What?"

I shrugged. "I mean, it's okay if you do. It'll pass."

I took a deep breath, reaching up and scratching the back of my

head. The idea was somewhat flattering, really.

His eyes widened for a split second. "No, I don't."

I blinked back. "Oh."

An awkward silence settled over the car, both of us just sitting

there. To make matters worse, I hadn't turned on the radio while pulling out of the
parking lot so all we had was an awkward silence. Reaching out to turn it on would
send the message that I didn't want to talk about it anymore, which was true. Yet,
not necessarily something that I wanted him to know.

-Eric-

I was about to agree, if only to silence him, when I realized that

accepting such a thing would just make things more awkward. Instead, I firmly
denied it, trying to come up with some explanation that wouldn't hurt his ego.

"I-no, one kiss doesn't mean I suddenly l-like you," I stammered

out. "Besides, you started it."

He snorted. "No, I didn't. I had been giving you a massage when you
suddenly lip attacked me."

I scoffed, turning to face him. Was he being serious? "You were

giving me a massage on your bed with the lights off," I reminded him, narrowing my
eyes. "Real smooth."

It was Shawn's turn to be surprised. He immediately swerved towards

the sidewalk, parking the car and turning off the engine. I sat in silence while he
turned his torso towards me and let out a stifled chuckle. "We were watching a
television show, Eric. I wasn't trying to take you to bed."
 There it was. "Well, It's not like I would've wanted that anyways,"
I replied, scoffing in disbelief, glaring at the little digital display that was
quite literally teasing me with the time. It was far too early. He couldn't go home
yet.

"You're gay though," he murmured, turning to face the front once

more.

My jaw dropped.

Even without being gay, the anger coursing through my veins was
enough to have me fuming. "That's such a stereotypical thing to say, asshole," I
replied.

Shawn narrowed his eyes. "I'm your boss."

"It's after hours, isn't it?" I replied, shaking my head. Suddenly,

I didn't even care about her stupid daughter. She could get in trouble if she
wanted. Hell, she could me in trouble if she wanted to as well. I opened the door,
turning and closing it before leaning on the frame of the window. "Have a nice
night, Shawn. I'll just walk from here."

I didn't wait for his reply. Instead, I started walking down the
sidewalk, muttering under my breath. Shawn was being ridiculous. One kiss didn't
mean I had a crush on him! Besides, he'd totally kissed me back. What did that even
mean, then? He hadn't been under the influence... it'd been all him.

I heard the honk beside me almost immediately, prompting a jolt

from me. I stared to my left, watching as Shawn's car slowly drove side by side
with me.

Shawn leaned over, signaling me forward. "Don't be ridiculous Eric.

Okay, I'm sorry for assuming things."

I shook my head. "I'm not mad," I lied. "I just want to walk now."

I took a deep breath, lifting my hand up to rub at my temple. I was

pulling a bitch fit a la White Chicks. I was seconds away from threatening to write
a letter. Yeah, having a conversation with Shawn about the kiss wouldn't have
worked out. In the end, it would've only ended up in an awkward disagreement. I was
almost grateful Meghan had halted me just then back the office before I could
confront him.

His car stopped almost as soon as I did. Then, we just both stayed
there, gazing at each other expectantly.

"I'll give you five hundred," he teased, smirking mischievously.

He was referring to the time when a callboy confused me for a

hooker because I'd been standing in a curb. I rolled my eyes, biting back a smile
as I made my way towards the car and leaning over the window.

"Is that all I'm worth?" I asked, frowning. "I was thinking more
about a thousand... per minute."

Shawn hissed, pulling out his wallet and scanning through it before
slowly raising his gaze. "I think I can make that work."
 I chuckled. "Cocky."

He shrugged. "Not like you're not worth more, but I really only
have so much on cash."

My smile faded. "That's an odd thing to say," I murmured.

He nodded. "If it helps, I don't think I could afford you."

Something in me snapped then. I stared at his cocky grin, feeling

my chest tightening. This was flirting. I didn't know sure how to handle it, so I
didn't. I ignored the comment and made my way into the car before he said anything
else. The silence that followed was almost too much as he began driving towards my
dorm once more.

"That was a joke, by the way," he reminded me.

I nodded. That wasn't the problem. The problem was that he had so
much fucking money that commenting that he couldn't afford me was far too big of a
compliment and that just wasn't sitting well in my chest.

I sighed under my breath, brainstorming of a place I could convince

him to go to, anywhere really.

"I'm starving," I mentioned.

Shawn's head shot up. "We can go get something to eat if you want."

I almost hated how easy it was to manipulate him. I nodded in

agreement though, aware that I had to keep him as far away from his house until
Meghan sent me the clear.

"Sure," I replied.

He started driving once more, turning to flash me a smile. "Do you

like Italian food?"

"I guess," I replied. "Anywhere is fine."

He only smiled wider. "I know the most delicious Italian food place
ever."

I didn't doubt it.

-Shawn-

"This place looks really nice," Eric mentioned as we made our way
up the stairs. He was straight through the large windowpanes, glancing inside like
a small child looking through the windows of a candy shop. I smiled. He was walking
side by side with me, occasionally brushing my shoulders as we walked.

"Sorry it's not some cheap take-out place," I whispered back,

leaning forward and making sure to say it low enough that nobody else would hear
it.

Eric scoffed, slapping me on the arm. "I'm not ashamed of my

college budget."

I smiled at him in agreement, biting back a laugh when he rolled

his eyes, clearly offended. Then, he pulled the jacket I'd given him. "At least I
would be able to wear my own clothes at a take-out place."

I rolled my eyes. Someone truly had to educate him on the art of

fine dining since he seemed to have no clue as to what the difference was between a
delicious gourmet dinner and take-out.

Besides, he was honestly pulling off my clothes, even if the pant

legs were a bit loose around his thighs. Lucky for him, I'd had a spare change of
clothes in the back of my car from when I'd gone to pick up my dry cleaner's. I
reached out and forced him to look at me, reaching out to brush some dust from his
jacket. Yeah, he really worked a suit.

"Done, mom?" he joked.

I rolled my eyes, reaching out and fixing his tie, the one thing
that was still a bit crooked and far too loose. I took a step back, smiling in
appreciation. He could certainly pull of a suit.

"I was just upgrading you, Eric," I mentioned, glancing down at his
body. "You might want to zip up the zipper on your pants though."

Eric flailed, letting out an embarrassed sigh as he reached down

and zipped it up. Yeah, this impromptu change of clothes was certainly a new thing
for him. I simply laughed, enjoying his awkward attitude.

"That would've been embarrassing." He gasped.

I shrugged. It was clear that he hadn't gotten his suit tailored,

yet the worst that anyone would assume was that he sucked at suiting up. Someone
clearly needed lessons from Barney Stinson.

"I should make you wear a suit to work every day. Perhaps I'll make
us look more professional as well," I mentioned.

Eric rolled his eyes. "I don't have money for a suit Shawn. College
budget, Shawn. College budget," he reminded me.

"Don't act like you don't just love looking spiffy," I mentioned,
nudging him softly as I pushed the door open. He walked in, laughing at my diction.
Rude.

"Spiffy?" Eric laughed. "Shawn, sometimes I wonder if you spend

your nights watching black and white movies."

I shrugged. "Should I be worried that you wonder how I spend my

nights?"

Eric opened his mouth to reply, yet that was when his phone decided
to start ringing.

"I'll be right back," Eric mentioned as soon as we stepped into the

restaurant. I nodded, turning to watch as he walked back outside and answered the
phone. Then, I turned back around and gazed at the large hanging chandelier from
the ceiling. Perhaps I should've taken us to some drive-thru place instead of a
nice restaurant.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: I made the chapter a bit longer as an apology for updating a day late. Thank
you for reading. Please consider leaving a comment and a vote if you enjoyed the
chapter. In addition, I attached a music video (Upgrade U - Beyoncé feat. Jay Z)

-Hec

Ch. 20: Put It on Me

Office Love: Chapter 20: Put It on Me

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Shawn-

"Hello," I greeted as I walked over to the reception, smiling at

the server and turning to make sure Eric was still there. He was there, walking
back and forth along the sidewalk with the phone firmly pressed against the side of
his face. He almost tripped and I let out a chuckle. Eric was so... endearing. It
was hard to stay mad at him, especially considering everything he'd done for me
already.

"Table for two?" she asked. I nodded, turning to face her once
more. Her nametag labelled her as Alicia.

"Is the other person... here?" she asked, glancing around behind me.

I shook my head, lifting my finger to signal I needed a minute. I took

quick steps back, rushing out of the restaurant, and glancing at Eric. He was still
pacing about, talking urgently into his phone.

"Eric," I called out.

"Sit down and wait," he replied, smiling all the while.

I rolled my eyes. "Fuck you," I snapped back light-heartedly before

walking back into the restaurant. Whatever, I didn't need him there to order the
table.

Alicia was glancing at me curiously, her eyes darting back towards the
large windowpanes at the back of the restaurant. Eric was still there, pacing back
and forth. I sighed. He needed to hurry up already. Alicia cleared her throat,
forcing my attention back to the reception and her small frail body. She was quite
petite.

"I'm sorry but we don't have any more tables available at the
moment," she mentioned while glancing down at the computer before her.

I growled under my breath. "Bad luck I guess."

Then, her eyes widened. "Unless. We do had a romantic couple's event.

Would you two be interested?"

I cleared my throat, scratching the back of my head. I wasn't aware

that they had those, and how would I even be able to participate without an actual
- oh. "What?"

"Friday nights we have couple's event," she explained, her eyes

moving back to focus on Eric. Then, they went back to me. "Would you two like..."
Then, her eyes widened. "Oh, are you two not..."
 I waved her off. "Sure."

My heart was pounding against my chest, and yet I didn't bother to

correct her while she typed away on her computer and flashed me bright smile. I
couldn't imagine that Eric would be pleased to learn of the little lie I'd thrown
in, and yet it would probably not matter all too much. After all, it was just a
dinner.

"Okay, you're in luck. We had a few more tables open for the special
offer. Would you like to be indoors or outdoors?" she asked.

Eric rushed beside me a few minutes later, smiling at me. "What did
I miss?"

I shrugged. "Nothing. You look dapper by the way. Indoors or

outdoors?"

Eric nodded, flashing me an odd expression. "You too, dude."

Alicia was smiling excessively brightly. "So."

"Eric, indoors or outdoors?" I repeated, looking at him expectantly.

"Indoors. It's cold as hell outside," he replied.

I had to agree. It was getting a bit chilly. I turned back to Alicia,

and god, her smile was really beginning to get to me.Eric just rolled his eyes,
turning and giving the woman before us an odd expression when she started quite
literally cooing in adoration.

"So adorable," she swooned. "Come this way. Let me take you to your
table."

I scratched the back of my head, clearing my throat as Eric flashed

me a questioning glance. "What the hell was that?" he asked obliviously.

I sighed. "Tables were full."

He frowned. "How are we getting seated then?"

I just pulled him along, groaning at the idea of explaining that I'd
pretended we were a couple just to get a table. It was just, it had been important.
If anything, it had been almost a necessity. The food here was actually quite
delicious! Passing it up just hadn't been an option.

Eric had never eaten here. Who was I to deprive him of that?

I stopped abruptly as Alicia signaled to our table, lowering the menus

for the two-seater table and slowly walking away. There was a lit candle in the
middle of the table. I couldn't take my eyes off the damn sign that specified that
we were in a romantic date no matter how hard I tried.

"There are roses on the table. Is there something you want to tell me?"
he asked, sitting down on his seat while I merely stared at the candle, hoping for
it to disintegrate.

"Shawn," he pressed.
 "Nothing," I replied, finally sitting down and snuffing out the candle
with my thumb and index finger. The last thing I needed was another reminder of the
stupid lie right in front of my face for the rest of the night. Eric raised an
eyebrow at my vicious murdering of the candle, but I didn't bother with
explanations.

"Why is everyone so-" Eric cut himself off, gazing across the room at a
couple that were quite literally sucking each other's faces off in the middle of
their dinner.

I sighed. Perhaps I hadn't thought this out properly.

"The only tables they had available were for the-"

"So, are you two lovebirds ready to order?" Alicia beamed at us as she
approached the table. "We have some special offers on wines and liquors for the
couple's!"

Eric deadpanned, turning to glare at me with such intensity that I had

to avert my eyes. Yeah, this had definitely been a mistake. However, by the time I
had turned back to look his way he had a smile on his face that was locking with
Alicia's own creepily bright one.

"Oh yeah. We'll take a bottle of your most expensive wine, thanks."

I nodded. Okay, perhaps I deserved that.

-Eric-

"Let me get this straight... are we not for tonight?" I joked, cracking
a smirk when Shawn scoffed at my cleverly executed pun. He waved me off as Alicia
approached with a bottle of wine and set it on the table.

"Are you two ready to order?" she asked.

Shawn didn't look very comfortable, and so I took the chance and
reached out, setting my hand over his and biting down the laugh that threatened to
erupt as his eyes widened in surprise. "Shawn-y pooh... you ready to order?"

His face was bright red, probably from the anger of being unable to
shrug me off. I wanted to comment on how his face matched the velvet rug beneath
our feet or even the napkins that were laying on top of our white tablecloth, but I
didn't.

He narrowed his eyes, shaking his head. I noticed his fingers patting
over a specific dish. "I'll have the Bistecca alla fiorentina and Eric will have
the-"

"Steak," I cut him off, glancing at the picture while smirking.

"Could've just said steak, honey."

Shawn's jaw clenched at the term of endearment, causing a chuckle to

escape past my shut lips. Lucky for him, I didn't truly mind the off instance in
which he'd put both of us in by pretending we were a couple. I opened the menu,
gazing down at it... All I really wanted at this point was pizza. To make matters
worse, I had no clue what half of the names meant.

"I'll just get some pizza," I replied.

 The grumpy man in front of me looked irritated, and yet he allowed it.
I chuckled as our server walked away and finally yanked his hand away from mine. I
scoffed in hyperbolized offense; it was totally his fault for setting it in the
middle of the table as if he was waiting for someone to hold it. He rolled his
eyes.

"Did you honestly just order pizza?" he asked.

I shrugged, wrapping my fingers along the neck of the bottle and gazing
at it expectantly. Shawn didn't even flinch as I opened it. Either he was well at
hiding how much it hurt to waste so much money on an alcoholic drink or he honestly
had enough money to refrain from giving a damn. I opened it, sighing in
appreciation as he took it from my hand, poured me half a glass, and then proceeded
to pour some for himself.

"I really hope that she's not expecting us to kiss," I mumbled against
the glass. She seemed oddly excited about us being here as a couple, which only
made me believe that she was hoping to see some heavy PDA, which was just... not
happening.

"I wouldn't put it past her," Shawn replied while taking a large swing
of his glass.

He downed it rather quickly before serving himself some more. I

chuckled at his troubled expression, not bothering to stop him yet. I would if I
noticed him getting a bit ahead of himself.

It was rather difficult not to stare around us. Truly, they were
couples. Sickeningly affectionate and shamelessly loving couples. I sighed, shaking
my head at Shawn. What had he been thinking? I was still trying to get the stupid
morning out of my mind and now this. It was as if he was purposefully messing with
my head, aware of how much chaos he was causing within my mind.

I noticed the gaze from the corner of my eyes and tensed up

immediately. Alicia approached us again, setting a woven basket full of freshly
baked bread on the center of the table, smiling sweetly at us.

"You two are just adorable. Truly. It's so nice to see true love,
especially when we've gotten men pretending to be a couple just to get food here.
That would be so awful, wouldn't it?" she asked.

My eyes widened and I reached out, tugging at Shawn's hand until he was
grabbing mine. He looked equally shaken up, his shoulders tensing as if he was
expecting for sirens to go off and the police to enter and escort us out for
something so silly.

"Of course," I replied between clenched teeth. "So, how long until our
food arrives?"

"I'll be back with your orders soon," she assured me.

"Could I have a cup of ice?" Shawn asked, probably to distract her

while I got a grip on myself.

She nodded before walking away in the general direction of the

restaurant's kitchen.

"She knows," Shawn hissed at me, tightening his grip on my hand. It

forced a yelp out of me.
 "No need to kill my circulation," I snapped back quietly. "Besides,
what can she do? Kill us?"

Shawn glared at me. "The embarrassment of being escorted out of here

will be enough to drive me to kill you," he promised, although I could see the
lightness of his threat along his eyes and in how his grip on my hand was
softening.

"What do you suggest?" I asked. "Because I'm not sure I know how to
convince her that we're-"

I tensed as he leaned forward and froze as soon as his lips met mine.
At first, I stared ahead in shock, but the cup of ice lowering onto the table
forced me to shut my eyes and relax against Shawn's lips, against the hand that
he'd pressed firmly against my neck in order to pull me closer.

I didn't even pay too much attention to the screeching of the seat as
Shawn moved it back while he leaned over to get a better grip on me. His lips moved
sensually against mine, roughly controlling the pace for what seemed like hours and
yet was only a few measly seconds.

Shawn licked his lips as he pulled away, lifting his gaze back to
Alicia, who was staring at us with stars in her eyes. She was gripping at the
random menu's she'd grabbed from our table and was clutching them against her
chest. Okay, she was definitely too excited about a kiss that didn't even involve
her.

"You two are just the cutest," she swooned before walking away,
stumbling a bit.

I cleared my throat, wiping at my mouth awkwardly while Shawn remained

silent.

"You think that was enough to convince her?" he asked, raising his gaze
to meet mine shyly.

"Enough to convince me," I murmured back in a daze.

"What?" He frowned.

"Yeah, I think so," I replied, raising my voice.

Shawn scratched the back of his head, reaching out to place his hands
over mine once more, this time softly.

"In case she comes back," he murmured, shrugging.

"Yeah, okay," I said, averting my gaze. "She's not here though."

Shawn pulled it away, awkwardly placing it on his leg while he glanced

around the crowded restaurant. I didn't quite know what else to say, and so I
remained quiet until I saw Alicia approaching with the food.

"Put it on me," I murmured under my breath.

Shawn blinked. "What?"

I cleared my throat, catching my odd wording. "Put your hand somewhere

on me... quick. He immediately placed his hand on my arm, softly caressing up and
down my arm while she approached and started placing the steaming plates down.

I shivered under Shawn's affectionate touch, focusing on the food in

front of me rather than the patterned movement.

Surely, things couldn't get any weirder.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider leaving a vote and a comment if you
enjoyed the chapter. I've been very sick this week, but I couldn't not update on
time! Thank you for all the support. Office Love passed 400k views. Whoa, thanks!
Make sure to check out Gym Love and Fleeting Love, the other stories that make up
the Awkward Love Series!

-Hec

Ch. 21: Get on Your Knees

Office Love: Chapter 21: Get on Your Knees

A/N: I'm seriously pushing the envelope with this title... oh well.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I gazed down at the plate before raising my gaze back up to Shawn's

cheeky expression. Alicia was no longer close to us, and yet he was now rubbing a
circled pattern across my arm. I cleared my throat, awkward glancing down at the
exchange, but not telling him to back away.

He did anyways though, coughing and flashing me an uncomfortable

expression. I felt the same, or perhaps even more uncomfortable.

"Don't you think we should question whether it was truly worth it?" I
asked aloud, making sure my voice was low enough to refrain from being over-heard.

Shawn shrugged. "Does it matter... truly? I mean, you were the one who
ordered the pizza."

I narrowed my eyes, gazing at his oddly shaped steak and making a move
to take a piece of my pizza. I stopped halfway though, staring at the platter and
noticing just how big it was. It was almost the size of a whole pizza, which was
truly ridiculous considering it would've just been easier to order one from some
pizza place in that case.

"You're not truly going to eat that, right?" I asked, gazing at his
meat mountain-style pile.

He narrowed his eyes. "I like trying new food."

"You've never tried it before?" I asked, chuckling under my breath. "Is

that why you butchered the name so badly?"

Shawn didn't even bother replying to me. Instead, he raised his chin,
staring off proudly while cutting himself a piece of the steak and stubbornly
sticking it into his mouth. I waited patiently, grinning when I noticed him flinch.

"You don't like it," I teased.

He scoffed. "I do."

"Take another bite then," I stated and watched as he shook his head,
lowering his fork and instead grabbing his glass, downing it in one go. I would
have to put a filter on him at some point to avoid a drunk Shawn. That was the last
thing I needed, a drunk angry man-child.

I grabbed a slice of my pizza, jolting when Shawn widened his eyes. I

gave him a questioning glance before biting into the piece anyways.

"You're supposed to eat with the utensils, you absolute child."

I scoffed at the insult, lowering the pizza and growling under my

breath. Why was he being anal about it anyways? I didn't like this side of him at
all, it reminded me too much of the old Shawn, the one I've had the pleasure to
meet before he warmed up to me.

He was glaring at me, his glare incessant now.

"You want a piece don't you?" I asked, cracking a smile as his eyes
softened.

Yeah, man-child.

-Shawn-

"You didn't have to..." I murmured under my breath as he cut his large
pizza into two and pushed his plate further into the table, moving the stupid
candle in the process.

"You have to eat it with your hands though," he ordered. "Either that,
or you get nothing."

I glanced around, staring at the rows and rows of couples and seeing
them eating so appropriately. Then, I brought my gaze back to Eric, where he was
picking up the pizza slice once more, and quite literally chomping it down in two
bites.

Truly, he was nothing but an immature little brat. I turned to look

both ways, making sure nobody was looking at me before reaching down and picking up
a small slice and biting it.

I couldn't help but smile. It wasn't too bad.

My phone began ringing just then, alerting me of a message.

I glanced down at this, realizing it was from a blocked number. It was

probably a client. I didn't really think much of it. They always called me out of
nowhere sometimes, probably just to bother me with inquiries that they should've
made sure to ask about during working hours.

I didn't answer it. Instead, I reached out and sent it to voice-mail; I

was too entertained with the night to speak with whoever it happened to be. We
could just talk tomorrow anyways, when I was back in my office.
 Eric was happily eating the rest of his pizza, releasing small little
moans of pleasure as he savored the bite.

"This is so good," he moaned and I gulped down, nodding awkwardly

because... did he knew how uncomfortable sexual those sounded? Did he have any idea
what kind of visuals those noises seemed to link to and that they were certainly
not linked to eating?

Perhaps it was just my mind being dirty, but they were a bit too
charged to belong to someone enjoying food.

Then, I received a text message. I glared at the phone, noticing that

once again, it was from the blocked number. I picked my phone up, opening it before
noticing the link to a video. I sighed, rubbing my forehead.

Was Meghan pranking me again? She did that sometimes.

I opened it, glaring as the video showed an empty road ahead.

"You look like you're watching a funeral," Eric noted.

I shrugged, unaware of exactly what it was. Instead, I began focusing

on the stupid screen as a car appeared and began making its way down the road. It
was black. Then, out of nowhere, the horrifying face of a deranged woman appeared
right in front of the screen, face pale and eyes a fearful bloodshot red. It
screamed out through the tiny speakers.

It was loud enough to make me jolt.

My phone slipped from my hand almost immediately, which prompted me to

yelp as it crashed down on the velvet rug.

Eric burst into laughter, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Someone pranked you?" he asked, stifling a laugh and chuckling in his

seat.

"Apparently," I growled, lowering down onto the floor and growling when
I realized the phone had fallen down onto the floor. I kneeled down from the seat
picking it up and inspecting it. At least it was perfectly unbroken.

When I raised my eyes, back up I noticed the commotion occurring behind

Eric almost immediately.

Alicia was approaching our table, a rather medium group of employees

approaching as well. I frowned, watching as they slowly passed table by table as
they slowly approached, excusing themselves and making their way directly towards
us.

I just stayed kneeling there, shocked because she was literally staring
at me.

"I think she knows," I hissed under my breath.

Eric turned to face the crowd before turning back to me, staring at me
with wide eyes. He nodded, glaring at me and mouthing this is your fault. He was
right, of course, but that didn't really help at this point.
 She only stopped once she was in front of us, smiling almost too widely
as if she knew something I didn't.

"Today is a very important day," she began, grabbing the glass from the
table before raising it.

I stared at her, slowly raising myself before she shook her head.

"Oh no, Romeo... You can stay there, ready..."

I didn't get it. I didn't get it until Eric paled.

"Wait..."

By that point, it was excessively late. Alicia had already turned

around to face the crowd. "This wonderful man here just asked the love of his
life..." she glanced down at a piece of paper, clearly reading from it. "...to
marry him. This is the sign of his love!"

The clapping began almost immediately, and Eric just sat there, pale
and seemingly unsure of what was occurring. I stood up in a daze, shaking my head.

"We're not getting married," I announced, shaking my head still because

I didn't know what else to do with myself. "We're not..."

She raised an eyebrow, tilting her head. "Mr. Anderson?"

I passed my hand through my hair, sighing in annoyance as the clapping

continued. Eric stood up as well. He turned to face me. "Anderson?"

By that point, the crowd was dividedly yelling for us to kiss and I
wanted to sock every single person present upside the head with no sort of
restraint. I didn't though, because that would be rude.

This time, Eric leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss against my jaw
before immediately backing away. He'd very clearly missed my mouth, and so the
crowd didn't falter in its awful commanding cheer.

He groaned under his breath, stomping his foot and leaning in once more
when we heard the voice of a young man trying to get everyone's attention.

Then, a man from two tables down raised his hand, awkwardly trying to
get Alicia's attention by yelling aloud, "That would be us!"

I growled under my breath, slumping back down onto my seat as Eric let
out a sigh of relief. Alicia opened her mouth to say something, and then closed it
back again, shaking her head and giving me a weak guilt-drowned chuckle. "Oh."

"Yeah, oh," I growled back as she took small steps back and turned back
around to rush towards the right table.

Eric was less pale now, but I could see his hands were still shaking a
bit. I glared at Alicia as she reached the couple, and lucky for them, the wife was
actually laughing so hard she was in tears, slamming her hand against the table as
she tried to calm down. Another female that seemed to excited about the idea of
Eric and I kissing. How did that even make sense?

""At least she's taking it well," Eric tried, scratching the back of
his head.
 I nodded, shrugging uncaringly. "That was so stupid.

"That was horrifying, to be honest," he chuckled. "We're so not there

yet, huh Shawny Pooh?"

I burst out into laughter at his clear joke, shaking my head in

disbelief. How could he joke at a time like this? I'd almost had a heart attack
from the shock and he was calm enough to crack a joke.

"That nickname is annoying," I warned him.

His shoulders began shaking as he burst into laughter out of absolutely

nowhere. I stared ahead in shock, watching as he leaned back against his seat and
clutched his stomach, throwing his head back.

"It wasn't that funny!" I glowered.

He nodded. "They confused us for an engaged couple!"

I grumbled under my breath, biting my bottom lip to keep the smile at

bay.

-Alicia-

"I'm so sorry, truly!" I apologized once more at the table before me.
"I swear, that was so awful of me. I don't know why I just assumed it was you!"

Shawn, as I'd heard the younger man call him, shrugged, chuckling.
"It's okay."

I shook my head. "It isn't. Oh, it totally isn't. I'm so sorry about
that, truly."

Eric, the other one, was still laughing, so I felt at least a bit
better about the situation. He was eyeing at the dessert catalog, clearly
unsatisfied by his meal. He'd shared it with Shawn. God, how adorable were they? I
resisted the urge to gush about it aloud, instead pacing around a bit before
walking away. I'd apologized, and that was all I could truly do.

"Could we get a cheesecake?" I overheard Eric asking.

"No," Shawn replied gruffly.

Yet, a few seconds later Shawn had his hand raised to get my attention.
I smiled down at them, approaching their table once more. "Is there anything I can
get you?"

"Two cheesecakes," Shawn muttered under his breath, while Eric smiled
triumphantly. "Get them to go and please bring the bill already."

"I want to eat it here though..."

"Eric, it's getting late."

I had to close my eyes and take a deep breath to keep from squealing,
but I did it. I nodded my head and walked away to get the cheesecakes Eric had
somehow convinced Shawn to get him.
-------

I smile down at my clipboard, humming along as I watched them exit the

restaurant. Then, I immediately walked to the back of the restaurant, a dozen or so
tables from where Shawn and Eric had been and sat down, smiling at the girl in
front.

"That was such a mean prank," I chastised Jacqueline, even as I smirked

myself. "How did you even find the time to get that couple to pretend they were
getting engaged?

Jacqueline rolled her eyes, shrugging. "I have contacts. Besides, I'm
so not the evil one here since you were the one that added the bit about the
couple's night. What the hell is couple's night anyways?"

I shrugged, unaware of why it had been so simple to convince Shawn by

just posting the sign and a candle some tables around, when he was supposed to be a
semi-regular here. The man was certainly clueless.

"He cut the magazine subscription to the office," she explained.

"Besides, seeing him uncomfortable makes me happy."

I giggled, shaking my head as she took a healthy bite of the apple pie
she was eating.

"Are you sure they're not dating, Jacqueline? I mean, come on, they
look like they're dating."

Either they were dating, or I was wrong about life.

Jacqueline let out a weary sigh, before finishing the bite of pie she
had in her mouth. She pointed the fork in the general direction of the door that
they'd left through just a few minutes ago. "Oh cousin, they're not dating... yet."

I sighed. "Why were they having dinner then?"

Jacqueline narrowed her eyes, cutting another piece of her pie and
cracking a smile. "Well, that's because Shawn's daughter Meghan is rudely
blackmailing Eric and making him distract Shawn, of course."

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider leaving a vote, a comment, and perhaps
a follow. The video attached is of the scary video Shawn watches! Oh and you have
no idea just how much your support means to me. I appreciate it and you very
dearly. <3

-Hec

Ch. 22: Karma is a Dick

Office Love: Chapter 22: Karma is a Dick

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

The start of my worries didn't even had to do with the fact that I'd
been lying while manipulating someone who counted me as his friend, and even more
so his boss. No, the real problem came in that I could feel so vividly the way my
heart began racing when he spoke.

I glanced across the car, groggily attempting to make light of what was
happening. I watched Shawn's calm expression and chuckled at how uncomfortable he
appeared to be. Yeah, sleeping in a car was one of the most uncomfortable things.

How had he even fallen asleep? The last thing I remembered was us
driving down the road and then him pulling over randomly when we realized we'd had
alcohol and he wasn't supposed to be driving.

"Wasn't I supposed to stop and wait until I sobered up a bit?" Shawn

asked, smiling at me through drowsily blinking eyes.

I shrugged. "I honestly think I fell asleep before you."

I was so close to making a joke about us falling asleep too quickly in

random situations, but then I realized how little I actually wanted to bring
attention to the incident we'd experienced while his bed... of the kiss.

"Meghan is going to be raging for not making it home," he sighed,

growling under his breath. "She'll never let me hear the end of it, about being an
awful dad."

My mouth opened, but I closed it when I realized I didn't know what to

say, unsure if she would have the audacity to do something like that after the
stunt that she had pulled this time by blackmailing me into distracting him while
she threw a damn party.

Perhaps she did. I wouldn't put it past her to do something so

annoyingly hypocritical.

"Do you usually stay out?" I asked, blurting it out before I realized
just how inappropriate the question actually sounded. I was implying he screwed
around. Everything I was doing was inappropriate. Hell, even the dinner had been
rather unprofessional.

I needed to pull my act together.

"I almost never do," he replied, just as I said. "Wait, you don't have
to answer that!"

He shrugged, as if it didn't matter. It did though. I was giving myself

attributions.

"It wasn't my place to ask."

Shawn stared ahead, glaring at the parking ticket we had on the

windshield of the car now. The cop hadn't even bothered to wake us up. No, he'd
just shoved it there apparently. I didn't miss Shawn's expression of pure
irritation at the piece of paper.

"Oh, look! Just got another one," Shawn mumbled bitterly. "I seem to
think these are collective cards and have to collect them all or something."

Then, he turned towards me, taking a deep weary breath. His age was
almost too clear right now, the roughness in the way of his face was almost too
present, the few grey hairs sticking out in the blurry dim light of the early
morning.
 "I don't mind it," he stated. "I mean, it surely makes it easy to tell
how pathetic my love life is, but whatever."

I didn't really know how to reply. Shawn was in distress, or at least

burned out, but my mind just couldn't formulate the right words to comfort him. All
I could remember was that I'd kissed him for some reason, and nothing else came to
mind.

"It's not pathetic, Shawn."

Shawn grumbled under his breath. "I'm sorry. This is not appropriate
work behavior at all."

I had to agree, even if casually chatting with him seemed so natural

and pleasing. I didn't know exactly how to phrase the feeling I felt within my
chest, the send of comfortable tranquility and yet beating pulse.

"We're friends too... remember?" I reminded him. "Besides, we're not

even in the office right now, Shawn."

Shawn seemed more at peace, his body relaxing against the seat. It was
simply bizarre how normal he was in reality, how kind he was underneath his
stubbornly aggressive protective fatherly exterior. He was funny... and intriguing.

I hadn't noticed it before, perhaps because of my own distractions, but

he had nice eyes. They were such a dazzling shade of blue. Was it hot in this car
or was it the sun hitting the car? No, it was too early for the sun to be hitting
the car so strongly.

"What?" he asked curiously. "Why are you staring at me?"

I shrugged, maintaining eye contact, my gaze fixated on him. I also

noticed, perhaps not for the first time, the he wasn't half good looking.

"Your eyes are so... I don't know, nice."

Shawn furrowed his eyebrows, shrugging. "They're just whatever."

They might have been whatever to him, and yet they were so much more.
They were piercing right though me.

I leaned closer, shivering when I felt his warm breath hitting my face
in soft puffs. I took shaky breath of my own, trying to come up with something to
say. "I think you're a great father," I finally said.

Shawn grinned appreciatively. "Thank you. Seriously, that actually

makes me feel a whole lot better."

I didn't really think about what it meant to lean forward or that

perhaps he would hate me for it. I only leaned closer to him, crashing my lips and
lazily moving them against his. I wanted to taste him. I needed to feel myself
wrapped in his arms if only for a second more.

It lasted a few seconds, and yet it was like nothing I'd expected.
Perhaps I'd assumed he would kiss me back. I had hoped and assumed he would kiss me
back and perhaps even pull me closer. He didn't. Instead, he froze, lifting his
hand and settling it on my chest.
 I thought he would perhaps pull me closer then. Grab a handful of my
shirt and tug me against him... anything. He didn't. Shawn softly pushed me away,
frowning uncomfortably and not truly seeming as if he enjoyed it. I'd enjoyed it,
but he looked in distress.

Why?

I blinked, trying to make sense of it. This, I was definitely conscious

for... and yet I couldn't help it.

"You said you didn't like me," Shawn stated. I winced upon hearing the
glint of accusation in his voice.

"I thought..." I began before shutting right back up. I couldn't even
explain how confused I felt without specifying how I had lied to him about being
gay before...

Had I been lying to myself? Was I?

"What did you think?" he asked, scrunching up his eyebrows further,

looking troubled.

"You kissed me yesterday," I replied dumbly, unsure of how to phrase it

without sounding like a vulnerable little boy. I hadn't assumed it would affect me
like this.

"That had been for show, Eric."

I nodded in agreement; I knew that.

Ugh, did I actually though?

"I really didn't know-" I muttered to myself, stopping midway and

getting out of the car, stepping off. "I'm sorry. I need to go."

Shawn wasn't even looking at me. Instead, he was glaring at the

windshield, not even paying attention to me in the least. I was taking steps back
when he took a deep breath and gave me an apprehensive look. "Eric... just wait a
second..."

Of course, I didn't listen. I broke into a fast run, bolting down the
street like some immature brat and not stopping until I was at the bus stop. There,
I waited for the bus to take me back to my dorm.

My heart was pounding painfully against my chest, the idea of him

sending me into a frenzy.

-------

My face was burning hot, sweat pouring from my body in buckets. I

blamed it on the sun even if it was actually nerves. I felt so dizzy. Hell, I
couldn't think straight.

That was an awful pun...

And yet, my mind kept drifting back to Shawn and his stupidly rough
lips, the kind that should have turned me off but didn't in the least. His hard
features and rough hands should've been unattractive, and yet all I found was
excitement within them.
 Even the scruff grazing against my skin hadn't actually been an
unwanted feeling. It had been arousing.

I raked my head through my hair, growling in frustration as I finally

made it to my dorm. If he didn't fire me because of the stupid lie regarding his
daughter and me at that party or even his daughter's self-thrown party, then he
would certainly fire me for coming onto him like some fool.

That hadn't even been my intention. Oh no, kissing him had never been
the plan, and much less enjoying it.

I stumbled through the halls, desperately trying to find my way back to

my dorm so I could sleep it off and forget it had even happened and everything
would be fine. I only stopped once I was in front of the door. There, I lay my head
against the door for a few seconds, taking in deep breaths. I was so close to my
loving bed.

I unlocked the door and walked in, slumping wearily just to find Mason
on top of Bennett, both of them quite literally naked and groping each other on the
bed.

I screamed.

In front of me, I could see exactly what a hot sexual encounter looked
like, and I honestly had to tear my eyes away. I gulped down, gripping the keys
tightly in my hands and releasing a shaky breath. I hadn't signed up for this.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Mason covering

"Lock the door next time!" I stammered, trying my hardest to avoid my

gaze from the scene as a whole. Mason simply rolled his eyes. "We did!"

I gasped, staring at the keys in my hand and realizing that he was

right. I'd literally just unlocked it too. I was losing it. I was losing my mind
over this stupid ordeal with Shawn. Why couldn't I just forget about it?

"You're right," I muttered pathetically, trying to remain calm myself.

My eyes were dead set on the ground while Mason tried to coax Bennett
into relaxing, but the poor boy refused to speak. Last that I'd seen he was
covering his face with a pillow and everything. I didn't blame him... he was so
damn shy and I'd just gone and barged in on him during a private moment. No matter
how it hadn't been intentional, I could almost feel his embarrassment.

They bickered a bit more, but for the most part I just turned it out.

I turned away from them to face the wall when I heard the bed creaking.
When I turned around, Bennett was still hiding and Mason was changing. I sighed in
relief, a relief that died as soon as Mason frowned at me.

"Why are you even here?" he asked incredulously. "You're never even
here anymore!"

Honestly, I didn't even know. He was so right. I was spending next to

no time here nowadays, and if I did sleep here during the night I was gone before
he even had the time to talk with me the following morning. Why was my life such a
mess?
 "I've been busy," I protested, refusing to look at either of them
directly. "I have a life you know?"

Then, I felt Mason shoving me out the door, growling under his breath
about me being a cock-blocker, but I didn't even have the will to respond.

-------

I didn't bother saying anything until we were already outside of the

coffee shop. I couldn't.

"I need to tell you something..." I whispered, but he didn't seem to

hear me at all. He inched closer.

"What?" he asked curiously.

I thought about it, if I wanted to tell him. I did, and yet I really
didn't want to say anything. The emotions felt so new, even if they'd probably been
there for a long time now. I couldn't help the rush of nerves, however, as they
coursed through my entire being.

"I kissed Shawn," I blurted out, immediately holding in my breath as if

I'd just told him all my sinful secrets and would face execution because of them.

Mason didn't respond at first. In fact, he froze, staring at me in

confusion. He looked uncertain, as if I was pulling a prank. I wasn't.

The night last night, that night at his house... everything was just
piling up in my mind. I couldn't even shove it from the forefront of my mind, the
signals getting mixed in my mind when I thought back to how willingly he kissed me
last night... how tentatively and passionate.

If it had been all for show, then I fucking needed to see this play
because it was eating me alive to not be in the loop.

"You kissed?" he asked, flabbergasted.

"Several times," I groaned. Oh god, this was so surreal. "Mason, help

me! What do I do?"

"How?" Mason asked. "How did that even happen? How does someone just
kiss someone else several times casually?"

"By kissing him!" I snapped back angrily, probably out of spite because
he was certainly not making me feel better. I felt worse, so un-Phaeric-like.

"Did you... like... enjoy it?"

I felt my heart stop.

"I really did, Mason. I seriously did. How didn't I know this about my
fucking self? Am I stupid? Tell me... am I being stupid?"

Mason shook his head, shaking my shoulder roughly as if trying to bring

me back to reality. I didn't know where I was anymore... my mind somewhere else.

"You're just slow," he joked, before pulling me into a tight embrace.

"I'd really love to stick around and have a bro day, but I need to do something for
my parents."
 My heart sunk. He had a life. I hadn't even asked him to stick around
but it would've been amazing. But no, I just had to suck it up and stop freaking
out for no reason.

"Tomorrow?" I asked, hoping and praying that he would just say yes.

He didn't. He shook his head.

"I have to take care of Emma all week," he lamented, and I wanted to do
something angry like try and flip over a car. Nothing good ever happened when Emma
was involved. Then, I realized what he'd said... like, actually processed it.

I clutched at my chest, gasping in fear. Oh no, Emma was just the

weirdest!"

I pouted. "It's like we never see each other anymore!"

Why was it that Mason was not there when I truly needed him the most?
Was I just bad at picking my moments? The last thing I wanted was to spend the
weekend alone.

"You seem to be getting cozy with him though," my dear beloved friend
who happened to be an asshole, mocked.

I would've laughed... except no.

I narrowed my eyes, pulling at my hair briefly. Shawn was literally

going to be the death of me.

"Oh, shut up!" I retorted, rolling my eyes.

"So... you're into dicks-dudes. Whoa, I meant to say dudes, I swear!"

I didn't laugh, not even a bit. He was laughing, even if he also seemed
completely freaked out by the idea and was trying to process it in his mind and
deal with it by cracking jokes.

"Are you sure you just weren't drunk?" he tried, looking as conflicted
as I felt.

"I shook my head, glaring down at the ground once more simply because I
couldn't face to say it while looking at someone... anyone. All this time I'd been
using it as an excuse with Shawn and lying. Oh, Karma was such a bitch sometimes.
Who would've thought I would discover this about myself while lying about this same
topic?

"I think I'm gay," I confessed.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you so much for reading, love. Please consider voting and commenting if
you enjoyed the chapter. Oh yeah, make sure to add the story to your library so you
get notifications when I update it! In addition, whoa, 500k views. That's so
amazing. Thanks!
-Hec

Ch. 23: Phaeric

Office Love: Chapter 23: Phaeric

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Shawn-

I gripped the wheel tightly, taking deep breaths as I tried to relax.

My attempts were all in vain. Everything in my mind was telling me to freak out,
but I remained calm and composed even as I knew exactly what was happening.

I couldn't even finish parking into my driveway without seeing the

effects of a party around my house's front porch. It was almost too obvious, as if
Meghan hadn't even tried to hide it.

Of course, I should've known that she'd throw a party when she didn't
start harassing me about "taking so damn freaking long!" on the phone last night.

I should've known that something like this could and would happen,
especially since she was Meghan and Meghan almost never made things easy. I cursed
under my breath, noticing the broken plates by the mowed grass and a line of
stacked beer bottles along the side of the porch.

From the corner of my eye I could almost see someone literally passed
out on my lawn, but I just ignored it, too stressed out to worry about whatever
that was about.

"Meghan," I growled, or rather lamented while turning off the engine

and getting out of the car. My vision was a blurry deep red as I stormed into my
house, stepping over broken furniture and some underwear just randomly laying
there. I'd never felt so disappointed in her.

I had to step back as soon as I entered the room, cringing as I took in

just how much damage she'd managed to cause in such a short amount of time. It was
horrible. One would assume that at most they would break a vase or maybe stain the
carpet. No, my daughter always had a way of going beyond expectations when it came
to defying me.

"Why is my chandelier on the floor?" I screamed at some random passed

out teenage girl that just so happened to be sprawled across my beautiful black
leather sofa seats. How dare her.

"Mr. Briggs?" she asked groggily, lifting her head briefly before
slamming it back against the surface of my drooled-over sofa. I sighed.

I recognized her as well. She was one of Meghan's close friends, the
one she refused to stop calling at every single hour of the day.

"Why?" I questioned her before taking off my suit jacket and covering
her; she was literally half-naked and probably hung-over as well.

"Daddy?" a disembodied voice asked and I turned to face my daughter,

bed hair and all. I shook my head, flashing a disappointed expression.

"Are you serious?" I asked, watching her squirm from the steps. That
was when I noticed a couple passed out on the steps of the stairs a bit farther up
the steps. They were laying on top of each other like corpses, the only indication
of them even being alive being their little occasional grunts of discomfort.

"I'm really-"

I shook my head, shutting her off with a glare. "I want them all
gone... now!"

Meghan nodded her head once, rushing up the stairs to get God-Knows how
many people that were sleeping on my property. I ran a hand through my hair,
releasing a shaky breath. I'd wanted to believe that she would stop acting out, but
it was starting to seem like that would never happen.

I opened my mouth to scream for her to hurry up when my phone began to

vibrate. I took it out of my pocket unwillingly, grunting in annoyance as I
answered and pressed the device against my ear.

"Hello, this is Shawn Briggs speaking," I greeted. "Attorney. Who do I

have the pleasure of speaking with?"

"Adam Greed. I'm calling in regards to setting a meeting to discuss

having you represent Curtis Stone?"

Saturday morning of all days. Who called on a Saturday morning anyways?

My eyes bulged when I saw the people walking down the stairway all eyeing me
curiously through drowsy expressions. I didn't even have the tolerance to comment
on the awful scene before me as literally more than a dozen hung-over teenagers
stumbled out of my house.

Instead, I walked towards the back, avoiding looking at anything and

everything. It was all a disaster; dirty dishes had all piled up, the faucet was
literally open, and the table was literally upside down. How did that even happen?
Who flipped over a glass table?

I escaped through the back door before I lost my cool and snapped at
all the people leaving.

"A pleasure," I replied before clasping a hand over my mouth. The pool
was tinted a deep color fuchsia.

"So, I'd love to meet up with you as soon as possible to discuss our
options," Adam stated through the phone.

I agreed, aware of the arising headlines. I'd kept a tab on them over
the past few days. For now, the kid was keeping out of trouble, but we needed to
reach some kind of agreement in regards to his public standing. It was falling
apart. The singer needed an advisor of some sort.

"I can arrange a schedule for Monday morning. How does that sound?" I
offered.

The man paused for a second, taking a moment, and then saying a few
words away from the phone. I couldn't make them out but I could tell he was
speaking to a group of people, perhaps his management.

"I'm sorry Mr. Briggs but I'm afraid today is the only available date
in which we can meet. See, Curtis requested to be present for the meeting and his
string of shows across Australia begins tomorrow, so you see, he won't be back for
some time after today."

I glared at the pink pool, taking a deep breath. Okay, I could make
this work... somehow.

"Okay, fine," I said. "How does today at midday sound?" I asked, hoping
he would at least agree to a few hours.

The man paused again before agreeing. I hung up soon after that, saying
a rushed goodbye and letting the bittersweet sense of victory rush through me. I'd
gotten a meeting, but that meant very little. Now, I had to also deal with Meghan's
little party as well.

I called Jacqueline as I neared the house, growling under my breath

when she didn't answer. I needed someone to stay with Meghan. Clearly, she couldn't
be trusted.

-Eric-

It wasn't until I we'd gotten back to the dorm that he even questioned
my attire. I rolled my eyes at Mason's late revelation, unfazed by his slowness; it
was sort of habit by now.

"You're wearing a suit," he noted, astonished.

"You're honestly so fucking clueless it physically hurts me, Mason."

Mason shrugged, not very ashamed or interested in what I was stating. I

wanted to tear myself out of Shawn's suit then, suddenly noticing how odd it was to
be wearing his clothes. I could smell his stupid cologne on the fabric and it was
honestly distracting.

I was a good friend and waited in the parking lot as Mason coaxed
Bennett into calming down. I didn't want to be present for whatever they were going
to do, no matter my sexuality. Ultimately, I finally obtained the right to enter my
own room and hop on my bed when Mason sent a text saying they were gone from there.

Even after I was laying down on my bed, nothing clear would come to
mind. I couldn't shake the hurt out of my bones and snuff out the glint of
resentment I held in the back of my mind over his blunt rejection. I'd never felt
so vulnerable before, and he'd just shot me down.

-------

My phone began ringing.

Until that moment, I hadn't known of uncertainty to such an extent. How

was I to know that my thoughts would be so full or turmoil based on just his voice
alone? How would've assumed?

I hadn't known, and that seemed to be the problem. If I thought about

it hard enough I could still feel him pushed me away, his whole face shifting to
one of discomfort as he shoved me away even when I'd done the impossible and opened
up to him.

Without even knowing what I felt too well, I'd let him in. For what?
Where had it gotten me in the end? I hadn't counted on him pushing me back at all.
Oh no, that was the last thing I'd assumed would happen.
 The continuation of the vibration brought me back to as my phone ringed
urgently, calling out for me. It forced me to look at anything other than my fluffy
pillow, the one I had been hiding my face with until then. I sat up, reaching
out and grasping at my phone before the call went to voicemail.

Then, I pressed the answer button without considering how little I

wanted to speak with Shawn.

I growled in annoyance, realizing too quickly why answering was

possibly the worst idea. Nothing good could come of it. At best, he would politely
fire me for sexual harassment.

"Hey," I greeted awkwardly. I stared into my phone's small mic, laying

back down on my bed and sighing in annoyance.

Shawn didn't say anything at first and I braced myself for the worst. I
could already hear him scolding me for lacking professionalism and then firing me.

"Eric, I know it's Saturday but I need you to come over," Shawn said,
voice disclosing some panic.

I pulled the phone away from my face, blinking at the incomprehensive

request. What was he even asking of me? Why now? Didn't he understand how awful I
felt or did he just not care?

"Shawn," I mumbled wearily, wanting so badly to hang up on him and go

back to sleep but knowing fully well I couldn't do that. Seeing him would be
torturous, not to mention a horrible idea but...

"Eric, I need you really badly..."

My heart began racing at his words and I had go clear my throat to keep
from saying anything stupid. I knew the chances of him meaning them in the way I
took them for was stupid but I rushed into some proper clothes to wear in public
and rushed out with my shoes in my hands.

"I'll be there in twenty," I assured him, leaning down to slip on a

shoe while holding my phone up by holding it between my shoulder and the side of my
face. I almost fell twice in a matter of seconds, but finally I got both shoes on.

"Just take a taxi, I'll cover it on your paycheck," he assured me

before hanging up. I sighed in frustration, aware of how stupid I was being but
being unable to do anything but accept that I was running to his help just because
he'd asked in a questionable manner.

-------

The first thing I noticed as soon as I approached Shawn's property over

twenty minutes later was that there was some shirtless dude passed out by the
bushes.

I sighed, taking in the scene before me and realizing that Shawn knew
something. He had to know. Meghan hadn't even attempted to cover her tracks.

"I can explain," I began as soon as Meghan's tear-eyed face came into
view and Shawn's yelling became audible. She had probably sold me out by now so all
I could do was try to apologize and beg for forgiveness.

Shawn froze, turning to face me before rolling his eyes. He turned to

snarl at his daughter once more, fuming. "What were you thinking?"

Meghan opened her mouth to reply but Shawn literally growled under his
breath, leaving her speechless. It took me by surprise as well; I'd almost
forgotten that there was such a tough bitter side to him. Even when he'd rejected
me he'd done it so calmly, composed. He definitely didn't seem composed now.

"I didn't think-" she began.

"No shit," he deadpanned, crossing his arms across his chest and
narrowing his eyes.

"I'm going to ground you so much worse than last time, Meghan," Shawn
threatened.

Meghan stomped her foot, whining in protest. "You already took all that
makes me happy! I haven't had a double-shot caramel, whip cream-free frappe in a
week!"

"I'm sending you with grandma for the weekend," he decided.

For a few seconds, there was only a tense silence. It didn't last long.
Meghan blinked, lowering her gaze and then turning to face me for a split second
before the hysterical crying began.

I stood there, frozen to the ground as the bizarre argument unfolded

before my eyes. This family was so... weird.

"She's a bitch, dad!" Meghan retorted. "You can't sent me with her! She
is so rude and, ugh! You ruin my life!"

I gasped, expecting him to get offended. He didn't. Instead, he merely

cocked his head sideways, scoffing.

"A whole week," he stated simply and Meghan's high-pitched screech made
me take a couple of steps back. Something told me that Shawn's mother wasn't
someone to mess with, especially considering that even someone as manipulative and
blackmailing as Meghan would fear being around her.

"I hate you!" she yelled before breaking into a run up to her room.

Shawn finally turned towards me, nodding his head in greeting. "Hey."

"Hey," I replied lamely, setting the awkward tone almost instantly.

A few seconds passed while he rubbed at the bridge of his nose. In

those seconds, I stared at him with fear, afraid of what he was going to tell me.
Why did he need me here anyways?

"Could you please stay here with her until my mother comes and picks
her up, please?" Shawn asked me politely, as if he hadn't just made me come all the
way over here to his house on a weekend. What was I going to do, say no?

I nodded dumbly.

"Is that it?" I asked, pouting. Stupid. Of course, that was it. We
weren't even going to talk about what had happened, apparently.

Shawn's eyebrows knitted together as he frowned. Then, he eyes widened

and his mouth formed into an 'o'. I felt so very stupid.

"Yes," he said oddly tense. "There' nothing else going on at all,

Eric."

I nodded stiffly, gulping down my response in hopes of keeping the last

bit of pride I had left. It was quickly deteriorating into nothing. It was becoming
difficult to breathe.

"Okay," I replied blankly, lowering my gaze. I couldn't look at him

anymore, not with the embarrassment I felt. My cheeks were probably a deep shade of
red as well.

Shawn's gaze on me hardened. I shivered, noticing his hand raising and

resting on my shoulder. "Eric, come out for a second."

I ignored the unintended pun, following him out of onto the porch as he
closed the door behind us and exhaled deeply.

"Are you really going to let things get weird between us?" he asked
softly, voice low.

I shook my head, avoiding his gaze like the plague.

"I won't," I promised. "It's just... I don't know."

Shawn nodded, shrugging before smiling at me. "Don't be too hard on

yourself, okay? It's just a stupid little crush. Trust me, it'll pass, and then
everything will be okay."

Then, his smile widened. He was trying to comfort me... I knew this.
Yet, his smile was making me so uncomfortable. It was as if he hadn't just rejected
me all over again. I tried smiling back, but it faded almost too quickly when I
realized I wasn't being strong... wise, or even almighty.

Phaeric was just gone.

I couldn't feel him.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Guys... the sadness! Please consider leaving a vote and
a comment if you enjoyed the chapter. Oh, and thank you for the amazing support! I
attached a music video to the chapter (Ghost - Ella Henderson).

-Hec

Ch. 24: Craving the Compelling...

Office Love: Chapter 24: Craving the Compelling...

A/N: Really quick. I just wanted to point something out that I've been really
curious about. You do know that Phaeric can't technically die since he's an alter
ego/extension of Eric, right?

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-

He hadn't told me much else before leaving. In fact, he'd patted my

shoulder and dashed soon after, leaving me stunned to the ground with a lump in my
throat and a tightness in my chest.

I turned around, almost robotically, and entered into his house,

glancing around at the sheer amount of trouble that had occurred.

When I glanced up the stairs Meghan was sitting there, staring ahead
angrily.

"Why didn't you just clean up Meghan?" I asked pathetically, sighing

under my breath. Shawn's words kept bouncing around in my head, helplessly trapped
despite my best efforts to ignore them.

Stupid crush. All I was to him was a stupid naïve kid with a crush.

Meghan's approaching footsteps pulled me from my own thoughts, and by

the time, I realized what was happening she was picking a bra off the couch and
then fetching a beer can from the floor.

"Help me; Grandma's going to kill me if she finds the house like this,"
she asked wearily.

"I distracted him just like you asked," I replied. "I hope you know
this isn't my fault."

She blinked before nodding, rubbing at her eyes with the back of her
hand before shrugging. "I was going to clean everything up, but then I passed out."

I nodded. "Were you - safe?"

As inappropriate as the question was and as non-deserving of my worry

as she was, I couldn't help it. She was a brat, and perhaps even sadistic, but in
the end she was just a sixteen year old. She shrugged once more before walking into
the kitchen and I had to restrain myself from barging in after her to ask what that
meant and if I should be worried. It was none of my business after all.

She didn't deserve my help. Hell, she deserved the fury she would face
from her grandmother for being so irresponsible. Nevertheless, I helped, heading
out the door to pick up the lined up beer bottles and perhaps try and get rid of
the passed out dude who was probably still sleeping by the bushes.

-Shawn-

The drive towards the office was irritating. It wasn't even from the
fact that there was the impending punishment I would have to impose on my daughter,
but also the stupid cheesecake in the backseat.

"It meant nothing," I announced to the stupid bag.

It didn't say anything back, but it wasn't as if I hadn't been

expecting that already. The feeling of guilt was beginning to form. I hadn't meant
to lead Eric into believing anything was going on between us. Yet, now that I
thought about it, I hadn't done anything but act overly informal and far too cozy
with my intern. He was an intern, nothing more.

I groaned under my breath, reaching out to lift the rea-view mirror so

the stupid bag was out of my sight. The last thing I needed was a reminder of my
own mistake staring at me, mocking my ignorance.

The kid was nice enough, but I should've known something like this
would happen.

I invited him into my room for damn's sake! I couldn't even blame him
for thinking I had wanted something with him. Wearily, I ran a hand though my hair,
pulling at it softly.

The bag was truly beginning to bother me, even if I could no longer see
it.

I turned my head and narrowed my eyes at it before focusing back on the

road.

Something had to change. Eric was a good kid, smart one as well. I
couldn't let this misunderstanding cost him his job, especially when I was as much
to blame as he was. I turned my head back once more, growling at the bag. It was
just sitting there... judging me.

After several minutes of trying to avoid it, I stopped by a gas station

and tossed the damn bag away, taking the opportunity to fill up my tank as well.

-------

I rubbed at my neck, dragging my feet through the hallway as I

approached my office. All I wanted to do was sleep, and yet this meeting was much
more important than sleep, sadly. I passed by Jacqueline's office, noticing she
wasn't there. Then, I noticed something else; her desk was completely empty.

I frowned, peeking inside and then widening my eyes upon hearing a song
blasting from my office.

Quickly, I rushed towards my office, stopping only when I was gripping

at the doorframe and staring at Jacqueline, who was casually on my laptop, her legs
propped up on the desk. She always did this! If I were ever late, she would set
camp in my office and snoop around like some hound.

"Living the life?" I frowned, chuckling as I approached the other side

of the desk. I only caught a glance of the screen before she closed it,
but I noticed it was the security cameras. "Why aren't you working you lazy ass?"

Jacqueline stuck out her tongue. "Turns out the camera for the camera
weren't working when I checked them to make sure there were no murderers on the
prowl. It's so weird," she replied. "I was just checking the reel and making sure
not too much footage was lost."

I frowned. I rarely checked the security cameras anyways. It wasn't as

if we didn't have security for that. The old woman we had as our security guard was
both petite and terrifying. Seriously, she once made a secretary cry. She also
sometimes loved to stay in her space watching soap operas so perhaps Jacqueline was
right to worry.

"So, what does that mean?" I asked curiously. Last time I'd checked all
cameras had been working perfectly fine.

She shrugged. "Not much, truly. I mean, we just lost a few hours of
info in the kitchen. Doesn't matter unless you were trying to catch some food
robber."

I nodded, okay, whatever. Jacqueline stood up from my computer grinning

before embracing me in a hug. Friends were weird; she wasn't an exception.

"Had fun last night?" she asked, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.
"You're late."

By that point, she was off my desk chair, so I took it upon myself to
finish moving her out of the way so I could sit down in my beautiful chair. I
sighed deeply, slumping down onto the leather throne and leaning back against the
material.

"Yesterday was uneventful," I lied.

Jacqueline chuckled, walking around and sitting on the seat across from
me. "You sure?"

I peeked at her through one eye, glaring at her suspiciously.

Jacqueline almost never asked something without already knowing the answer
beforehand. That's just what she did; she was a conniving little devil.

"Why do you ask?" I questioned cautiously.

"Why aren't you sharing?" she retorted. "Come on, Shawn, just admit you
got lucky last night!"

I scoffed. "Whatever it is you think you know that it's not true." She
probably assumed I'd gone on a date. Nope, that would've required dinner-oh. I
frowned. That hadn't been it. That had been a work dinner, nothing more. Eric was
my employee, not to mention a male.

"I checked the firm's work account like I'm supposed to do every
morning," she began.

I nodded, yeah, that was her responsibility after she proved to be both
trustworthy and perhaps the nosiest. It wasn't as if she didn't enjoy the free
snooping.

"Your point is?" I asked, unwillingly standing up from my comfortable

chair and walking over to my filing cabinet. I opened it, expecting it to be a
mess. Instead, I found a perfectly assorted arrangement of documents. Bless Eric.

"Fancy dinner date?" she asked, giggling.

I turned around to shoot her a dirty glare. "None of your business."

She lifted her hands in surrender, stifling a laugh. "I'll stop saying
Eric and you are meant to be if you can honestly tell me you didn't go on a date
with Eric last night."

I paused, turning back to the folders and taking out the one I needed.
I flipped her off once more before walking over to my desk and sitting back down.
"It wasn't a date."

"Romantic evening?" she offered.

"We went to eat because we were hungry. People get hungry, Jacqueline."
The fact that I had to defend myself was both absurd and annoying.
 "Hungry for the di-"

I lifted my eyes, narrowing my eyes and glaring at her with as much

anger as I could possibly muster. "I swear, Jacqueline, if you finish that sentence
it will be the last thing you say!"

She smirked, shrugging her shoulders. "Divine Italian food you love so
much?" she finished, smiling innocently. She was anything but!

I shook my head, growling under my breath. Her innuendoes were

hilarious on a good day, but that day was not today. My head was already ready to
implode from Meghan's sting, not to mention Eric. Yeah, just him in general.

"I have a meeting soon," I replied wearily. "Can you go? I need to
prepare for it."

"Craving the co-"

My eyes flickered to her, narrowing.

"Compelling list of delectable menu items?" she finished, grinning

sheepishly. Then, I snorted and her grin grew wider, probably assuming I wouldn't
kill her for the horrible jokes. Jacqueline was so shameless. Sometimes I had the
urge to tackle her down or perhaps send her on a one-way trip to Antarctica. Most
times the annoyance subsided. This time, however, I was honestly considering
calling the airlines agency to sort out the price for a ticket to nowhere.

"Are you done?" I asked, pulling up the document on the information I

needed to review briefly. The secretary would contact me any moment now, telling me
they were here. Damn it all.

"Yeah, I'm done," she replied, taking steps back. "Just accept you want
his penis."

The statement was so crudely blunt that it went right over my head. I
blinker, staring at her for a few second before flipping her off once more. She
opened her mouth to say something else, probably vying for a joke for another term
for dicks, but my phone began ringing, just then, the monitor specifying it was a
call from the main reception. Yeah, they were here.

"Go away!" I shooed her away, picking up the phone while shooting up
from my desk. I was both unprepared and riled up. This was just perfect.

She shrugged, grinning. "I took the liberty of re-activating the

magazine memberships, by the way!"

I flipped her off even if it didn't really matter. She was gone by the
time I lifted up the phone and ordered her to guide them towards the meetings room.

-Eric-

I wiped the sweat of my brow, breathing heavily. One would be surprised

at how much of a mess a group of teenagers could make. Well, the answer was
comparable to one of a mini-hurricane.

"I just put the chandelier in the backyard," I told her as she walked
out of the bathroom, two bags of dirty trash in hand. She nodded, seemingly
unbothered. That chandelier had looked nice as well. What a shame.
 "I guess Sia's not going to have anywhere to swing from," she replied,
chuckling to herself before setting the large garbage bags against the wall.

Usually I would've laughed at that, but I just rolled my eyes. If only

she were so light-hearted and less irritating on a regular basis then perhaps we
could've avoided everything and I would've saved my pride... and ego... and any
major sense of self-worth.

"He'll come around," Meghan stated, sitting down on the couch and
taking out her phone. "He's easy like that. Hell, he didn't even take my phone this
time around."

I cocked an eyebrow. Wasn't she supposed to be in the middle of a

punishment? How did she even have the damn cellular device on her? Shawn was far
too easy on his daughter. Then, I realized her words. I blinked at her, confused by
her sudden solemnness.

"Excuse me?" I asked carefully.

Meghan rolled her eyes, staring at me with wide blue eyes. "I'm not
stupid Eric."

I didn't reply, instead moving towards the trash bags and picking them
up. These were the only evidence left. Well, unless Shawn's mother decided to check
the back. In that case, there was also a bright pink pool and a broken chandelier.

My hands were gripping the bags on both hands, amounting to about

eight, as I took them towards the side of the house where the trash containers
were. It was probably a better idea to take two trips and save myself the trouble,
but that would've gone against my pride. It was similar to when my mother used to
ask me to get the groceries from the car. It was one trip or shame and eternal
disgrace.

When I walked back into the house, I noticed that Meghan didn't look
too pleased. She was rubbing at her temple, sighing, empty-handed.

I chuckled. "Everything okay?"

Meghan shook her head. "Grandma's here, in the kitchen."

That would probably explain her phone-less hand. I chuckled, turning to

face the opening that led into the kitchen. I was almost afraid to go in
considering how defeated she'd managed to make Meghan look in less than a few
minutes. I couldn't have taken less than five minutes outside.

"Should I just go?" I asked, frowning. I was technically done here.

Hell, I wasn't even supposed to be working today.

Meghan nodded. "You definitely should. She'll probably give you a

lecture about being connected to inner-peace and the goodness of humanity if not."

I frowned. That didn't sound terrifying at all. "Why don't you want to
be with your grandma?" I asked.

Meghan deadpanned. "She hates electronics and refuses to go a damn

minute without spluttering some stupid life lesson about self-empowerment or
whatever. It's literal torture!"
 I chuckled, shaking my head in disbelief. That didn't sound awful at
all. That sounded wonderful, especially considering how badly Meghan needed a life
lesson or two.

"Oh, you have company honey?" an older woman called out before walking
outside.

I blinked, staring at the woman. She was carrying a white bag with a
red cross firmly plastered across the side as well as the logo of the hospital. Her
face lit up as soon as she saw me... I recognized her immediately, and my jaw
slacked.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider leaving a vote (that's the star-shaped
button!) and a comment if you enjoyed the chapter of like the story! I attached a
visual of Jessica Lange (who portrays Lucy Briggs) to this chapter. The music video
I attached is [Chandelier - Sia] and it has to do with the reference that Meghan
made.

-Hec

Ch. 25: Getting Down To Business

Office Love: Chapter 25: Getting Down To Business

[I attached a visual of Josey Greenwell (who portrays Curtis Stone) to the

chapter.]

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I took a step back, frowning at the sight before me. It didn't make
sense. Logically, it made absolutely no sense. What were the chances anyways?

"I'm Eric," I stated dumbly.

Her grandmother smiled brightly. "Well, you can call me Lucy. Yes, of
course, Eric. I remember you! You're that young man from the bus. Well, it's good
to see you're doing all right. I stopped seeing you around."

That was mostly because Shawn had been giving me rides to work...
constantly. I cleared my throat, flashing a sheepish smile.

Meghan darted her eyes between us, narrowing her eyes. "What's going
on?"

I didn't reply, instead darting my eyes towards Meghan. How could

Meghan possibly hate her grandmother? She was such a sweet woman with perhaps more
wisdom than a hefty percentage of my professors.

"You take the bus?" Meghan clutched at her chest, tilting her head
forward and gagging in disgust. I rolled my eyes at her dramatic behavior, instead
focusing on her grandmother.

"Of course, Shawn got me that electric car, but boy, I have no clue how
in the heavens to turn it on! Where does the key even go?"
 Meghan deadpanned while I just stood there, observing. "You press the
button beside the front wheel."

"What button?"

I took another step back, suddenly eager to get out of there before she
realized that the person she'd been advising me on had been none other than her
son. No, the horror. How awkward would it be that she'd unintentionally been giving
me advice on how to deal with her own son! My eyes widened as her eyes flickered
back to me and the horror grew.

I'd even mentioned the fact that I worked at his law firm when she
asked me about him. She'd know; there was no way around it.

"I should really go," I explained. "I have a lot of... stuff."

She crinkled her eyes, smiling brightly at me. "Are you sure you
wouldn't want to join us for lunch? We're taking the bus to the beach and eating at
this delightful place by the beach."

Meghan bolted upright, staring at her grandmother with wide frightened

eyes. "We're going to ride one of those things? Grandma I want to live to see the
final installment of The Hunger Games, you can't do this!"

"You could read the book," I offered jokingly.

She turned, glared while raising her finger, and pointed directly at my
face. "Shut up."

I rolled my eyes just as Lucy gasped. "Don't you speak to this nice
gentleman like that, Meghan!" Then, she turned to me. "How about it?"

I flashed a weak smile, releasing a shaky laugh. "I should really

go..." I noticed Lucy's smile deflate a smudge and I groaned internally. How could
I say no to the nice nurse? Seriously, how? It was almost inhumane.

"Are you sure?" she asked just as Meghan screamed she wasn't going
either.

I bit my lip, thinking. If she hadn't figured it out then perhaps she
didn't remember. I had just been a random stranger on the bus. What where the
chances she even remembered our conversations in detail? I did, but that was just
because she'd been some freakily wiser version of Phaeric, may he rest in peace.

"Fine," I replied, simply because I actually didn't mind her at all.

Meghan looked about ready to cry about having to go out with her
grandmother.

-Shawn-

I cleared my throat, sitting down on the right side of the office desk
and watching as a husky man in front of me tilted his head, signaling for the
teenager beside him to focus. That was the only way to describe him, as a teenager.
His blonde hair was styled almost too perfectly, not to mention his unnervingly
white set of teeth. The wonders of money, it seemed, him being an acclaimed singer
and all.

"I'm Adam Greed and this, as I'm sure you know, is Curtis Stone," his
manager stated, seriously, and Curtis flashed a camera-ready smile my way.

I nodded. "Good afternoon to both of you."

My palms were sweaty, the idea of slipping-up almost too present in the
forefront of my mind. I didn't even know why they'd reached out to me. I did
remember, however, reading something on Curtis Stone's last lawyer quitting due to
his client's erratic behavior.

"Yo man, how's it going?" Curtis greeted casually, leaning back in his
chair. "So, I wanted to be here when this was discussed because-"

"-the seriousness of the issue, as you're well aware, is beyond just

this specific case." Adam cut him off, flickering his eyes towards the young artist
and silencing him. I stood in silence, watching as the younger male straightened
himself and nodded.

"Of course," I replied. "Not only is the case presented at stake, but
also, a potential defamation if he were to be proven wrong and the media was to
make him look like a fool. The press... they can be quite vicious with intriguing
news."

It was simple enough. The best-case scenario present was to get things
settled before it even went to court. An agreement of sorts would be best; perhaps
even an agreement for Curtis Stone's management to pay for the damages it might've
caused the enterprise without going through the whole process of settling the
situation in such a public and media-haunting scenario.

"The media is beginning to question my artist's integrity. No, not only

that, but also his motives. I'm hoping we can have this dealt with before it even
goes to court, hopefully. Will that be an option?"

I nodded my head, darting my eyes between both of them and gulping.

Adam's gaze was quite penetrating, a calculated undertone of cynical distrust
present in his voice.

He took out a paper, moving it across the table. "Non-disclosure

agreement?" I voiced. "As a possible client, I'm prohibited from disclosing private
information from the case anyways," I replied.

"That would very well depend on the lawyer's ethics though, correct?"
Adam asked and the glint of passive aggressiveness was enough to make me bite the
inside of my cheeks. I smiled falsely, taking the paper. I could already tell I
wouldn't like him. Curtis Stone, on the other hand, I could tell didn't mind his
manager. If so, he didn't seem too bothered by the cutting off, or even the tense
sense of annoyance.

I sighed deeply, grabbing a hold of the paper. "I'll review it."

"It's just the traditional format," he retorted.

"I guess that it's good that I'm not a traditional lawyer then. I'll
review it and then I'll get it back to you," I asserted, narrowing my eyes.

Signing something without actually reading it over. What kind of fool

did he believe me to be? I still remembered how my least favorite law professor
once made the class sign conduct agreements and stole around eighty dollars simply
because we didn't bother to read it.
 That was the one and only time.

"Curtis, would you mind waiting outside for a bit?" Adam asked, turning
to face the artist while raking his fingers through his on dark brown hair. "We
need to discuss some numbers. Don't worry; it's nothing important."

Curtis opened his mouth to protest, closing it almost immediately, and

nodding his head stiffly. "Fine," he replied, standing up and walking out. "I
assumed you letting me come meant being present for the damn meeting, but fuck that
right?"

I blinked as the young man turned to glare at his manager expectantly.

"Opening your mouth was what got us here in the first place," Adam
replied. "Go work on that song you were working on last night."

Curtis groaned under his breath. "I'm going to meet with the producer
before-"

"Go work on the song," Adam repeated. "The chorus needed some work."

"Excuse me?" Curtis replied, furrowing his eyebrows. I could tell

something was going on, but I didn't want to intervene too much, especially because
I could tell Mr. Greed wasn't a happy camper.

"We're going to talk business, now go," Adam stated wearily, turning to
face me.

Curtis Stone, perfectly white teeth and all, angrily stormed out of the
room. I gazed at his frame, worried for his safety if he was heading out on his
own. Jacqueline was out there, probably ready to fan girl all over him. She'd do...
what had she called it? Whale noises? I didn't even know what was wrong with her,
but she said it was normal on the internet.

-Eric-

Meghan was still whining about having taken the bus, even thirty
minutes after the fact. In fact, she'd spent the entirety of lunch whining as well,
sending bold comments that more than expressed her resentment for going through
what she considered torture. Honestly, I couldn't see it.

We were having a delicious meal beside the beach. What more did she
want? I couldn't even complain about anything, except perhaps her own complaining.

"Oh, come on honey, it wasn't that bad," Lucy coaxed.

Meghan scoffed. "Some old man was staring at me the entire way here!"

I rolled my eyes. He hadn't been staring at her. He'd been staring at

the commotion she'd been causing by protesting in a public way of transit like some
deranged crazy person.

"Well, maybe he wouldn't have given you any bad looks if you would've
refrained from screaming?" I intervened and Meghan turned, raising an eyebrow and
giving me an expression that was almost too clear. Butt out.

I did, keeping any further comments to myself. Oh boy did I have a lot
to say to her after that, even if most of them weren't appropriate to mention in
front of her sweet grandmother. Finally, she stormed to the bathroom, complaining
about how she didn't even like the food here right as she passed by the front
cashier. I noticed the cashier woman her eyes in anger and sighed.

"She's quite the teenager," Lucy noted smiling at me.

I nodded. "Yep, I guess you could say that."

She smiled, taking another bite from her sandwich and closing her eyes,
smiling in delight. It was as if she was ecstatic to eat here. That honestly
worried me because we were at such an ordinary place. I could tell why Meghan was
freaking out, and it was because this was somewhere Shawn would never take her in
his entire life.

Hell, even I was a bit apprehensive. When she'd said near the beach,
I'd assumed some fancy restaurant, not some random laid-back small little sandwich
place by the beach. I really liked it, the fact that she wasn't stuck up.

"So, I'm guessing you're working for Shawn, right?" Lucy asked out of
nowhere, taking me by surprise. I stared at her for a few seconds before nodding my
head awkwardly.

I stared at the half of my food that remained, waiting for the

inevitable.

"Was my son the one to hit you?" she asked.

My breath hitched. She knew. She had to know.

I lifted my gaze, staring at her. I didn't know what to say anymore. I

couldn't remember exactly what I'd even confessed. I was certain I'd lied somewhere
along the line, but the line between truth and lies was blurring somewhat,
especially because of her efforts to get me to admit I was gay.

"I did something stupid," I replied. "I deserved it."

She shook her head, frowning. "Shawn better be acting as a responsible

adult. I'm worried, though, considering Meghan's behavior."

I blinked.

She shook her head, sighing under her breath. "I spoiled him way too
much, Eric. Do you know how bad that is for your children? That's awful. Never
spoil yours because all that you'll be causing is an allusion to the idea that life
isn't truly difficult or requires seriousness."

I nodded my head, relaxing slightly because she wasn't bringing up

anything about my relationship with Shawn. I took a bite of my sandwich, finally
relaxing enough to eat.

"Shawn is so immature sometimes," she continued and I nodded in

agreement. She was definitely right about that, especially considering how
childishly he behaved once one got past his hard exterior.

"To think he never told me you two were in a relationship," she sighed,
annoyed. "I'm her mother, why can't I share the happiness of such wonderful news?"

My eyes widened and I chocked on the bite I'd taken, coughing against
my sleeve, and staring up at her delighted expression. She thought Shawn and I were
dating as well. Great.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider leaving a vote and a comment if you
enjoyed the chapter. Oh yeah, I may or may not have just majorly hinted at a
potential brand new companion story to the Awkward Love Series. I mean, maybe. ;)

-Hec

Ch. 26: Please Stop Groping Me

Office Love: Chapter 26: Please Stop Groping Me

[I attached a visual of Rodiney Santiago (who portrays Adam Greed) to the chapter.
#RecordLove]

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Curtis-

I walked towards the waiting room, clenching my hands into fists.

Hadn't I come along for a reason? In spite of pleading for more involvement when it
came to my career, nothing. It was as if my opinion didn't even matter! Hell, it
was as if I was speaking to a statue.

Adam pulled something like this every single time without fail. I shook
my head, sighing. He knew how strongly I felt about the new song, which was the
only reason he'd taken a stab at that. Apparently, having a mind of my own wasn't
acceptable behavior for someone who sang for a living.

I paced around the front of the office, smiling at the receptionist as

she sneakily took pictures of me. Truly, it was all right. I didn't even mind it.
Hell, it was better than some others that actually-

"WHAT?" a disembodied voice screamed. I froze, staring straight ahead

even as I felt approaching footsteps furiously against the office floor.

I turned my head slowly, taking in the scene of an overly excited short

older woman running straight towards me. I took several steps back, almost
instinctually, raising my hands in surrender. Where had she even come from? She
looked about ready to have a heart attack.

"Hello?" I asked, blinking as she stopped before me and sort of waved

at the air before me, gasping and then releasing a shaky breath. "Can I help you?"

"LOVE ME!" she screamed desperately before extending her arms and
lunging for me. "GIVE ME YOUR FIRSTBORN, CURTIS STONE!"

My eyes opened wide and I tilted my head sideways, frowning. Firstborn?

I didn't even have a kid! "I don't even have a child!" I stated in reply, taking
several steps back.

"Oh, honey we can change that!" she grinned wickedly before tacking me
down. I struggled against her, reaching up to grab her hands. She was trying to
reach uncomfortable private places.

"Please don't grope me!" I snapped, groaning under my breath. "Please,

whoa, hey! Don't touch me there!"

We don't need a bodyguard Curtis, Adam had said. You'll be fine.

Lies!

I screamed at her to get off me, hearing the sound of another person
screaming in the background as the secretary called someone by the name of
Jacqueline to come help.

-------

"Yeah, so, there's some bad news," Jacqueline, as her nameplate on the
front of her office had stated, muttered into the phone. She was writing some
information down, sighing under her breath as I tried to recuperate from the
horrible experience of having an old woman tackling me to the ground with the
promise of sexual harassment clearly mentioned beforehand.

"Yes, Shawn, I do know you're busy. It's kind of important," she

explained into the phone.

Then, she deadpanned. "No, we haven't run out of bagels you moron. Do
you remember our security guard? No, well, yeah me either. Anyways, we had to let
her go... To be fair, she was getting a bit old anyways."

Jacqueline winced. "What do you mean sue? She tackled a kid in front of
the main reception."

There was some muffled yelling from the other side of the phone, and
she turned towards me, giggling before hanging up.

"That was... odd," I stated, staring at the table. Why did they always
go for the tackling? Was it too hard to hug me or do something that didn't involve
physical pain?

Jacqueline shrugged. "She spent most days watching soap operas in her
quarters anyways. Damn it, I literally just spent time hiring a new intern and now
I have to go get a new security guard?"

She groaned, shaking her head and opening the laptop before her. It
looks rather new.

"Well, can I stay in here?" I asked, looking back outside. She could
still be out there, waiting to strike.

Jacqueline shrugged. "It doesn't bother me. Why are you here anyways?
You one of Eric's friends?"

I blinked. Eric? "I'm Curtis. Curtis Stone."

She stared back at me, nodding her head. "Nice name," she noted. Then,
she lowered her gaze to her laptop, paying no more attention to me.

Well, that wasn't what I'd been expecting.

Her eyebrows knitted together as she stared at the screen in full

concentration. I didn't really know what to say though, so I stayed quiet. A few
minutes later, I turned back to sneak a glance to see if she was looking at me. She
seriously had no idea who I was. I didn't know if I was shocked, offended, or both.
 It wasn't even because everyone had to know me, but like, wouldn't
Shawn have at least told her we were considering hiring her boss?

Nothing.

Then, I heard it. It was faint, and almost insignificant, but I heard
the beat and recognized it almost immediately. It was my song, the low sound
pouring from her laptop speakers.

"Is that-?"

Jacqueline shrugged. "Some commercial advertisement, I don't know.

Damn, those things bother me. I just want to watch this video of a puppy
skateboarding."

"Weren't you going to look for a replacement for... that woman?"

She shrugged once more, smirking up at me. "After the video."

I didn't even remember hearing news of them using my song in a

commercial. Hell, I never really heard much of anything around here since Adam
considered himself the sole ruler of the universe and everyone that happened to
live within its premises.

"So, when's the lead single from the new album dropping?" Jacqueline
asked casually, flashing a small smile.

I rolled my eyes, smirking.

-Shawn-

I raked a finger through my hair, sighing in annoyance. I'd just have

to hope that Jacqueline was had everything under control. Adam was leaning back
against the other seat, glaring at me as if I'd killed a kitten right before his
eyes. His kitten.

"Everything all right?" he asked.

I nodded. "We ran out of bagels," I lied, frowning to myself when I

realized that I sounded both unprofessional and irrelevant.

He wouldn't care about bagels. He didn't understand the struggle of not

having bagels. It was painful... Like, imagine living without water, except perhaps
if water stated as delicious as-

"So, you were speaking of a settlement?" he mentioned, bringing me back

from within my mind.

I nodded. "That's what you requested, correct? I mean..." I drifted

off, sitting down once more and pulling up his file. "Technically, public opinion
wasn't the causing factor behind them suing. It was the fact that Curtis stated it
as if reflecting the opinions of his record label."

Adam shook his head, sighing in annoyance. "Slayer Records has nothing
against streaming services. In fact, all other acts associated have their albums up
in the digital forms of media."

Yeah, well, perhaps if he'd kept his damn mouth shut, I grumbled
internally before flashing a smile. "There are two options here. However, I would
assume you'd want to discuss any further after I've signed the disclosure
agreement?"

He eyed the document, gritting his teeth. "Can't you just sign it?"

I shook my head. "I'll send you some papers to sign as well. You know,
regulatory stuff," I replied, narrowing my eyes. "I'd assume you'd want to read
them as well?"

Adam narrowed his eyes as well, nodding his head stiffly. Something
about him made him irritating to speak with, at least to me. At first I'd assumed
it to be his stern tone, but it was actually the way he carried himself, as if he
was above me.

"So, we should arrange another meeting, after everything's been revised

and signed?" I asked. If I remembered correctly, Mr. Stone had a concert tomorrow.

He nodded, flickering his eyes towards the door, seeming as if he

wanted to leave already. I didn't blame him. I wanted him to leave as well. Why did
Curtis even let this man manage him? He was irritating.

-Eric-

Lucy seemed more than confused. She seemed completely and utterly
shocker, as if the idea of her son, who had a kid and was clearly straight, not
dating me was inconceivable.

"Not even like a maybe?" she asked, furrowing her eyebrows. "That's
honestly baffling."

I rolled my eyes. Why did they all just assume these things? Meghan was
literally the same way! Shawn's whole family just looked about ready to pair him up
with the closest possible human being. I got that they were worried about him being
single all the time, but why did they have to include me in their self-formulated
idea?

"He has a daughter," I stammered.

Lucy nodded. "Meghan? Yes, I am aware. I think I'd remember having a

granddaughter, honey, especially one like Meghan."

I sighed.

"I'm not dating him," I repeated, this time a bit louder so that maybe
she'd get it through her head.

"Have you two considered it?" she asked. "I could've sworn he was
dating. I mean, he's been so much happier lately. Last time he called me he tried
to talk me into buying me tickets to Europe!"

"Why does that have to do with me?" I asked. Shawn didn't feel that way
about me. He'd made it almost too painfully clear.

Lucy took a sip of her drink, frowning off into the distance. "If I may
ask, have you two shared any sort of intimacy?"

I choked on air, turning to stare at her, about ready to faint. Was

this real life? I had to pinch my arm to make sure that yes, Shawn's mother had
just asked me if I'd screwed her son. "Excuse me?" I squeaked.

Lucy smiled politely. "If I may ask, of course."

Where was the sweet old wise woman from the bus? All I could see was an
older version of both Shawn and Meghan put together, now extra sassy and perhaps
just as aggressive, just in a subtler fashion.

"No, we haven't," I replied, unsure of why my palms were suddenly

sweaty. "He wouldn't do that-N-not that I want that! It's-he's-no."

She pouted, shaking her head. "Have you kissed at least?"

"Okay, Mrs. Briggs, look-"

"Oh, honey, you can call me Lucy," she replied.

I chuckled humorlessly, drifting to a frown. "It wasn't in a sexual

manner. People... kiss sometimes... right?" I winced. That sounded so awful when I
put it like that.

"Have you two gone out for lunch?"

I shook my head. "No-"

"Dinner?" she asked, not skipping a beat.

I raised my finger, ready to protest. "It was work-related, though."

"So you're dating," she stated plainly.

I leaned back against my chair, taking a deep breath. I really just

wanted the old wise version of her now. This is why people hated sequels. She'd
come back and she'd changed, oh had she changed.

"There's nothing going on between us," I promised her. "Seriously."

Lucy looked broken-hearted, disappointed, and borderline hopeless. I

didn't get it. I truly just didn't get it. Why was everyone insane around me?
Couldn't I just have someone believe me when I said I wasn't dating Shawn?

"He's really bad at expressing his emotions," she added. "Maybe there
have been dates but just no confirmation that what you're on is a date?"

I deadpanned. The persistence of this woman would've been impressive if

it wasn't for the fact that it was annoying. I shook my head, clearing my throat in
preparation to explain the pathetic story of how Shawn totally shut me down when I
revealed that I had feelings for the inconsiderate hardheaded dick.

Meghan, however, decided to come back just then, stomping over and
sitting down without as much as acknowledging our existence. She even tilted her
head back, raising her chin to express her discontent.

"We can go out for teat some time and keep discussing this," Lucy
assured me and I flashed a weak fake smile. I just wanted to go home now. Why had I
assumed this would be a good idea?

"Why did you two just get so quiet?" Meghan asked suddenly, "Are you
talking about me behind my back?"
 She stared at me accusingly.

"We were merely discussing his relationship with your father," Lucy
mentioned completely out of nowhere. My jaw slacked. "Well, more the fact that
they're keeping it a secret."

Meghan shrugged, nodding in agreement. "It's taking them long enough to

do something about it, it seems."

Lucy nodded in agreement. I groaned.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. I posted this surprise update because I love you, so
please consider leaving a vote and a comment and I might feel obligated to do these
surprise updates more often. ;) Oh yeah, what do you guys think about the new
cover?

-Hec

Ch. 27: Stupid Little Crush

Office Love: Chapter 27: Stupid Little Crush

[A/N: Record Love... coming soon. More info soon. I attached the book cover to the
chapter so you can get a feel for it. #RecordLove]

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I settled on my bed, sighing under my breath as I noticed Mason's

curled up body from across the room. He was laying on his bed, turned away from me
with his body wrapped around a blanket as if he were some sort of over-sized
burrito.

I'd tried shaking him, but every attempt to move him had been in vain.

After spending the rest of the night doing homework after successfully
escaping from Shawn's family, I had no energy left within me to comfort him. Lucky
for me, at least I was actually done with all of my assignments.

"Mason," I murmured from my side of the room for the fifth time."

Once again, no answer.

Clearly, something had happened with Bennett. Something always happened

with them and they both usually ended up moping around like ignorant morons. They'd
make it though. Well, they had a better chance at the very least considering that
their attraction worked both ways and they were officially together, no longer
secretly pining after each other anymore.

Baby steps, but whatever.

"Mason," I snapped. Nothing.

I felt the urge to scream at him to stop the bullshit. Telling him that
instead of moping it was smarter to make things right between them was on the tip
of my tongue, but I couldn't get the words out. It didn't even matter who'd started
the debacle... it was evident, at least from his side, that it was tearing them
apart for no reason.

However, I stayed quiet about it, allowing him to wallow in his own
inner turmoil in peace. It wasn't as if I knew what was truly happening or how to
help anyways. Chances were I'd give him bad advice and end up worsening their
situation.

"If it helps, I'm having an awful day as well," I murmured.

He turned towards me, finally, pouting at me. The sadness

in his eyes was truly touching, but it was still angering that he had the option to
go and try to fix things but was allowing fear to worsen things. Hell, in my
instance I'd received a clear message that there was nothing to pursue. Mason, on
the other hand, had an actual relationship to work on. I had a "stupid little
crush".

"I'm sorry," he murmured.

I nodded. "Why are you even here? I thought you were going to be at
your house?"

Mason sighed under his breath, shrugging. "Emma's been annoying the
hell out of me. I left to get something from the store and just came here to get
some peace and quiet for a bit. Did you know that she threatened to hire a sniper?
I swear, she has issues, man."

I chuckled, rubbing at my eyes before flashing him a grin. Yeah, that

sounded like his sister all right. Perhaps a bit scary, but surely tough as hell.

"I'm sorry," he said suddenly, turning to face me. Now he looked like a
cocoon.

"About?"

Mason rubbed the back of his head, looking downright guilty. I waited
for him to elaborate, hoping he hadn't accidentally broken something of mine.

"I wasn't there for you," he stated simply. "You were freaking out and
I was so distracted by my own life that I forgot to even worry about yours."

Something about sadness made Mason act humbler than he normally would.
I couldn't place it usually, given that he was nice most of the time, but this time
the guilt present in his eyes was almost too blunt, as if he was afraid to get into
a fight with me as well.

Bennett had sure done a number on him, whatever it was that had
happened.

"I'm doing better," I tried, but he rolled his eyes, signaling he

didn't believe me. I didn't blame him; I didn't believe it either.

"Did you talk to Shawn?" he asked.

I tensed up, evading his gaze. The last thing I wanted was to recount
the embarrassing and mostly surreal case of how Shawn had rejected me and then
dismissively labeled my feelings as a "stupid little crush"... the asshole! Damn
it, even thinking about it got my blood boiling.
 "We're on good terms, at least," I said. "I mean, it's a bit awkward,
but that's just because he made it clear that he wasn't interested in the least."

Mason laughed humorlessly, shaking his head in disbelief. Then, he

cracked an actual smile, grinning mischievously. "He's going to regret that. You're
Phaeric after all. He's the one missing out."

I winced at the mention of my own self-given nickname. Even the sound

of it made me uncomfortable now, as annoying as that was.

His smile faded then and he replaced it with a weary expression of

distrusting preoccupation. "What happened? Did he say something about that?"

I shrugged. "Nah, I'm just not feeling very almighty as of late."

Mason scowled, dropping the blanket to the ground as he stood up. I

shook my head, rolling my eyes as he began pacing the room and muttering under his
breath. There were a few minor threats about setting Shawn "straight", which
ironically was the problem here if one used the word in a different context, but I
knew it was all talk. He could rant all he wanted, but I knew he wouldn't hurt a
fly.

Well, okay, he actually hated insects so perhaps he would hit a fly,

but not people at least.

Besides, it wasn't as if I even needed his help. It was already clear

that Shawn didn't like me in that way.

"Oh, save that bravado for convincing Bennett to take you back," I
muttered when he grunted about protecting my pride. He immediately deflated before
my eyes, sluggishly slumping and releasing a deep weary sigh.

"I wish Phaeric was here instead of your ungrateful self," Mason
snapped back half-heartedly and I smiled, chuckling. That made two of us.

I had to agree wholeheartedly. Perhaps then, I'd have the courage to

make Shawn understand that I wasn't just going through some phase and I actually,
for whatever fucking reason, happened to like him. Was it even more? I couldn't
even tell what it was, but I knew I wanted to be close to him.

Mason stood up once more, stretching.

"I really should go," he lamented, yawning. "I can't avoid the world
forever. Besides, she might burn the house down."

I smiled.

"You're not avoiding me," I noted.

Mason shrugged. "You're almighty, aren't you?"

I cringed once more. After such a long and tiring time of trying to
convince him to call me Phaeric and he just had to choose now to listen and
willingly do it. After I'd decided to give the damn name a much-needed rest. How
little opportunistic of him.

I waved as he stormed away back to his home, laying back down against
my bed and closing my eyes.
-------

When I opened them once more, it was because of the loud ringing
emitting from my cellular device. I yawned, glaring at the damn screen until I
realized it was Jacqueline, calling me in the middle of the afternoon for whatever
reason.

I answered it unwillingly, aware that for all I knew it could be some

huge emergency.

Still, why did these people assume that I actually wanted to hand
around every second of the day? Being in the office right now was the last thing I
wanted or needed.

Besides, I'd already spent yesterday with Shawn's family so it was even
more annoying that they expected me to drop everything and go!

"Yes," I snapped into the phone, making sure to sound bothered. I

didn't even care by now.

"Hey, what's wrong?" she asked immediately, and I felt horrible about
projecting my anger onto her. "Are you okay?"

I sighed, rubbing my eyes. "Nothing, sorry. What's going on?"

She hummed in agreement. "Oh okay. Well, your check's ready to collect
if you'd like so you can either come today or tomorrow afternoon," she explained.

My eyes widened. "Really?"

Jacqueline chuckled. "I mean, if you don't want it right now I can
always just post-pone it until-"

"I'm on my way," I announced into the phone, bolting up and rushing to

get dressed. Perhaps I could use that money to go out or hell, maybe I'd get a
movie and ice cream and cry my feeling away. Whatever. I could do whatever.

-Jacqueline-

I passed by Shawn's office, narrowing my eyes when I noticed he was

both here and actually seemed excited. I stepped into the room, waiting for him to
say something, anything. Eric was probably coming soon, the naïve little boy.
Didn't he know he had to wait until Monday to cash the check anyways?

Heh, being young had its cons.

"Hey, Jacqueline," he greeted, smiling brightly at me, not a single

care in the world.

I took a step back, blinking. He was too happy. I just wanted to check
the tapes and see if he'd sneakily had sex with Eric in here or something because
there was no reason to be happy and yet here he was, smiling as if he'd just won
the lottery.

"What are you doing here?" I asked him curiously. It wasn't like him to
be a happy camper, especially if it involved coming into work on a weekend. Who
wanted to work on a Sunday? I had to be here, given that I had a case I was working
on, but Shawn was clear as far as I was concerned.
 "I'm getting ahead," he replied, waving his hand. "Working, something
you don't even do within working hours.

I scoffed, sitting down on the seat before him and crossing my arms
across my chest. "Honey, I've been involved in more than you this year alone."

He raised an eyebrow. "Yeah, I know you like to involve yourself with a

lot people, Jacqueline, but I don't think that's a work appropriate conversation."

I deadpanned. "Well, I'm sorry I haven't found my own Eric to settle

down with yet."

Shawn's eye hardened immediately. He huffed, lowering his gaze back to

his laptop. Not so sassy anymore, huh?

He opened his mouth to reply when my phone started buzzing, announcing

Eric was in the building. I stood up, giving him a bright smile and leaving the
room before he could come up with a reply. He did come up with a response, yet all
he came up with was a pathetic middle finger that proved he had nothing else to
say.

I left the room, blowing him a kiss and heading back to my office. Eric
was already there when I arrived. He was sitting on the seat in front of my desk
chair, glancing around nervously as if Shawn would suddenly pop in here or
something.

"Hey, Eric," I greeted, sitting down. "How's it going?"

He bit his bottom lip, clearly nervous. I rolled my eyes, aware that he
really just wanted to get his check and go, but nope. I hadn't just brought him
here for that.

"Good, how about you?" he asked awkwardly.

"Good, hey how about you come with me? I have to go run some errands."
He cringed, seemingly uninterested.

"Actually, I-"

"A Nutella Company... I'm one of the supervisor's lawyer and they asked
me to come down to their office to brief on their case. Their office is literally
beside the actual company where they make that stuff and I'm sure he'd let us take
a tour... maybe take some samples..." I stated, trying my best to make it sound as
incredibly promising as possibly. His eyes lit up immediately, which, of course.

He nodded. "Seriously?"

I smiled, nodding. Honestly, I just wanted him to come with me so that

it didn't get weird. The man possibly had a crush on me and I was perhaps taking
Eric so he could pretend to be my boyfriend so the man would stop trying to make
advances at me. Oh yeah, also for the Nutella, of course. Sharing is caring.

I stood up, ready to leave the office when Shawn bolted into the room,
grinning at me before his eyes darted to Eric.

I blinked, bursting into laughter because Shawn literally went from

ecstatic to uncomfortable in a matter of seconds.
 "Yes?" I asked.

Shawn dragged his gaze back to me, clearing his throat. "I-there's some
good news. Curtis Stone involved himself in some huge nationwide scandal!" Then he
blinked, realizing how bad that sounded. "Okay, wait-not great, perhaps."

Eric and I both frowned in unison. What in the world even happened with
Curtis Stone? He'd seemed to calm yesterday! He seemed like such a sweet kid. I
wanted to ask about it but Eric spoke before I could formulate a sentence.

"How is that good?" Eric asked softly.

Shawn turned to him, blinking at the younger male. It was almost

daunting to see the obvious effect Eric had on him. "He's going to need a lawyer.
This... whoa, this could be great!"

I couldn't say I hadn't seen Shawn excited about something so awful

before, but it was still rather hilarious to know it was about such a morbid
subject.

"Okay?" he replied.

I stood up, shaking my head in disbelief and passing by Shawn, patting

his shoulder. "We need to go, Shawn. See you tomorrow."

Shawn nodded at me, turning to Eric and smiling. "Hey, I was thinking
if you'd want to go eat something maybe? I don't know, I just really want to
celebrate."

I stopped, turning and listening in carefully. My heart was pounding

against my chest. Did he not understand how much it sounded like him asking the
poor kid out? Shawn probably meant a friendly lunch too, the bastard.

Eric, to my great surprise, shook his head. "I'm busy, sorry," he

replied, standing up and moving over to stand beside me. He threw a hand over my
shoulder, grinning. "Jacqueline said she's going to present me to this extremely
attractive friend of hers."

My jaw slacked for a few seconds before I composed myself, nodding.

"Yeah," I replied, trying my hardest not to laugh as Shawn's smile

fell, replaced by a frown. "You don't know him, of course."

"What friend?" he asked, almost accusingly.

"I haven't met him yet, Shawn, keep up," Eric replied.

"So, you don't even know him?" Shawn asked. "How do you know you'll
even like him?"

"He's young and he has abs. Sounds like more than enough." Eric
replied.

It sounded shallow and nothing like him, but then again, Shawn was
grinding his teeth so something told me he was saying it in order to get a reaction
more than actual belief.

"Is that really all it takes to get your attention?" Shawn mused.
"Young love, always so simple."
 I winced. Oh, how rude.

Eric's scowl fell. He stared at Shawn, shaking his head and releasing a
deep breath. "It certainly beats some stupid little crush," he muttered before
walking out of the office. The phrasing was rather odd, but I could tell that Shawn
had noticed the meaning I hadn't. He frowned at the ground, standing there as if
someone had slapped him across the face.

"What just happened?" I asked Shawn, turning to glance at Eric's

retreating body.

Shawn huffed. "Nothing, just some friendly bickering like we do

sometimes."

No, that hadn't been just some friendly bickering.

"Jealous?" I smirked.

Shawn scowled, growling under his breath. I took that as a yes.

I waved at Shawn before leaving, turning, and rushing out to see if I

could catch up with Eric. Apparently, I had some hot attractive and young friend
with abs that was both gay and interested in Eric. Figures. Why couldn't I just
manipulate someone into accompanying me to a Nutella factory in peace?

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Another surprise update! Vote if you like these and I
might be tempted to do them more often. Thank you so much for the votes (to vote
you press the star button) and commenting, it means a lot to me that you support
this story and honestly, the support just motivates me to update faster since it's
so incredibly heart-warming.

-Hec

Ch. 28: Rubbing the Wrong Way

Office Love: Chapter 28: Rubbing the Wrong Way

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

"Are you sure?" Jacqueline asked as soon as she saw the container in my
hand. I shrugged, staring down at the large case of Nutella, making a point out of
hiding it from the passing employee. The stranger gave me a curious expression and
Jacqueline laughed.

I didn't even know why I'd brought it... or bought it for him at all.
Yet, here I was, holding the stupidly sealed container in my hand and fumbling with
it as I tried to come up with some way to explain to Shawn that Friday's discussion
had been a mistake.

"It tastes great on a bagel," I murmured, groaning in frustration as

soon as Jacqueline cooed at me. Yeah, I sounded so pathetic.

"This is honestly better than cable television," she stated as we

walked down the hall.
 I shrugged.

For now, I just wanted to apologize and make sure nothing was wrong
between us. I hadn't even meant to raise my voice at him. It'd jus... It'd been so
conflicting to hear him asking me to go to dinner in a way that sounded like him
asking me out, especially because I knew his true sentiments.

"You're literally enjoying my pain," I grumbled.

Jacqueline nodded, staring at the Nutella container for a few seconds

before shaking her head in disappointment. "He doesn't deserve anything, Eric.
Hell, I made sure to tell the receptionist to avoid getting bagels today just to
piss him off."

I groaned. "Jacqueline, that's why I got the Nutella in the first

place."

She blinked. "For spread?" Then, she ran back towards the main
reception, talking to the poor young woman and signaling towards the door. The
speed at which the receptionist ran out the door was truly baffling.

I'd never seen anyone as fast as the receptionist ran and something
within me wanted to laugh at her fear even if I knew it so well first-hand that
being around Shawn sometimes was... difficult.

Because of Meghan, I knew exactly how Shawn acted when he didn't like
something or someone and the last thing I wanted was to go back to that.

I gulped, shaking my head in disbelief. The last thing I needed was

another bagel shortage. Then I'd have Shawn both shocked and offended and that
wasn't something I was comfortable dealing with, not now and not ever.

"You're going to get me killed," I mumbled under my breath, shaking my

head in disbelief.

Jacqueline simply grinned, shrugging non-caringly. "If I were you I

would've never gotten him a souvenir, especially food. He liked Eric and you're
supposed to get revenge."

Revenge? That sounded so extreme though. In reality, I was simply angry

because he didn't return my feelings. Sure, it hurt, but did that truly account as
his fault in that it gave me the right to get back at him?

The lines were blurry there. They seemed to always ben when it came to
that man.

"It's fine," I replied. "It's not his fault he doesn't return my

feelings."

Jacqueline scoffed in disbelief, shaking her head and shoving me

lightly before ripping the container from my hand. I began to protest, hissing
under my breath as we approach the room. I didn't know what to do. Did I have to
apologize first? Hadn't he been the one to start the argument? Did that mean he'd
apologize first?

"Then again, I suppose the sickening way in which you look up to that
man should've clued me into the fact that his disrespect wouldn't faze you too
much," she complained angrily. "Eric, what you need to do is kick him in the balls
and then kiss the hell out of him until he just gives in."

I stared at her, completely at a loss for words. The idea that I would
be receiving such bold suggestions from his best friend had never truly crossed my
mind. Hell, I didn't even have time to consider if I agreed with it either since I
was almost late.

"What are you up to today?" I asked as I ripped the container back from
her hand. If I let her take it with her she'd just eat it all.

"Few things. Intern's coming today so hopefully things'll work out,"

she smiled, patting me on the back as we passed by Shawn's office.

I was about to dismiss myself when I remembered an impotant detail from

Friday.

"Does this mystery friend of yours have a name?" I asked curiously,

grinning when Jacqueline wiggled her eyebrows.

She shrugged. "I mean, he can be called whatever you want since he's
not even real," she replied before walking off to her office. "Go give your man his
gift."

"He's not my-" I started, closing my mouth when I realized that I'd
totally brought Shawn a gift though, even if the first part of her sentence was
wrong. I felt silly.

I tucked it into my bag, sighing under my breath. It was probably best

to see if he was even in the mood to receive something from me rather than just
bombard him with random things.

-Jacqueline-

When I entered my office, I immediately noticed Violet was already

there. I raised an eyebrow, noticing several things right away. She was sitting
overly upright and staring straight ahead as if we were in some cadet academy, not
to mention just how formal her attire was for an intern. Either she'd gone to class
like that or she'd changed before arriving.

I rolled my eyes, moving over to my desk and slumping down on my seat.

Not even Eric put that much effort into his job, and he was an over-achieving
little bee.

"Hey," I greeted.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Sterling, It's a pleasure to make your-"

"Hey," I repeated, grinning.

Violet took a deep breath, nodding her head. "Hey."

I opened my laptop, sighing as I typed in the password and accessed my

calendar. I had a few things to get through still, but at least the more trivial
things would get resolved now. I glanced at her, wondering if she was as clever
Eric. She certainly seemed much more professional, but that didn't necessarily mean
she was a better choice.

"So, you take classes at the local university?" I asked as I glanced

over the agenda for the afternoon. Shawn actually had more to do today than I did,
surprisingly.

Violet nodded. "I study half-time."

I frowned. "Seriously?"

Based on the way she carried herself I would've assumed she was deeply
involved in her studies. Hell, I wasn't the kind to push myself all that far and
even I'd gotten rather involved in my studies to the point where I was covering
twenty unites per semester. This was after pleading for the dean's recommendation
and approval to take them, of course.

Damn, I almost missed my university life. Almost.

Oh yeah, not to brag or anything.

"Ah, I would but I have some bigger responsibilities at home," she

replied, smiling.

I nodded, narrowing my eyes before letting it go. It was none of my

business. Anyways, I needed to teach her exactly how I liked to store my files so
that she'd be able to take care of it.

"Here, let's begin shall we?" I asked, smiling.

-Eric-

I'd known things wouldn't go smoothly as soon as I entered the office

Monday morning. I hadn't even known exactly what, but the thought had been
simmering in the back of my mind for too long, leaving enough doubt to confuse me.
Shawn wasn't one to let things go and for some stupid reason I'd managed to make
myself believe this would be the exception.

It wasn't.

"Go get me a bagel," Shawn murmured while he tapped away on his laptop.
Then, he lifted his hand holding up a key. "And then you'll take care of this.
You're ten seconds late, by the way."

I raised an eyebrow and stared at the key.

When he didn't explain himself, I began moving forward and only stopped
when I'd taken the key from his hand. I didn't know exactly what to expect, but
something told me that whatever I was supposed to expect wasn't going to be good.

He hadn't even smiled my way, something I'd grown used to by now. It

was disheartening to see the shift, but I made sure to show no reaction.

I waved my hand awkward, wincing when he nodded his head in a weak

attempt at acknowledging my presence. I sighed. He was being ridiculous. He didn't
even have a reason to be mad at me, except perhaps for the raising of my voice near
the end of that argument. Aside from that, I'd only been a bit snappy, but nothing
serious.

"Are you honestly going to-?"

"There are boxes in the closet storage. I'm certain there are more than
ten," he mentioned absentmindedly.
 I nodded. "Do you need something from one of them?" I asked. It'd take
some time, perhaps. However, it at least sounded simple enough.

Shawn shook his head. "That's everything left from one of our retired
attorneys. He was a brilliant man so I want to see what exactly made him so
brilliant," Shawn stated matter-of-factly. "I want you to organize all the files
and then bring them here.

I blinked. "Ten boxes full of papers?" I asked and my heart sunk a bit.

Shawn lifted his gaze, meeting my eyes. "There's a few more near the
back, probably. There are spiders so I'd be careful."

I wanted to say something. However, I didn't. I merely nodded. "When

did he retire?" I asked casually, confused as to when this had even happened. Quite
honestly, I thought that perhaps I would've heard about it. I hadn't heard a single
word.

"About a decade ago," Shawn murmured, dismissing me. I stared at him,

blinking, and just sort of remaining frozen to the ground as he ignored my
existence. He was punishing me. The reason was rather vague, but he was clearly
punishing me for something.

I sat down despite my better judgment, looking his way. Shawn didn't
pay me any attention for a few minutes. He only even glanced my way after I'd
cleared my throat and tapped my fingers on the table.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, pouting.

Shawn shrugged. "Mr. Dirk, do I honestly need to repeat myself for you
to listen? I'm honestly baffled by your lack of professionalism."

I stood up immediately, taking a step back and nodding my head.

"Okay, I get it, no longer friends," I murmured under my breath,

shaking my head in disbelief. He was being ridiculous.

"Come again?" Shawn asked, raising his voice.

I narrowed my eyes, biting my tongue just as I opened my mouth to curse

at him. He was being ridiculous. I'd done absolutely nothing to him. Was he mad at
me for crushing on him? Perhaps he felt uncomfortable or-I didn't even know
anymore.

"Nothing, Mr. Briggs," I replied monotonously. Then, I took the stupid-

looking container from my bag, leaving it on the table. "I just-I thought you might
like-"

I felt stupid.

What was I doing?

"Nutella?" Shawn asked. "No, I don't think you were thinking, Eric. I'm
not sure what you want me to do with this."

I sighed, grimacing. He was right. I didn't have a single clue what I'd
been thinking at all. No, I hadn't been thinking. I'd been imagining that I'd be
talking to Shawn, my friend, not my boss. That was the issue right there, in the
fact that the lines had been blurry and now I couldn't deal with the reality that
he wasn't my friend or close.

"You don't like it?" I asked carefully, scratching the back of my head.

Shawn sighed. "It's not about whether I like it or not. It's about
whether this displays good work ethic and whether it even makes sense at all."

I sighed thoroughly disappointed. "You don't like it?"

"If I say I do would you go get my bagel already," Shawn asked

impatiently. I fled the room before he could repeat himself, suddenly grateful to
have an excuse to leave the room. I felt as if I was suffocating in there.

-Shawn-

I glared at the Nutella container, both startled by its presence and

confused by the choice. Why would he even bother? I could sense the damn thing
mocking me, as everything else did. Therefore, I reached out and grabbed it,
sticking it into my drawer, and resumed glaring at the screen, as I'd been doing
for about an hour now.

Mr. Greed wanted to meet once more now that the circumstances had
drastically changed, and of course, I wasn't in any disposition to say no.

I saw Eric's back from a distance as he searched for the room. I didn't
even feel bad. He'd probably spent the weekend sleeping around with one of
Jacqueline's friends so this was just life balancing out the good and the bad.
Except, in his case, it was all bad.

He'd probably been horrible in bed.

I ran my finger through my hairs, taking a deep breath and opening the
composition of my response. I'd been the one to make the horrible mistake of
allowing my employee to become my friend and now I was the one responsible for
fixing it.

He'd gotten too close, far too close, and that was the issue.

I growled under my breath, completely and utterly irritated by Eric's

slowness. He wasn't even back with my bagel yet. I'd clearly told him to get me a
bagel before going to sort the papers. I tapped my fingers on the table, glancing
down at the planner one last time as I waited for Eric to enter. I had a meeting
regarding an ongoing case I had to get to soon.

Eric entered a few minutes later, breathing heavily and carrying a

plate with a single bagel on top. It was plain.

"I wanted cream cheese," I stated. "I mean, isn't that obvious?"

He blinked. "I assumed you'd eat it with the Nutella," he mentioned

shyly. His face flushed a bit.

I rolled my eyes. "I hate Nutella," I lied.

"But you said-"

"I know what I said," I reminded him. "Are you done?"

Eric nodded his head stiffly, walking out and heading towards where he
assumed was the storage room. I'd noticed a hint of anger in his eyes, but he
didn't say anything back. Perhaps I was wearing him thin. However, he didn't seem
ready to do anything about it. Good. He was also definitely wrong as to where he
believed the storage room to be, but I didn't bother correcting him.

He'd figure it out on his own. Perhaps I was being somewhat of a rude
person, but I couldn't help it. Lately, he was just rubbing me the wrong way.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading the chapter. Please consider leaving a vote and a
comment if you enjoyed the chapter. I attached (Smells like Teen Spirit - Nirvana)
to the chapter since I think it sets the tone for Shawn's attitude during the
chapter.

-Hec

Ch. 29: Sprawled on the Ground

Office Love: Chapter 29: Sprawled on the Ground

A/N: I added a visual of Dane Goodwin who portrays Daniel Fischer.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I passed by the hallway, unsure of where I was heading. One glance

behind me and I realized Shawn was glaring directly at me, the corner of his mouth
curled up into a smirk. He was enjoying this. He was quite literally enjoying
making me look like a fool.

The breath of anguish that left my mouth surprised me, even more so
because I hadn't expected myself to feel so down, so small.

The feeling was awful. I detested the way it rooted under my skin,
spreading through me and leaving me with a numbing sense of despair. He didn't care
for me, not truly. I forced myself to turn away from him, scrubbing at my face to
shake his face out of my mind. The reality was that I was wasting my time.

After what seemed like an eternity, I just entered a room that had the
lights off. Most of them had the lights on so I just entered the first one I
noticed had the light flickered off and hoped for the best. It didn't even matter
anymore as long as I got somewhere. Hell, it was preferable to standing around
looking lost and pathetically inexperienced. The room was dark inside, but also
occupied.

I noticed the clearing of throat, but it wasn't until I brought my hand

down that I realized that the disembodied noise was coming from someone directly
beside me. That someone was staring directly at me. I blinked, waving awkwardly.

The man was vaguely recognizable. Perhaps I'd seen him in passing, but
I still had no clue why he was in front of here now. Even though I worked her, I
didn't really talk or even glance at anyone else here, aside from Jacqueline of
course.

"May I help you with someone?" he asked, frowning. His hands were still
on the light switch as he spoke to me. He'd been getting ready to leave his office.
 I winced, feeling bad for bothering him. "No, sorry, I should've
knocked at least."

The man smiled, shaking his hand and waving his hand, signaling that it
wasn't a problem. "No worries, I do it all the time too." Then he added more,
smiling sheepishly. "Do you work here?" It was almost as an afterthought; as if he
felt uncomfortable for assuming I worked here when he didn't know.

I nodded my head rapidly, clearing my throat to try to suppress the

awkward laugh that tempted to make its way out of my mouth. "Yeah, I do. I'm an
intern for Shawn."

The man frowned. His eyes flickered in the general direction of Shawn's
office for a split second before he nodded in agreement. "Hey there, I'm Daniel
Fischer, a pleasure to meet you."

"I'm Eric," I replied. "Eric Dirk."

It was quite bizarre to meet him after having worked here for almost
half a month, but I shook his hand anyways, smiling politely and pretending I had a
clue of what was going on.

"I'm guessing you work here in the mornings?" I asked awkwardly.

"Because... you know, I've never really seen you around."

He nodded. "Usually until noon and then I work at-" he glanced down at
his clock. "I work at my home office after that. Shit, I need to go. It was really
nice meeting you though."

Perhaps it was extremely odd, but my mouth wouldn't work. I pulled at

his arm in an uncomfortably forceful manner just as he got ready to leave his dark
office. I held on, flashing a weak smile when he turned to stare at my hand and
then at me as if I'd just shot him.

"Yes?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

I glanced around. "Shawn told me to get some files from the storage
unit. Would you please let me bother you for a second, Daniel Fischer? I just-I
really don't want to get him mad."

Daniel grinned, nodding and putting down his laptop bag on the floor.
"Dan. You can call me Dan."

I sighed in relief as he waved his hand and turned to walk further into
the building, quickly walking down the hall. I blinked, lost for a few seconds,
before following him.

He hastily guided me through the hallway in what I assumed was the path
towards the spider-infested storage unit, passing by several offices. Unlike me, he
actually talked greeted the people with open doors, waving and flashing warm smiles
to some and simply nodding to others.

I felt bad as I saw how polite they actually were; I'd only really
rushed past them, avoiding them like the plague.

While following him Dan turned back and gave me a friendly smile.
"Don't worry about him, Eric. Trust me, he may appear as an asshole on the outside,
but he's honestly really friendly."
 I frowned, nodding. I knew that already. Well, I'd known that.

"What if you got past that layer of him and met the friendlier side of
him just to throw you back to square one?" I asked, blurting the question out
before I could help myself. I didn't want to vent to some lawyer I'd just met, but
it wasn't as if I knew who else to talk about this to anyways.

I couldn't pinpoint exactly if it'd been his warm blue eyes or maybe
the playfully rugged features he had, but something about him was almost calming. I
didn't feel like I was talking to someone above me, and that was just astounding
considering where I was and with what kind of people I was dealing.

Jacqueline would just coax me into trying to try to seduce him, jump,
him, or something crazier. No, by this point I really just wanted him as a friend
once more because at least then he hadn't treated me so coldly.

Dan frowned. "He did that to me after I lost a case last year. Well, he
also threatened to fire me and drive me off a cliff so I guess he just has his
moments."

I scratched the back of my head, listening intently. Did that mean he'd
get over whatever he was mad about anyways? He'd been the one condescending and
harshly rejecting me, right? Was it bothering him that I liked him?

He'd said he didn't mind though... or had that been for appearances?

I just didn't get it. What had I even done to him?

"He's quite the man," I stated.

Dan burst into laughter, shrugging in response and stopping by a door.

He turned it, opening, and peeking inside. "Here we go. Well, I don't know about
Shawn being a man. I'd call him a child despite his age."

I refrained from commenting, aware that this was my superior speaking,

not my friend. I'd already been inappropriate enough by bringing it up. I didn't
even nod in agreement, instead letting him talk.

"Now, I really need to go home. It was a pleasure meeting you," Dan

said, smiling at me before walking off. Suddenly, I didn't know why I hadn't
bothered to introduce myself to everyone working here. Why? It didn't make sense.
It shouldn't been one of the first thing I should've done and yet Shawn was
unorthodox enough to pass right past that.

I turned to face the dark storage room, shuddering under my breath as

my eyes fought to adjust to the darkness. My hands cautiously felt across the wall
beside the doorframe, seeking the light switch and sighing in relief when my hand
found the stupid button. I pressed the bottom part, taking a step back out when I
turned on the light and realized just how truly right Shawn has been about the
place being terrifying.

Across the large room, stacks and stacks of worn boxes just lay there
on top of each other. I almost felt tempted to turn back around and go curse Shawn
out simply because it was ridiculous. The entire room was a disarray of boxes and
webs that spread from box to box, attaching themselves to everything and anything
within eye distance.

The layer of dust surrounding the room seemed like something that would
harm more than help, but my eyes were still glaring at one of the most visible
spider webs.

I shuddered, shaking my head and closing the door before turning to

lean against it.

I opened my eyes, noticing Dan standing all the way across his room,
locking his door and chuckling as he left. I waved, flashing a weak smile before
turning back around and entering the room.

-Jacqueline-

My eyes fell over the video camera reel and I rolled my eyes in annoyance, closing
the feed and sighing under my breath. Shawn couldn't help himself. Truly, he was
angering enough, as he was but even more now that he was messing with Eric.

"Violet," I called out. "I'm going to need you to do something

rather... questionable."

She stared up at me from across the table of disorganized papers,

blinking. We were in the middle of sorting out things and getting me back on track,
but this was more important. At least, it was necessary because otherwise Shawn
would literally never learn.

"What do you mean?" she asked. "I mean, as long as it's not murder..."

I actually burst into laughter, shaking my head. "Oh no, not that
questionable."

I opened the reel once more, clicking on the cameras I was supposed to
be checking before the beeping came up from the corner of my screen. I groaned,
shaking my head in annoyance.

"Never mind," I murmured before standing up and closing the laptop. "I
forgot I had this stupid meeting-just keep doing what you're doing."

Violet frowned, glancing down at the papers before nodding at me. I

really wanted to teach Shawn a lesson, but perhaps that would have to wait until I
was back.

"I'll be back in an hour or so," I announced as I gathered my things

and rushed out of the door, groaning under my breath. Why wasn't Shawn running
around like I was? Honestly, sometimes I wondered if anyone else here was doing as
much work as I did.

I took out my phone, calling my client, clearing my throat and

mustering as much poised calmness as possible while running down the halls. I waved
at Dan as I ran towards my car frowning when I realized he was leaving a bit later
than usual today.

"Hello?" a disembodied voice asked and I glanced away from Dan, glaring
at my car's window.

"Good evening Mr. Perry, we're still set to meet today right?"

I fumbled with the car keys, pressing the unlock button and yanking the
door open as I waited for her to reply. As expected, he gave me some awful excuse
about being busy and not feeling too well.

"You do understand that this will define your future whether you feel
well or not, correct?"

There was no reply.

"Don't let fear run your life."

"Jacqueline," the man pleaded.

I rolled my eyes. There he went again, thinking he could throw me off

by diving into his sad story head on. No, if he really wanted to help himself then
he needed to do this and push.

"Look, I understand that he's your brother and it might seem inhumane,
but it's either we go to court or-" I cut myself off, hissing when I realized I was
going too far. I listened into the call, sitting down in the car and closing the
door.

"Wyatt will never forgive me," Carson murmured guiltily. Well, that was
too bad. Whether his brother felt bad or not was absolutely none of my business.

"I'm heading over and we can talk about it when I'm there, alright?" I
asked while buckling my seatbelt. "I get that you may feel bad for him, but that
doesn't excuse- no, you know what? We can talk about it over coffee and maybe
something to eat because I'm starving."

I tried to sound as friendly as possible, aware that his situation was

uncomfortable enough as it was. No, I didn't want to be the reason he backed out of
doing this, especially when it was his right. "Carson, everything will be okay."

He took a shaky breath, nodding. "I'm just worried about him. I mean,
how can I do this to him?"

"He's not a bad person and neither are you," I replied, tapping my
hands on the wheel. I couldn't leave until I cut the call. "Remember that this
isn't about taking it all, but simply about getting what's rightfully yours."

Carson's voice was weak, shaky; I could tell he wasn't doing too well
simply by how unstable it was. Why did I always get such unique clients?

"I'm not sure I deserve-"

"You do. I'm going to go drive but just hold on tight and we can talk
over everything when I get there."

With that, I hung up, aware that if I didn't he'd probably go into how
uncomfortable he was with this and how much he truly wanted to let things be as
they were when in reality he needed this. I couldn't even testify to him deserving
it, but he certainly needed it.

-Shawn-

I was typing away when I heard the crash. I shot up from my seat
immediately, confused and a bit shocked by the sound.

"Are you okay?" I asked to whoever had fallen, walking around my desk
and peeking out the office door curiously.

My eyes widened at the scene before me. Eric lay on the floor, the two
boxes he'd probably been carrying sideways with the files strewn across the floor.
He was groaning while rubbing his face. He'd face-planted against the floor.

I reached out, extending my hand and narrowing my eyes when his lit up.

"Oh, whoa, thanks Shawn-"

I took my hand back just as he was about to reach for it, staring at
him blankly. No, even helping him was just me leading him on. He'd already
complained about it so I was merely worsening things.

"Clean those up and go after the other two, Mr. Dirk. Come on, you're
honestly taking a long time."

Eric pouted, sitting up and staring up at me with wide brown eyes.

"Why?" That was the only thing he said before he starting picking up the papers.

"It's entertaining," I noted, chuckling and walking back into my

office, leaving him there looking both lost and disoriented. "You can't even do
that simple job right. I mean, that's a new level of pathetic, even for you."

I closed the door behind me and walked a few steps forward, covering my
hand with my left hand and bursting into laughter. He'd looked so shocked with his
shirt ridden halfway up and his body sprawled across the floor like some puppy
trying to learn how to walk and failing miserably.

The sound of a doorknob violently twisting and then the door slamming
weren't something I'd been expecting at all.

My entire body turned to glance behind me, my eyes widening when I

realized Eric was fuming there with his hands crossed across his chest.

"Did you really just slam my door?" I asked, annoyed by his mere
presence. He'd looked much better sprawled across the floor.

He shook his head. "Why are you treating me this way?"

I frowned. "Excuse me? I have no idea what you're referring to, Mr.
Dirk."

Eric narrowed his eyes, taking a step forward and pointing at me.
"You're acting like an asshole!"

I can't say I'd been expecting that. At first, I just stood there,
processing what he'd said before I realized that he's insulted me. Then, I stepped
forward, shoving him back angrily.

"Who the hell do you think you're talking to?" I asked angrily.

Eric growled at me, shoving me back as if I wasn't his boss. He was

crossing so many lines, blurring so many others.

"What did I do, Shawn?" he yelled angrily.

I gritted my teeth in anger. He was so unavoidably irritating. I wanted

to scream at him to leave, and yet I wanted for the anger to diminish and for
everything to settle down. Hell, I didn't know what I wanted.

I stepped forward to shove him forcefully and somehow I ended up

crashing my lips against his instead.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider leaving a vote and a comment. Oh, the
conversation that Jacqueline had while she left the office was actually from
Fleeting Love! Yes, series connections for the win! Make sure to check out the
other books in the Awkward Love Series since they all interconnect somehow and it
greatly enhances the experience.

I made the chapter longer than usual because I love you.

Also... (long A/N, I know, sorry) I may or may not have planned for the sheric kiss
to be today because it's Valentine's Day. Have a great one.

-Hec

Important Message! (Record Love Alert!)

Companion Story Announcement for Record Love! (Awkward Love Series)

I have actually created a companion story, Record Love, for the storyline
regarding Curtis Stone and Adam Greed (they're both from Office Love). I am
continuing this story; I wanted to introduce RL in the past few chapters so you
would be aware. I will be updating Curtis and Adam's storyline on the new companion
story, Record Love, which will focus exclusively on them. One thing that's
incredible and I want to point out is that this companion story came from OL rather
than GL, which is a first.

What does that mean exactly?

This is the first companion story that has come out of Office Love. I would
also like to repeat that Gym Love,Office Love, & Fleeting Love are NOT ending yet.
The story will also reach continuity with the rest of the stories and is in the
same universe.

Why companion stories?

Part of the reason behind The Awkward Love Series being born is the amount
of minor arcs that I've made that have shown such amazing potential and I've felt
obligated to expand into their own story. Office Love being one of them. I feel
like this specific universe has a lot of potential when considering branching out.
I've had this idea for longer than I've had the idea for any other story in the
Awkward Love Series and didn't have enough of a plan to post it as a stand-alone
story. Then, I found a way to introduce it through Office Love and it's been
incredible to find that.

Do I have to read all three stories in the series? (Gym Love, Office Love,
Fleeting Love, & Record Love?)

No, reading all four of the stories that form a part of The Awkward Love
Series is not necessary. You can read Gym Love, Office Love, Fleeting Love, &
Record Love interchangeably without fear of getting lost. This is because they are
separate storylines in their totality with different locations and main characters.
However, I do think that it would be best (for you, the reader), if you read all
three since they can go along with each other if you so desire to read them as I
update. It greatly enhances the experience due to the crossovers. Speaking of
which...

Will there be any crossovers?

Of course. Since they are in the same universe, you will definitely see
many awesome things occurring within the stories that will link them together.

In the end, it's up to you to see if you want to check Record Love and keep
in tune with that story. It is now out, so feel free to go check it out! Otherwise,
regardless of your answer, you had better prepare yourself for a lot more Office
Love.

-Hec

Ch. 30: Can I Kiss You Again?

Office Love: Chapter 30: Can I Kiss You Again?

A/N: Important "A/N" at the end of the chapter.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

The roughness of his hands against my body should've driven me into a

neglectful panic. Perhaps I should've pushed him away, scowling at the baffling
inconsistency he was displaying, the same indecisiveness that was threatening to
send me straight to a psychiatric ward with how crazy he had me.

It was this same force, however, that sent shivers down my spine. I
pulled him back by the tie, releasing an embarrassingly high sound from the back of
my throat as my back reached the wall, his body pressing firmly against mine. I
pressed my lips against his once more, whining out as the harsh texture of his
stubble dragged across my skin.

I wanted more. I wanted him naked on top of me.

His lips were on mine, devouring me. I was struggling to keep up,
breathing in between clashes of rough kisses and sliding tongues. His hands were
firmly on my shoulders as he pinned me against the wall, leaving no room for
indecisiveness. Hell, it wasn't as if I would've pulled away, not when his lips
themselves were keeping me from making any rational decisions.

I didn't want him to wake up and realize what he was doing. With just
how aroused I felt by merely smelling the spicy scent of his cologne, everything he
did was riling me up, leaving me both breathless and desperate for more.

As selfish as that sounded, I wanted him to myself, to wake up in his

arms. I wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him closer just to keep him within
reach. It was as if I was opening a present I knew wasn't mine, glancing around the
room occasionally just to make sure the true owner wasn't going to arrive and
diminish my excitement.

Shawn didn't pull away, not even when he stopped kissing me and instead
stared at me through wide confused eyes. The sincere confusion-ridden glint wasn't
even the most unnerving. The fact that he wasn't backing away sent a million
questions through my head and the hardness I felt pressing against my own sent even
more.

I leaned my head back, closing my eyes tightly, and releasing a shaky

breath as I waited for it... the moment when he'd realize he didn't want this or
me.

Erection and all, I still had no doubt in my mind it would come. What
would he play it as of this time, human's natural reaction maybe? I moved my hips
back to press them against the wall, gasping as he followed my lead and pressed his
against mine as if it was just a casual occurrence and it wasn't affecting him.

I could feel it turning him on. However, I couldn't mention it aloud

for the life of me.

When his mouth pressed against mine, I didn't kiss back, tensing
because of what it meant. My mind was spinning, hands clutching at him even tighter
despite the sudden craving for space. Whether it was out of spite or excitement was
beyond me. There was combination of both brewing within me, a reassurance that I
wasn't completely foolishly attracted to him. His hurtful words were still buzzing
in my ear, refusing to fade and wash away by the newest development-he'd kissed me
this time, and meant it.

He couldn't take that away from me, not this. Perhaps those other times
had been a fluke, or possible an attempt to cover up lies we'd elaborated, but this
time it'd been real. He couldn't play it down as nothing. I wouldn't let him
dismiss it as nothing but a misunderstanding.

"Eric," he murmured against my lips, breathing in short puffs. His hot

breath was hitting my face, the scent of peppermint hitting my face. It felt so
much different from those other times, and yet I could feel the dread building at
the pit of my stomach at the fact that the moment was gone.

"If you're going to tell me you didn't mean it," I began, opening my
eyes and peeking at him from behind half-opened eyelids. Part of me didn't want to
see his expression and meet an expression of disgust. "You kissed me first."

Shawn nodded, lowering his gaze and staring at my lips. Shamelessly so,
his eyes didn't break contact until I was clearing my throat.

"Can I kiss you again?" Shawn asked, licking his lips and leaning
forward without waiting for a reply. He rested his forehead against mine, keeping
me there without even asking whether it was what I wanted.

Why would he when he probably perceived me as the homosexual male who

wouldn't stop throwing himself at any given moment. With his lips so close, saying
yes was almost impossible to deny. It was like a cruel twist of fate, having the
choice within my grasp and knowing that I could easily have him here, have him now.

"If it helps-" I cut myself off, shaking my head instead of saying the
long speech I had planned internally in order to properly express my sense of
despair over his constant irresolute mind. Instead, I stopped trying to beat around
the bush. "No."

Shawn's eyes didn't narrow this time. He looked defeated, but it wasn't
a fueled mess of anger and contradictions in where his mouth said one thing and his
body did another. He stepped back, nodding his head in dull acceptance.

"I fucked up didn't I?" His voice was stoic, holding no sense of
friendliness whatsoever. Even when he attempted to try to surrender his remorse, it
was almost impossible to disavow the detachment in his voice.

"You did," I replied, unsure of what that enticed.

"What does this mean?" Shawn wondered aloud. "For us?"

Was there even an "us" because if there was I still couldn't piece it
together. All the mixed signals he kept throwing hinted at one, but the possibility
of an "us" still was just that; it was a possibility that could just as easily
fizzle out.

I shrugged, unsure of how to reply to that. With him a feet away from
me, breathing was finally coming easily. "I need to finish bringing the boxes
over," I murmured into the room, turning to leave. More than anything, space was
something I was suddenly craving desperately.

"Just stop," Shawn said.

I'd fixated my gaze on the doorknob. My mind was dead-set on focusing

on the metallic handle as Shawn approached me once more. I tried to block out his
footsteps, but that only made me tense further. With ever step, I felt my heart
pounding furiously against my chest, the promise of another touch being
pathetically enough to send me into an internal panic.

Shawn set his hand on my shoulder, shaking me softly.

"Just go home, Eric."

I closed my eyes. "Am I fired?"

He didn't reply at first. In my mind, the idea solidified almost

instantly. I could already picture him taking the no as a reason to kick me to the
curbs since I was just an intern after all. Would he fire me for saying no? Then,
the initiative to quit if he didn't formed as well, perhaps as a way to prevent my
chest from tightening so painfully.

"It'll see you tomorrow," he stated blankly before sitting back down on
his office chair. I heard the creaking of the chair as he settled and nodded, not
bothering to turn back around. I couldn't face him, not now when I was just barely
holding myself together.

"I need to clean up the-"

"See you tomorrow," Shawn snapped and I bit my lip, biting back the
rest of my sentence. He didn't want me around.

"Have a good day Shawn," I said through gritted teeth before leaving
the office, feeling as confused and outraged as I had when I'd entered.

-Violet-

I knew something was wrong the second voices began erupting from the
speakers on Jacqueline's computer. I raised an eyebrow, staring at the back of the
screen intently, wondering what the ruckus was about. She'd left it on, perhaps
unaware of the fact that she'd left some programs open.

Then, I heard the little ringing.

 Once making sure nobody else was around, I stood up and leaned over to
close the lid. I heard the deep voice right before closing it.

In the screen, I could see the two figures standing before a door,
close enough to make it seem odd. The alert that had turned on the screen-a warning
for a needed update of some service-was buzzing on the right bottom corner of the
screen.

"Can I kiss you again?" one of the blurry faces asked the other one,
leaving me frozen to the ground. I didn't know exactly what it was, but something
told me I wasn't supposed to be listening.

Even then, I couldn't make out the faces too well with them standing so
far to the corner of the camera. The left person's entire face wasn't visible at
the corner of the screen and it was vaguely low quality. Closing it was harder to
do after that, curiosity trying to get the best of me.

I didn't let it. I closed the lid, releasing a breath of relief when it
shut off and the room was silent once more.

Working here, I could tell, would be an odd experience.

I sat back down, tearing my eyes away from the laptop and instead
focusing on the task. I had to go pick up Jeremiah up from daycare soon anyways,
not to mention I still had that one essay to finish for class tomorrow.

Had I even paid the weekly sum yet? I groaned, taking out my phone and
logging into my bank application. I groaned once more upon realizing that no, I
hadn't done that yet. Then, I groaned when I realized that I only had enough to pay
for that specifically and didn't have enough to get him the car that turned into a
robot.

Why were they so expensive anyways?

-Shawn-

I stood there, staring at the door.

He'd said no. I hadn't even known exactly what I'd meant when I'd asked
him to let me kiss him, but he'd said no. That was entirely my fault, and yet it
still stung like betrayal. A part of me did want to fire him.

Yet, I couldn't let it get to my head. I already let him in there far
too often.

"I'm just confused," I explained to myself, scrubbing my face with my

hands and trying to snap out of it. The words sounded wrong even as I said them.

"He's-He doesn't matter," I added, frowning when that sounded wrong as

well.

I almost ran out to catch up with him. Almost. The reality of the
situation was that doing so wasn't an actual possibility. What was I supposed to do
when I stopped him, get on my knees? Plead and beg?

What if he said yes... what would I do then? I didn't even completely

understand what I'd meant, so how did I have to react if I managed to convince him
of staying?
 I glared at the door, grumbling under my breath. Part of me wanted him
to barge in here and tell me he'd changed his mind, but I knew that wasn't going to
happen. I'd insulted him; perhaps ruining destroying whatever feelings that Eric
had been holding for me.

"I'm just tired..." I tried to excuse my actions, failing miserably

when I realized just how unnervingly tense I felt. Would he go to Jacqueline's
friend now? Would he seek comfort in that bastard's arms?

I kicked the door, growling under my breath. Chances were I'd sent him
running straight to that man, giving him half a day off as well that he'd maybe use
to roll over in the sheets with someone he couldn't even trust. Someone he barely
knew.

I opened the door, glaring down at the disarray of boxes.

Stopping Eric from cleaning them had perhaps not been one of my
brightest ideas. Being the one to clean them also didn't sit well with me.

"Someone clean this up," I yelled angrily, narrowing my eyes when

nobody came. "If this isn't cleaned up I'll fire someone!"

Sure, I was being an asshole. Whatever.

The ringing pulled me back from my thoughts. I turned to stare at my

computer, sighing when I realized it was an e-mail. I locked the office door,
indisposed to deal with whoever would be the victim of cleaning. They'd definitely
make a big deal about doing so, angry that we had no security to deal with it for
the time being and that our janitor wasn't here until later.

Working sounded like such an awful thing now, but Jacqueline would
probably kill me if I weren't as productive as she managed to be. My legs dragged
across the floor as I walked over to my desk. With my head hung low, I sat down,
glaring at the keyboard and then up at the opened browser. An email from Adam Greed
labeled "EXTREMELY IMPORTANT". From what I'd seen on the news, I was already well
aware of the severity of his problem.

For some reason, it didn't seem too important. Not now when I felt so
utterly bothered and distracted.

Scrolling down through the list and glancing through the titles, I
landed on a recent one sent by Jacqueline. It was an opened e-mail. I knew exactly
what content it had within the link.

I opened it, leaning back, and narrowing my eyes at the screen. My

hands found their way down towards my pants zipper just as I released a shaky
breath of disappointment. He'd said no, leaving me high and dry.

My fingers gripped at the zipper, pulling it down.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: I'm going to be posting Record Love tomorrow, February 21, 2015! Are you
excited? I'm ecstatic! Thanks for reading and please consider voting (the star
button) and leaving a comment. I attached a music video (Ariana Grande - One Last
Time) to the chapter.

-Hec
Ch. 31: Sweet Dreams, Hard Nights
Office Love: Chapter 31: Sweet Dreams, Hard Nights

A/N: Guys. Office Love hit 1 million views. I can't express how ecstatic or blessed
I feel. I can't even begin to comprehend how wonderful every single one of you is.
All I can do is humbly present the new chapter, hoping you'll like it and perhaps
vote and comment if you can. Have an incredible day and thank you for this
brilliant gift. As a token of my gratitude, I made a #Sheric collage and I also
made the chapter longer than usual. <3 I love you.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

Something should've come across as bizarre from the moment I opened my

eyes. Nothing did, however. I gazed up at the ceiling, blinking when I realized I
was staring at a glass ceiling with black bars holding it up. Beyond it, there was
a crowded sea of water. A school of fishes swum by, because screw logic.

However, it wasn't until I sat up and glanced straight ahead that I

realized just how screwed up reality truly was.

Shawn was at the edge of the bed, greedily staring at me in all his
naked glory.

I gulped, staring at him intently. I took my time lowering my gaze,

searching his broad shoulders and biting my bottom lip as I took in the arousing
view of Shawn looking at me as if he wanted to do unmentionable things with me
against the very bed I was sitting on.

His hands were covering his private parts, leaving me the hint of a
view from where his hand couldn't quite cover it all.

I gulped, averting my gaze and glancing down instead, tensing once

stumbling into the realization that there was also no hint of clothes on my person
or anywhere close. I would've pulled the covers over my body, except that there was
none. I was completely vulnerable, backed up against the bed frame as Shawn's eyes
took their sweet time going over my body, finally holding still as his eyes met
mine.

He crawled onto the bed, licking his lips as I crossed my legs, trying
my hardest to cover something... anything. There was no way to escape, not that I
would've wanted to leave him anyways. I would've probably fell while trying, laying
still while he climbed over me... probably wishing he were already on top of me.

"Shawn, where the hell are we?" I asked, glancing at the walls and
holding in a yelp upon realizing there were no doors anywhere around the room.
There was no way to escape, and I was losing any conviction to want to leave as he
moved his hands to place them on both my knees. He pushed my legs apart, spreading
me open before me.

I couldn't breathe as he leaning forward, his cocky grin bringing

another rush of adrenaline through my veins. He was smirking down at me,
confidently watching as he broke me down, tore me apart from within. There was
nothing for me to do but wait there. Of course, I responded when his lips crashed
against mine, inciting a moan from within me I hadn't been aware I was desperately
trying to release.
 It was a needy sound... desperate in its vulnerability. Still, there
was no way to deny him access into seeing just how he was affecting me. My mind was
racing. I stood still, fighting the desire to wrap my legs around him, pull him
closer, tug at his hair, and plead with him to touch me. To do something already.

Instead, I let him roam my body, whimpering as his rough calloused

fingers grazed down my chest, reaching around my torso and pulling me up towards
him. Then, he was caressing his face against my neck, leaving soft kisses that
contrasted with the roughness of his scruff. I shuddered from the texture, biting
back another whimper by trying to remember that I still had some form of dignity
loosely hanging from a thread.

"How could you say no to me?" he murmured against my lips teasingly,

holding me there as he tilted his head sideways. "Don't you want me?"

He pouted playfully, reaching forward and nipping at my bottom lip. The

contact was electrifying, a jolt of emotions that spread through me in waves as he
moved closer. Shawn breathed deeply as he gyrated his hips against mine, gasping
while I shivered from the friction.

"S-Shawn," I started. "Just touch me..."

"What," he asked, grumbling under his breath. "I thought you didn't
want me, Eric."

I shook my head, whimpering under my breath as his hand pressed against

my torso, holding me down against the bed.

"I was lying," I swore, pleading with my eyes.

My throat was dry, my mind blank, and rational thinking was no longer
in my list of skills. All I could do was nod my head, shuddering as I felt him
grinding against me, pushing me further down against the large the bed and pinning
me there. I couldn't resist. There wasn't any part of me willing to refuse his
touch. In fact, I pulled him closer, gasping as his hands lowered, searching for
something to wrap themselves around, and looking for some way to guide himself
within me.

Then, I woke up.

I jolted upwards on the bed, gasping as I gripped the covers that were
covering my naked body. I glared at the darkness of the room, panting as I felt the
cold sweat running down my forehead.

My heart was threatening to rip right out from my chest, ripping

through my ribcage and leaving me a bloody mess of sexual neediness and desperate
craving.

"Shawn," I murmured under my breath, panting heavily. "What the hell

have you done to me?"

I lay back down, using the edge of the cover to wipe at my face,
clutching at it tightly as I willed myself to ignore the way my body had reacted to
the dream. I should've known it was a dream. Even without comprehending how I'd
gotten there, there had been too many signs.

Still, I could almost picture how things would've continued.

"Damn it," I cursed under my breath, shaking my head in disbelief.

Something as definitely wrong with me. Shawn was within my mind, refusing to leave
no matter what I felt towards him. Then, my mind went back to room, trying to
decipher what that even meant as my eyes adjusted to the dark and empty door room.

It was at times like this that I wished Mason were home. He'd probably
make fun of me, but then at least he'd comfort me by saying something stupid and
reminding me I wasn't that badly off in general.

As of things were now, however, I couldn't see exactly why I even

tried. Shaking him from my thoughts, despite my best attempts, was simply not
working.

I closed my doors, breathing heavily and searching for sleep once more,
hoping this time the wet dreams would stay away from my craving mind.

"There wasn't even any lube in sight," I grumbled under my breath,

thinking back to the dream. "Not to mention a condom. How am I supposed to have
sex, even in a dream, without lube or a condom? I'm no animal..."

Dream refused to come, probably as ashamed of me as I was of both of

us. Who dissected the technicalities in their dreams anyways?

-Shawn-

I rubbed my half-closed eyes, warily making my way towards my office. I

stumbled through the halls, tiredly waving as I passed by, and muttering half-assed
greetings under my breath. They didn't care my lack of commitment to being a
morning person, which was probably because I was the farthest from a morning person
anyways.

Despite Meghan staying with her grandmother and sparing me some

disturbances at home, I felt almost as restless as I did that night a few year back
when I shut down her plan to get a dog.

She was allergic for goodness' sake, not that the idea of dying had
stopped her from wanting one. Hell, part of me had even missed the bickering and
nonsensical arguments we had over picking what to eat for dinner.

I'd been alone... completely and utterly alone.

Desolation hadn't seemed like a such a slap to the face until just last
night, when I spent the night in the bitter isolation of my own home, eating
disgustingly fattening take-out pizza and wine that was too expensive to be
consumed casually.

I'd had as much alcohol as I'd consumed on the day of my grandmother's

funeral, which... how pathetic was that? My mother who, by the way, sent me the
cryptic message, "remember to be nice, Shawn. Smile a little", was just another
reason I made sure to pour myself an extra glass. Because... why not?

Despite the impossibility of her knowing anything about my encounter

with Eric, the message had still be shocking enough to make me pause and stare at
it. Worst part? When I replied asking why she was telling me that she mentioned
that I was "usually a grumpy and defensive person". My own mother assumed the
worst. How freaking great was that?

Once upon a time, she used to send me daily uplifting or scolding

messages that conveyed some important information. Why she bothered to start
sending me those again the same night I felt like shit was beyond me, but I wasn't
about to ask her. Asking would probably get me some bullshit reply about "motherly
instinct" rather than the probably gossiping she'd done with Meghan about me.

Whatever the case, the message was precisely the same idea that had
been running through my head the entire night. It highlighted almost too perfectly,
my sense of dread and regret. If only I'd been kinder to the kid, perhaps he
wouldn't have rejected me.

That was the one possibility I kept re-telling myself as I shamelessly

dove into the cult side of the internet for answers to my uncomfortable questions
regarding the way Eric was making me feel. I'd expected to get some information.
What I got, however, was a bit too much.

That was just the sort of person I was. Seeking answers was almost
second nature. Ultimately, I decided to stop once the worry of how deeply I was
digging and the paranoia of leaving traces begun overweighing the sheer curiosity.

I deleted the history on my home computer. Five times. Then, I

considered company resetting or accidentally throwing it in the pool, extremely
aware that Meghan used the home computer sometimes and she was probably better at
maneuvering through it than I would ever be. The last thing I needed was her
stumbling upon any of the websites that I'd found that both displayed and explained
several inappropriate things.

I pulled at the collar of my shirt, clearing my throat as a few images

flashed across my mind. I shuddered, shaking my head. I'd been in such a mood
yesterday, only realizing how uncomfortably bizarre my searches were once I snapped
out of it.

One could say I wasn't completely dismissing the idea of being

interested in men, or at least Eric. That, however, didn't imply that I felt fine
about it or didn't drink in a vain attempt to forget the regret and shame of my own
actions.

I was about to step into my office when I heard the high-pitched

scream. It was a shrilling yelp of pain, followed by some sort of deeper sound. It
sounded a whale noise, despite the illogicality of such a noise coming from within
the office.

My hands froze as they reached towards my office's doorknob and I

turned, sighing under my breath before fast walking towards the source of the loud
voice. Sure, I could picture Jacqueline, the obvious source of the screaming, being
brutally murdered, but that didn't mean I was going to run. If she was gone then
she was gone already. No reason to exhaust myself.

Then, I heard her ferocious calling of my name. My entire body froze

for a second before I regained my composure and resumed heading towards her. I
slowed down considerably upon reaching her door, wincing at the idea of having
Jacqueline scold me for whatever she was going to be angry about, shaking the idea
when I realized that I was the boss here.

I stepped in, raising an eyebrow.

Jacqueline was clutching at her chest, leaning away from the screen as
she stared with shocked and widened eyes. She was also panting heavily, probably
from all the screaming.

"Anyone stabbing you?" I asked.

 She shook her head, raising her gaze to glare daggers at me.

"Then why are you screaming?" I continued.

Her eye twitched as her glare darkened. I could picture her lunging at
me. Either that or breaking into a seizure before my eyes.

She shut the laptop, forcefully slamming it down before shaking her
head in bitter disappointment. Her cruelly disgusted facial expression made it seem
as if I'd offended her and five generations of ancestors.

"I was here the entire day yesterday," she began angrily, gritting her
teeth as her unwavering eyes pierced right through me/

I frowned. "I did just as many hours as you, if that's what you're-"

"You kissed him right after I left!" she exclaimed accusingly, pointing
at me. Her gaze was enflamed as she ardently glared me down. If death glares could
kill, I'd be dead.

I gulped, taking a single step back.

"W-What?" I stammered while scratching the back of my head and hoping

playing stupid would work. We both knew it wouldn't, but truth was that facing her
terrified me to an extent.

Jacqueline shook her head. "Don't play stupid with me, Shawn. How dare
you kiss him in my absence? I had faith in you, Shawn!"

I blinked. "Hey, calm down. Look, it's not as if these things are
planned-"

"I was rooting for you!" she raged. "We were all rooting for you, you
limp dick, non-dick sucking piece of literal shit. Why couldn't you just wait for
me to get back to the office you moron?"

"What?" I asked again, scoffing. Why was she even mad?

"How dare you?" she continued, crossing her arms across her chest,
pouting. "You have betrayed me in the worst way!"

I crossed my own hands across my chest. "Why does this even concern
you."

Jacqueline's eyes widened, her jaw slacked, and I swore I saw smoke
leave her ears for a split-second. "Did you just ask me, a fellow fangirl, why I
care about my mother ship? You literally tried to ride the damn thing and sunk my
baby Sheric instead!"

I raised my hands waving. "Sheric? What the hell are you talking
about?" I asked impatiently. She was making absolutely no sense. She glanced
around, running her hand through her hair and stomping her feet.

"Where's Eric?" she asked, ignoring my question.

"I don't know. We didn't exactly leave in good terms yesterday," I

confessed, to which she gasped in horror, clutching at her chest once more. I hated
when she looked at me like that, acting as if I'd skinned puppies before her eyes
or something equally grotesque.
 "Are you serious? You're such an inconsiderate man, Shawn. I'd slap
you, but I rather not get ignorant on my hand," she proclaimed before sitting back
down. Then, she slumped back on her seat, opening her laptop and ignoring my
existence. I stared, trying to comprehend what she meant by ship and why I'd sunk
it.

"Besides, I don't want to get in trouble with PETA," she added under
her breath.

"Ship?" I asked, blinking. "What does that even mean?"

Her eyes flickered up to me. "I'm deleting the reel of you wanking in
your office. Not because you deserve my help, but because it makes for low quality,
displeasing amateur porn."

My jaw slacked as I stared at her, suddenly feeling about ready to

bolt. "Wasn't the camera in my office turned off?" I asked in shock. Then, it hit
me. "Is that how you know about the kiss?"

Jacqueline wasn't even looking at me. She was too busy worshipping the
ground that awaited my grave. I cleared my throat, stepping out of her office
without saying anything more. It wasn't as If I could say much else after that
anyways. Damn it, some others had heard.

"I hope you get lost in a desert of Legos while barefoot and with no
water!" Jacqueline yelled as I ran out. I literally ran, afraid she'd consider
throwing her laptop in my general direction.

I scoffed, considering yelling at her in return and instead biting my

tongue. She was erasing the reel after all. Perhaps I'd insult her afterwards.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: So, yeah... I can't express how happy I truly am. I hope you liked it. Please
consider leaving a vote and commenting you enjoyed the chapter. Thanks!

-Hec

Ch. 32: Busy Mouth

Office Love: Chapter 32: Busy Mouth

A/N: I attached a visual of how the room from Eric's dream appears so you can
visualize it.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

As irresponsible of me as it was, I couldn't dismiss the deep desire to

miss work. Even contemplating it made me feel uncomfortably wrong, and yet my mind
quickly flashed back to the dream as well.

It was a horrible situation either way.

My hands kept reaching out for the phone and hovering over the messages
box. I couldn't text though. I always found myself turning off the phone and
setting it on the table before anxiously picking it back up. The audacity that mad,
in addition to my never-ending uncertainty, both alluded to my current predicament.
Both chaotic traits were so prominent in our every conversation, making it
difficult to convince myself that going to him was the right choice.

After all, what would happen if I did? Would I scream at him? While
there was a deep burning anger in the pit of my stomach, chances were I'd jump on
his lap and attack his lips as soon as I saw him.

It was impossible to refrain from venturing back into the night's

dream, the one haunting my every waking second. It was even harder to stop myself
from considering how it'd truly feel, envisioning everything it could be. Still, I
somehow found myself cursing his mere existence; angrily grumbling about how this
was his entire fault. He'd done this to me, having no mind of consciousness on how
it would affect me.

Shawn had me tightly wrapped around the very tips of his fingers,
stringing me along while puppeteering my every emotions, my needs, and even
haunting my dreams. Every time I closed my eyes, it was impossible to stop myself
from envisioning Shawn pinning me down, running his hands through my hair, pulling
me closer while shoving me down.

It was unnerving to imagine just how badly I wanted the one thing I
knew I couldn't have, that being his affection.

"Everything all right, Mr. Dirk?" Mr. Thompson asked out of absolutely
nowhere. I blinked, lowering my phone once more and blinking, disoriented by the
sudden spotlight. How had he even spotted me drifting off from the large assortment
of desks within the auditorium?

Mr. Thompson glared from the podium, crossing his hands across his
chest, halting every action. That was when I noticed that every student was
furiously writing, taking notes on his lecture.

The very same lecture he'd just halted in order to call me out for not
paying attention.

Dozens of heads turned towards me, several showing glimpses of

gratefulness over halting Mr. Thompson. Even more, however, looked bothered by the
interruption. It was unnervingly quiet how quiet it suddenly became, the movement
of pens against paper stopping just as my professor stared directly at me. I'd been
the only one not paying attention, it seemed.

"You do understand the importance of this lesson, correct?" Mr.

Thompson asked, knitting his eyebrows together as he glared up at me. I didn't know
what to say, caught up in the fact that he was choosing to direct his scornful
expression and sharp tongue at me. He'd never called me out on anything before.

Then again, he'd never had anything to call me out on either.

"Do you understand?" he repeated, this time louder, bitter with

annoyance. "What exactly do you think you're doing?"

The simple undertone to his voice brewed such anger within me. A
mixture of the condescending tone he was using and my nerves were probably to blame
for my response. It's hard to place why I just shrugged, rolled my eyes, and stared
back directly into his unimpressed eyes.
 "I'm listening, aren't I?" was my simple sarcastic reply.

The words had already found their way out my mouth, tumbling into the
crowded room just as I bit my tongue. He took a step forward, narrowing his eyes
just ad I became vaguely aware that he wasn't the right person to unearth my hidden
annoyance with, especially because he could-

"You're dismissed," he announced.

My jaw slacked just as a few students on opposite sides of me gasped

under their breaths. He'd never kicked anyone out of class before. It wasn't as if
I could blame him though, not when I wasn't even in the right mindset. My busy
mouth was getting me into so much trouble, while my busy mind kept pushing forth
the stupid dream as if nothing else mattered.

"Mr. Thompson, I-" I started, cutting myself off when I realized I had
nothing to say. It was inexcusable to disrespect him. He didn't have to put up with
my insolence, no matter what.

"What was I even speaking about Mr. Dirk?" he asked angrily. "Here,
explain the theory I was going over while you daydreamed and you can stay and
perhaps try to gander whatever you can out of this lecture, the very same one
you've interrupted."

I gulped, restraining my mouth when I opened it to reply. Something

told me he was seconds away from calling security on me.

"Uh, well," I mumbled. "You know, the thing were-"

He nodded. "Yeah, I do know. I'm not sure, however, that you do," he
snapped before pointing towards the door. I glanced through the turning heads,
flickering my eyes towards the main exit before turning back to face him. I was
speechless, mind-boggled by the mere fact that I was finding myself in such a
situation.

"Wait, I-"

"Mr. Dirk, you're dismissed," Mr. Thompson stated angrily "You've

wasted enough of my time."

I nodded, gulping as mu heart sunk. I'd never assumed myself the type
to cause trouble, let alone cause a commotion that required my own removal. I
rushed to stand up, stumbling as I picked up my belongings and dashed out. Anger
wasn't even present, smuggled by the humiliating sense of vulnerability as the
collection of faces turned to watch me leave.

Mr. Thompson hadn't specified, and so I didn't know whether I was being
completely dismissed from the course or just this one lesson, but I wasn't about to
stick around and find out. I called out an apology, but by then he was already
teaching once more and I couldn't help but feel a sense of déjà vu.

I flirted with the idea of going back to the office as I did the walk
of shame, feeling like some dismissed, insignificant hookup rather than a student.
I almost chose to head in the direction of the bus station, instead making my way
towards the library in order to attempt and learn the lesson on my own. If I didn't
want to go at all then the only thing worse was probably going to work early and
having to face him for longer.

-------
 I was searching through my second book when I heard the chair move. I
didn't know what I was expecting when I glanced up, but a sharply dressed young
woman wasn't one of them. She flashed a smile, gracefully seating on the seat
opposite to mine, looking proper enough to make me feel bad about wearing plain
blue jeans.

"Hello?" I asked, completely and utterly lost as to why she'd chosen

this table when there were dozens of available tables in the library.

She winced. "I'm in your class, the one you just..." she drifted off as
soon as I cringed. I opened my mouth to try and defend myself, but by the time I
thought of what to say she'd already pushed a thumb drive across the table, smiling
as I stared down at it.

I blinked, glancing down at the diminutive device.

"It has the class' recording, quite clearly spoken as well since I sit
in the front most times," she continued. "I thought you might need it, you know?"

I smiled. "You're so nice... Uh, what's your name?" I asked awkwardly.

"Mine is Eric."

Her eyes widened just as she realized she'd never really said hers.
"Oh, my bad. I'm Violet Faith, but you can call me Violet."

-Shawn-

My eyes fell upon the clock as I watched the minutes pass by. It was
still too early for him to be here, and yet my eyes kept drifting toward the door
with every passing set of feet that stumbled past my office. The worst part about
waiting was the fact that part of me was expecting him, while the other was truly
expecting a resignation letter.

Another knew he'd come, despite how unlikely it appeared. Perhaps hope
was getting the most of me. I sighed under my breath, groaning when I realized just
how much time I was wasting by sitting there, moping around.

I'd yet to reply to Adam Greed's email. Since there was nothing
happening, I took the liberty of opening my email, huffing under my breath when I
took into consideration just how many unopened e-mails I actually had.

The mouse's pointer was hovering over Mr. Greed's email when I heard
Jacqueline calling me out from afar, approaching at a rapid pace.

"Bad news," she called out, stopping just as she found herself before
my door. She leaned against the doorframe, frowning. My heart skipped a beat
instantly, the fear of Eric's absence forming goosebumps across my arms.

"Did he quit?" I asked nervously.

Jacqueline blinked, shaking her head. "We ran out of bagels."

I rolled my eyes, clicking on the e-mail, returning my focus back to

the screen since Jacqueline was apparently not bringing any important news. The
bagels could wait; I'd been worried.

"Just tell someone to go on a bagel run," I sighed. "Tell them to bring

coffee too."
 Almost as if by magic, Daniel was passing by the door, frowning. "I'm
not going," he said while in passing.

"Swim away Fischer," I grumbled, drawing a bothered huff from him. He

hated when I made that joke, which was almost every time I spoke with him.

"So?" she asked, seemingly annoyed. "I don't know about you, but I'm
nobody's maid, Shawn. You need to solve whatever differences you have with Eric.
Secretary's running errands so that's also out of the question."

I rolled my eyes, displeased that she was bringing him back into a
conversation. Eric was the last person I wanted to talk about anyways. My eyes read
over the first few sentences, stopping as soon as I found myself reading the word
fly.

"I'll get them simply because I know how rude you get if you don't get
your daily dose," Jacqueline muttered to herself.

I tore my eyes away from the screen, narrowing them at her as I

considered what she was saying. The bagel shop was just down the street, but I
didn't dare comment on that if she was offering.

Then, they went back to the screen, fixating on the single word just as
I read the same one a few hundred times. My throat dried up immediately. I reached
out, waving for her to step into my office just as she was beginning to leave. She
stopped abruptly, frowning.

My eyes settled on the mail recipient, bringing a sense of dread. I

gulped, watching ad the formed sentences asked for the one thing I truly didn't
want to do.

It was calling for a meeting, except, neither of them would be able to

make it back to Los Angeles in time. I blinked at the thought of going on a plane,
shuddering in fear. However, saying no wasn't an option. The case was forming into
a serious one, apparently.

Going implied using a method of transportation that was, as safe as

many stated it to be, it was just a flying death contraption with disgusting food
and cheap plastic cups that only looked like glass, but truly weren't. Jacqueline
was already around the desk and reading over my shoulder before I could ask her to
do just that.

She hummed. "I can't do that with you, Shawn."

My eyes widened further. Last time I'd flown on an airplane I'd taken
Jacqueline along for moral support, clinging on to her as the plane took off and
then screaming internally as we landed.

"What do you mean you can't go?" I asked, blinking. "Jacqueline..."

She shook her head, suddenly serious. "I'm busy with a really
important, extremely delicate case, Shawn."

I gasped. "Jacqueline, there is no way I'm getting on one of those

metal coffins by myself!"

She walked around my desk once more, standing by the door and leaning
against the doorframe once more. "You don't have to," she reminded me.
 "I don't want to take Meghan though." I frowned. She'd probably torture
me about working during the trip when I was going to work in the first place.

"You have an intern don't you?" she asked sarcastically, rolling her
eyes as if it was the most obvious thing. "Just take Eric with you."

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and commenting! I hope you
enjoyed this surprise update. I love you.

-Hec

Ch. 33: Noticeable Erections

Office Love: Chapter 33: Noticeable Erections

A/N: I attached a visual of Shawn and Meghan when they were younger *dies because
of cuteness* and attached a song (Hey Jude - The Beatles).

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Shawn-

"You want me to do what?" I asked, confused.

She wiggled her eyebrows. "Take him, Shawn. Take him now," she, oddly
enough, purred mockingly. I rolled my eyes, sighing under my breath as she
continued bothering me.

"Are you insane?" I asked.

She shrugged. "Why not? You can take him against the desk, against the
wall, the chair maybe... on the floor-"

"Are you just about done?" I snapped as Jacqueline burst into laughter.
I could see from the light reflection of my screen that my face was a deep shade of
red from the visuals suddenly passing through my brain, not to mention the memory
of what we'd already done.

"Why not?" she asked, ignoring my anger just as she always did.
"Meghan's going to be with your mom for a week so just take him along." The way she
shared her opinion made it sound so logical, despite how irrational it seemed to
submit him to that. He'd fled from me. Why would he every say yes to travelling
along with me when sharing space with me in general was bothering him?

I shook my head, lowering my gaze. "He won't. Besides, Eric has class
anyways. There's no way he'll just drop things and go," I reminded her, pouting
while I let the bitter fact seep into my bones, coating me with a layer of
annoyance.

She was gone by the time I glanced back up, probably off to buy the
bagels she'd promised. My stomach growled just then, as if on cue. Then, my eyes
drifted to the clock, where they fixated while I felt the passing minutes weighing
my down like large boulders.
 Unavoidable.

Eric wasn't at work yet. As the clock struck a quarter past one, my
hope began diminishing.

"He'd say no." I sighed under my breath while staring at the e-mail,
contemplating exactly what my options were. As troubling as the idea was, in this
case it didn't seem like there were many to choose from in any case. Flashes of my
last airplane experience vividly replayed in my mind, down to my sweaty palms and
how quickly my heart picked speed.

I'd clung to Jacqueline like some child, of course. The feeling of

stability I'd gracefully vowed to embrace once upon a time had vanished in that
very moment, returning only when my feet were on solid ground. Everything had spun
out of control, more or less.

There would be nothing tying me down now.

Loneliness would be there, sure, just as it was now. The bitter

loneliness that I'd promised myself once I realized being a father meant stepping
up to the plate, growing and proving my love to her with my own actions.

Still, there was nobody... not even her now.

My eyes flickered to the phone, where thy stilled while I considered if

having her taken out of school to spend time with me was a good idea. I didn't
call, of course, since it was obviously a horrible experience to disrupt her
studies.

I closed my eyes as tightly as possible, knowing deep in my chest I was

waiting for no one. My heart sunk at the thought. More than anything, the most
over-whelming feeling there, deep in my being, was an avalanche of confusion.

A torrent of desperate need for someone...to hold.

"I think I'll ask him, just in case," I whispered under my breath,
releasing a shaky breath as the reality came crashing down. I really wanted him to
be here. I wanted someone to be here already. Anyone.

I bolted as soon as I opened my eyes, gasping as Jacqueline's grin re-

appeared at my doorway. I knew merely by her smile that she approved of my
decision. As I blinked, she threw a closed first in the air, cheering under her
breath, probably fighting the urge to scream. I couldn't decide if her
uncomfortably deep involvement in my romantic life was something to take for
flattery or terror.

A smile flashed my features despite myself, and so it did across hers.

"Well, he should be here soon," she noted, entering once more.

I shrugged, suddenly wary. Here I was, desperately waiting around for

my twenty-two year old intern to arrive, waiting like some whipped dog.

My stomach growled once more, this time a bit louder.

"No breakfast?" she guessed.

"Meghan wasn't there," I replied as if that simple, uncorrelated fact

was somehow enough of an answer.
 Jacqueline raised an eyebrow, obviously lacking knowledge on what I was
talking about anyways.

"I usually make us both breakfast in the morning, but she wasn't here
so I-"

"-couldn't think for yourself?" Jacqueline interrupted and finished

sassily. "You're not just a father, Shawn, but also a person on your own right."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm aware."

Even as the words passed my lips, a part of me questioned the idea at

its core, considering the idea of being an entity outside of what I knew. What did
that even mean? Meghan was my baby. She was my... well, everything.

I blinked, dazed. I'd been doing just that, it seemed, the second I
kissed Eric. I'd started living for something more.

Yet, how couldn't I revolve my life around her when it was all I'd
known since the foolish and inexperienced age of sixteen? Ever since the day that
she'd fallen onto my undeserving arms, there had been no other choice in my heart
but to treasure her for the gift she was.

"I'm not all that hungry," I tried, wincing as my stomach growled

again.

Jacqueline's grin slipped. "I love how you always just push your needs
to the backburner because you think you don't deserve it."

I didn't reply, mostly because no words were forming. I went back to

staring at my laptop, trying to come up with some way to explain why she was wrong.
Nothing was coming to mind, unfortunately.

Eventually, I simply gave up and stayed glaring until I saw her

retreating steps. I didn't know what to say, or if I'd mean it anyways. My fingers
grazed the keys as I pondered. Then, I began typing my response, knowing I had to
go one way or another.

-Eric-

My jaw slacked as I reached out and took a hold of the thumb drive. My
heart warmed as soon as my hands wrapped around it, beating quickly as her genuine
act of generosity quickly re-established my faith in humanity. Part of me had been
so frustrated, and yet even that had just vanished now. Violet has just flipped my
entire day around.

She'd gone through the trouble of making me a copy. How sweet was that?

"Thank you so much," I thanked, smiling widely. "This is incredible."

Then, my eyes zoomed in on the exit. "I should make it up to you. Do you want me to
buy you a coffee or something?"

Violet smiled cheekily, blushing as she waved her hand. "Don't worry
about it."

"Are you sure? I mean, it's the least I can do."

"I need to get to work," she elaborated, grinning up at me. "But that's
a sweet offer."

I frowned for a split-second before realizing it sounded like I was

asking her out. I stopped pushing, instead glancing down at the thumb drive and
nodding.

"You're an angel," I complimented while putting my things away, leaving

the book in the middle of the desk as I considered the time, gasping when I
realized just how late it was.

Violet laughed, placing her hand on the side of her neck and flashing
me a bright smile. There was something so sincere about her; it was truly
mesmerizing to see people could be genuinely generous nowadays, especially when
even I was guilty of acting out of line at times.

"Pleasure to meet you," Violet said. "But I really do need to go. I

don't want to miss the bus."

"The one a block away?" I asked distractedly as I rushed to put my

things away. She nodded, glancing towards the exit herself.

"You know it?"

"I take it."

Her face lit up. While going to work sounded like a terrible, idea, my
mood was at brighter to some degree. Hell, it didn't even seem as if I was heading
into a battlefield, perhaps just a small riot or protest now.

Then, his bothered facial expression crossed my mind. I halted

immediately, gulping just as my backpack began hanging off one shoulder. Suddenly,
hurrying didn't sound appealing at all. I hated that; him having such a strong
effect on me, and yet fighting it was nearly impossible.

"Well, I just barely started taking it," she replied. "Do you want to
head there together?"

I shook my head, flashing a weak smile. "I have to do something first."

Violet nodded in agreement. "Well, have a nice day."

I lifted the thumb drive. "I-I'll give it back tomorrow, okay?"

We parted ways before I could change my mind.

-------

The fact remained that I should've gone on the bus with Violet. It was
the first thought that popped into my mind as I left the library and a repeating
bother until I was finally there, glaring once more. My mood wasn't necessarily
soured, just wary.

My lips formed into a forced smile as I entered the coffee shop, feet
halting only once I was at the empty counter, opposite the smiling barista. Either
she was high on caffeine or on drugs; there was no way she was naturally as
actually as excited as her lips were attempting to deceive me into believing.

"Welcome," she chirped. "Having a good day?"

 I shrugged, rather bothered by the bubbly hint of optimism in her
voice. Something was just oddly bothering, so no; I wasn't having a good day in the
least.

"I take it that's a no, then?" she asked, smile fading.

"Just get me a coffee," was my reply. Then, I added the desperately

sounding please under my breath.

"Anything else?" she asked, Gina was what her label had written, her
face morphing into a stoic expression. She'd probably realized I wasn't one of
those customers that needed the dramatized optimism and dropped the act.

Either that or it was my fault. Great, I was draining people of

happiness now.

"What?" I asked, flickering my eyes to the posted menu behind her.

"Anything. Else," she repeated, separating the words and muttering it

as a statement rather a question, probably hoping for me to say no.

I pondered, considering if I was truly as hopelessly foolish as I was

setting myself out to be as of late. Then, I hung my head in defeat. Why did I keep
doing things for that man was beyond me.

"Can I have a stupid combo bagel? The one with the bacon please."

Perhaps I was trying to kiss up, or maybe it was something else, but I
just really wanted to see if I could make him smile again, if only for a moment.\

-------

It'd been surprising.

The first uncomfortable factor I noticed upon nearing the front of the
office building was the stupid dream. One moment I'd been thinking about studies
and the next a viciously vivid memory of Shawn pinning me to the wheel had
surfaced, attacking my every sense.

Even while knowing I'd done the right thing, part of me wished I'd
stayed, if only to find out whether he was willing to go any farther. Perhaps
because I'd wanted him to go farther.

Suddenly, I was grabbing on to my backpack, covering my front and

gazing down at the ground as I felt the bus move closer and my time to get off
nearing. An uncomfortable restlessness in the form of a tightening hardness refused
to go.

Closing my eyes only made matters worse, as it served to help visualize

the bed and everything done on it within my dream.

Here sat a twenty-year old being embarrassingly hormonal and sporting a

noticeable erection over some wet dream that I'd had.

Then, as if straight out of a horror movie, we were there and I could

see something even worse. Jacqueline was there, outside, casually conversing with
none other than Violet Faith. I picked up the packaged bagel, clinging on to my
backpack as I pressed it against my front and stood up. The bus was stopping fully
and there were a few confused glances as I waddled out the vehicle without moving
the backpack from below and strapping it over my shoulder.

I stood on the sidewalk, at a loss for words. Why did they have to pick
now to be outside? Why was she even here? So many questions were rushing through my
head.

"Eric?" Violet asked as I came close enough to see. She was frowning as
she spotted me, clearly confused over my presence here. Sure enough, she soon
asked, "What are you doing here?"

I flashed a weak smile, clearing my throat.

"He works here," Jacqueline said for me, making Violet's eyes widen.
"He's Shawn's intern, just as you are my intern." My jaw slacked as soon as the
words left her mouth. Apparently, Violet worked here.

Then, my hands slipped from my backpack, gravity taking hold of it and

things became... well, awkward.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting for the chapter (star button)
and leaving a comment. <3 Oh yeah, I'm totally loudly chanting along to the
attached song. NA NA NA NANANANA NANANANA HEY JUDEEEE!

-Hec

Ch. 34: Knocking on Wood

Office Love: Chapter 34: Knocking on Wood

A/N: I attached the song (Wrapped Up - Olly Murs) because of the strong OL vibes it
gives me, tbh. Gah, the feels!

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

For some incredible reason that I felt unable to question, Violet

didn't even notice the uncomfortable situation. Jacqueline, on the other hand,
stared at me with a cocky smirk. No pun intended.

"Wood you look at that, it seems that Eric's in a hurry to find Shawn,"
she joked, pun and all. I gasped in shock, staring at her with my mouth wide open.
I could tell by her smile that she was going to work me, probably until I died of
embarrassment.

"Jacqueline, hi!" I replied bitingly. "Violet, nice to see you both

here. So, I-I should go."

I stammered the last part, which only made Jacqueline further

intrigued. My eyes stayed on hers even as I picked up the backpack and held it in
front of me, making sure to cover myself.

"So, why so late?" she asked, pointing towards my backpack. "You look
strained; need a hand carrying all that?"
 I shook my head, flashing a fake smile. "I wouldn't want to
inconvenience you Jacqueline."

"Oh, me? No not me. Anyways, looks hard... to carry, that is. I was
about to suggest you seek Shawn's help?" she offered, tilting her head sideways.
"I'm sure he'd be willing to give you a hand."

My jaw slacked. Violet blinked, staring between us, clearly lost by

whatever was happening. Even I was struggling to understand it, but Jacqueline
didn't seem ready to stop. I was gripping both the backpack and bag of bagel
tightly now, about ready to lose my cool.

"I don't need his help though," I snapped back.

"If you say so. So, what's up with the package?" Jacqueline asked.

I lifted the paper bag. "This isn't a package, Jacqueline, but rather,
a bag."

She waved dismissively. "I'm trying to make things work here, Eric. Let
it be."

I rolled my eyes, sighing in discontent. I was simply trying to make

things work as well. This was the last thing I needed considering how easily I
shoved myself into uncomfortable situations anyways.

"You look a bit tense, Eric. Why so stiff?" she continued, to my

dismay. "Maybe you should just go inside, since you seem so tired of standing at
attention."

"I'm done!" I yelled, turning to enter the building. The last one
hadn't even been subtle. "The last one didn't even make sense, by the way, you
pervert!"

"What just happened?" I heard Violet ask, and honestly, I wanted to

know as well.

"Eric's acting like a dick, not to mention being hard-headed, as he

always is."

I considered turning around, but didn't simply because it would only

encourage her. Why was she messing with me? Weren't we supposed to be on the same
page? Damn it Jacqueline.

"You're rude," I replied half-heartedly.

Jacqueline shrugged. "Not my fault you have no funny bone," she

replied. "Even if you do seem to have others."

Finally, Violet caught on. She stared with wide eyes, turning to face
Jacqueline for a few seconds. That was my cue to leave, because I honestly didn't
have enough face to see her eyes to eye after such an embarrassing situation. Even
as I entered, Jacqueline's voice seemed to follow.

"Something tells me he really needs to see Shawn right about now,"

Jacqueline said and I groaned out in disbelief. "Deliver that package, you know?"

Whose side was she on anyways? I followed the route to Shawn's office,
nodding my head at the main receptionist in greeting. Sometimes I wondered whether
this was even worth my slipping grades and now non-existent social life. Part of me
thought so, and yet I always found myself in Shawn's office after class, regardless
of how I felt. Hell, there wasn't even a bit of me that missed the stupid parties
I'd gone to, despite how perhaps I probably should.

So much for being the life of the party, not to mention almighty. Life
had just stripped me of any cool quality, leaving behind a babbling naked mess.
That also happened to coincide with my sentiment regarding how I felt while walking
through a building full of highly educated lawyers who had reached success I'd
never even graze. Then, there was Shawn, the definition of confusing.

When I entered Shawn's office, he was sitting behind his desk, pouting
down at the screen. I slowed to a gradual halt, watching as his eyes rose and then
lit up. That small action should've been just that, insignificant, and yet it was
enough to have my heart pounding painfully against my chest.

I gripped the backpack tightly, staring as he licked his lip. Then, it

became bluntly apparent how differently Shawn appeared from the version I'd
encountered within my dream. As cringe-worthy as it sounded, he seemed even more
attractive in person, where he was actually within touching distance.

Not that I'd try anything.

"Eric?" Shawn's voice was soft, shy even.

I blinked, stepping forward and holding out the bag that I'd been
grasping with an iron grip. I had to make sure I was extending the right backpack,
unsure if somehow I'd end up giving him my backpack if I didn't pay attention.

"Hello," I replied uncomfortably.

Shawn's eyed widened as they focused on the bag. Then, they brightened.
Who would've known seeing a grown-man smile could be regarding? Certainly not me,
except that now I felt a warmth in my chest.

"You brought me something?" he asked, eyes softening further. "Thank

you. I don't understand why you would, but thanks, Eric."

I didn't have anything to say, so I stayed quiet. All I knew was that
the door suddenly seemed extremely appealing and part of me wanted to crawl right
through it, away from this situation.

As I stepped forward, ignoring the electrifying tension was almost

impossible. I could feel it in the air like sparks, a heavy sense of uncomfortable
unrest. Even breathing was difficult, a chore of sorts. A shiver ran down my spine
as he reached out, grazing my fingers with the tips of his, slowly wrapping his
hand against the bag, and pulling towards him. Even such a simple action seemed
tender, comforting.

Everything felt so slow and distant, like a hazy illusion.

Then, Shawn cleared his throat, pulling me away from my mind. He seemed
somewhat unrested, the dark bags under his eyes and wariness in his expression
clear. It was easy to tell he hadn't slept much, if anything at all.

"I'm sorry for yesterday," Shawn began, scratching the back of his
head, setting the bag down with his other hand. "I should've never done that; I
crossed the line."
 He truly shouldn't have, especially considering how scrambled my
thoughts were because of him and his deliriously experienced. What did a kiss even
mean? I couldn't place him or figure whether this was something or I was foolishly
seeking more than he'd be willing to give me.

"Hopefully, we can get past this," Shawn continued. "I honestly just
want that, please."

I nodded, fighting the urge to disagree.

Forgetting wasn't the issue. The issue lay in the lack of knowledge
regarding whether how he would reach if I leaned immediately, ready to kiss his
soft lips. Would there be a delay, perhaps a cringe? The idea of a negative
response was enough to keep me frozen within my own personal space.

"We're fine," I replied, not truly believing it. He smiled though, so

at least there was that.

-Shawn-

I found a bagel neatly sitting within the bag, staring at me.

"You always bring me food," I noted while checking through my emails,

making a mental notes of the things I needed to print out and the meeting I'd need
to set-up. Then, I glanced up at Eric. He could do that for me.

"What? Yeah, I guess I do, don't I?" he replied, frowning to himself.

"Are you trying to tell me something?" I asked, smiling as went further

back on my list of emails. I actually had quite a lot to do.

I'd said it jokingly, and yet Eric's horrified expression was anything
but a joke. He shook his head rapidly, just sitting there as if waiting for me to
eat it. Which, I gladly did, smiling widely when I realized it was that bacon one
that he'd gotten me previously. Damn, Eric was so great. It was as if he knew that
the quickest way to happiness was through food, which it was.

Eric was just sitting there, waiting for me to tell him what to do.
Therefore, I hurriedly gulped down the bite I'd taken, clearing my throat.

"Here, set up my agenda for the next week, if you could."

I watched as he reached out and took a hand of the agenda, opening it

to the current date and gazing down at it. "Sure. Should I scroll through your e-
mail?"

I blinked, realizing exactly what I had in the sent box of my e-mail,

not to mention the several potential e-mails that could arrive from the pages I'd
recently subscribed to, because apparently I was that kind of man now.

"I'll just dictate," I replied, on edge. There was no way I'd let Eric
find my newest source of, uh, entertainment.

-------

I sighed under my breath, preparing myself. I didn't know quite how to

place it without sounding extremely bold. He already seemed to be walking on
eggshells around me, and so the last thing I needed was for him to feel even more
over-whelmed.

Picturing him bolting away from me was easier with every stupid
decision I foolishly made.

"Okay, so that's today. What should I put for tomorrow?" he asked.

I bit the inside of my cheek, pondering how to ask him. Was it odd of
me to ask him to come along? If not, then why did I feel as if I was about to throw
myself off a skyscrapers with only an umbrella to keep my afloat? Mary Poppins,
give me power.

"So, I'm going to be leaving the state for a bit," I said, glancing
down at my computer. "And so, you know, I'll be leaving tomorrow or so."

Eric frowned, nodding hesitantly. "Do you need me to help you pack?"

I thought about it, opening my mouth, and then soon after closing it
when I realized I had absolutely no idea what I wanted. Hell, the idea of flying
itself was already distracting me enough, not to mention the fact that Eric was
right in front of me, looking so naturally attractive.

I blinked, staring at him for a fleeting moment. Why hadn't I ever

realized that Eric was attractive? Well, I'd known he wasn't bad looking, but the
idea that he was stunningly handsome hadn't truly ever processed in my mind until
just then.

"Perhaps," I finally replied. "There's another issue though..."

Eric waited... and I felt like a schoolchild asking his crush if they
could hold hands in the playground, which probably also served to describe my
maturity level considering I was close to crying at the thought of flying on an
airplane on my own.

"I was wondering if you could come along," I confessed. "Jacqueline

can't and the thought of going along just- rather not, you know?"

Eric blinked, staring at me in shock. While I couldn't precisely

determine whether it was a positive or negative thing, it still frightened me
nevertheless, brewing an intense rush of anticipation.

"Uh, sure," he replied.

I pouted before realizing he'd said yes. I grinned, sighing in relief.

For a moment there, I'd honestly assumed he'd say no, but this was just great. The
excitement was so exhilarating that my eyes missed Jacqueline knocking on the door.

"What are you doing?" I asked, frowning. Jacqueline never knocked on

doors. No, she just stormed in and dared anyone to complain.

"Knocking on wood... as people apparently do in this office," she

replied and my jaw slacked. She hadn't just-

"So, he's going?" she asked, changing the topic while Eric stared at
her, possibly in disbelief. I was still in shock over her rubbing my unfortunately
recorded experience in my face. There was absolutely not an ounce of shame in that
woman.
 Eric frowned, turning back to face me. "She knows?"

I shrugged, chuckling awkwardly. Then, I saw Jacqueline's wicked smile

and I knew something was wrong. Well, more wrong than usual.

"I brought you guys a little going away present," she smiled and I
blinked.

"Really?" I asked, smiling. "Jacqueline, that's actually really nice

of-"

Then, she set the huge box of condoms in the middle of the desk and I
stopped talking altogether, staring in shock.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: So yeah, Jacqueline is the air I breathe. Thank you for reading. Please
consider voting (star button) and commenting! <3

-Hec

Ch. 35: Mine's Bigger, Better

Office Love: Chapter 35: Mine's Better, Bigger

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

For a few moments, I just stared at the box, hoping for the world to
suddenly stop and recognize that I'd had enough embarrassment for today. What could
I possibly tell him anyways? I'm annoyed because I'm both humiliated and too busy
worrying about who you might screw that won't be me. Jacqueline burst into
laughter, moving along while I avoided his gaze.

Would he use does later? Would he use them with someone attractive,
some beautiful woman? I shook my head, clearing my thoughts before he noticed how
distraught I felt. Whatever. Whom he had sex with was none of my business.

"If you go into heat, package your meat," Jacqueline advised solemnly
before finally withdrawing into the depths of her witch cave, leaving me there to
stare at Shawn's uncomfortable expression that was a mixture of pain and confusion.

"Is she kidding?" he asked, lifting his hand and rubbing at his temple.
"Who would actually say anything like that?"

I shrugged, clearing my throat, trying to keep my eyes from staring at

him. I'd had enough uncomfortable experiences in my lifetime, and somehow most of
them had managed to happen in a single day.

"You look worried," he mentioned randomly, ripping me away from my

thoughts.

I blinked, opening my mouth to blurt out my feelings before realizing

how stupid it would sound. I'm annoyed because I'm both humiliated and too busy
worrying about who you might screw that won't be me. Right, as if I'd ever actually
say that aloud.
 At most, he'd pat my shoulders uncomfortably and begin pushing me away,
just as he did anytime anything got too serious. Besides, he didn't have a single
idea what he wanted. There was nothing more confusing than being with Shawn,
nothing more heart twisting.

"I'm just worried about..." my eyes met his chest trailing down before
I was glaring at the laptop. "I'm just worried about not having anything to wear...
for the trip. When is it again?"

Shawn's eyes narrowed for a second while he pondered. Then, he was

tilting his head sideways, taking a bite out of the sandwich I'd brought him while
bringing his hand to the mouse.

"We can go get you some clothes, if you want," Shawn mentioned. "We can
go right after work and make sure you're ready."

I blinked, staring with wide eyes. "Shawn, I have the income and
pocketsize of a university student. You do know what that means right?"

The words came out forcefully, and I considered using that as an excuse
to avoid going. I hadn't been thinking when I'd agreed, and now that the idea was
finally setting, my mind was beginning to spin Why did I need to go anyways,
especially if it would only mean spending unhealthy amounts of time with him when
being around him simply confused me?

"I'll buy," he replied simply, smiling softly. "Come on, don't be so

stubborn."

I snorted, rolling my eyes. If anyone was stubborn him, then it was

definitely not me. Hell, he was the one with the bipolar emotions, a man who
happened to spend part of his time despising me and the other half of the time
treating me as if I was his best friend in the entire world. There was simply no
calm in between when it came to him, as if anything but extremes was horribly
irrational in his life.

"I don't need you to buy me anything Shawn," I replied, sighing under
my breath. "Just-why do you need me to go again?"

Shawn's eyes suddenly darkened, closing off. "You don't want to go?"

In that single instance, he sounded so doubtful, broken, and I groaned

under my breath, knowing there was no way I could say no to his troubled
expressing. He was even pouting, and the saddened expression of a grown-man
shouldn't have hit my heart as well as it did, and yet my heart was sinking mere
moments after catching sight of his disappointment.

Saying no to him was hard. Too hard. Hell, one of these days, he'd ask
me to kill one of his ex-clients and I'd probably do it without giving it a second
thought.

That was simply how wrapped up he had me. Wrapped up enough to be

thinking stupid things about homicide in an attempt to explain my longing
hyperbolically. Unhealthy, sure, but at least it got my point across. A point that
was as sharp as my boss was in a suit.

"I am, it's just-I don't want you to spend money on me," I explained
cautiously, knowing any word could come across as vulgar if I didn't say things
properly.
 Shawn deflated, nodding in agreement. "I have some suits that might fit
you at my house. Would you mind if I lent you some?" He asked it such cautiously,
as if he was the one asking me a favor and not offering me something.

I smiled, nodding. Yeah, that could work.

"Thank you."

"No, thank you," he countered, and I could notice it in his eyes; he

meant it. "Planes are fucking horrible."

-------

The first thing I noticed upon leaving the office was that Shawn was
laughing hysterically, shaking his head in disbelief. I followed his gaze, looking
down at the side of his phone as he scrolled down.

"What's so funny?" I asked, carefully glancing over, trying to be as

subtle as possible.

Then, he was shoving the phone in my face, as if it wasn't his personal

information and none of my business. I blinked, taking it and staring at the
messages. Jacqueline had spammed him with a huge list of slogans that promoted
condom wearing.

"Don't be a fool, cover your tool," I read aloud, almost at a loss for
words.

Shawn snorted, nodding excitedly. "No glove, no love."

I sighed under my breath, fighting the laugh that threatened to some

from my closed mouth. I handed him back his phone, sighing under my breath.
Goodness gracious, Jacqueline was certainly something else. I couldn't say I'd ever
meant someone quite like her. The oddest part was that although she was a lawyer,
and an incredible one at that, I couldn't help but think she'd been born for
something else. Something about her captivating presence simply baffled me, made it
harder to be around her simply because of how intimidating she was.

In reality, it felt as if I was talking to some celebrity, based on

looks alone. Then, considering her personality, it was easier to picture her
starring in a romantic comedy than putting men in prison for treason.

The, out of nowhere, Shawn's hand was on the small of my back as he

guided me towards his car. I'd been walking off towards another car, one that I'd
never even seen in my life and would probably have tried to get into if it wasn't
for Shawn's hands.

"Oh, that's... odd," I said, shivering as his hand rose to latch onto
the back of my neck, where they always seemed to end up.

"You want to go in Daniel's car?" he asked playfully, tapping his

fingers against my warm flesh. I shivered, clearing my throat while his side
pressed against mine. He was quite literally guiding me.

"I don't know, seems like a really nice car," I explained, trying to
excuse why I was wandering around.

Shawn scoffed. "Mine's better."

 "Is it?" I asked jokingly, stifling a laugh.

Suddenly, Shawn was right in front of me, smirking down at me. His eyes
were narrowed, chest pressing against mine. "I'm certain."

I gulped, dropping my gaze down to the lack of space between us,

clearing my throat, and taking a step back. My head was spinning.

"What?" I asked, dazed.

"My car's much better. Much bigger, faster. Hell, it's probably more
expensive," he explained. "How about you get on it already?"

I blinked, spluttering before realizing he was literally holding out

the car door for me. "What?" I asked.

"How about you get in it already," he repeated and I could've sworn

he'd said on, but I didn't argue about it. I avoided his gaze, scolding myself
internally for thinking dirtily, or even worse, accepting his offer while agreeing
to something completely different. What was Shawn doing to me?

-Shawn-

"Is everything okay?" I asked, watching as Eric gazed out the window,
hoping he'd say something. Although he'd agreed to come, I could feel a difference
in the way he acted around me, as if he was almost done with me. His eyes refused
to meet mine.

I couldn't blame him, and yet the idea still bothered me to the core of
my being.

"Everything is fine," he promised half-heartedly, sighing under his

breath. He seemed to be doing that a lot today, as well as pouting. All work today,
all he'd done was stare off, as if lost, and pout when he thought I wasn't
noticing.

Seeing him unhappy, as much as it wasn't my problem, also truly

bothered me.

"Do you want to stop by for coffee, maybe something to eat?" I asked in
an attempt to wipe the pout off his face. I almost offered to guy buy him something
at the mall before realizing this wasn't Meghan I was dealing with, whom I usually
calmed down by buying some overly-priced electronic. Nope, this man looked about
ready to jump out of my car, regardless.

"No thanks," he responded. Then, he added. "Why are you so eager to

spend money on me?"

The question took me by surprise. I didn't reply though, and so he

didn't push it. Instead, he turned to give me a sympathetic expression, as if he
understood exactly what I was thinking even when he hadn't received an answer.

"Can we stop somewhere for a bit?" I asked as we headed down the

highway, noticing a familiar street.

He frowned. "You don't have to ask me, Shawn. After all, you're the one
doing me the favor here."
 "Still," I insisted. It was polite to ask if he was in the car with me.
The last thing I wanted was to drag him around with me for my own sake. I was
already doing so by dragging him to New York.

-------

I left the car, wiping at my jeans and turning back to stare at Eric.
He was still frowning curiously. I went up the steps to my mother's house, knocking
on the door and holding my breath. How many days had it been since I'd checked up
on Meghan? Too many. I hadn't even come to see her as I usually did when I made her
spend some time with her over-bearing grandmother.

She opened the door, glaring me down.

"She's making me knit with her; please take me home."

"Hey Meghan," I smiled reaching out and wrapping her in a tight hug. "I
missed you, honey."

Meghan tensed up, clearly uncomfortable by the hug. I didn't let go

though, taking a deep breath before hugging her even tighter. I hadn't assumed I'd
actually miss her bickering as much as I did. However, I did.

"Does that mean I'm staying here?" she complained, pushing me away
after a good minute.

I shrugged. "Meghan, I need to go on a trip tomorrow, so I'm going to

need you to stay her the entire week, as I'd originally intended."

She groaned under her breath, shaking her head in disbelief. "You suck.
You know that, correct? Where are you even going?"

I kept my mouth shut, knowing very well that telling her would only
make her want to go along. Nope, I couldn't take her this time around, especially
because there was no way I could manage her while dealing with the case.

"Just somewhere. Please take care, love," I asked. "Don't do anything

crazy."

I turned back to gaze at Eric, noticing his eyes fixated on me.

Then, I turned back to face Meghan, reaching out to hug her goodbye.
She backed away, cringing unpleasantly. "Could you leave me some money?" she asked,
clearly bothered that I was being so clingy.

"Uh, sure." I took out my wallet, handing her a couple of bills and
watching as her eyes lit up immediately. She flashed me a wide smile, this time
embracing me first.

"Thanks daddy!" she giggled before running back into the house, just as
my mom made her way to the door.

"Bye honey... I'll miss you," I whispered, but she'd already turned
back into the living room, effectively out of range. I rubbed at my eye.

There was no use in even speaking anymore, as she was long gone. My mom
leaned against the doorframe, gazing behind me before a knowing smile crept onto
her face. "I see you're busy?" she asked teasingly.
 I turned back, meeting Eric's curious eyes before I turned to glare at
my mother with wide shocked eyes.

"Mom!" I muttered through clenched teeth. Her too? Was the world
against me?

"Hey, just be happy that I'm not like those obnoxious conservative old-
timers that don't tolerate homosexuality."

"I've never said I was-could you let me live?" I sputtered, rubbing at

my temple in frustration. She was just as bad as Jacqueline was. However, at least
she'd raised a valid point.

She shrugged, smiling at me. "For what's it worth, he is a wonderful

man."

I fought the urge to turn and face him once more, instead focusing on
her. She was right, just as she always was. Eric was something else, with his
kindness and generosity. I'd been so wrong about him since the beginning, and yet
he'd still stuck by me despite my mood swings.

"I'm going to be going on a trip, coming back in a few days. Do you

mind?" I asked my mother, hoping she wouldn't have something to say that would stop
me, as if Meghan was driving her insane. It could happen. She drove many people
insane.

Instead of what I was expecting, my mother simply shook her head. "I
don't mind at all. In fact, I think being here for a bit longer will do Meghan
good. She actually agreed when I told her she couldn't go out last night instead of
throwing a fit."

I chuckled under my breath, shaking my head in disbelief. My child was

such a menace sometimes. "I spoil her too much."

"That is very true," she replied, pointing at me. "But you also give
her everything she needs, and more, something that you were so worried about. You
know, sometimes we dwell in the negative for so long we forget to see the bright
side. You're a single parent who can actually provide everything your daughter
needs, and perhaps a bit too much in terms of electronics and all that fancy crap.
Yet, there are so many parents who can't."

I nodded. "Thanks mom."

She smiled softly before waving at me. "You should go; Eric's waiting."

I couldn't have fought the blush that crept along my face even if I
would've wanted to, simply because of her choice of words. My mom was amazing, even
if she was somewhat embarrassing at times.

"Take care of her, okay?" I asked.

"Of course. But, give it a shot, okay?" she replied.

I blinked, lost for a few seconds before following her gaze back to
Eric. I closed my eyes, not replying immediately. I nodded my head slowly, heading
back to the car before I could regret replying at all.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting for the chapter (star button)
and leaving a comment.

-Hec

Ch. 36: Try Me On

Office Love: Chapter 36: Try Me On

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Shawn-

Even glancing across the car was difficult, which was because of
several factors. I was exhausted, the one sitting beside me had somehow began
meaning so much more than I'd ever imagines, and the fact that I couldn't simply
reach out and touch him.

The last one truly struck a chord within me. Such little distance, and
yet so much restraint needed.

Out of every feeling I'd ever had in the entirety of my thirty-two

years, the level of helplessness had never been quite as high. Perhaps at a very
early point in my life when Meghan hit her two's and began destroying everything in
her path, but not much since then. Even while in my university, things hadn't been
quite as obnoxious as they were now.

I'd had such awful professors at points too, so that just went to prove
just how affected Eric truly had me. He was invoking suck different emotions from
then, because even if there was the same amount of annoyance and stress as anything
work-related, except that with him there was also that intense sense of sexual
frustration simmering under the surface.

It left me so helpless to be unable to reach out, caress the back of

his nape, pull him closer, crash my lips against him, or simply touch him.
Anything. Everything. Even more stressful was the realization that I wasn't
uncomfortable to the point of panic. Perhaps I should've felt some sort of shock
upon knowing I fancied him, but there was only the lust I so deeply wanted to
satisfy.

I felt no remorse over kissing him. If anything, the only thing I

wanted was to try again, and see if perhaps he'd let me.

The thought keep running through my mind. Perhaps, if I kissed him now,
he'd let me. Still, I kept my eyes on the road ahead, gripping the wheel too
tightly, and watching the familiar houses breeze by as I sped up.

Then, Eric was clearing his throat, turning to smile at me. "That was
sweet. The fact that you stopped to visit her," he noted and my heart raced
somewhat.

I shrugged, turning to face him for a split second before remembering I

had to keep my eyes on the road, given that I'd crash otherwise. "What if I told
you it was more for my sake than for hers?" I asked, sighing warily.

Was it bad that I'd been expecting her to wish me a good flight... or
maybe even to hug me goodbye, rather than simply hug me when I handed her the
money. She loves me, sure, but was it bad that I'd been expecting for anything that
would point to her love extending farther than something materialistic?

Meghan was my precious daughter, but at times, it became hard to

breathe when considering whether she truly cared.

Most times, I just ignored that idea, knowing fully well if would only
deprive me of having a peace of mind. Still, it was hard to complete shut out my
thoughts, even the most unpleasant ones.

I gazed at him once more, this time waiting for a few seconds longer
before glaring at the road ahead. Something about Eric made him so hard to avoid. I
couldn't place exactly what it was, or whether I even wanted to know, but there was
such an alluring quality to the kid.

"I'd say that makes it even greater," he replied, smiling ahead.

"Depending on others isn't a bad thing, you know?"

"Are you sure?" I asked, attempting to sound playful and instead coming
off strained.

"I'm sure," he assured me.

-Eric-

Even as I stepped out of the car, turning away from Shawn and gazing at
his house, I could sense the shift within him. He didn't look quite as relaxed as
he had. I wanted to say something, anything, but left it alone because I didn't
understand what he was going through. Knowing him, opening a discussion on
something draining would only sour both our moods.

Still, part of me wanted to ask him, if only to make sure he was all
right.

"Tired?" I asked as he took slow steps, closing the door with his right
hand and pressing the button to lock the car with his other. I followed behind him,
unsure why we were even here. I'd already told him I didn't need anything from him.
Yet, it was almost unavoidable to do whatever he wanted. The stubbornness behind
his every move should've been arrogant, or perhaps even off-putting, but the truth
was that I didn't mind them in this case.

After all, he was doing me a favor.

Damn it. Here I was, complaining, when he was doing something for me,
which was even worse considering he'd offered to buy me new clothes. Who bought
their intern clothes anyways? That was simply odd.

I watched him open the door, lifting my gaze to stare at the sheer size
of his house. I hadn't truly taken it into consideration much. Perhaps I should've,
but inspecting it hadn't been my priority at any point in time. In fact, it was a
little too far on the big size, with the unnecessarily large gates we'd crossed to
enter the property, not to mention the amount of floors. Only two people lived her,
so why the need for so much space?

"Like what you see?" Shawn asked. He was leaning against the doorframe
of his house, gazing at me from the open door. I lowered my eyes, rolling my eyes
even as a small smile crossed my features.

It was good to see that he wasn't too upset.

 "I'd just never truly taken it in before," I replied. "My tiny dorm is
so much better anyways."

The last comment was supposed to come off biting, but I burst into
laughter when I realized that I meant it. I didn't truly mind the lack of space.
Hell, being Mason's roommate was one of the best experiences of my life, despite
all the trouble we both caused for each other.

"Come in already," he said, stepping inside and leaving me pondering

whether I truly wanted to go in. Why was I here anyways?

At the time, I hadn't truly considered it much, but I should've said

no. Going with him was so bizarre. What was I going to do with him for so long,
especially when considering that I didn't even know where we stood?

I walked in anyways, knowing nothing and wondering everything.

-------

I stared at the closet, turning to face him for a split second before
gazing back at the closet. He wasn't serious.

"Pick anything you want," he murmured disinterestedly, stepping back

and slipping off his suit jacket. I blinked, shifting my eyes between the
abnormally large closet and him, watching as he hung the jacket over a chair and
then lay back on his bed. He closed his eyes, setting his hands behind his neck and
just lying there, as if he hadn't just granted me permission to raid his closet.

I'd never felt more uncomfortable in my life.

"Shawn," I called out awkwardly. "You can't just-"

"Can't I?" he asked, grinning even with his head tilted back and his
eyes closed. I glared his way, wondering if he truly enjoyed my personal discomfort
or if he was genuinely being so generous. He took off his tie, unbuttoned the top
few buttons, and then finally sighed in relief.

"You never truly get used to dressing so dashingly every day," he

mentioned. "I mean, perhaps you do. Let me rephrase that; it's always uncomfortable
to a degree."

"Dashingly?" I snorted, shaking my head while grinning. "I'd call it

uptight, but sure."

Shawn laughed at that, probably because he knew it was true. Of course,

he dressed so formally because of his job, but that didn't mean that he didn't
enjoy it. In fact, he fucking loved it if the closet full of suits was anything to
go by. I didn't even want to open the other door, aware that I'd probably find a
colossal amount of dress shirts.

He probably had a room just for shoes.

If he'd had more clothes than Meghan did, then I would've laughed.
Then, I'd probably also frowned in confusion, questioning him because there was no
way he owned so many shades of black, which was literally the only color of suits
he ever really ever wore anyways.

"Look, I can't just-" I groaned. "It feels wrong."

 I was still glaring at him even as he opened a single eye, smirking up
at me while he lay there, uncaring. "How can I make it better? Do you want me to
make it better?" he murmured groggily, rubbing at his eye before chuckling. Yeah,
he couldn't even pretend to be unaware of the double meaning in his diction, not to
mention the voice he'd used.

Damn him.

Damn his obsessive amount of formal wear as well.

Oh yeah, damn the way he was laying down, leaving a clear view of
his... well.

I turned to face the closet, deciding that looking at him was perhaps
just not going to bring anything good. Then, I reached out, touching the soft
material before turning back to look at him, grazing my fingers through the sleeve.
It was intensely soft.

"Wool?" I asked, confused.

"Cashmere," he replied, and I could tell he was grinning from his tone.

"Is today the day where you finally start acting like a rich bitch?" I
asked playfully, taking out the black jacket and moving on to get a shirt. It was
so bizarre how similar to a store his closet was, not to mention the fact that it
was probably a bit larger than my entire dorm room.

"Maybe so," he replied from behind me. I tensed as he reached over me,
grabbing a blue shirt that had been hanging on the rack in front of me, taking a
hold of the hanger and handing it to me. I glanced at it, gazing at the white
collar. Then, he was looking through his ties, turning to face me before grabbing a
slick black one. Then, he was no long behind me, instead on the other side of the
walk-in closet, picking up some trousers. He looked through them, looking for a
smaller size.

"Your waist is smaller than it looks with the loose pants you wear," he
noted.

I frowned. How did he even know that? I glanced down at my outfit,

barely noticing what I'd even thrown on, and realizing it was just a simple pair of
black jeans and a white shirt. Nothing too complex, which was just how I liked it.

I smiled softly. "Wasn't I picking?"

Shawn shrugged, holding out the tie and the pants while gazing down at
my body. "Try it on. It'll look nice on you."

"They're probably a bit big on me and-" He shook his head, shushing me.

"It'll look good on you," he promised, setting his hands on my

shoulder. "Probably anything would. Besides, the clothes we wore that night at the
restaurant fit you just fine, didn't they?"

I lowered my gaze, clearing my throat, and taking a step back before

realizing he was still there. I felt his hands pressing tighten on my shoulders as
he guided me to the bathroom. His large hands were tightly gripping me, stabilizing
me as he guided me further through the hall, guiding me to the bathroom. Something
about the rough grasp was ironically comforting.
 Just try this on; I'll pick you some other things," he promised.
"You're helpless."

I didn't object, mostly because we'd probably be here all day if he

didn't help. At this point, whatever got things done would be best. I entered the
bathroom, watching as Shawn stood there, gazing at me as if he was waiting for me
to move over, let him in.

"I'll go... uh, pick some other..." Shawn drifted off, scratching the
back of his head while I closed the door.

-------

I struggled to button the cuffs, growling when I couldn't get the damn
buttons fastened. Why were they so hard to get to anyways? Shawn's laugh was the
first thing I heard as I stumbled into the room. There were a few combinations on
the bed, not to mention a few extremely nice-looking shoes.

"Shawn," I whined. "You're doing that thing again."

"I'm not buying you anything!" he retorted, taking a step forward,

straightening my tie, and tightening it slightly. I sighed, bothered by the fact
that I couldn't put the damn thing right.

Then, he was fixing my collar, tilting up my head back with his thumb,
sighing under his breath. "At least you know how to tie a tie," he noted.

I'd tried my best, but obviously, he had to rub it in my face that I

wasn't very efficient by undoing it and retying the damn black tie. I narrowed my
eyes, allowing him to manhandle me into decency. I shivered as soon as I felt his
fingers grazing against my neck, back of nails passing softly over my skin.

"You look great," he complimented, looking down at me, and then moving
to fix my jacket. His hands settled over the front, pulling at either side of the
front. His hands were still on me a few minutes later, adjusting the lapels.

"I can dress myself, you know?" I asked sarcastically, slightly

embarrassed by how many things he'd fixed.

"I'm sure you can undress yourself as well," he replied, chuckling

under his breath. "I'm assuming?"

I took a shaky breath, avoiding his gaze. Did everything he say have
some double meaning, or was I looking too deeply into his words, perhaps projecting
my own wishful thinking? My heart was pounding fiercely against my chest.

"How'd you guess?" I snapped back, snorting when his smile widened and
the corners of his eyes crinkled. Seeing him smile so genuinely did things to me.
Things I couldn't explain.

"I'm just assuming you're apt enough. Why? Are you suggesting you
can't?" he asked, stepping closer. His eyes were piercing into mine. "Is that what
you're trying to tell me?"

I rolled my eyes, laughing silently when the corner of his mouth curled
up into a smile. "Dick."

"Maybe you should demonstrate, you know, to prove it once and for all,"
he suggested casually, gazing at me intensely, hungrily. "Don't you think?"

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting (star button) and leaving a
comment. Oh yeah, yes, what Eric is wearing right now is the outfit he's wearing on
the book cover. Therefore, now you'll now he's actually wearing Shawn's clothes
every time you see the cover. ;)

-Hec

Ch. 37: Lay Me Down (Next To You)

Office Love: Chapter 37: Lay Me Down (Next To You)

A/N: I attached a music video (Lay Me Down - Sam Smith) to the chapter. Oh yes,
IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT in the A/N at the end of the chapter.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

I averted my eyes as soon as the words left his mouth. Looking at him
was dangerous, especially when every single remark served to confuse me further. I
took a deep breath, unwillingly walking out of the room, unsure if space would make
a difference, but hoping it would.

Shawn didn't say anything either, merely following behind me as if he

hadn't expected a reply anyways, which, I couldn't be too sure either way.
Sometimes it was hard to comprehend the simplest of things about him, regardless of
whether he was being bold or sending mixed signals. Shawn himself was a mixed
signal, the definition of a contradiction. One day he detested me and the next day
he said the most heart-racing statements, touching me as if I mattered, and gazing
as if he knew I knew.

Most importantly, every remark had an effect. Like a puppeteer, my mind

seemed to follow his every move, letting him guide me along, mold my mood and state
of mind.

The problem was that there were days when I could swear up and down was
leading to something more, and yet, with him, there was no way to actually no
whether it would or not. What if it didn't and I was the one left behind, deserted,
and forced to pick the pieces of my own shattered heart? Giving into him didn't
just mean accepting that perhaps there was a chance for something, but knowing that
it could and would disappear at any given second, no explanations, and definitely
no guilt.

With Shawn, I could picture myself having to ask for his confirmation
and endless assurance on our potential wedding on the very day of the wedding, with
me nervously pacing around, wondering if he'd change his mind and choose to call
things off. I could see him calling things off.

The other issue was that I could see him across the hall, dressed sharp
and waiting to say, "I do", so perhaps my mind was simply playing games on me.

"What are you thinking about?" Shawn asked, nudging me softly. He

brought me out from my head, chuckling when I blinked, dazed.

I tensed as I felt his shoulder graze mine, stepping sideways and

allowing the development of space between us. There needed to be space, if only for
my sake. At least with space, I'd be able to breathe, think, and then probably
helplessly fall deeper into the hole I'd already fallen down. Screw Alice and her
dramatic ways; I'd take Wonderland over the turbulent depths of my mind any day.

"I'm going to ask for a favor, and I just need you to say yes," I
pleaded, turning to face his frowning face. If I wanted this trip to work, I had to
set some boundaries. Sometimes to prevent him from driving me completely insane.

Shawn frowned, raising an eyebrow as he gazed down at me. "Everything

okay?"

"I need you to stop leading me on if you don't plan on being serious,"
I asked, plain and simple.

He stood there, staring at me as if I hadn't said anything yet. I had

though, despite the painful racing of my heart, and the sweat dripping down the
side of my forehead. Moving on would never happen if I didn't make him leave my
heart in peace. Even now, it was thumping frantically against my chest, alerting me
of my own arising panic.

"I'm not-"

"No, you are," I retorted, cutting him off. "You keep sending me mixed
signals. One second you seem interested... and the next you make me feel like
absolute shit."

"I didn't mean to do that," he tried.

"It's like you detest me. Shawn, I just need to know because otherwise
I can't keep working for you," I explained sadly, rubbing at my left eye. "Being
around is so hard, mostly because you seem to have the ability to make me feel so
fucking horrible about myself."

"I don't detest you," he replied, ignoring the rest of my statement. He

glanced down at the ground, avoiding my gaze. Avoiding looking at me at all, just
as I'd known he would.

He didn't know.

That was the problem, so many years my senior and he was as clueless as
the people at my university were. A university I was planning to ditch classes for
because of him, as if he was worth my education. I was putting all I had, all I
was, on hold for him.

"I think you're attractive," he confessed, lifting his gaze up an inch

or two.

I shook my head. "I don't care if you think I'm attractive or not,
Shawn. I want to know if there's the chance for something between us. I have to
know because otherwise I might lose my fucking mind."

I was shaking now, clenching my hands into fists as I tried to suppress

the anger. It wasn't working. Every single ticking second made me increasingly
impatient. Why couldn't he simply agree that he wanted me? It was so clear in his
eyes, and yet he refused to say as much aloud, unafraid of what, himself? The
world? That all seemed to matter so little to him. So why?

My eyes were blurring as the tears began to form. They were tears of
rage, disbelief, and yet he reached out and wiped them away as they rolled down my
cheeks. With his mouth closed tightly, pursing, he pressed a chaste kiss against my
forehead.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, wrapping his arms around me, and pulling me
into a warm, tentative embrace.

I didn't fight it, far too unsure of what I could fight.

"I love you," I whimpered into the crook of his neck, clinging on to
him until there was nothing left of him. Until he was the very pounding of my
thundering heart. Even as I tried to pull his fading form closer to me, it only
began fading away, blending with the dimmed space that composed the shadowy night.

I opened my eyes, gazing up at the ceiling above, and finally waking up

from the stupid dream.

I took a deep shaky breath as I felt the cool night air wash over my
skin; conjuring a small line of goosebumps along my arm. I was on his couch, where
I'd probably fallen asleep sometime after his flirtatious comment, when I chose to
leave the room and didn't feel comfortable enough to ask him to drive me home.

He hadn't even chased after me. In fact, he merely closed the door
behind me, glaring my way as if the rejection of his departing presence was enough
of an answer. Perhaps he didn't really want to know anyways, in case I chose to
stay in bed with him, and give into whatever it was he wanted from me.

Perhaps I should've gone home, given that the tormenting emotions that
encircled my brain where perhaps one of the hardest to hide.

I loved him.

Attitude, baggage, past ties, and all. I loved him. Even with the heavy
knowledge of my impending fall, a part of me simply didn't care. Perhaps it wanted
to break apart, just as he had already done to my conviction that space was what I
needed.

Just then, I finally felt the covers as they clung to my sweating skin.
I clutched at the covers he'd definitely set over me, pushing them up against my
nose and breathing in their scent. I scowled when I realized they were new, shoving
them off me, and standing up.

The formal attire that was set over the armrest of the couch fell over
with the blanket, but I didn't bother to pick it up, instead stepping over it on my
way to Shawn's room.

I wrapped my hands around myself, shivering as the air hit my bare

chest, and pulling up the thin, black boxers I had on upon realizing they'd slipped
an inch of a fraction down along the left side.

Perhaps I should've dressed at least, but I didn't. I barged right into

his room, freezing when I saw him lying on the bed, facing away from the door.

"Shawn," I whispered under my breath, closing the door behind me and

stepping forward.

He didn't respond at first, instead pulling the covers higher up to

cover himself.
 "Shawn," I repeated, this time louder.

I hadn't a single idea of what I wanted or why I was in his room, but I
just had to see him. Being in the same house wasn't enough. The unnerving sense of
desperation that I felt in my chest was like nothing I'd experienced previously,
serving only to anxiously drive me closer to him.

Then, he was staring up at me through drowsy, half-closed eyes, smiling

through the darkness of the night.

I stared at him, slowing my breathing when I realized that the sound of

my heavy breathes was the only audible one in the room. He didn't say anything.
Instead, he pulled up the covers, keeping his eyes on me while used his other to
pat the space beside him, signaling me forward.

"If you think that doing that is going to..." I drifted off, catching a
sight of his state of undress. Very much like myself, he was only wearing some
briefs and nothing more. I averted my eyes from the sight, clearing my throat.

"Come here," he murmured through a husky voice. "Eric..."

I closed my eyes tightly, standing still. Then, I was running my

fingers through my short hair, wondering whether I had the conviction to say no.

I love you. The words were at the tip of my tongue, even when I knew
that it was neither the right time, nor the right situation. Hell, I'd reached that
conclusion through a dream, not actual logical thinking.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, sitting up, pulling the covers completely

off him rather than just the space where he wanted me to go. "I'm sorry that I keep
saying things."

I didn't reply, certain that he didn't understand how much I needed him
to keep speaking. How much his voice affected me and how even before he asked once
more, I was already taking steps to reach him.

The bed creaked as I cautiously settled on the side, and soon, his arms
were pulling me onto the empty space beside me, where he promptly pushed me down. I
shuddered as he placed the cover over us, wrapping his arm around my waist and
pushing his left leg in between mine, encasing himself around me.

I wouldn't have been able to escape even if I'd wanted to.

I didn't though. Not ever.

"Tell me what you want," he whispered against my ear, breathing deeply

as I wrapped my arms around his waist, placing my hair against his firm chest. Like
some naïve child, I hesitantly glanced up at him, hoping for any sort of positive
reaction. Something that would tell me that what we were doing was fine.

I didn't say anything else, despite the tightening of his grasp of me,
or even the way he was pressing his face against my head, breathing against my ear
and sending tingles down my spine. I guess I couldn't with the way I'd found myself
surrounded by him, pushing my face up against the crook of his neck and breathing
him in, shaking when I realized just how much the mere smell of him turned me on.

Then there was the roughness of his hands as they caressed up and down
my back, gripping me closer ever few seconds, and making sure his chest firmly
pressed against mine.
 I took another deep breath, grumbling under my breath when I felt him
push his face down, and felt the faintest of kisses on my forehead. I froze,
pushing the memories of the dream away in order to focus on the serene, torturous
reality of his skin pressed against mine.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider leaving a vote and a comment if you
enjoyed the chapter. Oh yeah, there is a PRIVATE BONUS SCENE for this chapter,
which goes by "Ch. 37: Lay Me Down... [Bonus Scene]". It's not the mature scene
that I'll write for OL soon (saying this now so I don't get any comments from
people accusing me of misleading), but it's one I highly recommend reading. It's a
private part so you'll have to follow me in order to read it, due to it being a
gift to my followers. For computer users, you have to go to the table of contents
and enter through there. For phone users, it should pop up after you reload the
story.

-Hec

Ch. 37: Lay Me Down... [Bonus Scene]

Office Love: Chapter 37: Lay Me Down (Next To You) [Bonus Scene]
A/N: Okay, this is the last scene, except from Shawn's perspective, because I loved
it so much. The reason it's private is that it's something extra for my followers,
as a thanks for being incredible, and doesn't actually take away from the story,
hence the term bonus. Just a bit extra, from me, to you. As always, I love you.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Shawn-
"Shawn," I heard a distant, frail voice calling out. Then, it came
again, this time louder.
I recognized the voice quickly, sitting up even while trying to open my
eyes, knowing it was Eric. I'd assumed he'd gone home, but he hadn't. That fact
alone was enough to send shiver up and down my spine. I smiled at his naked form,
gazing at the beauty before me, and biting my bottom lip when he took a step
further, stepping right into the moon's moonlight, making it so easy to see the
very fine lines that composed his body. Eric was, quite simply, breath taking.
He stood there disoriented, glaring down at me with such a needy
expression. The thought to turn him away didn't even cross my mind as I shoved the
covers off, patting down at the space beside me, and hoping for him to come.
"If you think that doing that is going to..." he muttered through
gritted teeth, gazing down at me hungrily, drifting off, and continuing to stand
there.
"Come here," I coaxed, getting ready to plead. "Eric..."
He paced for a few seconds, tugging at his hair, glancing at the door
once before quickly turning back to face me. It didn't even seem as if he realized
what he was doing, let alone if he wanted to listen to me.
"I'm sorry," I apologized, sitting up, and pulling the covers
completely off me, hoping that it would coax him further. "I'm sorry that I keep
saying things."
He stepped forward immediately, reaching out with his hands and
releasing a needy noise that erupted from the back of his throat. Such a small,
barely audible sound, but it was enough to have my heart aching. The look of
confliction on his face was as heartbreaking as the cautiousness with which he
approached me. He didn't trust me, and with good reason.
I pulled Eric closer as soon as his knee touched the bed, wrapping my
arms around him and manhandling him into lying there, pressed against me. I pushed
him down, smirking faintly when Eric pressed himself closer against me, shivering
as I stuck my leg into the warm space between him. My biggest enemy was distance,
and I wanted none between us.
Even the briefs were simply too much, but the fear of frightening him
away kept me at bay, taking as much as he was willing to give, and breathing easily
with the satisfaction that he wanted to be here with me, regardless of whatever
issues were occurring.
I needed to know if he wanted more, however, because God knew I did. I
wanted him in every way, to feel his bare skin against mine and to please him, as
only I would forever be able to do. In many ways, I just wanted to make love, but
there was no way I'd show any sort of discomfort if he simply wanted to hug me
closer.
"Tell me what you want," I whispered against his ear carefully,
breathing deeply as I wrapped my arms around his waist, and smiling contentedly
when I felt his head resting against my chest. It killed me when he looked up at me
through curious eyes, tightening his hold on me and daring me to protest. I could
feel myself melting.
I let him do as he wished, humming contentedly as he rearranged himself
against me, pushing his face up against the crook of my neck, and taking a deep
breath. I bit my bottom lip as I felt the hardness of his erection pressing against
my side, but didn't react, instead holding him tighter against me.
I caressed him slowly, tentatively, trying to coax him into calming
down. He was shaking against me, so unfairly conflicted because of me. I pressed my
lips against his forehead, hoping that I'd be able to convey how much he meant to
me through that simple action, but knowing it probably wouldn't.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider leaving a vote and a comment if you
enjoyed the chapter. In addition, no worries, there will be one of those
provocative scenes in the future, possible very soon.
-Hec

Ch. 38: Restless Morning

Office Love: Chapter 38: Restless Morning
A/N: I attached a visual I call "Sheric Mornings" and I cry over it, tbh.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-
The bed was empty when I woke up.
Still, I lay there, nuzzling against the tangled covers and breathing in the
Shawn's scent, which was unavoidably covering the entirety of the bed. Part of me
wanted to stay there, with most of me being far too anxious to seek Shawn to
wherever it was that he'd gone.
What if I went outside and found him on the couch, where he would've surely gone
after I so rudely took over his bed?
I rubbed my eyes, sitting up despite my unwillingness.
"Shawn," I called out.
I wasn't expecting a response simply because his house was so big that I could
honestly imagine the sound getting lost in between the room and wherever else he
happened to be. Therefore, instead of waiting, I stood up, rubbing the sleepiness
from my eyes and walking out the door before I lost all motivation and succumbed to
Shawn's bed once more.
My eyes wandered across the hallway, going from decoration to decoration and then
grazing over the pictures. At first, it appeared that they were set randomly across
the wall, but it soon became apparent that such a thing wasn't the case when I
realized Shawn and Meghan were getting younger as I made my way down the hall. How
had I never taken the time to see them, when Shawn looked so damn happy and Meghan
appeared almost angelic? Something about their smiles made my heart warm.
I stopped when I came across a single picture of a young teenage girl with dark
brown hair and blue eyes that were mischievously focusing on the camera, hand
reaching out in an attempt to block the shot, but failing. Her hair was in
beautiful long curls reaching past her waist. It seemed so out of place, yet oddly
matching with the surroundings.
My eyes held, inspecting the very details of her face. When I continued down the
hall, I realized there weren't any more photos. That was where it ended. Or rather,
where it started. I reached out with my hand, grazing the portrait before reaching
back.
She appeared so distant, and yet the very sight of her evoked such mixed, strong
feelings. Perhaps it was because I knew who she was. Or rather, I could assume from
the crumpled top left corner of the picture and the difference in age from the
others.
"Sometimes I forget I put that up there," Shawn muttered, reaching out from behind
me and lifting the framed picture off, removing it from the wall.
I turned to my right, gazing as his bare arm retracted and he pulled it closer to
him. I couldn't tell whether he was gazing fondly and bitterly, but it felt as if I
was intruding just by being there. The only thing he was wearing, just as I, were a
loose pair of sweatpants that were hanging low on his hips, making it hard to
concentrate.
I looked up at his dark blue eyes.
"What's her name?" I asked. "If you don't want to tell me then-"
"Claudia," Shawn replied, focusing intently on the very details of the frame
around, but not quite looking at the girl within the picture.
"She looks like Meghan," I pointed out, as if perhaps that would ease the tension.
It didn't. In fact, it only made his eyebrows furrow as he finally paid attention
to the photo. He nodded in agreement.
"Meghan once had a phase where she wanted to dye and grown out her hair just too
look like her mother, perhaps thinking it would bring them close, create a bond."
"Did she?"
The edge of Shawn's mouth curled upwards, bringing forth a half-smile. "She grew
out her hair, but then cut it once she realized she hated having such long hair.
Something about it being high maintenance.
"How about the color?" I asked, feeling anxiously vulnerable in my current state of
undress, or rather, his. I just wanted to throw a shirt on, or perhaps put a shirt
on him since he was the one distracting me. It wasn't even about his muscles,
because his body wasn't as firm as mine was by a long shot. If anything, it was the
little details about his body. The small dark mole that rested on his torso, or the
sheer refinement of his happy trail almost seemed to be guiding me further down
were what caught my attention the most. The sense of comfort and stability he
provided, as ironic as that sounded.
The broad length of his shoulder and the roughness of his features. The manliness
of his presence, as obscene as it sounded, was driving me crazy.
He blinked at me. "Eric?"
I shook my head. "Sorry, what did you say?" I asked, blushing lightly. I stopped
openly ogling him as well, growing uncomfortable because he knew I'd been staring
at him and checking him out as shamelessly as I could possibly.
Shawn chuckled this time, grinning at me. "I said no, so she bought the hair dye
and did it herself, which was a mistake. She ended up accidentally buying the wrong
one and dying her hair black."
I didn't want to smile at that, but I did. Perhaps he should've let her do it, but
I could see why he'd say no as well. It was such a complex situation, where keeping
stability was as hard as finding it to begin with.
"You said no to Meghan?" I asked jokingly.
Shawn nodded, setting the picture back on the wall, but resting his arm against my
shoulder rather than pulling it back. Then, his arm was crossing across my chest,
pulling me back against him. I shivered as hi calloused fingers gripped me by the
chest, grazing across my left pectoral muscle. I melted back against his touch,
sighing as he pressed himself against my back, surrounding me.
"We should get ready for the airport," he murmured against my neck, breathing
deeply.
We could do something else, Shawn, I thought to myself, biting my bottom lip as
Shawn's other hand grazed my torso.
The warmth of his body radiated through me, warming my skin, leaving me
uncomfortably restless. I wanted to turn around, but I didn't, instead allowing his
lips to press against my shoulder, leaving soft, tender kisses as he pulled me back
across the hall and into a room. I didn't know what to expect, but I allowed his
guidance, shivering as his left hand lowering, slipping underneath the band of my
pants, and pressing against my naked thigh.
"We'll be late," he reminded me, and suddenly, I was being sat down on a chair,
away from Shawn.
I was seeing sparks across my vision, heart pounding by the lack of contact, or
perhaps because of the fact that it'd been so over-whelming not two seconds prior.
Shawn sat cross the the table, grinning at me while taking a bite of a toasted
bagel, because of course. in front of me, breakfast was served. There was bagels
and coffee, tea and things we probably didn't need.
"You're a pain in my ass," I stated matter-of-factly, but still biting into the
bacon he'd apparently made. I wanted to hate him, truly, but the food was there and
distracting enough to let his stunt slide.
"Am I?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Soon, perhaps."
I choked on the piece of meat, staring at him with wide eyes.
"Careful, Eric, don't choke on that," he murmured huskily, drinking a sip of his
coffee.
"I will choke on it if I want to," I said in between bites, clearly not thinking my
comeback through.
At first, Shawn didn't respond. Then, however, he pressed the palm of his hand
against his face, laughing into it. The jerk was Laughing so hard his shoulder was
shaking and I finally realized why it was so funny to him.
"You like chocking on meat?" Shawn asked, as if to rub my poorly executed response
in my face.
I set the piece of meat down, focusing on the bagel instead because Shawn had the
maturity level of a teenager. How offensive.
"I hate you," I told him half-heartedly.
Shawn nodded, taking another bite of his bagel, biting down into it in a way that
should've probably been odd but instead managed to look attractive. Perhaps I was
losing my mind.
Then, I stared at the clock, staring with wide eyes when I realized that neither of
us was ready and I still had no idea at what time we had to leave.
"You do realize we need to swing by my house and get me spare clothes, right?" I
asked, frantically eating the bagel in an attempt to finish. Then, I pounded my
fist against my chest, trying not to die from chocking.
Shawn rolled his eyes. "Don't worry, our flight leaves in-"
He shut up, frowning at the clock.
I glanced at it as well, realizing one little detail that was perhaps extremely
important; the hands weren't moving.
"Your clock isn't working," I pointed out, turning to face him just to find him
doing shots with his coffee and then coughing because it was hot. What an idiot.
He pulled the phone out of his pocket, groaning under his breath.
"We have an hour and a half."
I shook my head in disbelief, rushing to set my dishes in the sink, and rolling my
eyes when I felt him standing behind me once more, a bit too close. Now was simply
not the time.
"You're going to wash those?" he asked against my nape because apparently being
late to a flight meant nothing to him.
I turned, patting his chest and shaking my head before wiggling out from in between
the sink and him. "Nope, you're doing them all," I announced while walking in the
direction of his bathroom.
"Eric!" he called out, leaning over and actually washing.
"Yes, Shawn?" I asked distractedly, standing in the doorway and trying my hardest
to avoid staring too much. Why couldn't he just throw a shirt on? Was that a crime?
"Wait for me?" he asked suggestively.
My heart skipped a beat. However, I shook my head, smiling. "One hour and a half,
Shawn. The airport is half an hour away."
He pouted, but I was gone before he could try to coax me into sharing a shower,
mostly because if I'd stayed he could've probably found a way to convince me into
allowing him the chance. It was truly troubling just how willing I was to say yes
and the only thing holding me back was the circumstances. Like, he could probably
give some pathetic excuse about saving water, and therefore the planet, and I'd
probably cave.
Then, I stopped halfway to the bathroom, narrowing my eyes.
"Shawn, did you finish packing?" I asked, slowly making my way.
"Shit!" Shawn yelled in shock, bolting into his room before I could make a comment
on the fact that he was such a hot mess.
-Shawn-
"You're not even at the dorm either!" Eric scoffed into the phone as I zipped down
the freeway, rushing to make the flight. We'd taken too long changing. Whatever the
case, we were late and I couldn't stop turning to look at him. He looked downright
adorable wearing my clothes.
"Don't be a dramatic little bitch, Mason. I'll be back at the dorm before you
anyways," he stated. A few minutes of silence and then, "What do you mean I
should've told you? We're not married!"
I chuckled, keeping my eyes on the road despite wanting to look at his priceless
facial expressions. We'd just picked up his clothes and while nervous, part of me
felt almost excited about spending some time with Eric. Despite the lack of
anything solid, just spending time with him was rather magnetizing. It was as if I
orbited around him, unable to keep my hands away for too long.
"Okay, honey!" Eric muttered sarcastically, cutting the call and turning to face
me. "So, apparently Mason thinks that it is okay for him to leave me alone, but
it's not okay for me to have a life outside that damn school. I'm only missing a
few classes anyways."
I frowned, realizing what he was saying. Shit. I hadn't even considered that. Hell,
the fact that he went to college had completely slipped my mind.
"I'm sorry," I cringed. "It completely slipped my mind."
Eric waved his hand, signaling its unimportance. "I was going to miss them anyway,
given that the classes I have are either unimportant or I'm avoiding the teacher."
"Are you sure?" I asked, out of modesty rather than actual willingness to change
his mind.
He nodded.
--
We were standing in line for check-in, surrounded by a large crowd of people. My
hands were shaking against my side, so I focused on Eric's face in an attempt to
ignore the rising anxiousness.
It was hard, but I didn't bolt out the airport. My entire body was buzzing though.
Eric didn't seem to mind either, smiling up at me every few seconds and giving my
shoulder a reassuring squeeze. The idea to grab his hand crossed my mind, but I
didn't, instead gripping onto the hastily done luggage I'd managed to pack.
"Shawn, did you call Jacqueline over?" he asked out of nowhere.
I frowned, shaking my head. I'd texted her goodbye, and promised to keep her
updated for the next few days, but hadn't really heard back from her at all.
"No, why?"
He didn't reply, so I followed his gaze, staring past the crowded wave of people
and watching the spectacle unfold as Jacqueline made her way towards us, quite
literally having people part as she walked.
I couldn't tell if it was her beauty or the determination on her face that
intimidated those around her, but I wanted to move out of the way as well.
She halted before us, reaching into her purse and holding out a bottle of lube.
"I can't believe I forgot to get you this!" she announced, quite too loudly.
I blinked down at the bottle, feeling as stunned as some older people around. Eric
pulled his hoodie over his head, apparently just as shocked by the situation.
"Why?"
"I bought you condoms, but forgot to get the lube!" she stated as if it was obvious
and not at all bizarre that she was announcing it to the crowd of people with which
I would be spending time on a flight. I felt tempted to murder her.
"I didn't even bring the condoms," I hissed under my breath.
Jacqueline frowned. "Why not?"
"Why do you think?" I muttered, glaring at her but taking the bottle, if only so
she'd stop displaying it to the crowd. I did allow her to give me a hug, however,
and it wasn't until she gave Eric a hug that I realized she'd slipped the box of
condoms I'd left in my desk back at work into my pocket.
"Have an incredible trip!" she announced. "I'm late for a meeting, but I'm
definitely sure this was worth it."
She took a picture of my shocked face, then took a step back for precaution. At
least she wasn't completely naïve to think I didn't want to commit homicide.
"Did she just-" Eric asked as she walked away, staring at the large, square-shaped
bulge on the front of my jacket.
"Don't use all of them, Shawn; pace yourself!" she stated while leaving, because
pouring salt over a freshly made wound was apparently a thing now. I felt Eric
press his face against my shoulder, probably hiding the shame and humiliation of
that one single moment.
I nodded in agreement, reaching and sticking both into my handbag just to hide the
evidence that mostly everyone had already seen, including one of the flight
attendants. I didn't want to say I'd miss her while I was gone, but I probably
would regardless of her actions.
"Move out of the way, peasants," she announced as she left.
"Oh, Jacqueline," I sighed under my breath, turning my head and hiding it against
Eric's head, ignoring the incessant stares. They'd literally all seen me shoving
the lube and condoms in with my luggage so the last thing I wanted to do was meet
their gaze. What a restless morning.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and leaving a comment. Comment
if you're going to miss Jacqueline for the next few chapters because I will, so
badly.
-Hec

Ch. 39: Mile High Club

Office Love: Chapter 39: Mile High Club

A/N: I attached another visual that I made and I cry over this one too, tbh.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

If there was one thing I knew, then that was that I had too much
affection for Shawn. Perhaps I would've never assumed it so be as strong, and yet
there it was, brewing under the surface, and developing through every single
glance, every touch.

There was little I could about it. Perhaps, little I wanted to do about
it, because the truth was that I didn't want to stop myself.

Shoving the feelings down was exhausting, defeating, and there was
nothing warmer than the sense of belonging. The tender feeling of affection that
emitted from him represented so many things, and yet the most defining one was the
idea that perhaps it was okay to feel this about him.

There was so much wrong with everything around, and yet he somehow
ended under my skin one way or another.
 My heart ached, beating painfully against my chest, with every single
longing glance. There was simply too much to say, and not enough time to say it.
Not a right time to speak. Was there ever a right time to speak? I would've agreed,
except that even I doubted such an idea. Life passed us so quickly, spinning out of
control and commanding itself.

Well, I could certainly feel myself spinning out of control.

----

I paced outside the bathroom stall, sighing in annoyance as I heard

Shawn's phone beeping from within. He wasn't even using the bathroom. Rather, he
was hiding out, probably hoping that the flight would leave.

"We have five minutes," I said. "Come on, Shawn, come out already."

Shawn didn't reply, childishly staying in place. It was at times like

these that I wondered whether I was dealing with my boss or a kid I was
babysitting, because it was simply unbelievable how effectively he played both
roles.

"I think I made a mistake," Shawn mumbled from the other side, still
not putting his phone on vibrate. I could hear him sorting through his mail,
deleting and flipping to the next received electronic message. "I sent a final
confirmation to Mr. Greed and he didn't even reply, so maybe we should wait."

I sighed under my breath, shaking my head in disbelief. At this point,

there was nothing else to do but fly. Out luggage was on the plane, we'd checked
into the flight, and I'd even left my phone in my backpack on the airplane's seat.
He'd chosen the wrong time to pull such a stupid stunt, given that he'd literally
left me on that plane, excusing himself before running off the plane.

"How did you know I was lying?" Shawn asked. "I could've been-"

"The plane has a bathroom, Shawn. Besides, the fear in your eyes really
gives it away," I mentioned, running a hand through my short, black hair.

Shawn grumbled, probably pouting from the other side. He wasn't even
sitting on the seat, instead leaning against the wall from what I could see on the
space visible under the stall door, which was actually obnoxious because, why did
they make the doors so tiny? I could probably see him from the crack at either edge
of the door and that was not okay. Didn't the people who built this understand how
uncomfortable it was to make eye contact with someone while using the toilet?

Seriously.

I glanced at the bathroom's clock, tapping my foot impatiently. He'd

regret it later, when we were stuck here, and he was complaining about not making
him go, as If I ever made him do anything.

"What can I do to make you go?" I asked, rolling my eyes.

Suddenly, Shawn opened the door, frowning at me from the small crack of
space. Even through the fear, I could see him seriously considering my suggestion.
He raised an eyebrow, gazing at me suggestively. I scoffed when I realized just
what he had in mind, which was probably something inappropriate and just-no.

"You're a pervert," I grumbled, tugging him by the sleeve of his

jacket, and sighing in annoyance because we had about two minutes to get into the
plane once more. He hadn't even gone into the bathroom close to the flight gate.
No, he'd decided to run through the entire airport, going into some secluded
bathroom I only even found because I'd been following him along.

"A lot of things make me go," Shawn began even as I broke into a run,
dragging him along.

"I'm sure," I replied, biting back the few choice words I wanted to
holler at him, shoving through the waves of people, and apologizing every single
time. "Sorry, we're late!"

"Sorry, we're late!"

"Sorry, we're late!"

"Sorry, we're-"

The man I'd accidentally bumped into growled, rolling his eyes. "You're
fucking late; I got that."

I scoffed, moving away from him, letting go of Shawn to cross my arms

across my chest. He didn't have to be so rude!

Then, Shawn walked beside me, looking both defeated and terrified. It
was quite unnerving to see him so deflated, almost as if he didn't know how to act.
I hadn't assumed that the fear for flying would be so intense but, apparently, for
him it was.

"The plan leaves in ten minutes," Shawn mentioned out of nowhere,

gazing down at his phone. "I checked."

I stopped abruptly, turning to face him before reaching out and shoving
him lightly. He grinned despite himself, and I had to hold back from strangling him
because I'd just shoved through a crowd of people for a flight we'd make anyways.

"I actually hate you," I glowered, darting my eyes around the large,
busy airport. What way had we even gone?

Shawn pointed to the right, staring at me solemnly, the right edge of

his mouth curling up into a half-smile.

"You don't though," Shawn teased, chuckling into the sleeve of his
shirt, as if being subtle was suddenly something he did. It still looked adorable
though, so I smiled softly, watching his entire body relax.

"It'll be okay," I assured him.

"Okay," he nodded before setting his hand on the nape of neck and
guiding me forward, probably in the right direction of the gate because I was
straight up lost in the commotion of the airport. It was so incredible to see that.
So many people went and came, leaving behind what they knew, perhaps to embrace
something new, or perhaps to revisit somewhere once familiar. The idea was as
compelling as knowing why Shawn was no longer freaking out.

As we approached the gate, I frowned, seeing Shawn taking a shaky

breath, but continuing. It made my heart soar that he was listening. Even though he
hated it, he wasn't leaving. Shawn waved at the staff, who nodded in reply,
assessing they'd seen us leave.
 "I'm proud of you," I grinned as we passed through the gate's tunnel,
boarding into the plane.

When we sat in our seats I squeezed his arm reassuringly, grinning

because even though it felt odd to try to reassure someone older than me, I
understood that fear was a strong thing. It attacked anyone, discriminating against
no one and being as merciless with each case.

I got that, and so I didn't mock him about it.

----

"Are you going to New York for the festival?" the woman sitting on the
next seat asked, drawing my attention. I frowned, taking off an earbud and blinking
at her.

The plane was starting its descent, but Shawn was stubborn and had
decided to experience it without any distractions, perhaps growing a bit too brave.
He was clinging on to my arm, holding a brutal lockdown on my entire limb, his head
leaning against my shoulder as he stared ahead. He looked just as troubled, but at
least he was no longer trying to escape.

I drifted my eyes away from him, pushing them back to the woman. "What
festival?" I asked.

The woman smiled despite the awkwardness that settled after the
question went right over my head. "Oh, my bad. There's just this huge parade
occurring. It's for LGBT pride."

I nodded, smiling as well. "That's nice."

"No," Shawn murmured, his voice muffled as he pressed his face into my
shoulder.

I turned to face him, narrowing my eyes. He was putting half his weight
on me, not to mention fumbling with my fingers, switching between lacing them and
clasping them tightly.

"Don't be rude," I scolded in disbelief, turning to flash the woman a

weak, apologetic smile. "I bet it'll be lovely, but I don't think we'll make it."

She shrugged, not looking bothered in the least. "Some people are
simply not into that sort of crowd. You two make a beautiful couple by the way,"
she complimented and I had knew Shawn would say something.

"We're not a couple," Shawn grumbled ever as he moved forward, nuzzling

his face against my neck.

She blinked.

I flashed another weak smile, shivering as Shawn's warm breath began

hitting my neck. Yeah, right. I didn't even know how to reply, because Shawn was
right. We weren't a couple. I didn't know what it was that we were, but there was
absolutely no way to understand him sometimes.

"Oh, I'm sure," she replied sarcastically, prompting Shawn to raise his
head, glaring at the innocent woman. I was about to scold him about it, except he
chose that moment to lean his head against my shoulder once more, grumbling under
his breath.
 "What?" I asked.

"You're not special; I did this with Jacqueline too. She mocked me for
weeks."

I rolled my eyes. "Just don't slobber on me."

----

It wasn't until we were half-way, the lights shut up even though it was
barely two pm or so, that I realized something odd. Shawn was finally at ease, no
longer needing to cling on to me for support. It wasn't exactly that I didn't want
him close, but the way he'd made my body react was something I didn't need to deal
with during a crowded flight.

"Can I ask you something?" I asked, poking him until he peeled his gaze
away from his phone.

He nodded. "Are you going to ask me whether I'm interested in becoming

a member of the Mile High Club?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. "Because if so, my
answer is-"

I rolled my eyes, groaning in annoyance as the mental pictures

appeared. "No, I'm not going to ask you to have airplane sex, Shawn," I grumbled,
flustered. My face was probably bright red as well, from the idea alone.

Shawn grinned, leaning forward and pressing his forehead against mine.
"Why not?"

I had to pull away from him, scrubbing my face to clear my mind. He was
simply too distracting. I turned to him once I could think straight, sighing under
my breath. Shawn would probably be the death of me at some point. "I had a serious
question to ask you," I murmured.

"I know," Shawn replied. "Go for it."

"You actually listened to me," I noted, confused by that. After all,

he'd been so unwilling, and yet had actually listened and boarded the plane when I
told him it'd be okay. For some reason, that made my heart race. "Back at the
airport, when-"

"Yeah," he stated plainly. "I did."

Shawn nodded, turning to face me, and meeting my curious eyes. The
majority of the plane was wearing headphones, watching movies on their personal
screens. He wasn't, instead typing away on his phone, probably replying to clients
and working away from work. It was odd to consider how little of him I truly saw. I
saw him a few hours in the afternoon, not to mention sometimes after work. Yet, it
was hard to realize just how much of a hard-worker he was when most of the time I
was there was on his off time.

"Why?" I asked, when he didn't elaborate, instead just gazing at me

intently.

"I trust you," he whispered, mere inches from my face.

My mouth opened, closing when I realized that asking for his motives
would be less than opportunistic. Still, the question buzzed around in my head,
irking me. His warm breath kept distracting me as it hit my face in short puffs. It
wasn't necessarily uncomfortable, just different.

Having him close, being close to him was different.

"Why?" I finally spit out, frowning at the floor.

Shawn chuckled humorlessly, gazing intently. "It's hard to explain. I

think you're one of the only who hasn't lied to me," he confided, voice growing
smaller. I searched through his blue eyes at a loss of words, suddenly unable to
breathe. Suddenly unable to cope.

My heart sunk, not because of how captivating the thought was, but
because it was a lie. Everything about that was wrong, and the worst part was that
I was the one responsible for the lack of truth in his words. It's what he knew,
not what was real.

I'd lied.

I'd lied my way into his good graces on more than one occasion, using
manipulating as a way to restrain his shattering anger. I rubbed my eyes, biting
the inside of my cheek anxiously. Because of course, I should've known the lie
wouldn't simply disappear. They never did, no matter what.

Telling him would only ruin things, and yet saying something would
shatter him. One of the few people who'd never lied to him. I wanted to scream, or
perhaps cry, because I knew what he'd say if I told him the truth. Shawn would hate
me. It wasn't a matter of perspective or chance; he would definitely hate me.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, burying my face into his chest, and giving no
explanation. Still, he didn't ask for one, throwing his arm to wrap around me and
holding me close. Perhaps he thought I was apologizing for making him explain, or
maybe it was something else. Whatever it was, my heart sunk further because there
wouldn't be enough apologies if he ever found out that I wasn't as trust-worthy as
he assumed.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and leaving a comment. I'm still
crying over the visual.

-Hec

Ch. 40: Daddy

Office Love: Chapter 40: Daddy
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Shawn-
Arriving upon the busy streets of New York was the most bizarre experience. The
cold, crisp weather, which suddenly hit us upon leaving the safety of the airport,
was the first detail I noticed. Perhaps a few layers of extra clothes would've
helped, but I hadn't considered that then. I hadn't considered many things then.
Eric was walking beside me, groggily rubbing at his eye, and trying to
become alert. He wasn't though, instead tiredly leaning against my shoulder as I
trudged us both along the busy crosswalk and towards the gate that led to the
airport's local hotel. I was carrying all the luggage we'd brought, sans skipping a
beat as people began crossing the street. I nudged Eric along, smirking as he
stumbled along, almost tripping.
"You're way too content for someone who spent the last few hours
petrified on an airplane," Eric complained. "Not to mention whimpering in your
sleep."
I scoffed. "I did not!"
Eric raised an eyebrow. "What if I told you I had a video to prove it?"
I narrowed my eyes, not responding out of fear that he wasn't bluffing.
He was probably right. The only reason I'd even made it through the flight had been
the fact that I passed out pretty early on, apparently clinging on to Eric the
entire way and making it impossible for him to rest.
"Delete it," I ordered, watching as he stuck out his tongue at me in a
childish manner. I would've grinned back if he wasn't threatening me with possible
blackmail.
"What do we need to do now, anyways?"
As for now, all I needed was Adam Greed's confirmation of our impending
meeting and things would be set for the most part. I sighed, taking a deep breath.
I'd made it, somehow, and that was the only thing that mattered.
"Confirmation on the meeting," I said, watching Eric shivering beside
me, his hands reaching out to caress his bare arms, perhaps to try to conjure some
heat. I felt tempted to take off my jacket and hand it to him, not doing it simply
because I was too lazy to lower all the luggage, take it off, hand it to him, and
then have to pick it all back up.
He could deal.
"Maybe you should've worn a jacket," I mentioned as his teeth began
chattering and the only sound I could hear clearly was that of his shaky,
unnervingly loud breath.
"If I'd known it'd be cold," he murmured under his breath, turning to
gaze up at me. "Seriously, what now?"
I smiled at him. That's what I loved about him. As unenthusiastic as he
could be, he chose to ignore it, trying his best to be as supportive as possible,
despite the fact that sometimes it would've been easier to complain. Hell,
Jacqueline complained like hell, and while extremely efficient, didn't show the
same resolution to please anyone, ever.
It made my stomach twist to see him gazing up at me expectantly, as if
I knew something he didn't.
"I'm-I'm waiting for a reply?" I half-asked, unsure of what else I
could do.
Eric frowned, blinking once and then opening his mouth to speak. He
lifted his left hand, which was most likely holding a collection of goosebumps, and
scratched the back of his head, gazing at me intently.
"Please tell me the man confirmed," asked Eric, an edge to his voice.
He was probably expecting me to whip out an agenda that depicted exactly what I'd
be doing for the next few days. I didn't do any of the sort. No, that was
Jacqueline with her incessantly perfect way of handling cases and detailed
oversight over every little action taken under her guidance.
I, on the other hand, couldn't be any more different from Jacqueline. I
was here because it was what I had to do, plain and simple. It wasn't a matter of
choice, or anything thoroughly planned. They were extremely wealthy, influential,
and there was no way I'd pass up the opportunity to build connections, not to
mention take such a high-profile case.
Sure, there was a bit of a damper on my plans with the fact that Mr.
Greed seemed to detest me. Yet, while Adam was the equivalence of absolute
hostility, that didn't mean there was any more of a desire to be on his good
graces. Especially if being on his good graces meant opening doors for my firm.
After all, as much as life was about money, it was also about power.
Connections could bring opportunities, and those opportunities could bring
unmeasurable gains.
I pulled out my phone, frowning when I realized there was an e-mail,
this one seemingly unexpected. I glanced over the titles, using my fingers to
select the inbox and open the mail. Then, I read over it quickly, sighing when I
realized Mr. Greed didn't have many good news.
 "Okay, so apparently there's been a change in management. I got a
number with who to negotiate with, but I'm not sure exactly what's going on," I
explained to Eric, walking in through the hotel doors and sighing down at the
attached number. "Damn it."
"So we might've come for nothing," Eric replied, deadpanning.
I shook my head. "No. I doubt it."
"Okay?"
"Just let me deal with this. How about you go get us a room, put away
our things, and meet me down here so we can go eat something?" I asked, already
pulling up the number on my phone and hovering over it with my finger, tempted to
call right away. I had no idea what to expect when I'd call, but at least Eric
shuffled along, listening willingly.
"Thank you," I mentioned before turning to settle in the red futon on
the far wall of the lobby, sighing as the main clerk glared at me from across the
room, speaking with Eric and sneaking a flew glances.
I couldn't help but focus on Eric's retreating frame as he carried the
bag towards the main reception with ease, a subtle, sensual sway to his hips. Even
through the loose sweats, it was clear to see how attractive his body was. I had to
re-direct my attention when the phone call went through, afraid I'd be speaking and
lose my train of thought.
-Eric-
The first thing the hotel employee did was cringe at me, looking at me, behind me,
and then gazing apprehensively. I had no idea why, but I could tell that something
was extremely wrong. Even if I couldn't place it, the fact remained that the hotel
staff seemed displeased by my presence.
"Hello there," he greeted uncomfortably, putting on a fake smile when
he realized I'd noticed his expression. I raised an eyebrow, trying my hardest not
to judge him without knowing what the problem was, but finding it hard.
"Uh, I'd like to book a room for two?" I asked, glancing down at the
bags and shuffling the luggage so the strap hung further up my shoulder. It'd been
slipping somewhat.
"One queen?" he asked and I froze, watching as he glanced behind me,
focusing his eyes on Shawn, who was sitting on the sofa, intent on the phone
conversation.
"What?" I asked, frowning. "Are you-no, we're not-"
Josh, as was neatly written on his nametag, sighed, removing the red
cap he'd been wearing on his head and sighing under his breath. Then, he glanced
around, leaning closer. "Look, we don't allow that kind of residence here. You have
to understand, right?"
I blinked. "Excuse me?" I couldn't tell whether he was referring to his
own misunderstood idea of what Shawn and I were or to something else. Still, it was
beginning to bother me.
"Look, I get that sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do, but do you
think you could take your services somewhere else?" he asked, trying to sound as
polite as possible, and stunning me. He thought I was a hooker. I glanced down at
my attire, and then focused on Shawn's formal one and realized exactly what he
meant.
From his perspective, Shawn probably looked like a horny, stressed-out
businessperson trying to fetch a hooker for the day, perhaps to resolve some of the
stress. That was bizarre in of itself. Yet, the most important part was the one
that troubled me the most.
"Why do people keep thinking I'm a hooker?" I asked, scoffing and
glaring down at my body before focusing back on Josh. First that half-dressed
stranger I'd met outside the rave thought so and now him too? "Why can't people
just think I'm a regular person and not selling my body?"
The horror in his eyes was as vivid as the uncomfortable anxiety in
mine. He apologized desperately, struggling to meet my gaze any more. I couldn't
blame him. "I'm sorry!" he pleaded for the fifth time in a row, seemingly about to
faint. "It's just-the age difference just threw me off and-Oh my God! Is that your
dad? I'm so sorry!"
I coughed, covering my mouth with my hand. Okay, so he'd gone there. I
flashed a weak smile, refraining from reaching out and socking him into his senses.
I would've, except that I wanted to hide away in one of the rooms of the hotel more
than I wanted to hurt the foolish worked before me.
I nodded before stifling the humorless laugh that threatened to escape
me. "Yep, my dad alright!" My real dad was like fifteen years older than Shawn was,
but sure, whatever floated his boat.
At least he stopped glancing at Shawn, instead focusing solely on me.
"I. Am. So. Sorry," he apologized once more, the fear in his eyes
growing by the second, as if I'd respond. I didn't and wouldn't, mostly because I
was just as horrified by the misunderstanding. Then, he glanced down at the screen
and his horror increased. It was as if I couldn't catch a single break.
"What now?" I asked warily.
I could already tell he was going to give me bad news. It was almost a
given.
"It seems that we only have king size beds available," he muttered,
flashing a weak smile. I stared at him, unsure of how to respond to that. Was it
more uncomfortable because I'd agreed that Shawn was my father or les embarrassing
because that thereby made us family and perhaps less awkward?
"Are you sure?" I asked.
He nodded, smile fading. "Please don't report me."
I waved a hand dismissively. "And say what, people like assuming I'm a
call boy?"
He flinched once more.
"I'm-"
"Sorry, yes," I finished for him. "Just give me the damn room; I'll
make it work somehow."
Josh rushed to sign me in, handing me a form and keeping the fake smile
on his face as I filled out the form and handed it back to him, sighing in
annoyance as he processed the key and handed me a pair of cards inside a white
envelope. The exchange must've taken less than a few minutes, and yet it felt like
an eternity. I just wanted to be away from the lobby and in the comfort of the room
Josh had assumed I'd use to make money, sleeping.
"Thanks."
"I'm-"
"Don't you dare apologize again," I said, stopping him dead in his
tracks. "Just forget about it, okay?" I'd do the same. I wasn't even dressing
promiscuously, so why dwell on something so stupid.
Suddenly, pairs of hands were taking the luggage I'd been carrying on
my left hand. I glanced beside me to find Shawn standing there, looming eerily
close to my side. I couldn't figure out whether I was glad to see him or not, but
Josh suddenly glanced down at his computed, typing away and pretending we didn't
exist.
Again, I didn't blame him.
"What happened?" he asked. "You booked a room?"
"Yeah," I muttered, bothered. "Let's go, daddy."
Shawn's eyebrows scrunched up as he frowned, his jaw slacking. He
didn't comment on the nickname though, instead following me towards the elevator
and away from the possible crime scene of a future homicide.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Oh my god. So yeah, there's that. Thank you for reading. Please consider
voting and leaving a comment.
-Hec

Ch. 41: Comfortable

Office Love: Chapter 41: Comfortable
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
 I leaned back against the elevator, watching Eric's arms fold across
his chest, his eyes narrowed as they glared at the closed elevator door. He wasn't
speaking either, purposefully avoiding my gaze. Eric had been the one to make the
awkward comment, and yet here I was, paying for his own problems.
Still, something in the way he was glaring kept me quiet, certain that
saying the wrong thing would only worsen things. Besides, I didn't know exactly how
to reply, or if replying was even appropriate after what I'd just heard. Therefore,
I kept quiet, listening to his breathing as the elevator began to ascend.
"I hate elevator music," Eric began, glancing around and lifting his
head to stare at the elevator's ceiling. "And yet the absence is so alarming."
Then, his gaze lowered, focusing on the floor.
My gaze moved as well, fixating on the small, black strand of hair that
was styled differently than the others, standing upright. My hand raised to lower
it back into place, but I stopped myself from reaching out, suddenly aware of the
uncomfortable silence that had settled over the metal box.
Eric didn't notice the strand of hair that he had sticking up, and yet
he'd definitely noticed my body as it attempted to reach forward and touch his. It
was such a simple action, and yet not going through with it left me feeling
remotely empty, or perhaps distraught. My hands were almost shaking at my sides as
I fought the urge to lift them and meet some part of him.
Any part of him.
"Thank you," he murmured, watching me through half-closed eyelids.
I didn't necessarily understand why he was thanking me, or whether I
wanted to know why he felt the need to, so I asked. "For not touching you?" I asked
curiously, somewhat regretting the words as soon as they left my mouth, but unable
to take it back.
He didn't reply.
"I should probably stop doing that" I replied, gripping onto the
luggage tightly. There was no sense of motivation in my words. After all, most of
the time when I did touch him, it wasn't until after the fact that I realized.
"Does it bother you?"
Eric didn't reply for a few seconds, probably trying to come up with an
answer himself. Then, he chuckled, shrugging tiredly. His eyes were beginning to
grown heavy, and the guilt of keeping him awake through the entire flight finally
settled.
"You confuse me, you know? If I said yes, would you stop?" Eric asked,
scratching the side of his nose with his thumb.
My heart sunk for few seconds, before realizing that he was smirking
playfully. Lucky for me, I composed myself before he could see that a single
question from him could affect me at all. It was truly troubling that one single
sign of discontentment from a college student could floor me so heavily, let alone
influence my mood.
Yet, here we were.
"Will you say yes?" I asked, hearing as the small beeping signaling the
rising and passing through floors. I held my breath while waiting for his answer,
clearing my throat as if that would clear the tenseness that had settled over the
room.
Finally, after what seemed like a thousand eternities, Eric chuckled,
stepping forward just as the elevator's doors opened, and stepping through without
bothering to reply. I didn't blame him, instead, feeling rather grateful that he'd
ignored the question since I wasn't too sure I would've known how to reply to
either a yes or a no.
----
My fingers scrolled up and down the mail list, eyes skimming through e-
mails. I trusted that Jacqueline had everything under control, but still, that
didn't mean that I wasn't worried out of my mind. Of course, I wasn't worried
enough to open my laptop and properly check on things, but that didn't mean my
worry wasn't real, or stressful.
Furthermore, my eyes kept drifting back to Eric, who was had quickly
passed out on the bed as soon as we arrived into the room. He hadn't even checked
out the room, falling over on the bed and closing his eyes, falling asleep almost
instantly. I watched as he curled up in the center of the white bed, his face
expressionless as he rested quietly.
There was a definitely pattern to the way his chest rose and lowered as
he breathed, but I tried to pretend I wasn't capturing every single detail of him
with my mind, struggling to take my focus away from him.
I could've sworn that he would have wanted to head out and grab a bite
to eat, but apparently, I'd been wrong. I rubbed at my eyes, noticing my own
tiredness and considering joining Eric on the bed.
I didn't, given that I had work to do, but the temptation was still
there as I grabbed my laptop. After all, the meeting would Mr. Stone would take
place tomorrow, and it wasn't as if I could go empty-handed. First things first, I
had to learn a bit more about the situation. While I was relatively aware of the
scandals surrounding the young star, that didn't mean there wasn't any room for
improvement.
The fact that I struggled with distinguishing with differentiating that
particular case's facts versus formulated lies was a problem all on its own,
although inevitable considering his level of popularity. I couldn't base everything
on the media, but I couldn't completely blind myself away from their assertions.
Perhaps I'd had to take them with a grain of salt and hope for the
best, given that there seemed nothing more to do. With the rearrangement of
managers and supposed change of plans, it wasn't as if I had to have everything
figured out, given that they didn't seem to have anything figured out themselves.
Curtis Stone had mentioned that he did want to meet, but that wouldn't
be until tomorrow due to some personal problems. I moved, opening it on the glass
desk they had by the balcony and opening the lid. I began yawning immediately,
groaning in annoyance when I realized I had no source of caffeine at hand either. I
glanced around, blinking in confusion. My jaw slacked as well, given that there
hadn't been a hotel I'd visited that had ever lacked a coffee machine.
What hotel didn't have coffee nearby anyways? That was simply
disrespectful.
I searched around the room for a few seconds, glancing inside the
bathroom and then coming back out without a single clue as to where it could be.
Sure enough, nothing. There wasn't a single coffee machine anywhere in sight. How
would I work productively without some caffeine in my system?
"Unbelievable," I murmured, shooting up from my seat and heading
towards the phone that lay on the nightstand, beside Eric. The bed was as tempting
as ever, but perhaps that was because Eric was laying there. Anyways, I couldn't
focus on the Eric or the path of skin that was showing now that his shirt had
ridden up a few inches, revealing firm, tanned skin.
The main reception was going to hear a piece of my mind!
My finger reached out to wrap around the phone, tightly gripping the
black phone. I would've began dialing too, except that Eric woke up just then,
yawning while scratching the back of his head. He was also pouting, offended that
I'd awoken him.
"Did you really just wake me up?" he asked, yawning further, and this
time wiping away the tears that build in the corners of his eyes because of the
yawn. I snorted, searching for the office's number and sighing in frustration after
not spotting it immediately.
"We're missing a coffee machine," I muttered, indignant by the
situation.
What kind of hotel was this anyways?
Eric's eyebrows scrunched up together before he turned on the bed,
pointing beside him. I finally spotted the coffee machine, sitting idly on top of
the mini fridge that was on the other side of the bed. I glared at it, setting the
phone down. At least I hadn't called and humiliated myself for no reason. I moved
over, ignoring Eric's judgmental expression and instead focusing on making some
coffee.
----
I stretched out on the chair, sighing while closing the laptop. Night
was quickly approaching and the amount of things I'd sorted out made my head hurt.
How could someone have so many problems? It made absolutely no sense. Yet, Curtis
Stone seemed to defy the laws of nature by existing, given that the chances of his
rise were as minimal as they were for anyone else and he'd somehow made it.
I was distractedly washing my face, in another attempt to wake myself
up given that coffee didn't seem to be doing the trick, when I heard Eric's
approaching footsteps. He said something, but I couldn't hear.
The sink was running when Eric leaned against the doorframe, blurring
out his voice.
"I'm hungry," he repeated once I shut off the sink. "Could we go eat
something?"
I nodded in agreement while closing the sink and watching the water run
down the drain in a circular motion. Everything about being here felt out of place
in the unfamiliar bathroom, but hearing Eric's voice, seeing him beside me, was the
most bizarre.
"Thank you for coming," I thanked him, as if I hadn't done that enough
times.
"No problem," Eric stated, shrugging once more, dismissing it as
nothing. What he did couldn't be nothing though. He'd flown across the country for
me, leaving his responsibilities behind as if they didn't matter.
They mattered though, and so did he.
"Seriously, I don't understand why you did it, but I truly appreciate
it," I mentioned, thanking him once more because suddenly, It felt like I hadn't
done enough of that. I grabbed the soft towel they had neatly folded on the
counter, pressing my face against it and carefully drying.
"When do I say no to you?" Eric asked, chuckling humorlessly. "I'm not
sure I know how." My entire body tensed at the strain in his voice, leaving me
frozen for a few seconds. For some reason, something about the tone of his voice
sent a single shiver down my spine. He was right, just as he always was; Eric was
always willing to help me. Did I take advantage of that? Perhaps I did.
Okay, whom was I kidding? I'd called him up on a weekend to come clean
up my house after Meghan had a party once, so yeah, perhaps I took advantage of the
fact that he was willing.
When I glanced back up Eric was no longer at the door. Instead, he was
in the hallway, putting on a jacket. I fought the smile that threatened to show,
watching him cheer under his breath while sighing in relief. I stepped forward, not
truly considering much.
Then, I placed a single kiss on his forehead, narrowing my eyes when I
realized he was frowning up at me in confusion.
He didn't ask, just as I hadn't asked about him calling me daddy, and
so things were calm. Somehow, we'd entered some silent agreement in which this was
okay, just as long as the silence remained prominent.
-Eric-
My hands wrapped around the knob of small Italian restaurant's door. I
opened the door, entering while pushing the door further so that Shawn could enter
as well. Leaving the hotel hadn't been the easiest. To be honest, I'd walked on the
other side of Shawn, pretending that I couldn't see the hotel staff glancing at me.
Yet, being at the restaurant gave me the chance to relax.
Shawn had gotten close at some point, and so perhaps I should've
established some boundaries. I didn't though, instead pressing back against him at
every turn, sighing contentedly because as bizarre as it felt to admit it every
single time, I liked it.
Having him close was growing comforting, even if perhaps it shouldn't
have.
I watched as he ordered a table of two, noticing the way the pretty,
brown-haired woman before us smiling at him, curling her hair and managing to
appear both polite and almost inappropriately flirtatious.
 "Table for two?" she asked, bright blue eyes focusing on his own.
Shawn's eyes were brighter though, at least to me.
"Yep," I replied, reaching out and grabbing Shawn's hand before he
could reply. Because after all, I'd somehow let him into my personal space anyways,
so this was nothing.
Shawn's head turned to face me, but I kept my eyes fixated on the woman
before us. Her smile fell almost immediately, realizing what I was implying before
signaling for us to follow. I almost expected Shawn to point this out, given that
he'd already given me a free pass on the daddy comment.
"I won't even bring it up, but this is a date," Shawn commented
casually, squeezing my hand in return.
I nodded in agreement.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and leaving a comment. Oh yeah,
the plot-line is going to start linking with Record Love's heavily, so I highly
recommend that you read that story so you know what's going on from that end! (I
mean, I recommend reading all the stories in the series, but yeah.)
-Hec

Ch. 42: Heavy Hitter

Office Love: Chapter 42: Heavy Hitter
A/N: I attached a visual of Dylan O'Brien (who portrays Connor Kennedy) to the
chapter. Oh yeah, Office Love hit #1 in Humor! Thanks!
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-
There was something so heart-warming about holding Shawn's hand.
Perhaps it had to do with his rough hands gripping mine so readily, clinging to me
as if I'd let go. On the other hand, perhaps his thumb caressing the back of my
hand affectionately was what got to me. Whatever the case, I smiled widely,
allowing him to guide me to our table, unable to formulate words to explain how the
mention and possibility of this being a date made me feel.
More than anything, it felt rather casual, as if we'd been on a million
a one dates, and this was just another dinner out. That's what truly got to me. It
was how comfortable it felt to be around him, no first date jitters, even if
perhaps there was some second-guessing going on in the back of my head.
"What're you thinking about?" Shawn asked once we were in our seats,
arm extended across the white table cloth-covered surface, his hands interlacing
with mine. He refused to let go, still caressing in that sot pattern that
threatened to send shivers down my spine.
More than anything, I wanted to reach over and wrap my arms around him.
His hand pulled away from mine as the waiter came, instead holding onto
the menu as he opened it. I would've complained, except that my stomach was
growling and us starving was more of an understatement.
"Welcome. I'll be your waiter for today. My name is Connor," the waiter
greeted, smiling through perfectly white teeth. The man's brown hair was gelled to
the right, strikingly matching the tuxedo he was determinedly rocking. Then, his
eyes flickered to me, holding for a few seconds too long. I frowned, turning to
face Shawn, who was sighing down at his phone.
"Are you to ready to order drinks?" he asked, tilting his head towards
me. Shawn, unlike me, was glaring down at his phone, furiously typing.
"I'll have your best wine," he muttered, being the walking cliché that
he was at restaurants before standing up. He turned to face me, giving me an
apologetic smile. He raised his phone, shaking it softly to signal that he needed
to take a call. "It'll just be a quick minute, okay Eric?"
I nodded, shrugging as he walked off, dialing a number on his phone.
It was okay. After all, we were here because of work anyways, so it
wasn't as if I could complain.
I turned my attention back to the waiter, who was writing down
something on the small notepad he had on his hand. His eyes kept drifting up to
meet me, small smile crossing his lips.
I lowered my gaze, appreciatively glancing at his outfit. Perhaps it
was Eric's nagging, but lately I could actually see the beauty in wearing formal
attire. Of course, it was still uncomfortable as fuck, but that didn't mean I
didn't think it made people look a lot smoother, classier.
"My name is Connor, by the way," the waiter greeted, winking subtly. I
would've missed it if it weren't for the fact that I'd been looking straight at
him, watching as he watching me with determined, brown eyes.
"Eric," I replied. Then, I glanced down at the drinks' section,
considering what to drink. Honestly, I didn't even want anything besides water.
"I'll just have a water."
He nodded, frowning and tilting his head sideways. "You know, the least
you could do is buy me map, Eric,"
I blinked, confused by the sudden statement. What did that even mean?
"What?"
He lifted an eyebrow, smirking. "Well, it'd help, since I just keep
getting lost in your eyes."
With that, Connor walked away, mentioning that he'd be right back with
the drinks. I opened my mouth to reply, but he was long gone by the time I thought
of what to say. I wasn't even sure I knew what I could say in response to that.
Instead, I stood up, moving towards the bathroom so I could wash my
hands. I just had to hope Shawn would return soon, because I was horrible at
turning flirters away.
-Shawn-
"Wait, what?" I asked, pacing across the street from the fancy
restaurant, Reale Eccellenza, which pretentiously translated to Royal Excellence.
I'd actually chuckled at the name, hoping that at least I'd live up to the self-
given hype.
I was actually starving, so I called as soon as I was in the
restaurant's lobby, sitting down on the waiting area, and sighing with relief when
Curtis Stone actually answered the phone call. I wouldn't have expected him to
answer so quickly and yet his voice filled the phone's speakers almost immediately.
"Hello?" a female voice asked curiously. "Who's this?"
Then, she pulled the phone away from the speakers, speaking to someone
else. "You don't have him as a contact."
"I don't share out my number though, maybe I forgot to," Curtis
replied, his voice nearing. "Wait, are you sure? Oh gosh, if my number's leaked
again I will cry-"
"Uh, it's Shawn Briggs, from the law firm you visited back in Los
Angeles?" I asked, actually chuckling under my breath. I'd actually stumbled upon
an article re-telling what he was referring to when researching him. He'd
accidentally leaked his own number a year ago during a live-stream, having to
change it immediately. "Sorry, you asked to contact you as soon as possible?"
"Oh, I just forgot to add the contact," Curtis mentioned, sighing in
relief. "Yeah, hey! Thank you so much for contacting me so quickly. I'm sorry,
you're probably busy and-"
"It's completely fine," I replied, watching Eric as he returned from
the bathroom. I couldn't see the table from where I was sitting, but at least I had
the privilege to admire him while he walked by.
How'd I gotten so lucky anyways?
"Okay, so I'm actually going to need to meet a bit earlier tomorrow. I
just-I'm in between managers right now and I have no personal assistant for some
reason and everything is just sort of a mess," he mentioned, sighing tiredly. "But
now I'm just venting on you. Okay, tomorrow morning would be incredible, given that
I'm apparently taking part in a tour by the afternoon."
I blinked, confused. I was almost certain that I'd seen the same news
station that he had. Was he honestly considering it?
"I-certainly," I replied, cutting myself off from questioning him. That
wasn't my place. I just needed to be there to discuss his legal standings, and
nothing else.
"I'll have my-okay no, you know I don't have an assistant." He sighed.
"This is why I don't try to sound professional. I'll e-mail you the new information
on where to meet, okay?"
I smiled. For someone so famous, he was rather down-to-earth. I liked
him a lot better than I liked his previous manager, Adam. Perhaps he sounded a bit
naïve, but that's why I was going to represent him, after all.
"Perfect."
Then, he excused himself, cutting the call. I would've actually
expected it to take much longer; apparently, things were going to be running a bit
smoother now. I smiled at the phone, content with the fact that at least I could
withstand my client.
Then, as I was slipping my phone into my pocket, I received a call from
Jacqueline. I frowned, watching the screen for a few seconds, debating whether I
should answer. Honestly, part of me wanted to not answer and instead head back to
Eric.
I answered anyways, because I knew she'd probably hunt me down if I
didn't.
"You didn't tell me you hadn't told Meghan you were working for Curtis
Stone!" Jacqueline yelled hysterically, slams sounding in the background. I could
also hear crying in the background, followed by the slamming of doors. I blinked,
completely at a loss for words.
"What does it matter?" I asked.
"I love him!" Meghan screamed desperately from the background. "How
could he do this to me?"
"She's bitching at me, refusing to leave my office!" Jacqueline
complained, sounding as angry as she did when I ate her organic yogurt from the
office's fridge.
I stared ahead, dumb-founded. There was a reason I hadn't told her
about it, and perhaps I hadn't known that she loved him first-hand, but something
within me must've instinctually known that she'd react this way because I hadn't
divulged the reason for my travel.
"Where's my mom?" I asked.
"Driving here. Apparently she sneaked past her to come here and harass
me," Jacqueline explained, voice growing louder. "Make her stop, Shawn, or I will."
"How do you want me to-" I cut myself off as I heard the passing off
the phone. Then, I prayed under my breath, knowing exactly what she was doing. Oh
god, please no.
"I'm a good person, Jacqueline," I muttered under my breath, glancing
around to make sure nobody in the waiting room was staring. They all were, so I
stood up and stepped outside. I could feel a rant coming my way.
"You traitor," Meghan began, voice broken, betrayed, and dramatically
so. I rolled my eyes, rubbing at my temple. Why did Jacqueline have to go and open
her big mouth? "You know how much I love Alexis! She is my queen, dad, the reason I
can keep my sassy bitch in check!"
I blinked. Therefore, it wasn't even about Curtis Stone. Okay that made
no sense. I wasn't even going to deal with her, so how did she come into play. How
did anything either of them was saying make sense anyways?
"Hey, don't talk like that! Besides, I'm not meeting with her." I
explained, trying to be as collected as possible, even though part of me wanted to
yell at her for causing a scene in my workplace, not to mention going there without
permission in the first place.
"Well, Sarah told me that Agatha told her that Jenna mentioned that
Alice read in an article that they'd been spotted waking by the streets of New York
together!" Meghan, my little investigator, answered accusingly. "And Jacqueline
just told me you went to New York to meet with him!"
I sighed, shaking my head in disbelief. They would both be the death of
me.
 "I promise I'm not meeting up with her!" I tried, unsure if that were
the case. Now that I thought back to my conversation with Curtis, the female voice
that had answered had sounded familiar. Perhaps I'd heard it from my daughter's
speakers, singing, at some point.
"Dad, I love her," Meghan insisted, voice growing low, almost diabolic.
I flinched at the change of attitude. "Like, I am a hardcore Alexinator, you can't
possibly understand my struggle dad, but it's real and I'm crying! There are tears
and they are running down my face, father!" she announced dramatically, and her
sudden change in diction was as unexpected as her outburst.
I frowned. "What the hell is an Alexinator?"
Meghan gasped in shock, and I could already picture her clutching at
her chest, staring ahead in pure, unfiltered, disgust over the fact that I didn't
know whatever it was that she had just labeled herself.
"It means she is my queen, and everything, and you are just a peasant,
dad!" she explained matter-of-factly. "It means her album, The Throne, is my
mandates, and she is my Goddess, and I'm about to sacrifice one of your co-workers
in her name!"
"Okay, what?" I asked, sighing in disbelief.
"If she touched me, I'm locking her in the storage," Jaqueline from
somewhere else in the room. "Meghan, stop kicking chair over!"
"Make me!" Meghan screamed in return.
Jacqueline gasped. "Oh, I know you didn't just give me attitude. I'm
Queen Bitch around here!"
"I'm hurting, Jaqueline," Meghan yelled defensively.
"Sounds like a you problem!" Jacqueline retorted. "Coming into my
office and screaming? Girl, I will drop you so quick!"
Why was this even happening? "She just sings, doesn't she?" I asked,
hoping that perhaps they'd kill each other and they'd leave me alone finally. Where
they cursing at each other? I had absolutely no words to explain how absurd they
were.
Meghan gasped once more, this time louder.
"Father..." she started, voice filled with complete, indignant
disbelief. "How. Dare. You?"
I sighed, leaning back against the side of the restaurant. I could
already tell that I'd be out here for a bit, facing the harassment of an
Alexinator, or whatever that even meant.
-Eric-
Connor set the glass of water on the table, smiling as he set the wine and pair of
glasses in the middle of the table. I was gazing down at my water, trying to avoid
any eye contact, hoping that perhaps he'd move along if he noticed that I wasn't up
for talking.
"He's not back yet?" Connor asked.
"Yep," I replied, cursing myself because I'd said anything rather than
ignoring, as I'd wanted. Well, whatever. "He'll be back soon, probably."
Connor pointed to the seat where Shawn had been sitting, raising an
eyebrow. I shook my head, but he took a seat anyways, smiling brightly. Things
wouldn't have been that uncomfortable if he hadn't been too attractive. Sadly, he
was, and it sucked. He had such a bright smile, which was actually somewhat
contagious.
"Well, lucky for you, I can keep you company for a few minutes," Connor
explained, smiling with a radiant confidence.
I rolled my eyes, but nodded.
"I was serious when I lamely complimented your eyes, by the way," he
brought up, chuckling under his breath. "And I have a deal for you."
I leaned back against my seat, frowning. "What kind of deal?" I already
knew I was walking right into another compliment, and yet I still let him say it.
"I'll give you a kiss. If you don't want it, you can always return it,"
he suggested. "Also, our lasagna is the best."
"I think I'll pass up on both those offers," I replied, glancing at the
menu. "But thanks."
"Okay, okay," Connor said, smiling. "So, you know I'm a waiter, but
what do you do?"
I sighed, turning back to see if Shawn was coming back anytime soon. He
wasn't. What was taking him so long?
"Guess," I replied, if only to distract him for a bit longer. "But
don't you have any other tables to go to, or work to do in general?"
"They can wait," Connor replied, tapping his index finger on his chin
thoughtfully. "I'm thinking you're a UPS mail deliveryman."
My eyes focused on him, narrowing. What? I chuckled, snorting Connor's
random assumption. I honestly would have never guessed that, even if Shawn did make
me deliver things sometimes. "No, but why?"
He leaned closer across the table, signaling me forward with one
finger. When I didn't move, he leaned even closer across the table, careful not to
knock over the wine bottle. "I totally saw you checking out my package before."
My jaw slacked. "I was appreciating the tuxedo," I corrected, barely
stating my words without stammering. I scratched the back of my head, embarrassed
that he'd noticed that. Okay, I could see why he would've assumed I was checking
him out, which in turn probably made it my fault that he was flirting with me,
given that he was probably thinking I was interested.
"I'm sure you were," he smirked smugly, winking once more. "Well, if
you like my pants so much, I'm sure you could talk me out of them."
I cleared my throat, avoiding his gaze. Oh my actual goodness. "So,
what are your specials?" I asked, trying to change the subject, feeling somewhat
flustered.
"Really though, you like my outfit?" he asked, glancing down at
himself. "It's honestly not even the work-assigned one, since that one is ugly as
hell."
I nodded, flashing him a polite smile. "I like it." I lifted my cup of
water, taking a long gulp to give myself an excuse to shut up.
He nodded, seemingly content with my answer. Then, he shrugged
casually, throwing a hand over the back of the chair and leaning back. "If you like
them that much you can always try them on after we have sex."
I coughed on the water I'd been drinking, clutching at my chest while
trying to regain my composure. I'd almost spit the water on his face, but had
stopped myself by covering my mouth. Couldn't he have at least waited until I
wasn't drinking water, or just never said it?
"You choke easily?" he asked, furrowing his eyebrows. "I guess I can go
down on you instead, then."
I set the water down on the table, flashing a weak smile. I didn't even
know what to say by this point, completely thrown off. He wasn't necessarily coming
on to strong, or perhaps I simply assumed so because of his relaxed, laid-back
attitude. He sounded as if he joking, except I didn't know if he was actually being
serious or not.
"I'm fine," I replied, laughing because, as uncomfortable as his
comments were, I also found them smooth, clever even.
"Do you like me?" he asked, tilting his head sideways, just as the
right side of his mouth curled up into a half-smile. "If you're not sure, you could
always try a sample."
I was probably blushing a bright shade of red, so I covered my face
with my hand, trying to keep from smiling. I glanced back once more, sighing when I
noticed Shawn still wasn't coming back. Had Shawn said he was taking a call or
heading to a conference anyways?
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and leaving a comment. I made
the chapter longer than usual for my loves. Curtis Stone and Alexis are from Record
Love, which I highly recommend reading. Oh yeah, Connor is from... well, you'll see
soon. ;)
-Hec
Ch. 43: Feel You Up
Office Love: Chapter 43: Feel You Up
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-
I tried avoiding Connor's intense gaze, completely unsure of how to
deal with the fact that he was openly ogling me. A part of me was considering
pleading him to stop, given that Shawn could step into the restaurant at any
moment. Still, a more ignorant part of me saw it as endearing, even if I should've
probably contacted the owner or some manager.
Connor took a deep breath, tilting his head sideways. He was gazing at
me with enough intensity to make me uncomfortable. Not even Shawn was as direct
with his motive, ever. Hell, he wasn't even here now
"Why aren't the pick-up lines working?" Connor asked, sighing under his
breath. "I could've sworn that they were going to work on you, Eric."
I frowned, glancing ahead, unable to come up with anything logical to
say in response to that. My eyes drifted for perhaps a few seconds at most, and yet
when I glanced at him once more he had his phone in his hand. He was scrolling
through a page, sighing under his breath.
It took a single peek to realize that it was a Tumblr post that
actively gave examples of pick-up lines that one could use on people. Quite
literally, he was drawing them from a website and pretending they were going to
work on me.
"You have a very beautiful voice," he clearly read off the phone.
I blinked, raising an eyebrow. "Thanks?" I asked, unsure of where he
was going with this one. From high sight, it sounded innocent enough.
"I bet it'd sound more glorious while muffled by my co-"
"OKAY!" I yelled, clapping my hands and blushing furiously. "That's
enough, Connor! It's been incredible, truly, but I think you should go now." I was
smiling falsely, covering half my face because I didn't need him seeing that he had
me flustered.
"No, no, wait," Connor replied, waving his hands. "Don't look so moody,
Eric. It's all on good fun." Still, even as he tried to defend himself, I could see
the smile fading away. The confidence had deteriorated to some degree, replaced by
a sheepish quality that wasn't quite as intimidating.
Right.
I rolled my eyes. "Won't you get fired?" I asked, attempting to coax
him into going to work. "Do you really want to get fired? I mean, what will you do
then?"
Connor shrugged, smiling widely. "I may not go down in history, but
I'll definitely go down on you."
"Right," I replied, face palming.
Then, he burst into laughter, setting the phone down and throwing his
head back. He was still a few minutes later, and I watching his strange behavior.
What a strange individual. The unapologetic way in which he carried himself
could've been appealing, if it hadn't been for the overly bold attempt at making a
connection.
Still, even though half the comments were a tad too sexual, he didn't
seem like a threat.
I couldn't place exactly why, but I didn't feel too uncomfortable.
"You looked up pick-lines on the internet," I pointed out, completely
at a loss for words. Why would he reveal himself anyways? Furthermore, why would he
ever do that? Didn't he know that those rarely worked?
Connor nodded, leaning back against the chair, staring me up and down.
"Well, yeah. I was hoping they'd work, but nothing's working on you, unless some
light blushing and being vaguely flustered means that you'll spread your legs for
me."
I coughed, shaking my head rapidly. No, it certainly didn't mean that
in the least. I wasn't looking to spread my legs for a stranger any time soon, or
ever. He'd just have to find someone else.
"Bend over a table? We have a really nice couch in the back," he noted,
to which I deadpanned. Not even if I wasn't here with Shawn, would I do that.
"Are you sure?" he asked, clearly shocked by the fact that I wasn't
interested, yet seemingly curious more than bothered by it. "I've been told that
I'm blessed in the southern department..."
Connor wiggled his eyebrows. I rolled my eyes.
"I'm sure," I replied.
"That means I have a big dick," Connor reiterated, this time tilting
his head back, smiling smugly.
"Yeah, I got that," I snapped, blushing furiously. I continuously wiped
my sweaty hands on the sides of my jeans, unable to stop the nervousness that
settled because of his presence.
I had to glance away so that he wouldn't detect just how red my face
was, given that the last thing I wanted for him to do was believe that I wanted him
by misinterpreting my vicarious embarrassment as interest.
Connor took a deep breath, reaching out and taking a hold of the
saltshaker, which he handled carefully in his hands. Then, after a few cautious
moments, he frowned, gazing at me wearily. "Look, let me try again. Your face makes
my heart skip a beat," he confessed, flashing me a weak smile.
I replied with a weak smile. "Thank you," I replied, somewhat
uncomfortable still, but grateful that he was at least he was taking it down a
notch. I lay my head down on the table for a split-second before hearing an
incoming sound. When I turned to face the noise, I found it was just a woman
passing by our table and not Shawn. Why wasn't he back yet?
He was simply gone, vanished. I couldn't help the pout that made its
way onto my features. Seeing Shawn not care as much as he said he did was rather
troubling, even if perhaps the only problem was a complicated client. I almost
stood up, remaining in my seat simply because I didn't want to know what was taking
him so long.
"Are you okay?" Connor asked. "You look troubled for some reason."
I sighed, shrugging non-committedly. I felt fine, even if it was
discouraging to know thirty minutes had passed and Shawn couldn't be bothered to
show up. After all, how long did a phone call take, in all honesty? I could
understand that it'd take a few minutes, but I'd actually seen a few couples that
had been eating leaving already, which went to show just how long he was taking.
"I'm fine," I replied.
Connor didn't seem to believe me. He reached out, setting his hand on
top of mine. "If you're feeling down, I can feel you up," he promised me, and I
shook my head in disagreement, chuckling. I would've taken it seriously, except
that I caught the playful smirk he was trying to suppress.
"Could you stop hitting on me?" I asked, finally, angry with myself for
not saying it before. Shawn, despite all odds, was still not here, and I was
feeling more and more unwilling to deal with bullshit as the seconds passed. Part
of me believed that he'd simply forgotten I was here and he'd headed back to the
hotel. Of course, if he'd done that, I'd probably curse him out. So yeah, there was
a chance that he'd forgotten me there, which was simply perfect for a first date.
Truly memorable.
He finally caught on to the fact that I was here with Shawn when he
decided to follow my gaze as I checked the lobby from a distance. I couldn't see
him there at all.
"So, is that your-"
"Date," I cut in, groaning when I noticed Connor beginning to say the
word father. He flashed me a weak smile, waving dismissively.
"So, what do you want to talk about then?" he asked, smiling widely,
making himself comfortable, as if the owner couldn't come out at any second and
scold him. He had absolutely no shame, and I was trying to decide whether that was
troublesome or hilarious.
 I shrugged, laughing. "Seriously, don't you have a job to do?" I asked,
shaking my head in disbelief. "You're such a pain in my ass."
Connor grinned. "We can always just add more lube, Eric."
I would've probably blushed, except that by this point, I understood
exactly what he was playing at, and it was just some playful bantering. I didn't
even mind it, given that I knew for a fact it wouldn't lead to anything. Besides,
if anything, this was Shawn's fault for ditching me.
"So," he started, leaning back against his seat and glancing around.
"Who are you anyways? Tell me a bit about yourself, or at least why you're here
today," he muttered while his eyes focused on a passing body. His gaze was rather
intense, so I was tempted to turn and see what had him all flabbergasted.
When I turned, I scoffed, watching an incredibly attractive man
strutting back, shamelessly looking the way he did.
"Damn," I mentioned, nodding in appreciation. The man was a wall of
muscles, straight out of the cover of a magazine. He passed his finger through his
tousled, luscious brown hair, smirking as he walked because there was no doubt he
knew just how hot he was.
"God Damn, I would sit on his face and then take it sideways," Connor
murmured, biting his bottom lip.
I snorted, rolling my eyes. Personally, while his tight muscle shirt
was attractive, I didn't necessarily like the way he had his jeans pulled down to
reveal half his ass, while sagged around looking as if he didn't understand the
concept of buying the right size of jeans. His ass probably looked incredible in
properly fitted jeans too... what a shame.
"He's sagging though," I murmured, shaking my head. "I don't like
that."
Connor nodded, clearing hi throat. "Honestly, sagging or whatever it's
called. That's literal people just showing me their ass. And you what that does?"
I shrugged.
"That makes me hungry," he replied solemnly, winking at me in the way
he did. I broke into a fit of laughter, leaning back against my own seat.
Oh, what had I gotten myself into now? I shook my head in disbelief,
laughing because of the way he'd said it, or because of how it was easier to focus
on his presence than on Shawn's absence.
"He is quite a hot piece of ass though," Connor noted, and I had to nod
my head, if only because I couldn't deny what was obvious.
The man was certainly attractive, not to mention incredibly nice to
look at, but that didn't mean I wanted to sleep with him.
Perhaps it would've been an incredible, lustful experience, and yet the
idea of being with someone other than Shawn was simply upsetting, leaving a sour
taste in my mouth.
"I'd sleep with him," Connor confessed. "Wouldn't you at least tap that
ass?"
I shook my head, shrugging when he raised an eyebrow. I didn't really
feel like explaining why, mostly because it was embarrassing to explain that I had
strong emotions for someone I'd never been intimate with before.
"Yeah, wouldn't you tap that ass, Eric?" a disembodied voice asked from
behind me, and I turned to find Shawn there, blinking down at me. His face was
expressionless, lips pursed into a thin line.
I opened my mouth to reply, laughing weakly when I realized Connor was
finally planning to leave. He shot up immediately, flashing Shawn a sheepish smile
and waving goodbye while taking a few steps back. I didn't even wave back, focused
on Shawn as he sat back down on his spot.
"So, what were you up to?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nothing much?" I half-asked after failing to make it sound like a
statement. Great. "How about you? That was a, you know, rather long conversation."
Shawn nodded in agreement, sighing wearily. "Do you know who Alexis
is?"
I nodded, gazing at him intently. Of course I did. She was quite
famous. Even if one didn't like her, they at least knew who she was, given that she
was by most terms, the biggest female artist by far. Besides, one of her singles
had been the song of the summer just this past summer. Quite literally, she was an
unavoidable force.
"Well, apparently Meghan likes her... like a lot. Like, enough to
threaten to burn my office down for not mentioning I'd be coming here and meeting
someone that Alexis knew, or was going out with?"
I frowned. Well, okay, that was certainly a bit overboard.
"Oh," I replied.
"But I'm glad you kept yourself busy, checking out men with some
waiter," Shawn said, grinning when I started blushing intensely. I groaned, sighing
and reaching out to grab onto his hand.
"I would never."
Shawn leaned forward, reaching out to place his hand on the back of my
neck. From the corner of my eyes, I noticed Connor coming over with a notepad,
ready to take our order. However, Shawn's abrasive pull dragged me forward. I
breathed deeply against his lips, my hands coming up to wrap around his wrist as he
pulled me closer, guiding me forward in a tentative manner.
Then, it was a slow, lustful hazy, experience. Back and forth, pushing
and pulling. Shawn nipped at my bottom lip, trailing his tongue along the swollen
skin before groaning deep into my mouth, drawing out a shudder.
I was gripping Shawn's wrist tightly, shuddering at the tension that
excluded from his body, and groaning as the moans reverberated from his throat
before finally pulling away.
"You're mine, you got that?" he murmured huskily, nipping at my lips,
shameless to the fact that we were in a public restaurant.
I nodded my head while in a daze.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and leaving a comment.
-Hec

Ch. 44: You're Mine

Office Love: Chapter 44: You're Mine
A/N: I attached a music video to the chapter (Mine - Beyoncé & Drake) to the
chapter.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-
My first reaction is an immediate sense of restlessness, which only
intensifies as Shawn pulls away, leaving me breathlessly staring across the table,
shocked by the sudden lack of contact and the lack of pressure on my lips. While
the sudden ambushing kiss had been rather shocking, that hadn't meant I'd wanted
him to stop. Far from that, actually. Then, there were the words that'd left his
mouth. Words that were piercing into my brain every few seconds, refusing to leave
me alone. You're mine. The edge of temperamental capriciousness should've been
angering, and yet my heart was beating frantically against my chest as I tried to
process those stupid words and tried to find some way to help myself from throwing
myself across the table, attacking his lips with my own.
"Are you ready to order?" Shawn asked, already composed, as if he
hadn't just heavily made out with me in the middle of the restaurant.
"I'm ready to leave," I replied, gazing at Shawn intently, focusing on
his lips, and noticing the way his tongue grazed over the top one, tempting me
forward to continue what he'd halted. Sadly enough, there was no shame or
uncomfortable aspect to my wish, despite the number of people sitting on the tables
surrounding us.
"Is that so?" he asked, raising an eyebrow and chuckling under his
breath, as if amused, but not affected. He wasn't taking me seriously, but that was
most likely because I was breathing in ragged, shallow breaths, trying to calm
myself down, and failing miserably. After all the times that he'd lost his cool far
ahead of me, this was the one time he happened to have composure.
There was nothing that I hated more than the uncertainty of Shawn's
smile, which was either an ode to his alliance, or significant of his dismissal.
The results varied from case to case, and yet the last thing I wanted was to
participate in another game of cat and mouse, uncertain if the punchline would be
his acceptance or my unsatisfied sexual frustration once he decided he didn't want
to pursue anything with me. Was this just a punishment for pushing him away that
one time, because if so, did he at least know how cruel he was?
"I'm being serious," I murmured lowly, playing with the fork. Even if
Shawn's expression didn't specify it, I could feel the tension building thickly, a
heated residue of ideas that glazed over my mind like thick fog. Every single
movement was another event to grip at my attention, a testament to his simplistic
sexual prowess. Shawn unbuttoned the cuffs off his dress shirt, folding the dress
shirt until either side was around his arm, leaving me somewhat breathless while
appreciating his manly, buff arms, seeming just as strong as they'd felt when he
wrapped them around me, pulling me close.
Shawn nodded his head in agreement, but the quirk on the corner of his
mouth gave away more than he wanted to. Sometimes I couldn't tell if he was simply
shamelessly flirting with me or actually interested, and so I was desperate to jump
onto his lap despite everything we'd been through and didn't know whether he'd even
appreciate the advances.
"You're endearing," Shawn, mentioned, reaching out and grabbing me by
the wrist, pulling my arm towards his mouth and leaving a soft kiss against the
back of my out-stretched hand. I sighed, shivering under the tender form of
affection, unsure how to reply.
There were so many sides to him, and sometimes I couldn't decide which
one I preferred. Not that I had a problem with this tamer side of him. If anything,
the essence of affection with which his fingers grazed my skin sent shivers down my
spine, slowly driving me insane. No, the awkward dilemma lay in the fact that it
felt so surreal to know that he could act in such a way towards me.
Unsure of whether to reply or not, I merely nodded, licking my lips
before focusing back on the menu, only to realized my knuckles were white from the
tightness with which I gripped the plastic sheet.
"So, what was the call about?" I asked, trying to ignore the hard
dilemma between my legs. I'd settle soon enough, especially since he didn't seem
interested in continuing any time soon. I would've felt already it I hadn't been so
busy attempting to suppress the disorienting panic that threatened to ensure his
careless response.
"I re-scheduled the meeting with Curtis Stone until tomorrow. Then,
Jacqueline and my daughter harassed me through the phone," Shawn mentioned. "How
about you?"
Then, he tilted his head towards a passing waiter, locking eyes with
his body. "I bet that you enjoyed yourself."
I grumbled under my breath, shaking my head in disbelief. Okay, the one
comment I said another attractive male the entire time I'd been conversing with
Connor. Out of everything he could've heard, couldn't it have been something less
incriminating?
"Well, I bet that you're jealous," I replied, crossing my arms across
my chest. It was a rather large assumption, given that his small outburst was the
only indication that he'd even noticed, and yet I needed to see something other
than amusement in his eyes.
Shawn's eyes narrowed slightly before softening once more. He didn't
nod in agreement, but the tenseness with which he clenched his jaw was enough to
help settle the restlessness in my cheat, or the sinking feeling in my stomach.
"Why would I be jealous?" he asked, and I had no way to reply, given
that stating anything definite would be me taking attributions that perhaps I
didn't have, let alone deserved.
I stared across the table, lowering my gaze to the table and shifting
uncomfortably in my seat, suddenly feeling a bit deflated. When I gazed back up,
Connor was back, glancing between us curiously. "You two ready to order?" he asked,
clearly uncomfortable with being back.
Shawn ordered, even as I buried my face behind the menu, trying to
suppress the embarrassment I felt. Why was it always the same with him? He could
make me feel so impossibly aroused, restless, and yet flip things within seconds,
leaving me feeling foolishly naïve.
It was moments like this in which I usually allowed Phaeric to take
control, relying on the alter ego to deal with the unexpected embarrassment that
would otherwise drown out my conviction to make a first a move and be bold.
Still, I couldn't even find him within myself, let alone the conviction
to hold his hand just as he'd done with mine.
-Shawn-
My mind was a jumbled mess of insecurities and worries as I noticed
that once again, Eric's sexual appeal made itself horribly present, leaving little
doubt of his desirability in terms of those around him. The waiter refused to
withdraw his eyes, even if he kept his distance. The fact remained that he was
undressing Eric even while he refused to stare at him too long, flashing him small
smirks that probably shouldn't have worried me, but had my mind running in a
frenzy.
Moreover, even when I knew Eric was not doing anything wrong, when I
saw the lustful way in which his eyes met mine, it was hard to respond. Fuck, even
breathing was hard, and it was his fault.
If he hadn't gotten under my skin, then nothing would've happened. If
it hadn't been for the sexual way in which his eyes inspected my body, then perhaps
I'd had a stronger grasp on my own actions. The teasing confidence was a foolish
facade, holding so little to the flame of emotions I truly felt, and displaying
even less.
I'd almost accepted his request to leave, holding back the little
whimper that'd threatened to escape my lips upon hearing the needy edge to his
tone. Yet, we couldn't leave without setting some things straight.
It wasn't until Connor arrived that I decided that I was actually going
to do something stupidly reckless, but if anything, I could blame Eric for being so
attractive and getting us into such a situation.
"I'll get the Fettucine Alfredo," Eric mentioned after trying to read
the Italian name of another dish and failing miserably. I was almost certain he'd
mentioned this one because the name was simpler to pronounce. I chuckled under my
breath, biting back a smile and watching him for a few seconds, ignoring the waiter
as he asked for my choice.
"The Ravioli di Portobello," I stated wearily, turning to glare at him,
bothered by his mere presence. It was nothing personal, except that I could see him
undressing Eric with his eyes, lusting after him as if he had the right.
"Right away sir," he mentioned, finally meeting my gaze. His eyes were
sheepishly light, curious. Yet, that didn't mean I distrusted him any less.
Jacqueline was the same when it came to being able to smile right as she carved the
knife in. It wasn't necessarily that she was evil, just devious. In the same way, I
couldn't trust him.
He wanted Eric, and if he thought he stood a chance, then fine.
Eric's eyes zeroed in on the menu, and suddenly, he was smiling. "Ice
cream."
I snorted, shrugging. Sure, whatever he wanted. Although, it made
little sense to order it now. "Gelato, to be precise, which I suppose is different.
It's incredible."
Eric was almost cooing, clearly invested in the treat. "A shame it has
so many calories, because otherwise I'd eat it every day."
"Don't worry, I know a great way to burn those extra calories," I
murmured distractedly, stilling when I realized he'd heard. Then, blushing when I
realized the waiter was laughing hysterically, clapping as if I'd just given an
empowering speech.
"Not you too," Eric lamented, and I had to fight the urge to ask him
what he was referring to, which was mostly because a part of me told me that I
truly didn't want to know what he was talking about. Besides, I trusted him.
Suddenly, I wanted to leave the restaurant as well.
"Maybe we should go," I mentioned when Connor left, and this time Eric
was the one to shake his head.
"I'm actually hungry now," Eric stated. Then, he pointed at me. "And I
know you are too."
I shrugged. Sure, I was hungry, but that didn't mean I wanted to be
here anymore. Besides, apparently Connor wasn't uncomfortable in the least, or at
least didn't catch the fact that I was signaling how he was here with me.
Some people were just hardheaded like that, perhaps.
"We should head back to the hotel soon," I urged lowly, raising an
eyebrow. "Don't you think?"
Eric gulped, knowing in agreement, but not holding my gaze long enough
for me to confirm whether he was truly interested in what I was signaling. At this
point, I felt tempted to drag him out of this restaurant, carrying him over my
shoulder like some lunatic and running down the streets of New York until we made
it back to the privacy of the hotel.
"Stop looking at me like that," Eric stated, scratching the back of his
head sheepishly. He turned to gaze across the room, only turning back to look at me
when he noticed I was staring at the menu's the waiter had failed to retrieve from
us.
"Stop being so beautiful then," I muttered casually, smiling upon
noticing the deep blush that took over the entirety of his face. It was so
incredible adorable to see that a sweet compliment went a longer way in affecting
him than a sexual innuendo. In a way, it made it easier to believe that what there
was between us was more than lust, even if the chance of that being the truth were
so high.
"Stop that," he commented, blushing even brighter, as if that was
possible. His skin was an olive tan, and yet he happened to blush quite noticeably,
which I happened to love about him. I leaned forward, tilting my head and winking,
signaling him forward.
Eric obliged immediately, resting his forehead against mine for a
split-second, taking a deep breath and finally crashing his lips against mine in a
simple, chaste kiss. The restlessness of wanting to have him all to myself was
still there, digging under the surface, eating at me from the inside, but the least
I could do was give him a proper date. After all, I'd already spent an
unnecessarily long time outside on the phone.
"You have no idea how lucky I feel to know you," I mentioned, pressing
my forehead against his once more, glad that the tables within he place were small
enough for it not to be awkward. Eric released a shaky breath, nodding in
agreement, but not voicing his thoughts.
"I haven't trusted, or cared, about someone else in so long," I
confessed. "Aside from my daughter, I've always closed myself off, thinking that it
wouldn't go anywhere..."
I shook my head. "I can't believe I pushed you away for so long."
Eric flashed me a weak smile, leaning back to sit properly in his seat.
I could tell I'd intimidated him with the bold openness. Given that he was so much
younger, after all, he was probably less willing to the kind of compromise I was
hinting at wanting with him. Hell, even when I still hadn't had all of him yet, it
was as if a part of me felt like I knew every part of him. Even if I was wrong,
that was simply what I felt. Still, a part of me wanted to mention how badly I
needed him. Perhaps I wasn't brave enough to specify he was mine, given that the
first outburst had used the sudden jealous of seeing him with someone else as its
main fueling source, but damn it was I close just by seeing him. Just by noticing
that as fucking sexy as he was, there were probably dozens of eyes on him just as
we sat there, inspecting his beautiful features and craving him just as I did.
Sure, perhaps I was foolish, but something about the way he looked at
me coaxed me to trust him, to want him, and to love him.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and commenting. As always, I
love you.
-Hec

Ch. 45: I May Be Young (But I'm Ready)

Office Love: Chapter 45: I May Be Young (But I'm Ready)
A/N: I attached a gif, which I'm referencing in the title. Beyoncé is also queen,
so there's that.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-
"It's okay," I promised, flashing a weak smile. The remorse he showed
was more painful than what I'd been through, partially because at least then I'd
had my own discontentment to fuel my anger. Now, however, there was nothing but a
relentless sense of attachment. Emotions had taken a fierce hold, leaving little
room for apathy. How was I supposed to be indifferent to his blue eyes that held so
much, and yet tried to display so little?
"Is it?" Shawn asked glaring down at the table, furrowing his eyebrows
further. His jaw was tight, just as the grip on my hand. He refused to let go, not
that I was complaining.
"It is," I replied, focusing instead on his hands. The freedom with
which he touched my own was both endearing and nerve-racking. I could feel them
begin to shake under his grasp, and suddenly, I felt as if there was no escape.
There was nothing but closed off routes in the vicinity, leaving nowhere to run,
and no way to breathe.
No matter how much time passed, getting used to this. It would take
some time to get used to the heaviness in my chest as I reminded myself that I
couldn't be completely honest, or face his disappointment, or perhaps even wrath.
"I can't really explain it," he mentioned, glancing around for the
first time, suddenly caring about the people around us. I would've thought that
he'd minded about our location before, when he was igniting a make-out session, but
apparently talking was more intimate than any physical contact. "I just feel
foolish."
"You're not foolish." I sighed. "Just-don't even think about the past.
It doesn't matter."
Shawn shook his head, chuckling awkwardly. He tilted his head sideways.
Shawn's eyes met mine once more, sending a chill through my spine. "It does to me,"
he confided. "I wish that letting things go was simple, but it's not. So, I mean, I
can't simply forget this... how incredible you've been to me... how incredible you
are."
The sincerity in his voice was the most striking. Shawn was like an
open book now, revealing things as if it hadn't been hard before. Perhaps it was
the fact that I'd finally gotten him to open up to me, both emotionally and
physically, but it was suffocating to feel such warmth. Every tender word burned,
despite how badly I wanted, needed, it to comfort me.
"I-" I averted my eyes, clearing my throat and stopping myself from
saying anything. Unsure of how to reply, I smiled once more, failing to conjure
enough bravery to reply. All I could do was watch him gaze from across the table,
dreamily watching me as if everything was perfect. Which, perhaps it was for him,
since I'd made it so it was, after all.
"You don't have to say anything," he told me, chuckling. "I'm coming
off too strong, aren't I?"
I nodded, shrugging in response. "Thank you, but I'm not-"
"Into that?" he asked, wincing. "I can change the subject if it's-"
Dealing with his maturity, especially after the usual lightness in his
personality was exhausting. I nodded pleadingly, releasing a deep sigh. Simply
thinking about him was making everything foggy. How could I concentrate when he was
so close, eyes still focused on me, as if he never wanted to look away?
 "I'm fine," I promised. "Just, you know, still a bit tired from the
trip."
Shawn didn't seem to be buying it, but at least he let it slide,
focusing instead on my hand once more. He was grazing his fingertips around the
lines of my palm, bringing up his other hand to envelop my hand completely, pulling
it up to his face, and planting a soft kiss.
"I'm not even sure how to thank you for coming," he said.
"Haven't you thanked me already?" I asked, wincing. "Twice?"
He shook his head, pressing another soft kiss. "You didn't have to. Yet
you did, for me."
You're my boss, so it's not as if I had a choice, I thought, opening my
mouth when I realized I'd been about to say it aloud. It wasn't even that it wasn't
true. Rather, because the only reason I even wanted to say it was in order to
discredit the apparent holiness he believed I possessed. Since, of course, tearing
oneself down was trendy now, given that I'd already done it from the second I
decided to lie to him.
"It wasn't that big of a deal," I replied, chuckling nervously, and
shrugging in an attempt to dismiss it. The words were too tender, filled with
sentiment I didn't deserve. Not after all the manipulation. I could feel the
confidence draining from my being, leaving me behind.
I couldn't help but stare at Shawn's lustful eyes, meeting them before
lowering back to gaze down at the table. The room was spinning around us, spiraling
out of control while I attempted, so desperately, to fizzle out the guilt as it
boiled beneath the surface.
Try as hard as I did, the shame was endless, untamed. It
wasn't even as if I was ignoring his mistakes. No, those stayed engraved in my mind
as well, spiraling in there even though I'd tried to fade them away. The fact
remained that Shawn was painting this false, misguided image of me. He kept
painting me in bright, delightful colors, and completely ignoring the gloomy
negativity of my actions altogether.
Seeing past the flaws, not because he cared too much, but because he
wasn't aware of their presence.
"What's wrong?" Shawn asked wearily, voice softer than usual. It was
impossible to ignore the cautious softness with which he was handling me, applying
a previously undiscovered tenderness, and frowning worriedly.
The softness in his touch was the problem. The affection was the reason
my skin was crawling, turning my stomach over. My mind was spiraling uncontrollably
now, unable to stop despite the solidness with which I clutched on to the table.
"You see to be having a nice time," Connor mused as he paced beside the
table, balancing the plates on his hand. Shawn let go of my hand, flashing me a
small smile while Connor settled down the plates of food.
"We are," Shawn replied, nodding in agreement.
Connor turned to glance at me, raising an eyebrow. "Why the pout,
buttercup?"
"I wasn't aware it was any of your business," I replied, narrowing my
eyes. Here he was, igniting anger fierce enough to translate into an
incomprehensibly harsh glare. Perhaps he didn't deserve it, but I couldn't help
myself. I felt incomprehensibly bothered and he just happened to be there.
The waiter stumbled back, taking a few steps back before raising his
hands in surrender. He didn't dare make eye contact, instead flashing Shawn a
sheepish smile.
"Not in the mood," I muttered, before running a hand through my hair.
Miraculously, he caught on, wiping the smirk off his face before I could tackle him
to the ground. I hadn't had the audacity to shoot him down before, but the sudden
guilt that I was drowning in was making me bitter, painfully so. One look at Shawn
and I could tell he was frowning down at me, perhaps worried by my sudden change in
mood, given that he hadn't been the one that had to deal with Connor's relentless
flirting. I had and it had honestly been beyond explaining. Then, it'd been funny,
but now my mind was spinning.
 "Don't be rude," he scolded, shaking his head in disbelief, as if he
wouldn't have done the same if he'd been in my position. I scoffed at Shawn, biting
my tongue to keep from calling him out on it.
"Doesn't he have a job to attend to?" I asked, turning to face Connor,
my patience officially broken. Sadly, it wasn't even his fault. Wrong timing was a
likely cause.
"Even then," Shawn replied, turning to face Connor. "I'm sorry; he's
just a bit-"
"No, it's fine." He didn't sound, or seem, as if it was fine. Still, he
took another step back. "He's right, I do have to go. Sorry for the inconvenience."
I took a deep breath, shaking my head, and feeling worse than before.
"Sorry," I called out, but he was gone.
Hadn't I just been laughing with him? Well, perhaps so, but honestly,
there was no concentrating with him around. Usually that might've been cool, but
Shawn was trying to be serious and all I could think was how much I needed him to
stop being so nice.
"I just want to go home," I muttered, closing my eyes when I realized
I'd meant to say hotel room and, well, hadn't.
"What's wrong?" Shawn asked, prepping his elbow on the table, and then
setting his chin on his hand. He gazed at me intently, inspecting me, perhaps.
"Tell me."
"Nothing," I assured him, trying to put on a smile, but failing
miserably.
"I'm being too straight-forward, aren't I?" he asked, running his
fingers through his hair in frustration. "Sometimes I forget you're so young."
Damn it, the age card. As if I hadn't felt alienated enough.
"It's not that," I stated.
However, the warmth was gone from his eyes, replaced by worriedness. I
hated seeing insecurity in his eyes, and yet, I didn't necessarily know what to do
to stop it.
"It is though. Here I am, fucking ready to settle down when all you're
probably thinking about is partying, or whatever teenagers think about..."
My jack slacked. "I'm twenty-two, not eighteen," I snapped, crossing my
arms across my chest. Was he serious? "If we're being honest, you act like a child
most of the time, so..."
Shawn shrugged. "I think it's terrifying how you're closer to my
daughter's age than mine, if we're being honest."
I didn't know how to respond to that. He was right, after all. I lifted
the fork, taking an angry bite of my food, watching him do the same. I had
absolutely no appetite, and yet eating at least excused the uncomfortable silence.
Apparently, all of our insecurities were coming out tonight.
----
We were both done rather quickly, and soon enough, Shawn was calling
him over, not having even touched any of the whine. Shawn merely lifted his finger
and Connor approached, darting his eyes between us.
"Yeah?" he asked.
"Could we have the bill?" Shawn asked, not bothering to look at me, or
asking if we wanted dessert. I truly, sincerely, didn't.
"It's on the house," Connor replied, and I frowned, turning to face
him.
The meal hadn't exactly been cheap.
Shawn seemed troubled as well, except that he actually voiced his
worries rather than just frowning at him. "May I ask why?"
"Well, because of the imprudence I showed, of course. Again, I
apologize for that."
Now I truly felt awful.
"I'd rather pay-"
Connor smirked, shaking his head. "Boss said there's no way he'll allow
it."
 Shawn sighed, grumbling under his breath. I could see it in his eyes
that he felt embarrassed and with good reason. I'd embarrassed us. It didn't matter
that Connor hadn't acted accordingly; I should've remained tactful. His
disapproving glances were enough to have me trying to melt back into my seat, away
from view.
"Could we at least speak with the owner?" Shawn asked. "I'd like to
thank him personally."
Connor sighed, nodding before turning his full attention to Shawn. I
didn't miss the wide smirk on his face, neither the way his composure changed,
straightening.
"Yes?" he asked and Shawn's eyes widened with realization.
"Are you serious?" I asked, scratching the back of my head. Then again,
that certainly explained why he'd been able to do as he wished. He was the owner,
which meant I'd disrespected the owner of the store. How lovely.
"You waiter?" Shawn asked, chuckling.
Connor's smirk grew wider, as if that was possible. "I mean, I do a bit
of everything. Sometimes I cook in the back! But seriously..." he turned to me.
"I'm sorry."
I nodded in agreement, mouthing my own apology. He placed his hand on
my shoulder, for a brief second, squeezing reassuringly before walking away,
excusing himself as people from another table called him over.
"Nice going." Shawn snorted, standing up before the corner of his mouth
quirked up into a smile.
I shrugged, laughing helplessly. Then, my smile faded when I realized
Shawn wasn't even smiling himself, glaring out towards the door. "I'm sorry, Shawn.
I shouldn't have lashed out like that.
Shawn simply pressed a kiss to my forehead, nodding in agreement. "It's
okay."
"Is it?" I asked, not truly believing him, even as he wrapped his arm
around my shoulder and guided me towards the exit.
"It is."
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and commenting. Oh yeah, I'm
planning some incredible things for the AL series, and honestly, it's so exciting
that I'd love to divulge it all now, but I have to keep it under wraps for a bit
longer.
-Hec

Ch. 46: Eager

Office Love: Chapter 46: Eager

A/N: Okay, the moment you've all been waiting for. I even made this title clean for
subtle irony, which I just ruined by telling you about. Oh well! IMPORTANT A/N at
the end of the chapter.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

My hands were shaking.

I didn't realized until Shawn and I were both in the elevator,

intensely staring at each other, daring the other to be the first to break eye
contact. The humming of the elevator was the only reminder that we were even
moving, a comforting reminder that I felt frozen in place, but the world would keep
moving even if my mind refused to cooperate.

"You seem tense," Shawn mentioned, stepping forward. His movements were
purposeful, cautious hands lifting up to settle over my shoulders. Then, he began
massaging the tight muscles surrounding my collarbone, pressing me back against the
elevator while slowly rubbing along my flesh, grazing his fingertips across my
neck. I closed my eyes tightly, melting back against the flat surface, knowing
fully well there was no way I'd deprive myself of this. As obnoxious as it was to
admit it, his massages were one of the few things that I couldn't deny, not even
when I was mad.

Not that I could be mad with his hands pinning me as he did, holding me
there, keeping me close.

"I'm just tired," I murmured in response, glaring through half-closed

eyes. I bit my lip, fighting back the moan that threatened to escape past my lips
as his fingers pressed on a particular tense spot. "Nervous."

"You always take care of me," he whispered, leaning forward and

pressing his forehead against mine. "You always do so much."

"Shawn," I whined, chest tightening.

He shook his head, narrowing his eyes, tilting his head forward and
pressing his lips against mine. Pulling away just to press them once more, leaving
a string of soft kisses along my jaw. Then, before I could think better of this, he
was wrapping his strong arms around me and pulling me into a rough embrace. "Let me
take care of you."

I nodded, jolting as the elevator doors open and he guided me out the
door, nudging me along while following closely behind, his hands pressed firmly
against my back, shaking just as mine were.

-Shawn-

I leaned against the shower's wall, enjoying the comfortable spray of

the shower as it hit my naked body. Eric had refused my offer to shower together,
shaking his head at the chance and doing all but shoving me into the bathroom on my
own, going as far as to lock the door before me. I didn't necessarily blame him. In
all reality, the fear was constricting, even if the anticipation sent constant
shivers down my spine.

What was I supposed to do?

How was I supposed to do this?

"Fuck," I growled, rubbing the shampoo onto my head while desperately

trying to ignore the obvious hardness that had developed at the idea of being so
close to a willing Eric. All I could was glare up at the ceiling because doing so
was easier than admitting that I felt just as a naive teenage virgin, unsure of how
to proceed. Eric was beautiful and all I was, perhaps ever would be, was another
stars-truck spectator. "What do I do?"

Then, there was a single knock on the door. My head turned to face it,
my entire body stilling as it cracked open and Eric's head peeked in shyly.
Apparently, he'd changed his mind about not showering together.

"Can I?" he asked. "Only if you want-"

I nodded my head eagerly, opening the shower's glass door and taking a
deep breath, ignoring the urge to cover myself. How could Eric, who was both doe-
eyed and appeared so innocent, make me feel so self-conscious? How could one person
affect me in such a way? When had I let him get this close, opening myself up to
him despite initially hating him?

Eric slipped his shirt off, leaving it on the counter, beside the sink.
I inspected his lean body, watching the muscles along his body flex as he
unbuttoned his jeans, removing them slowly, suspiciously, as if I'd grow angry at
any moment and kick him out. I didn't. I couldn't. I stepped back into the
showerhead's range, closing my eyes and letting the cool water distract me from the
naked boy who was probably debating whether he wanted to join me or bolt while he
still could.

"I need you to say it," he said, standing a few feet away with only his
underwear on. I couldn't deny that his tanned, firm body was just as beautiful as I
remembered it. How could someone so fucking attractive be so cautious around me,
tiptoeing as if he didn't look like an actual Greek God?

"Please join me," I pleaded quietly, watching his fingers fumble with
the band of his briefs, lowering at a tortuously slow pace and slowly revealing the
rest of the v-line, which was so prominently present on his body. Not even at his
age, had I ever looked so incredible. I couldn't stare away, focusing on the soft
happy trail which followed the path and direction in which his briefs were heading.

"Are you expecting a show?" he joked, smiling for the briefest of

moments before

I nodded my head eagerly, licking my lips at the thought.

"I was joking," he explained, covering his face, but failing at hiding
the way his entire body was reddening.

"I wasn't," I replied.

Then, as if he was ripping off a bandage, he shrugged the briefs off,

avoiding my gaze and walking into the shower, turning away from me and immediately
diving for the shower spray.

It took a bit, but I I grabbed the soap, cautiously pressing it against

his shoulders before beginning to rub across his body, smiling when I realized he
was leaning back against me, allowing me to lather his body. I watched him turn
around, maintaining my hand firmly pressed against his while he moved to face me.
Then, I lowered my hand, rubbing along his torso, peeking down and taking in the
beauty of his body as he breathed in shallow breaths, shuddering from the contact.

I wrapped my hands around his hardening erection, tugging softly,

sloppily because of the slippery quality of the soap's quality on my hand. Eric's
breathing stopped altogether. Eric pressed against me, pressing his forehead
against my shoulder and softly biting at the humid skin there, humming under his
breath and reaching out to grasp at my own erection. "I'll wait
for you outside. "I chuckled when I heard the grunt of annoyance that slipped from
his quivering lips. Then, I walked past him, slipping out from the shower, turning
briefly to grasp at his ass firmly, having wanted to do so for so damn long. Too
long for it to be healthy. "I want to- I'll wait for you on the bed."

Eric hummed in agreement, sighing when I removed my hands from him,

stepping away so that I could actually leave him to shower. Otherwise, I'd be
unable to restrain myself. While shower sex sounded fun, the last thing I needed
was for our first time to be in such an odd location. I could barely wrap my head
around what to do. I'd seen a few videos of shower sex, sure, but the smoothness
with which they managed to screw in a bathroom was not repeatable in real life.
 "Hurry up," I murmured huskily, before extending my hand, waiting for
him to take the soap from my hand.

It wasn't until he was holding it in his hand that it fell to the

floor, landing on the shower tiles with a soft thud. He glanced down, so did I, but
I left before I could make a comment about him dropping the soap. Lucky for me, he
didn't bend over to pick it up until I was out of the room, or we'd probably create
a different meaning to having someone's back.

[CONTINUED ON "Ch. 46: Eager Continued (Warning: Adult Content)"]

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

IMPORTANT (READ THIS):

Sorry about this, but you need to be a follower to be able to read the rest of this
chapter, due to it being private. The reason behind it being private is the fact
that it does have mature content. No worries, I will not hold it against you if you
just follow me to read it!

In the next, private continuation of Chapter 46, you will find the naughtier part
of this chapter. If you do agree to keep going, enjoy. If you do not wish to
continue, skip right to Chapter 47. <3

Oh yeah, you might need to delete the story from your library and then download it
back again after following to be able to see the private chapter, but it is there.
<3

-Hec

Ch. 47: Impressive Thrusts

Office Love: Chapter 47: Impressive Thrusts
A/N: Okay, this chapter was extremely difficult to write, since I lost my glasses,
but I couldn't just not update after so long. I have horrible eyesight and my eyes
are burning right now from stressing them so much, but I love you so I simply had
to post something. Please, I truly do hope that you'll take a moment to vote and
comment, not to mention enjoy, because writing this chapter was exhausting for me.
As always, I love you. (PS: I should be back really soon, since I'm getting my new
glasses soon, so updates for all stories will resume in a week or so.).
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-
I felt across the wide, disheveled bed, groaning at the emptiness
existing under the white, tangled sheets became more apparent. I scoped the area
through drowsy eyes, reaching out with my fingers, grazing them across the soft
fabric, and shamelessly seeking his warm skin. The promise of lean muscles kept me
searching, even when it became blatantly apparent that I was lying there alone.
There was nothing out of order, except for perhaps the dampness of my
own sweat on the unmade sheets. It was also quite hot in the room, perhaps because
of the sheets themselves, which were probably supposed to help fend off the chilly
coldness of New York City, but were instead suffocating me from their excellence in
trapping heat. I sighed, reaching up towards my face and rubbing the sleepiness
from my eyes. I pushed the covers away, debating whether I wanted to stand up or
just lay there until he returned. What was I supposed to do anyways, if I was
basically trapped in the room?
Of course, I could always stupidly roam the street of New York, hoping
to not get lost... If only laziness wasn't deeply rooted into my veins.
Where was Shawn anyways? No, more importantly... why wasn't he beside
me, preferably with his body pressed against mine so that I could feel his slow
breathing on my neck, accompanied by a coaxing heartbeat k? Even the cockiness he
would've displayed didn't distract me from the possibility of nuzzling beating
against my bacagainst him, enjoying his body heat despite the stuffiness in the
room.
Everything was a bit hazy. There was a weariness washing over me as I
tried, and failed, to shake off the pleasant sleepiness and unwillingness to rise
to my feet. Shawn was gone, probably off to his meeting with that singer. While
part of me wanted to grow bothered over his inability to wake me up, kiss me
goodbye, and perhaps at least acknowledge the night before, another was damn
relaxed that being angry was an impossibility by all means.
I felt... satisfied. A bit sore along my limbs, perhaps, but not
necessarily a n unpleasant feeling, given that the satisfaction was strong enough
to distract from anything else. It felt right, even if I still couldn't feel his
arms wrapped around me. Other than a bit roughened up, I was fine.
My hands were still shaking as well, just as they had been the night
before, but I didn't want to focus on that. I didn't want to focus on anything at
all, even if I also wanted to rethink my entire life and all the options I'd ever
made.
There was no other way to describe how I felt without sounding, well,
completely shameless. Well-spent. Satisfied, yet hungry for more. The turmoil of
emotions were over-whelming, tearing at me from the inside, and leaving me so
desperate for another round. Would it be awful of me to call him now, when he was
probably busy, and beg him to hurry back? I couldn't even remember the last time
I'd had sex previous to this... making things so weird to process.
What exactly had happened anyways, because I had been quite lost.
Shawn, on the other hand, had clearly known what he was doing, even if it seemed
improbable.
Was the attachment something real or a delusional, prolonged afterglow?
It didn't matter that he hadn't been gone for long, or that I'd only
realized his absence a few minutes prior. None of that made a difference since all
that seemed to matter was that I needed him here, beside me, assuring me that we
were real. Perhaps that was simply another consequence of intimacy; holding such
intense feelings and believing them, even if they were so sudden and unexpected.
Because if I really thought about it, feeling this way seemed so
foolish, although right for some reason. While part of me was almost wishing they'd
disappear, another urged me to jump out the bed and run off after him, as if I'd
somehow find him by wandering around.
"Shawn," I called out in vain, groaning under my breath upon realizing
how desperate I sounded.
I'd fallen for him rapidly, so deeply that clawing my way out would be
impossible. All I could think about was his--
I heard the bathroom's door opening, causing a small creak from the
door's hinges. My heart began pounding against my chest almost immediately, my
palms growing sweaty. I was already sitting up when I realized Shawn was peeking
his head out, raising an eyebrow at me, and inspecting me curiously. The corner of
his mouth was quirked up into a smile, his entire expression lighting up with every
second that passed. He was here.
Most importantly, it appeared that he wanted to be here.
"You called?"
"I-I though you were gone," I murmured, clearing my throat to try and
steady my voice. "Good morning."
I didn't really know what else to say aside from that. Hell, the only
upside of him not being here would've been that the awkwardness would be postponed
until his return. Thinking of what to say to him, how to act around him, and how to
feel, was simply mind-bending.
"I'll be going soon," he replied, nodding his head in agreement. Then,
he walked from behind the door, looking just as sharp as always. He was buttoning
his cuff while walking towards the bed, his eyes focused. "I thought we could have
breakfast first, though."
Figuring out how to approach him was odd. I almost crawled across the
bed, towards him, yet stopped myself when I realized that he was already making his
way over. I pulled at the blanket, covering myself up to my waist once more and
glancing down at the bed sheets, blushing. His hands landed on the side of my face,
resting there carefully. Then, slowly, his lips pressing against my forehead,
leaving a soft kiss behind.
"Last night was incredible," he complimented, taking a deep breath.
"You were-are incredible."
I rubbed at my eyes, trying to stop the tingling sensation that made
it's way across my body as the sweet words processed through my mind. The bluntness
with which he spoke would've convinced me that we were talking about something
else, perhaps work-related. How wasn't he blushing, when I couldn't even glance
into his eyes without feeling my heart's painful pounding against my chest?
"Thank you," I replied, unsure of what else I could say in this
circumstance. What could I say anyways... nice dick? Impressive thrusts?
No, I couldn't say that. Not only because it would ruin the moment, but
because my mouth would probably be incapable of spewing such blunt words. And even
if I somehow managed to say it, the embarrassment would kill me.
"I'm serious," Shawn murmured, tilting my head up with his left hand.
He was smiling down at me, looking so lovingly. My stomach turned, breathing coming
a lot harder than expected.
I'd almost expected him to be a bit more evasive about us, given that
he was by all standards childish. Yet, gazing up at him, the years were almost too
noticeable in his eyes. Maturity I didn't always see were present in his eyes,
honed into affection that was sweet enough to leave me completely breathless.
I loved it, even if I also wanted to scramble from the bed and throw
myself out the window.
"What are you hungry for?" I asked, moving my head away, long enough to
gain focus and stand up. I pulled the covers along with me, wrapping them around my
waist as I stood up, suddenly feeling a lot more conscious of his eyes. They were
still on me. I couldn't see it, but fucking hell, could I feel them on me.
Then. I felt the tug at my hand. His hands wrapped around the sheets as
well, pulling playfully as he leaned against me, resting his chin on my shoulder.
"I'd tell you, but then we'd probably be here for another hour and I'd
be late to my meeting," Shawn mentioned casually, reaching around my waist and
taking the sheets altogether.
I took a deep breath, fighting the urge to rip them from his hands. I
could feel his breath on the side of my neck, the excitement from such an action
going straight to my southern region.
"Is that so?" I asked, clearing my throat.
"Besides, you seemed excited... for breakfast, right?" Shawn asked,
chuckling under his breath. He left another soft kiss, this one right where his
chin had been. "Go change... I'm starving."
I nodded, walking towards the bathroom, scratching the back of my head
when I heard Shawn inhale deeply.
"What?" I asked, turning my head and rolling my eyes. I almost missed
when he was an asshole, even if perhaps that was only due to the nervousness he
evoked from me, no matter how desperately I attempted to remain calm.
"Enjoying the show," he simply replied before sitting down on the bed.
"Do you need any help in there?"
I snorted, shaking my head before entering the bathroom, groaning as
soon as I closed the door. Of course, my clothes was still outside. I didn't even
want to leave though, because I knew... I knew just how stupid he made me. He was
simply teasing me, knowing fully well I couldn't give in and be the reason for his
missed meeting.
Hell, how could I make him miss something we'd flown to another state
for? No, I just needed a cold shower.
"Shawn, please fetch me some clothes," I stated into the empty
bathroom, growing quiet while awaiting Shawn's response.
"You want me to join you in the shower?" Shawn replied, knocking on the
door almost immediately. "I just took a shower though."
"No, I said-"
Shawn burst out laughing, to which I shut up. Of course, even while
sweet, he still managed to be an asshole somehow.
---
I opened the bathroom door, narrowing my eyes and taking the clothes
from his hands. He gripped them tightly, pushing the door open a bit and glancing
down.
"I wish I could re-schedule." He sighed.
I would've agreed, but he didn't need the satisfaction of knowing I
felt just as hot and bothered as he apparently did. If he brought up the incident
outside, I'd simply blame it on morning wood.
"What do you want to eat?" I asked, closing the door once more and
locking it, just in case.
"Well..."
"Seriously," I grumbled. "We already only have like thirty minutes to
get breakfast before you have to leave."
I glared at the clock present in the bathroom, rushing to dry myself
off, and throwing the clothes on even if I was still a bit damp. I looked at my
hair in the mirror, sighing at how it looked. It was growing a bit long. I hadn't
even considered cutting it before leaving.
Well, I hadn't really considered anything before leaving. I had class
today as well, which would probably land me in trouble if, for some reason, the
teacher who'd kicked me out of class expected me back. I would've checked my e-mail
to see if he'd sent any my way, but I couldn't seem to care enough. Lately, I
couldn't seem to care enough about anything that wasn't Shawn, which was probably
bad.
"Shit," Shawn muttered out of nowhere.
I frowned, turning to face the door. He didn't say anything else
though, so I finished changing, only walking out the door when I realized I still
needed my shoes.
"What's up?" I asked, watching him from the corner of my eyes. He was
standing by the door, pacing a bit. "You look a bit worried."
"Well, they might be a bit early there, so breakfast might have to
wait," Shawn grumbled, shrugging. "They have a flight afterward, after all. Do you
want to come along... or should I come back for you afterward?"
"Sure, I'll come," I replied, trying to appear as calm as possible,
even if I really didn't want to say in the hotel room, alone, when I could
accompany him. As long as he wanted me there.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Whoa, I have no idea how I finished it, and my eyes are
kind of burning, but I made it! Whoo! I love you guys so much and I'm honestly so
thankful for your patience. I promise to keep you updated and start updating
regularly once more when my glasses arrive! Anyways, please, please, please,
please, consider voting and commenting. I mean, it would be great to know if you
guys enjoyed it. I hope you did anyways. Have an incredible day.
OH YEAH, I'M ENTERING THE WATTY'S WITH THE MAJORITY OF MY STORIES, INCLUDING THIS
ONE. THEREFORE, Y'ALL SHOULD SUPPORT ME WHEN VOTING AND STUFF STARTS BECAUSE I LOVE
YOU AND YOU LOVE ME AND STUFF.
(Shameless promo for Demi Lovato. Cool For The Summer, her new single, came out
today on Itunes and I truly recommend you buy it! As you guys know, I'm a lovatic,
so she is my queen and stuff. I attached a link to the song to the chapter because
I've been replaying it all day and I'm obsessed. Love her to death).
-Hec

Ch. 48: Daddy's Little Girl

Office Love: Chapter 48: Daddy's Little Girl
A/N: I attached one of the old Office Love book covers to the chapter because I
encountered it on my computer and it's one of the favorite ones. Damn, this story
had so many cover changes, hasn't it? Whoever can guess how many cover changes, and
leaves a comment with the correct number first, gets a dedication, because why not.
:)
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Shawn-
I reached out as we made our way down the street, taking his hand in
mine. Eric didn't seem to mind, even if his head snapped towards me at first.
Apparently, he hadn't been expecting it. I couldn't explain why I wanted to, but
the need to do so had emerged out of nowhere. Since I could do that now, why not?
"We're together, remember?" I mentioned, lifting our hands and kissing
the back of his palm.
He nodded, lowering his gaze towards the ground, somewhat hiding the
smile that overcame his face. It made me want to kiss him. It made me want to wrap
my around him. It also made me want to rip his clothes off, but perhaps that
wouldn't be the smartest of moves while walking around. Overall, the serenity that
washed over me by being in his mere presence was the best feeling. Even the
nervousness of the impending meeting subsided by the idea of him being there, even
if he'd probably just sit beside me, not saying a word.
It wasn't even about him helping me, because I knew what I was doing.
More so, it was about the fact that I had someone willing to keep me company. As
silly as it sounded, it was reassuring. Eric, bickering and all, made me feel the
most relaxed I'd felt in a long time. As if, for once, things were actually working
properly.
"So, what exactly is this meeting for, anyways?" Eric asked, raising an
eyebrow. Oh yeah, I hadn't necessarily explained much to him. "Must be pretty
important if you had to fly over here."
I sighed, shrugging. In all honesty, there was a lot going on with that
kid. Not only was there still the legal matters regarding his feud with the
streaming service. Aside from that, the nationwide drama he'd started probably had
some loose ends they had to tie up into nice little bows. There were too many
implications and clearly not enough time to discuss anything. That was probably why
Curtis wanted to meet as soon as possible.
Oddly enough, it was curious that he wasn't using the lawyers that his
record label would provide, or perhaps some direct contacts that had previously
dealt with affairs regarding people in the entertainment business. The fact that he
was seeking help elsewhere gave way to wonder, was his career truly doing as well
as the media had portrayed?
"Hopefully," I finally replied. I'd had clients that would go through
so much trouble, only to pick a different law firm. At this point, it was really up
in the air. "I can't say much, since he's a client, but the representation changed,
to a degree."
"Changed how?" Eric asked, slowing down as another person hurried down
the street. The man bumped into Eric, shoving him back a bit. Regardless of that,
Eric was the one to say excuse himself, while the man didn't even acknowledge his
presence. My eyes flickered for a quick second, while I considered chasing him down
and making him apologize. I would've as well, if it wasn't for the fact that I was
wearing my good suit.
Anyways, he was long gone by the time I realized it bothered me enough
to say something.
"You should've shoved him back," I murmured. "Or cursed at him,
something."
Eric snorted, shrugging. "He was just in a rush. People make mistakes,
Shawn."
Oh, Eric. Always so understanding. It was one of the things I loved
about him, even if it was also the one thing that could potentially hinder his
career growth. Knowing when to let things go was important, but standing one's
ground was equally as important. Then again, I would've punched him in the face for
shoving me, but maybe that was just me. Eric, on the other hand, would've probably
pleaded forgiveness if the man had tripped from shoving him, simply because that
was who he was.
"So, what changed?" he asked, actually interested in things relating to
my job. "I mean, if you can share..."
I didn't know why, but the thought brought a smile. Most times, there
was nobody willing to listen to what I had to say. I didn't necessarily mean to
sound pathetic, even if that's how it sounded. I had to fight Jacqueline into
listening to what I had to say. Hell, Meghan simply plugged her earphones in and
completely ignored me most times, so the change was refreshing. Having someone
actually care... it was pleasant.
"He changed managers?" I tried, frowning. "Or maybe he just fired the
last one? I'm not entirely sure. I just know that Adam is no longer working for
him, which was why I'm confused to the fact that he still wants to meet with me."
Eric nodded, thinking deeply. "You can't say much more than that, or
can you?"
I smiled, nodding in agreement. I'd discussed some other things with
Adam, but those were a bit more private. I couldn't just be blurting out everything
I knew in the middle of the street, not to mention converse about that with Eric. I
could get into many legal troubles if he got into trouble because of something I'd
said, not to mention lose a potential client.
"One thing... when we get there..."
"I'm your assistant, yes," Eric stated, running his hand through his
hair. "Don't worry, Shawn, I won't try to sit on your lap."
I bit my tongue to keep from replying, if only because I didn't need my
mind drifting. Later, perhaps, we could explore his suggestions while in the
comfort of the hotel, where I could have him to myself.
-Jacqueline-
"I'm surprised security didn't keep you out," I muttered, rolling my
eyes. Meghan had decided to stop by once more, this time walking into the room
while drinking an iced coffee. She had another in her hand, which she gingerly
handed to me. I didn't know why, but apparently, I was the one who had to withstand
her awful, torturous presence until her father came back from his trip. Worst of
all, she was even more annoying than Shawn was. It was like all of his antics and
attitude problems, compressed into an insufferable, small package.
"Oh, security and the new girl at the front think I came here from a
coffee run my dad sent me on," she replied, sitting down on the seat across from
me. She shook her drink softly before taking another sip. "This is pretty good, by
the way."
"Your dad's not even here," I grumbled, shaking my head in disbelief.
Why was our staff composed of a bunch of brainless idiot? Had nobody gotten the
memo that Shawn was here? Why did the secretary think she hadn't gone on a bagel
run today anyways?
Perhaps I could get Violet to distract her while I sneaked out, because
the last thing I needed was another day of pure distractions. Why was she so
difficult anyways? Didn't she understand that some people had jobs? I had a life
and all, not to mention obligations. "What brings you here anyways? Did you give
your poor grandma a heart attack?"
Could someone kill me already, so I could escape her? Shawn had warned
me against physically restraining her, so my hands were mostly tied.
"She had a doctor's appointment. Of course, I wasn't going to tag along
for that."
Inconsiderate. More so, amusing, considering just how much her grandma
had taken care of her while her father exhausted himself in law school. She was
like the backbone, and perhaps main reason, Meghan had what she did today. Yet, she
couldn't even keep her company in a measly doctor's appointment.
"I get bored." She sighed. "Entertain me."
Of course, the reason she was actually here was that she still had some
sort of hope that I'd cave and buy her a last-minute plane ticket to fucking New
York. It was quite delusional of her, of course, but I had to admire her
persistence. If only she applied it on something productive...
"Do you ever give up?" I asked. "And just so you know, the meeting
already happened, so no amount of manipulating will get you on a plane over there."
She narrowed her eyes, huffing under her breath. Because, of course,
she clearly wasn't one to give up. She'd done some twisted things to get what she
wanted, so I didn't really see her giving up any time soon. Sadly, for her, I
wasn't Eric, so she wouldn't be able to manipulate me, let alone blackmail me in
any way. Not that she had anything to blackmail me with anyways.
"I don't think you understand how important this is to me," she
mentioned, sitting back in her seat. "I honestly don't think you understand."
I sighed, rubbing my eyes. "Why don't you just get him to buy you some
concert tickets for Alexis' concert, plus a meet and greet pass? Didn't she just
start her tour?"
She shook her head, leaning back against the seat. She was thinking
deeply, probably considering it. Wasn't that better, anyways? She'd actually get to
hear her idol sing, whereas going to to New York right now would not even guarantee
that she'd even meet her. Perhaps Meghan was conniving, but that certainly didn't
translate to intelligence.
I noticed the way she sighed, tense. There was something else going on.
"I'll tell my dad about Eric's lies," she muttered. "That'd probably
ruin whatever they have going on, wouldn't it?"
I raised an eyebrow, laughing humorlessly. Was she serious? After all
her dad had done for her, was this how she wanted to pay him back? By trying to
sabotage what was probably the frailest of relationships? Sure, they were right for
one another, but Shawn held grudges so tightly that one wrong move and it was
probably game over.
"I'll disappear you," I threatened, only half-meaning it. "Don't be a
brat, Meghan. We both know Eric's good for him."
She scoffed. "Wasn't he straight anyways? How the fuck am I ruining
anything?"
"Listen, you close-minded, little asshole," I called out. "Sometimes,
it takes people longer to discover who they are. There's no shame in that, so don't
try to pretend there should be. Weren't you fine with them, before? What the hell
changed?"
"He tried to sleep with me before," she protested. "Maybe I just
decided I misjudged him. After all, why should I trust him anyways?"
I blinked. "Weren't you the one at a college party, pretending to be of
age?" I asked. "Honestly, it seems to me like everything has an explanation."
"He didn't know he was gay when he told my father he was," Meghan
mentioned, throwing her hands up in the air. "You know how my father feels about
lies."
I snorted. Said the girl who'd just lied to her father and thrown a
disastrous party in their very house not too long ago. That was simply rich of her.
"My dad deserves better..." she muttered, clearly bothered over the
fact that she couldn't possibly win this argument. No matter how I looked at them,
the issues weren't ones that didn't have some plausible explanation.
"So what, you'll ruin this for him?"
"He'll find someone else..." she started, cringing. "Besides, if
everything has an explanation, then I should be able to tell him without anything
going wrong, right?"
I sighed, rubbing the bridge of my nose with my index finger and thumb,
trying to find the right words to phrase how I felt. From where I was seeing, she
seemed jealous. Did she even, truly, care about Alexis, or was that an excuse all
along?
"I get that you're a spoiled, daddy's little girl," I started, sighing.
"But don't you think he deserves a shot at happiness? Meghan, you know he'd do
anything for you... but you can't expect him to never move on from-you know."
 Meghan didn't reply at first. She didn't say anything at all, setting
the drink down instead. It bothered her. No matter how much she wanted to pretend
it didn't, the idea of her not being the only one in her father's life was
consuming her, leaving her vulnerable, and what not. It also bothered her that her
mother wasn't in the picture, had never been, but that was just another thing she
kept to herself.
"I'm not jealous. I just-I don't think Eric's the right person for my
dad."
"Is it because Eric's not a woman?" I asked, trying to understand.
Eric, out of all the people I knew, was perhaps the kindest, friendliest as well.
Meghan scowled. "I'm not homophobic."
"Then?"
She shrugged once more, finally standing up from the seat. She didn't
want to go see a stupid pop star. She was simply missing her dad, as weird as her
way of dealing with it was. Whatever the case, she'd have to learn how to deal with
sharing her father, since the chances of Eric and Shawn actually dating was growing
every single day. It was only a matter of time.
"Whatever," she snapped, before storming out. I raised my phone,
contacting security so they could take her to Lucy, who seriously needed to stop
leaving her alone, thinking she wouldn't just get up, and do whatever the fuck she
wanted.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and commenting. Oh yeah, anyone
else miss Jacqueline? I missed her like crazy.
-Hec

Ch. 49: Blow

Office Love: Chapter 49: Blow

A/N: I attached a music video (Blow - Beyoncé) to the chapter.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

-Eric-

Shawn's hands left mine as we neared the main building, his grin
turning into a calm, stoic expression.

I couldn't place why; something about his attitude was simply

comforting. It proved something that, regardless of whether he understood it or
not, validated my actions. Sometimes people had to put a certain front or say
certain things, not because they wanted to, but because it was necessary.

Was I far-reaching by comparing his change of expression to my mistakes

in a pitiful attempt to excuse my lies? That was certainly possible. Yet, the fact
remained that the more I looked at him, the more he mattered to me. I didn't
necessarily want life to work in such a way, yet that was the only thing that made
sense anymore.

I could feel the sense of desperation growing just as quickly as my

unavoidable sense of affection. I couldn't place exactly when it'd happened, but
getting him out of my head was impossible.

"Good luck," I murmured, walking a few steps behind him.

Shawn nodded his head, turning to flash me a small smile. That smile
was so sincere and relaxed that it turned my stomach into knots, leaving me unable
to reply. I couldn't walk straight, let alone reciprocate the action. Therefore, I
sighed tiredly, nodding in agreement. Why couldn't I shake the feeling of guilt
away, no matter how hard I tried? It was so problematic, given that saying anything
would certainly cause altercations.

Still, the guilt was unfading.

I was letting him affect me in ways I wasn't even aware were possible.
Yet, while that was probably unhealthy, getting over it wasn't necessarily the
simplest. I was positively stuck. Perhaps I'd known that from the second I met him,
perhaps I was just being delusional. Regardless, I couldn't move on. Moving on
sounded... painful.

I noticed Shawn's eyes on me, his head tilting towards the main
entrance to the main building. The glass-structure of the walls were quite
intimidating, not only because of their sleekness, but also because of the pride
sense of professionalism with which they stood. I should've probably just stayed at
the hotel while he came, given that there was a chance I'd accidentally say
something embarrassing, yet it was a bit too late to turn back.

"Fancy," I murmured, eliciting a chuckle from Shawn, who nodded in

agreement.

"Unnecessarily so," he replied, as if his house didn't hold an air of

sophisticated similarity.

I followed him as he neared the main reception, introducing himself and

stating his reason for being here, that being to meet with Curtis Stone. The woman
behind the reception didn't seem quite excited over his arrival, but did explain
where to go, so I couldn't complain. Within minutes, I was following Shawn once
more, glancing around warily as we came to s quick halt before an elevator.

I reached out before he could reach for it, pressing the button, and
watching the lights flicker on. The doors opened immediately. Which, if I hadn't
been busily staring at Shawn, I would've probably noticed.

Nothing was quite as attractive as the confidence with which he was

carrying himself. It was as if I was barely registering that he was a mature man
underneath all the playful personality traits. Which, fuck, it was hot.

Shawn smiled from within the elevator, leaning back against the far
back wall and tilting his head, signaling me forward. "Are you planning on coming
in any time soon?" he asked sarcastically, reaching out to place his hands along
the metal handles that stood out half-way up the metal walls. He didn't seem too
concerned, even if his hands were gripping the metal handles harshly.

I shrugged, taking the necessary steps until I was within the elevator,
staring at him from across the small space. He seemed so calm despite everything,
his eyes focused, intensely so, being the only clear signal that he was on edge.

"You're going to be fine," I promised him, rubbing his left shoulder

comfortingly.

Shawn nodded his head, glancing down at the floor before raising his
gaze back up to meet mine. Even as he agreed, I could tell he wasn't necessarily
trusting my words. Perhaps that's why I shortened the distance between us, reaching
out to pull at his tie. It wasn't necessarily the brightest of ideas, but I pulled
him towards me, crashing our lips together.

He melted immediately, relaxing against me, as if the door wasn't about

to open and he didn't have somewhere to be soon.

Despite how little my hands explored, afraid to fuck with his suit too
much, he didn't seem to give a single damn. His fingers pulled at my shirt, messily
undoing the buttons, reaching halfway before he finally stopped. He blinked down at
me, probably remembering where we were, not to mention why this was a bad idea.

"Wait," he began, his eyes closing tightly as I moved against him,

grinding our hips together.

"Relax," I whispered against his lips, softly biting at the bottom one.
I pulled softly, sucking for the tiniest of moments before letting go, watching his
eyes widen. "Just relax."

Then, I reached lower, unbuckling his belt before he could do as much

as complain, grinning as he reached forward and pressed the emergency red button on
the elevator to halt any movement. On any other situation, I would've complained,
but I was too busy unzipping his pants.

"You're going to be the death of me," Shawn warned quietly, caressing

the back of my head as I crouched before him, smiling up wickedly.

---

I stood behind him, smiling up at the ceiling as the elevator finally

opened. I ignored his glare, knowing fully well he'd enjoyed that, regardless of
whether he was no longer early, just on time. Seriously, could his over-achieving
ass just relax?

"There's a time and place for everything," Shawn began, sounding both
breathless and pleased.

I rolled my eyes, nodding in agreement, knowing exactly how much he'd

complain if I didn't at least pretend to feel some sort of remorse. Yet, even as he
continued complaining, desperately trying to fix his pants, he turned and crashed
his lips against my own, leaving me with a hard, rough set of them.

"Fuck," he murmured against my jaw, finally giving me a few seconds to

breathe. "Why are we even here again?"

I chuckled, biting my bottom lip at the sight before me. He stood

there, so flustered, affected by me. Yet, he'd probably done the same to me. I knew
that he'd messed up my hair, given that he'd been running his fingers through it
the entire time, whispering encouraging words. I couldn't actually do much about
that other than, well, just awkwardly pat my hair down. Shawn didn't look very
composed either, his shirt wrinkly from how he'd bunched it up, lifting it while
I... well...

"You have an important meeting," I reminded him, ignoring the groan he

let out.

Despite his annoyance, he seemed a lot calmer. He certainly looked

happier.

Then, the calmness wiped off his face as he breathed against his hand,
smelling his breath. He scoffed, turning to face me with widening eyes. It probably
wasn't that bad, but in my defense, kissing me right after giving him a blowjob
wasn't the brightest of moves on his part. I handed him a mint, taking three
myself, because of obvious reasons. Shawn rolled his eyes, sticking it into his
mouth as if this was my fault. Which, perhaps it was.

"You shouldn't have kissed me-"

"I'll kiss you if I want," Shawn replied grumpily. I burst out

laughing, watching the elevator finally opening.

---

I hadn't known what to expect. When Shawn mentioned he was going to

meet Curtis Stone, I hadn't really given it much thought. Sure, the name had rung a
bell, given that he was quite popular. Yet, I hadn't necessarily connected him well
enough to realize quite who he was.

"Good morning, Mr. Stone," Shawn greeted as soon as he entered the

room, walking over to shake the man's hand.

I couldn't help scan his blond hair, recognizing the haircut, not to
mention his face. There was something wrong. I didn't know why, but the fact that I
couldn't remember where I'd seen him before was angering. After all, faces like
his, with th sharp cheekbones and cocky smiles, were a bit hard to forget. Had it
been an award show of sorts, perhaps a music video? Whatever it was, the mystery
was killing me.

The sleekness of his actions were so short-lived though, given that the
smirk disappeared as he out-stretched his hand, missing Shawn's and basically
failing at shaking hands. Then, he was chuckling weakly, pulling his hand back as
if the contact had burned him, and suddenly not seeming quite as intimidating as
he'd seen just moments prior.

Of course, I should've known things were going to be weird, since they

involved Shawn after all.

"That's Eric, my assistant," Shawn introduced, turning to face me for a

split-second. His eyes met mine then, holding for a brief moment before turning
back to Curtis, as if he'd been apologizing. Which, honestly, I didn't understand.
Regardless of whatever we were or could be outside of work, I was still his
employee. Nothing changed that and it was unprofessional for him to label me as
anything other than that while in a work environment. I'd probably have to mention
that to him at some point, given that he seemed nervous, as if I'd judge him for
keeping things professional and not proclaiming his undying love at the worst
possible of times.

Then, I remembered the beat of the song, sighing deeply. The beat had
been stuck in my head for weeks when I first heard it a few months prior, the song
itself as inescapable any other hit smash on radio.

"Oh my god, I do know him," I said and the amusement in Curtis' eyes
was enough to shut me up. I hadn't even meant to say it aloud, but somehow the
words escaped past my lips. How hadn't I remembered who he was, anyways?

-Curtis-

I couldn't help the laugh that escaped past my lips. His puzzlement
was genuinely endearing, despite the fact that he'd clearly come here without
knowing me. Personally, I didn't even care about that. Hell, having someone be
unaware of your background could be good at times, given that it made it easier to
determine if they were being kind or trying to get something from you.
 "Eric," Shawn grumbled as he sat down, shaking his head in disbelief.
"What did I tell you?"

Eric nodded his head rapidly, standing a few feet away, pressing his
back against the wall, and just kind of staying there, as if he didn't have
permission to be at the table with us. For some reason, that didn't seat well with
me at all. It was obnoxious since Adam used to do the same in his endless attempt
to make sure nobody realized there was something going on between us. He'd send me
off, acting so indifferent and sometimes pretending he disliked me, all because of
his paranoia regarding what would happen if anyone caught us.

The joke was certainly on him, since we'd been caught during vacation,
and not even during meetings or events.

"Join us," I told Eric casually, pointing to the seat beside Shawn.

Shawn blinked.

Eric's eyes widened.

I tilted my head towards the chair.

"I'm fine, Mr. Stone," Eric tried, flashing me a weak smile. "Thank you
for the offer though."

I rolled my eyes, beyond done with that form of greeting. Eric and
Shawn's eyes kept meeting, as if they were trying to figure out whether this was a
test of sorts. It wasn't. It truly wasn't, solely because there was no point in
doing that.

"Curtis is fine. Seriously though, my manager was the uptight one," I

promised Shawn, who then turned to face Eric, probably giving him the all clear to
join us.

Truly, there was no point in being overly uptight.

<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>

A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and commenting. Love you. Oh
yeah, the story is crossing over with Record Love, which I highly recommend
reading. Chapter 15 specifically. :)

-Hec

Ch. 50: Tell Him

Office Love: Chapter 50: Tell Him
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Jacqueline-
I stopped by Shawn's home, rather frustrated by the idea that I had to
check on his daughter, yet doing it regardless because I was an extraordinary
friend. It was becoming more apparent that, as sweet as she claimed to be, the kind
of atrocious disasters Meghan could create over the most diminutive of things could
cause her father a lot of stress. Therefore, I did what any conscious person would
do and came to check on them, bringing breakfast as a simply excuse for coming.
The phone wouldn't stop ringing, yet I ignored it while leaving the
car, paper bag in hand. I hadn't even bothered to call Lucy to make sure they were
in, given that Meghan was apparently grounded for being a disruptive piece of work.
Lucy couldn't take away her electronics without risking igniting her true rage, but
she wasn't allowed to leave the house.
I knocked on the door, glancing down at my phone, noticing the few
missed messages and calls from Carson and Violet. She was mentioning something
about arriving a bit late, which I didn't actually mind given that she had a
perfectly good excuse. Carson, however, was simply putting more excuses to try and
avoid the unavoidable. That kid truly needed to get his shit together, especially
if he planned to get his life back on track.
The door opened to present a bitter Meghan, her eyes still half-closed.
She was standing there in pajamas, angrily gripping the door-knob while beginning
to close it. "No," she mentioned groggily, almost closing it before I pushed it
open.
"Not a morning person?" I asked, pushing the door open with my elbow,
smiling brightly at Lucy, who was standing by the stairs. She was dressed already,
coming downstairs just as I closed the door. "Your father told me to bring you guys
breakfast. Hey Lucy!"
"Good morning Jacqueline," she greeted, smiling widely. "He did? Oh,
how sweet of both of you."
Honestly, I loved Shawn's mother. It was odd to explain, but the woman
certainly had a good head on her shoulders. She'd provided such incredible things
for her kid, helping him reach such splendid goal when many would've considered
their situation an endless obstacle. Truly, the fact that Shawn was were he was was
due to her and even he knew it. Hell, he reminded me every so often, not nearly
enough, but enough to know he cared.
"Anyone hungry?" I asked, ignoring Meghan's eye roll. She didn't have
to like me being here. Yet, I had to make sure she wasn't meddling in her father's
life. Sure, it wasn't necessarily my business. Still, though, it was something I
had to do.
"Not at all," Meghan replied.
I smiled. "Too bad."
She stormed closely beside me, into the kitchen, following along with
what I said even though she could probably run up to her room and lock herself in
there. Well, at least she was being civil, unlike other times where she just didn't
bother.
"Anything I can do?" Lucy asked.
"Coffee, please," I replied, nudging Meghan along, ignoring her
protests. If she felt abandoned because her father had left on a work trip, then at
least with both her grandma and me here she had no reason to complain.
----
"I hate you," Meghan muttered while sitting at the table, having waited
until Lucy excused herself to the restroom before making a comment.
I nodded my head in agreement, biting into a piece of pancake. She
hadn't done anything yet, even if I couldn't be sure she wasn't planning anything.
I didn't know exactly what she could even be hoping to do in order to cause drama,
but I had a bad feeling about our last conversation, that being the main reason why
I'd even bothered to come over.
"You don't have to like me," I replied, smiling. "I'm merely trying to
help."
"You could've gotten me that ticket," she replied bitterly.
"Plane tickets are expensive. You do know that, right?" I asked,
sighing. "People don't just buy them randomly just because. Your father is
working."
"Is that why he went with his boyfriend?" Meghan countered, crossing
her arms across her chest. She still hadn't had a single bite of the food I'd
brought, too busy glaring at the table. "How professional."
"Look here, you special little snowflake, Eric is your dad's
assistant," I stated, narrowing my eyes. "You know he's scared of heights. Did you
really want him to go alone?"
"He could've taken me!"
"So that you could disrupt his meeting or give him attitude over having
to go to work with him?" I asked, crossing my arms across my chest. "Eric didn't
want to go either, but he did as a favor, so how about you show a little bit of
gratitude that someone cares that much about your father?"
She didn't reply, simply staring down at the plate before her. Finally,
she picked up her fork, cutting a piece at the edge of the pancake and bringing it
to her mouth. She didn't apply any syrup to it, but at least she was eating
something.
"Like I mentioned before, Eric's good for him," I assured her, flashing
a weak smile. Honestly, the last thing I wanted to do was speak calmly to her, but
aggressiveness didn't seem to work either. Seriously, Shawn wasn't paying me
enough. At this point I should get paid for being his babysitter.
"We'll see," she replied simply, taking out her phone.
I tensed immediately, staring at it. I didn't say anything, taking
another bite of food.
Meghan's eyes did meet mine though, her left eyebrow rising. "I'm
messaging my friend," she stated, rolling her eyes. She didn't seem to think it was
all that important, but I sighed with relief. If anything, I could tackle her to
the floor and confiscate her phone though. Hopefully I wouldn't have to resort to
that though.
"What about?" I asked, shrugging. "If it's not too personal."
Meghan rolled her eyes. "She was asking me to hang out."
"Did you tell her you couldn't?" Lucy asked from behind her, joining us
back at the table. "Put down the phone, honey; we're having breakfast."
Meghan turned it off, placing it on the table before flashing us a
smile. "I let her know how things were, yes."
-Alexis-
When I entered into the room, the most surprising discovery was Curtis'
bright smile. He was casually conversing, explaining something I couldn't quite
hear, but sounding as if he was talking to a friend rather than a lawyer. The
calmness in his eyes was the most surprising, given that these kind of meetings
usually dealt with a lot of distrust. I neared cautiously, narrowing my eyes as I
noticed the people on the other side of Curtis, one older and another around my
age.
Finally, Curtis noticed me approaching, raising a hand to wave me over,
seemingly excited by my arrival. Either he'd woken up in a splendid mood or I'd
just woken up in a horrible one. Either way, the difference in excitement was
almost palpable.
"Alexis, you're here!" Curtis greeted brightly, rising from his seat
and walking over. "Alicia as well. I was getting worried."
He pressed a kiss against my cheek, guiding me over to the seat beside
me while slowly pressing his hand against my back. I was a bit confused by his
calmness, yet didn't question it. It was nice seeing him composed for a change,
given that he was usually worried about one thing or another. In fact, it was
almost a relief, given that I could barely think. I felt so exhausted from the
sleepless night, barely awake.
"Well, we should hurry," I reminded him, turning to face the man who
was sitting across, taking in his features. He was rather attractive, wearing a
suit that certainly displayed good taste. Many people didn't see the point in
dressing adequately, but they truly said a lot about a person. For him, it showed
that he knew how to dress appropriately, which displayed professionally, far more
than Curtis or Alicia probably understood, just how serious he was. Nice. Not only
nice, but also impressive.
"Good morning, Mrs..." he drifted off, scratching the back of his head
awkwardly.
"Alexis' fine," I replied, smiling in return. "Mr. Briggs, right?"
He nodded his head, tilting his head towards the man sitting beside
him, who was plainly staring at me. I blinked, watching him as he reached out his
hand to shake mine, seemingly nervous.
"May I just say, you're such an amazing artist," he announced. "I'm
Eric Dirk."
I smiled, shaking his hand. He was shaking a bit, perhaps truly being a
fan rather than just someone pretending to know my music. Usually my demographic
was centered towards girls, but there was a large quantity of men who did find
pleasure in listening. It was enticing.
I noticed the clock, sighing under my breath. I should've arrived
earlier, but punctuality had been impossible by the fact that people had known I
was here. I'd been ambushed while leaving my hotel, basically leaving us stuck for
some time while we cleared the area up.
Whatever the case, we had about an hour or so. After that, we had to
leave immediately if we planned to make it to the plane on time. I wanted to say
something aloud, but the truth was that mentioning that aloud would be
disrespectful. Therefore, I sat down instead, squeezing Curtis' hand softly before
giving Alicia an apprehensive glance. Why were we even here?
---
I turned towards Eric after a few minutes of discussion, feeling
slightly bad for having to say anything, yet having no other option. "Could you
please step outside?" I asked, flashing a polite smile. Eric, to my complete
surprised, nodded his head in agreement, smiling back before leaving the room, not
shooting me a single dirty glance.
I'd expected at least a single scowl as he left, yet he'd actually
seemed rather calm about the idea of leaving, as if he didn't mind it. I would've
minded it, but whatever. It was refreshing, in any case.
"It's nothing personal," I continued, turning to face Shawn. "I'm sure
you understand."
Shawn, on the other hand, was no longer smiling. He nodded his head in
agreement though, so I continued. The secrecy needed to successfully carry out this
plan was rather high. Not only did we have to work dangerously meticulously, but
also make sure nobody was going to ruin everything by giving a tell-all exclusive.
There were too many people nowadays willing to blabber on about other people to
make a petty coin, so trusting strangers was a luxury we couldn't afford. As much
legal action as we could take, the damage would be done regardless.
-Eric-
Things, as far as I could tell, were going great. I didn't want to jinx
everything with assumptions, but Shawn hadn't seemed stressed in there at all. Then
again, he did have a way of hiding his true emotions while working, which was odd
considering how blunt he could be in other instances. Perhaps he was simply too
complex to understand.
I sighed, pacing around the hallway, unsure of where I was supposed to
head while they continued their meeting. I wasn't actually bothered over being
dismissed, but I also didn't have anything else to do until Shawn finished. I'd
noticed that Shawn seemed bothered, which was adorable, but completely unnecessary.
After all, it only made sense for them to want privacy while discussing such
important matters.
Therefore, I walked towards the lobby, wondering if I could just sit in
the waiting area and avoid any drama.
For obvious reasons, I avoided the elevator, clearing my throat while
passing by it and slowly making my way down the stairs. I couldn't even wrap my
head around the fact that I'd actually given him head in an elevator, yet
apparently he brought out sides of me that I didn't understand. It wasn't
necessarily bad. Just... different.
"I'll just wait there," I explained to the receptionist, smiling
politely while pointing at the seats. She merely shrugged, avoiding eye contact
altogether. I would've stopped and asked her if anything was wrong, given that she
clearly seemed uncomfortable, but then she got a call on the phone and I let it go.
I sat down instead, pulling out my phone and opening my messages,
heading to Mason's and sending him a good morning one. I hadn't heard from him yet,
which was odd considering I'd assumed he'd be the one to harass me endlessly while
I was gone. Yet, on the contrary, there wasn't a single missed call or message from
him.
Then, I noticed a single message from Meghan. I frowned, unsure of what
she'd want to talk to me about. I hadn't really heard from her lately. I opened it,
frowning at the few letters.
"Tell him or I will," I murmured aloud, feeling my heart as I processed
the threat.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and commenting. Love you.
-Hec

Ch. 51: Getting Ahead

Office Love: Chapter 51: Getting Ahead

A/N: I'm laughing waaaay too because of the pun. I'm sorry. I'm soooooooo sorry.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-
I stared at the message, hoping that perhaps if I glared for long
enough, the five words would disappear. For a few delusional minutes, I simply
stared at the text message, attempt to will it away with my mind, but to no avail.
They were there to stay, a set of black markings against a bright, gray screen,
mocking me with their mere existence. Of course, I didn't even dare to delete them,
far too preoccupied why replying.
Why? I typed, sending the message before I took another breath. My
shaking hands were barely holding up my phone, and my shaky breaths were barely
getting enough oxygen to my brain; I was a bit light-headed.
Why now? Honestly, out of all the times that Meghan could've chosen to
act out, why now, when we were far away and there was no way for me to actually
converse with her, perhaps to try and figure something out? "Damn it," I cursed
under my breath, ignoring the bubbling anxiousness that threatened to explode into
a blown-out panic. She could text him at any moment. Anything. She could say
anything and honestly, why would he believe her? Who was I anyways, in comparison
to his own daughter?
No answer. I stared up at the ceiling, trying to glance away from the
phone in hopes that it'd vibrate within my hand-it didn't. No matter how much I
wanted to talk to Meghan about it, perhaps to try and convince her that there was
another way to get through this, she wasn't even replying.
Meghan, please call me, I messaged, sighing when I realized there was a
pair of eyes gazing at me from across the room. From the corner of my eye, I could
see someone staring. It was subtle at first perhaps, perhaps just a casual glance-
over. Yet, it didn't just stop there. While gazing up, I realized there were now
two people staring now, one of them the secretary and the other a security guard.
Both of them were blinking from across the room, simply focusing on me, as if I had
something on my face.
Did I? I raised my hand, wiping at my face, but finding nothing there.
I wanted to focus back on the screen for a while longer, knowing that she wouldn't
reply until she wanted to, but hoping she wouldn't torture me with the stress that
would follow her silence.
After a few minutes of ignoring the staring, I finally met their gaze,
frowning at the uncomfortable way the were watching me, not truly looking me in the
eye, but still keeping an eye on me.
"Hello?" I asked, frowning when they both averted their gaze, almost in
synchronization. That was when I noticed the plaque on the security's vest.
Surveillance was neatly printed across a card, which should've perhaps been the
first thing I noticed considering it was flashing due to the window-trespassing
sunlight. I didn't really think much of it as first, knowing I hadn't stolen or
broken anything within the building.
The secretary murmured something into the man's ear, turning to glance
at me briefly before turning a deep shade of red. Her eyes darted from the closed
elevator doors to me, and then, it clicked.
Surveillance, as in monitoring of surveillance cameras, as in the man
had seen what I'd-oh no. Oh, fuck no!
I was facing away from them within seconds, gazing out towards the
glass wall that stood between the door and the outside. I would've turned to stare
at anything else, but I couldn't even breathe properly. I watched the crowded-
streets intently, not even thinking about turning back around and facing the shame
that would certainly engulf me once they confronted me about the incident in the
elevator. Honestly though, why were there even elevator cameras? Of course, perhaps
the better question was regarding why I'd decided to give Shawn a blow job in the
middle of one, but I couldn't think about that now.
If I'd heard any approaching footsteps from behind me, honestly, I
would've run as quickly as possible, escaping by crawling if I needed to do so.
There was no doubt about it; I'd leave Shawn behind to deal with the embarrassment
on his own.
Had it been my fault? Of course.
Did that mean I felt obligated to save him the trouble of being
publicly humiliated by being questioned about getting head on a public elevator? Of
course not-that was ridiculous. If it came down to it, he could deal; I, on the
other hand, would probably actually die from embarrassment, losing consciousness
before they could finish carrying out whatever disciplinary action came from public
indecency.
Would they call the cops? Oh no, if they called the cops, how the hell
would we explain this? It'd be on our records! We could be branded as sex
offenders!
"You're over-reacting," I murmured to myself, taking a deep breath
while running my fingers through my hair. First Meghan and now this; why did being
around Shawn make me such an idiot? Up until now, all he'd done was bury every inch
of wisdom I'd ever thought I'd posessed and turned it into hormonal, youthful
recklessness.
"Is that the kid from the elevator?" I heard the secretary asked, and
the horror on my face was appalling enough to concern a passing stranger, who shot
me a worried expression from outside the window.
How much longer until they said something?
When I felt the hand on my shoulder, I considered jumping. I would've
too, if it hadn't been for the fact that Shawn's hand pressed against the side of
my face, turning me to glance his way. I blinked up at him, taking a deep breath of
relief before signaling him towards the door.
We had to get out of here-quickly.
"Hey, Eric," Shawn greeted, helping me up to my feet from where I saw
on the sofa.
"Can we go?" I asked, flashing a weak smile. "I mean, seriously, I'm
starving and all."
Shawn nodded his head for a brief moment before gazing out the window,
sighing. I could see Alexis and Curtis making their way across the lobby; Curtis
waved at me, smiling brightly as he followed Alexis.
I would've waved back, but all I could managed was a nod. The security
guard was preparing to approach us. I didn't even know how I knew, but part of me
simply felt the approaching footsteps. We could still leave before anything got
worse, right?
Shawn frowned, shrugging. "Honestly, it may become a bit hectic outside
due to Alexis and Curtis; don't you rather wait for a bit until they've gone and
the crowd disappeared?"
"What crowd?" I asked, just as I noticed the first few people stopping,
pointing towards Alexis even as she left the building. I blinked, turning to face
him and sighing. Why was it up to me to tell Shawn everything now? What was up with
that?
"Good morning," a disembodied voice greeted before I could get a word
out, and suddenly, I was shooting up from my seat, facing the security guard who
apparently went by the name of Joe. I sighed, already regretting not dragging Shawn
out the door. "You're not going to try and get ahead?"
I blinked, staring at the man with terror.
"Excuse me?" Shawn asked, frowning.
Joe pointed towards the crowd, noting them. "Ahead of the crowd," he
replied, even as he gave me a knowing look. I didn't miss the amusement in his
eyes. Then, however, he passed right by us, rushing towards Alexis and Curtis,
probably to help them get to their vehicle.
I sighed with relief, flashing the secretary a weak, apologetic smile.
She wasn't even looking at me, probably feeling the second-hand embarrassment of
what could've been a horribly uncomfortably situation.
"Miss Alexis, Mr. Stone," I heard the man calling out before meeting
them, trailing after them as they encountered a few panicking fans.
Shawn, probably forgetting we were even supposed to keep our hands off
each other until we were out of this building and away from his clients, pressed a
kiss against my temple, sitting beside me. "I don't think I could manage all that
attention."
I nodded my head in agreement, gazing down at the floor. Nobody had
mentioned anything about the elevator, but that didn't change the fact that Meghan
wanted me to confess.
"The entire meeting, all I was thinking about was your mouth," Shawn
whispered against my ear then, which would've probably driven me crazy in a good
way, except that all I could do was shudder, trying to think of how to reply.
"We're never doing that again," I replied, not even feeling sorry.
Shawn pouted. "Why?"
"I'll tell you later," I replied, turning to watch Curtis and Alexis
taking some pictures with a hysterical group of people who were crowding around
them like moths to a flame. So yeah, I was certainly going to have to tell him a
lot of things later, sooner or later.
-Meghan-
"Don't you have a job to get to?" I asked Jacqueline for the fifth time
in a row, glaring at her from the other side of the couch. She was sitting there,
on her phone, literally serving as my watchdog while I innocently watched
television. I hadn't even reached for my phone, aware it would only cause her to go
into a alert mode, prompting her to question my every thought.
"Just looking out for a friend," she replied, shrugging casually.
"Besides, I thought you said you were lonely! Don't you want a girls' day? We can
go to the spa, go to the mall-"
"Take me to a shooting range," I murmured wearily, sighing under my
breath. "So I can get rid of you."
Jacqueline flashed me a fake smile, nodding her head in agreement. "As
lovely as ever."
I flashed a fake smile in return, immediately glaring when I realized
that she had no intentions of leaving. All I could do at this point was go up to my
room and lock myself there until she decided to leave me alone. Otherwise, I'd just
have to handle her constant need to meddle in my life.
"This doesn't concern you-you do get that, right?" I asked.
Jacqueline raised an eyebrow, frowning. "Oh, listen here fruitcake;
this became my business when you decided to walk your tiny little porcelain feet
into my office and tried to throw a tantrum, not to mention blackmail me just to
try and ruin Shawn and Eric's relationship."
I huffed, folding my arms across my chest. I'd received two texts from
Eric, given that I'd noticed the notifications, but I couldn't reply. Oh, how did I
want to reply already, so that I could let him know exactly how serious I was being
about him coming clean. Yet, Jacqueline was the incarnation of hell, brought up
from the darkest pits of hell to ruin my existence.
"Get over it," I snapped.
"Look who's talking about getting over things," Jacqueline replied,
sighing under her breath. Then, she groaned, quickly replying to a text message.
She stood up without saying another word, lifting her purse.
"Leaving so soon?" I asked sarcastically, rolling my eyes at her lack
of amusement.
"Turns out I do have a job," she merely replied before pointing at me.
"Behave."
"Goodbye Jacqueline," I said. "And by goodbye I mean fuck you. And by
Jacqueline I mean bitch."
She chuckled aloud, nodding her head before calling someone on her
phone. "I'd probably threaten your life if I didn't find that remotely amusing, if
not at least somewhat good of an attempt at an insult," she explained. "And see,
usually I'm fluent in 'pretentious brat', but your diction's proving to be far more
extreme than even I can handle. Now bye, sweetie."
I threw her a pillow as she left, ignoring the way my grandma laughed
from the kitchen. Yet, I ignored it in favor of taking my phone out of my pocket
and finally replying to Eric, glad that Jacqueline was no longer here to disturb
me, whatever the reason may be.
"I thought you liked Eric," Grandmother stated from the stairs, gazing
down at me.
I turned to face her, shrugging wearily. Whatever.
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: Thank you for reading. Please consider voting and commenting; I truly
appreciate them. As always, I love you.
-Hec

Epilogue: Stone Cold

Office Love: Epilogue: Stone Cold

[A/N: Important announcement at the end of the chapter. Please read it.]
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
-Eric-
I nervously tapped my fingers against the table, watching as he stood a
few feet away. From where he stood, he turned his head every few minutes to check
on me as if I'd run off randomly. In return, I flashed a soft smile, watching his
entire face light up from that single expression. All I could do was stare, hoping
that perhaps a single expression would tell him everything I wanted to share.
"So, what do you want to do today?" Shawn asked once he brought the
cups of coffee, smiling widely while rushing back to the counter to pick up the
order of food. Of course, Shawn being Shawn, he ordered a bagel.
"Whatever you want," I replied, reaching forward and caressing the side
of his face, chuckling as he tensed from the difference in body temperature. My
fingers were cold against his warm skin, causing him to tense before relaxing
against my touch. "Or, you know, we could always go back to the hotel."
Shawn grinned, stealing a soft kiss before taking a sip of his coffee,
releasing a shaky breath before opening his mouth to reply. "As extremely tempting
as that sounds, there'll be plenty of time for that when we get back home."
I smiled sadly, nodding my head in agreement. "Sightseeing then?"
He stopped while spreading cream cheese on a side of toasted bagel,
furrowing his eyebrows into a frown before meeting my gaze again. "Is something
wrong?" he asked, sounding a bit worried. I would've assured him that everything
was fine, but I didn't have the will in me to do that. Hell, I didn't really know
what to say at all, tired tremendously. I wanted to believe everything would be all
right, but what if it wasn't? What if this was the last time he'd look me in the
eye, all because I hadn't been able to be upfront about my errors?
"Seriously, what do you want to do? We have all of today to roam since
our flight leaves tonight at midnight or so," he explained grabbing another small
container of cream cheese and spreading an unhealthy large amount. I smiled softly,
rolling my eyes when I realized he'd noticed me watching me and probably thought I
was judging him and his food antics. I wasn't, of course, but it was better than
explaining that I was taking in his soft, affectionate side before it turned to
anger.
Because as far as I could tell, the loving side of Shawn was the most
incredible experience I'd had.
As if on cue, he glared. "Don't judge me," he murmured half-heartedly,
signaling for me to eat. "Hurry; I want to take you to the top of the empire state
building."
The fond way in which his eyes flickered back to me was breath taking.
I couldn't help but ignoring my own plate, focusing on him instead. Even the light
frown lines across his forehead were endearing, regardless of how odd that could
seem. Shawn was just defensive about his food, is all, yet I could somehow even see
the beauty in that.
"I love you," I said, taking a sip of coffee before he could reply, not
meeting his gaze anymore. Instead, I glanced down at my plate, finally watching
that he'd gotten me a bagel as well. I sighed, taking a bite as he tensed from the
other side of the table.
At first, he didn't reply. Hell, I couldn't even hear him breathing.
Yet, it was only a matter of seconds before he was staring at me with the bagel
hanging off his mouth, his eyes wide and reluctant, as if he wasn't sure I'd
actually said it... or perhaps meant it. Either way, the confusion in his eyes made
me want to lean forward and kiss the doubt away.
"Come again?" he asked, frowning softly.
I chuckled weakly, shrugging before releasing a deep sigh. "I love
you," I murmured once more, glaring down at the table to keep my voice steady. That
was all I could say, even if I wanted to detail just how far I'd go for him. I
couldn't express that though, not with words and not with actions. Not even with
words could I explain how safe and warm I felt, regardless of the past, regardless
of the present, and regardless of the future.
"I-I-you know I d-do too, I mean..." he drifted off, staring wildly
before finally regaining control of his own mouth. I considered leaning in to kiss
him into silence, but I knew I needed to let him finish before doing so.
I chuckled, feeling my heart sinking when he took another sip of his
coffee, unsure of what that meant. Perhaps I was falling too quickly, drifting past
the pages and landing on one too many past his own. Perhaps we'd never be on the
same page.
"I love you too, Eric," I heard, and I could finally breathe again.
I nodded my head, smiling softly to myself, hoping that if I didn't
open them, time would stand still, nothing in between us and nothing capable of
separating this-us.
Of course, that wasn't so, no matter how much I hoped. Therefore, I
opened them once more, focusing on the bright, radiant smile with which he was
facing me, smiling so widely it hurt to look, knowing I would be the one to wipe it
off his face. There was such doubtless pride in his eyes, awakening such
conflicting emotions.
I had to tell him.
But later.
"We should go sight-seeing," I whispered under my breath, leaning in
before wrapping my arms around his shoulders, pulling his lips against mine before
he could reply.
---
I paced, watching him as he packed his luggage back, which was stocked
full of random, small souvenirs. I sighed, stretched out across the bed, not having
a single intention to stand up. We'd walked too much. Honestly, that was the only
way to describe it. The view had been incredible, and of course it had, yet I
hadn't even been able to focus on anything past Shawn's comfortable grip on my
hand-it never ceased to hold onto mine, no matter the crowd.
"You seem about ready to pass out," Shawn pointed out, closing the
luggage bag before pressing his hands firmly on it, sighing with relief when it
closed. He'd bought someone for everyone in the office, which would've been
surprising if I didn't know Shawn, who he was beneath the grumpy glare. He'd even
taken his time to pick something for Daniel, regardless of stating how much he
disliked him while buying it.
"Don't you think it's crazy?" he suddenly asked, walking towards the
bed. He dropped down beside me, turned onto his side while gazing down at me. I
shrugged, staring up at the ceiling, not bothering to ask what he meant simply
because I knew he'd explain anyways. That's how tired I felt after all the walking;
I couldn't even force myself to talk.
"You know, I never thought we'd end up here," he continued, staring
down at me fondly. "Who would've thought that I would look at you and think, 'fuck,
this person means everything to me,' as if by magic. I don't even know when I let
myself fall for you, Dirk."
I cringed at my own last name, leaning forward and pressing my lips
against his, wrapping my ams around him without pulling him down against me. We had
to leave soon, so there really was no way for us to get distracted without risking
missing the flight. Yet, I couldn't help but smile as well, nodding my head in
agreement. When I first met him, I hadn't realized that I'd have to lose a part of
myself to feel so full, so content.
"I think I always knew-" I started, suddenly hearing Shawn's phone
ringing.
I stared down at his hand, watching as Meghan's picture appeared on his
phone, announcing her call. My heart sunk immediately, and I wanted to reach for
the phone and take it away, but I knew I couldn't do that.
"I need to take this," Shawn replied, standing up from the bed and
moving towards the bathroom. "You know, she's probably angry about something and
whatnot; I'll spare you the awkwardness of watching her chew me out."
My own paranoia brought forth the idea that he was leaving the room
because he knew something I didn't, but he wasn't wrong; last time Meghan had
caused quite a scene, speaking so loudly that Shawn had sworn everyone around had
been able to hear her. Perhaps he also didn't want me hearing him cowering with
fear before his own daughter, as if I didn't do that as well.
The first instinct was to rush towards the door, but I couldn't do it.
I couldn't speak either, no matter how badly I wanted to be the one to explain
everything. Truth was, perhaps I wasn't supposed to be the one to explain it. Was I
being a coward and hiding behind her, not brave enough to watch his expression when
he learned of the lies I'd told? Perhaps.
I heard the door click, sitting up from the bed and glaring down at the
bed, staying still because I knew it was the right thing to do. Instead, I stood
up, watching the door cautiously, not sure of whether to run or stay in the room.
-Shawn-
"Hey, honey," I greeted quietly, pushing the phone away from my face as
soon as I heard the shuffling on the other side of the line. I might have also
closed my eyes tightly, expecting a sudden sharp shriek. When it didn't come, I
sighed with relief, suddenly excited for today; everything seemed to be going right
for some reason.
It was incredibly satisfying. First, Eric confessing he loved me and
now my daughter was acting sane. Could it be, perhaps, the day I had it easy? Could
that be possible nowadays, when one the insane people in my life took turns driving
me up the wall?
"Hey daddy," she greeted, her voice soft. "How are you?"
I smiled softly, leaning back against the closed door. "I'm-I've had a
pretty good day. How about you? How's Mom?"
"She's well," Meghan replied, her voice drifting a bit, sounding a bit
distant. Then, I heard the closing of a door, soft footsteps, and a lock.
"Jacqueline came over as well, which was... eventful."
I rolled my eyes, mentally preparing myself for the scolding I would
receive from Jacqueline over her having to do damage control. I didn't even want to
ask what Meghan had done, better off not knowing why Jacqueline had to check in on
them until I got back and could actually do something. From states away, the only
thing it would cause was unnecessary stress.
"You've been good?" I asked.
"Yeah, Dad, I have to-uh," she started, cutting herself off before
clearing her throat. "I don't really know how to say it."
I frowned, blinking wearily. Something was wrong. I didn't know exactly
what, or what the magnitude was, but I could hear it in her voice. I tensed up,
growling under my breath upon realizing the sheer distance. Perhaps the stress
would come anyways.
"Honey, what's wrong?" I asked, finding it harder to breathe. If
something was wrong then she needed to tell me. Fuck not stressing out. What if she
was going through something extremely important? I had to be there for her! "You
know you can tell me anything."
-Meghan-
I clung onto the phone, hearing the sheer happiness in his voice and
suddenly, my mind started wavering. Then, I moved the phone away from my ears,
staring at the message Jacqueline sent me before pushing the phone against my ear
once more. And as I opened my mouth, I felt my head spinning, no thought clear
enough to grasp onto and process. I couldn't even look at the messages anymore, far
too confused to continue. Suddenly, I didn't know what to do.
"Don't just go silent on me now," he muttered, grumbling under his
breath. "Meghan, what's wrong?"
I sighed, forcing myself to take deep breaths, unable to keep my voice
steady. With every moment that passed, I could feel myself growing a bit more
nervous, the anxiousness was taking control of my body, making it harder to think.
All I could do was stand there, listening to my father's soft breathing. If I
opened my mouth, there would be no going back.
And perhaps Jacqueline was right, as horrible annoying as she was,
perhaps there was no point to her inconvenience, but even then...
"Do you love him?" I asked my father, already knowing the answer before
he spoke. There was no missing the glint in his eyes as he watched Eric, so deep
and pure. Yet, here I was anyways; I was ready to crush whatever they had between
them.
"I do," Shawn replied excitedly, chuckling childishly before clearing
his throat. "He's-he's incredible."
I closed my eyes tightly, biting my bottom lip to keep the words from
slipping out of my mouth, if only for a few seconds longer.
"Right," I murmured, forcing myself to force the following words. I had
to do it, if only because I knew it was what was best for him in the end. Perhaps
down the lane, when he realized more he'd detest me for choosing what I had, and
perhaps he'd even hate me, but Eric was a weak bitch regardless.
"That's great," I muttered through clenched teeth, hovering above the
end call button. "You have my approval and whatnot... Just, have a safe trip,
okay?"
Dad paused for a second, sighing deeply. "I will. I love you, Meghan.
Thank you for-I don't know... thanks for accepting me so well."
I rolled my eyes. "You know I'd never judge you, Dad."
Suddenly, he was the one tearing up, his voice sounding a bit cut from
the other side of the line. I paused, fighting the urge to hang up on him; when he
got all cheesy, it was honestly a bit uncomfortably. I never knew what to say at
times like that, often just being carelessly indifferent.
He released a humorless laugh, cursing under his breath. "I don't think
I even took the time to properly explain anything, did I? I didn't even consider
how you'd feel about him and I-"
Yeah, well...
"It's okay," I replied, brushing the tears away. I'd probably have Eric
driving me around for the new few months as repayment anyways. He owed me. "I'm
happy you're happy."
 "I should've asked you," he continued, his voice growing restless.
"It's been just us until now-why wouldn't I ask you?"
I sighed, rubbing my eyes; that was something I didn't know either, no
matter how hard I tried to understand. Yet, all along, it wasn't ever really my
choice. His happiness wasn't my choice, no matter how much I wanted to keep my
father's attention solely on me. I couldn't do that to him-I couldn't keep him from
someone who made him happy, regardless of the fact that that someone was
obnoxiously overly-nice.
"Well, I approve," I stated. "I have to go; have a nice trip."
"Thank you, hon-" I hung up before he could answer, leaning back
against the bedpost.
I sighed, reading Jacqueline's message aloud, perhaps because that was
the only way to make sure it was real. "If you don't say anything, I'll tell you
who your mother is," I read aloud, angrily wiping the tears away. If she was lying
to me, I would make her regret it for the rest of her life.
-Eric-
I was shivering, clinging onto my luggage as he entered the room,
heading directly for the luggage. He seemed a bit shaken up, just as I'd assumed
he'd be when he'd come in. In fact, he wasn't even looking at me, instead moving
towards the luggage to pick it up from the door.
"Can we talk about it?" I asked, unsure of whether I wanted to know the
answer. He wasn't screaming, so I just had to hope that meant he'd taken it better
than anticipated.
"About what?" Shawn replied, raising an eyebrow as he struggled to push
the luggage onto the bed. I couldn't tell if he was playing stupid or waiting for
me to say it aloud, but not knowing was almost as unnerving as keeping it to
myself. Maybe he knew I'd been wrong in letting Meghan explain and he was waiting
for me to bring it up-perhaps I'd lose my fucking mind over it.
"I'm sorry I lied," I started, ignoring the single tear that rolled
down my eyes. It was warm against my cheek, brushing across my skin before sinking
around the curve of my face. "I'm so sorry, Shawn."
Shawn grew still, staring down at the luggage. "You lied..."
I nodded my head rapidly, taking a shaky breath. I had to tell him,
didn't I? Even if it was the last thing I wanted to do. After preaching so much
advise and assuming I knew so much, finally, it was time to take my own advise and
be honest.
"I'm sorry I lied about everything, Shawn. I just-I didn't know what to
do!" I started, frowning when he raised his head to frown at me, looking completely
lost.
"What did you lie to me about?" he asked, glaring intently.
And that... that was when I realized he hadn't known. I blinked, seeing
the blood drain from his face as he focused on my face. "What did you?" he asked,
standing up from where he'd been leaning, inspecting the luggage.
I didn't know what to say.
---
Shawn wasn't talking. He wasn't making any noise really, staring off
against the door as if the material was hypnotizing. I was still crying, of course,
feeling the stinging at the corners of my eyes as I continued to rub them away,
unable to sit still.
"Everything," he started, lowering his face to hide it behind the palm
of his hands. "Were you ever honest with me, Eric?"
"It was just those two times, Shawn, I promise," I started, suddenly
noticing the bitter anger in his eyes as he turned his head to face me. Yet, more
than rage, I could see the wounding frustration present, driven by the pain I was
causing him.
"Just," Shawn murmured sarcastically, shaking his head in disbelief.
"So my first impression of you was correct?"
"Shawn..." I whispered, watching him standing up from the bed and
moving towards the luggage. I stood up as well, walking after him because the
thought of letting him go was causing a terrifying, unbearable tightness in my
chest. "Please, just hear me out."
Shawn turned to face me, blinking. "I heard you out, Eric. I heard you
tell me you lied about being gay! I heard you fucking tell me you lied about my own
daughter to me, about your intentions that night. I fucking heard you already, and
you're exhausting!"
I stood like a deer caught by headlights, trying to come up with some
excuse for why I needed him to stay with me, finding absolutely nothing worthy of
mentioning. "I'm sorry," I whimpered, running my fingers through my hair in
frustration, yet the cold expression he flashed made it clear he didn't care. It
was stone cold, a harsh, painful shot through my heart.
Shawn shook his head, throwing the luggage down before turning away
from me, growling under his breath before turning to face me once more, pointing a
finger against my chest. "The worst part, Eric, is that I don't even know what's
the truth anymore. Every time I think about you telling me you love me, all I can
hear is another lie!"
I sobbed then, releasing a shaky, breathless, gasp as I realized that
the frustration had turned into a deep, unfiltered hatred. And just like that, I
was back where I'd started, feeling so distant from Shawn despite being so close.
"I'll leave," I said, turning to grab my luggage, angrily wiping away the tears. I
was angry at myself. I was angry at the person I should've been, and what could've
been. But most of all, I was angry at the fact that it was my fault.
"Stop," Shawn yelled as I grabbed onto my backpack, ready to bolt from
the hotel room.
And of course, I froze just as he wanted me to, fearfully meeting his
gaze.
"I'm not going to leave you here, stranded, Eric. You work for me," he
muttered under his breath, shaking his head. "At least until we get back to the
office."
I set my luggage down, nodding my head in agreement.
"What happens when we get back to the office?" I asked, if only to fill
the tense silence. And even while I knew exactly what he was going to say, I
couldn't help but ask.
Shawn averted his gaze, turning to pick up the luggage. "You're fired."
<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>
A/N: OKAY, BEFORE YOU GO AND TRY TO MURDER ME, LET ME ANNOUNCE THAT YES, THERE'S A
SEQUEL THAT IS CALLED ARDENT LOVE AND WILL COME OUT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2015. I
LOVE YOU. ANYWAYS, LET ME BE EMOTIONAL NOW.
Honestly, I can't begin to explain how difficult it was to write this chapter. I'm
not even a crier, but there might have been some tears at some point, to be honest.
I don't even know how to explain how blessed I feel right now, or how humble and
grateful I am because you decided to read this story, a story that I poured my
heart into. This feels so bitter-sweet, but it feels right in a way. After all the
laughs, this felt like the right way to end the book. It will forever be in my
heart, no matter where I go, and I truly hope you feel the same. Please consider
voting and commenting.
Oh yeah, before you kill me, remember there's a sequel. Let me explain everything
really quickly: there's going to be a direct sequel to Office love (Ardent Love) as
well as a spin-off called Royal Love (which is about Connor, if you remember him,
haha). Both will commence soon enough (you already know when AL comes out, too!),
so please, please, please be on the look-out. In the meantime, Office Love is part
of a series, which happens to include a few other stories. Those are Gym Love,
Fleeting Love, and Record Love; I seriously recommend you read them. I love you.
No, seriously, I do. :)
-Hec

DIRECT SEQUEL ALERT! (ARDENT LOVE!)

Ａ fter the fallout,
Ｒ age sparks from sin.
Ｄ ead from the impact, &
Ｅ mpty within.
Ｎ umb with desire, but
Ｔ orn at the seams.
Ｌ ustful, careless
Ｏ utbursts of spite.
Ｖ ile disputes, yet
Ｅ rogenous nights.
ＡＲＤＥＮＴ ＬＯＶＥ (Sequel to OFFICE LOVE)
OUT NOW!
[Part of the Awkward Love Series]

---
Sequel Announcement for Ardent Love! (Awkward Love Series)
Ardent Love is the direct sequel to Office Love, revolving primarily around them
post-Office Love. Yes, that means there is more. I did promise a sequel, didn't I,
loves?
What does that mean exactly?
Out of the entire Awkward Love Series this is the first sequel to a primary story.
All others are companion stories! Which is honestly so amazing. I mean, I just
couldn't resist the urge to make a continuation after that ending, huh?
Do I have to read all other stories in the series? (Gym Love, Fleeting Love, &
Record Love?)
Obviously, the only story from the series you must read in order to understand the
sequel, Ardent Love, is this book. Yet, I'm going to assume that you've done so if
you're reading this message, so please, by all means, enjoy!
Will there be any crossovers?
It's a direct continuation to Office Love, so of course. We'll also be seeing a few
new characters, not to mention exploring some we introduced within the book.
In the end, it's up to you to see if you want to read Ardent Love, but I truly hope
you will . It is now out, so feel free to read it. I'll attach a link to it on the
chapter, but you should be able to find it quickly from my profile.
IMPORTANT: Okay, so now that you know about Ardent Love, I have something else to
tell you. I'm currently hosting a give-away. The information on how to enter can be
found within the prologue of Ardent Love, and I'm confident you'll love what I've
planned. Is this my attempt at giving you guys incentive to check out Ardent Love?
haha, maybe it is! Anyways, I'm so grateful for you guys so I wanted to do
something fun, and I truly hope you'll participate, but most importantly, enjoy.
Again, info on how to enter is in the A/N (author's note) of Ardent Love, which IS
OUT NOW and that's that! <3 You're beautiful, by the way.
Love, Hec