Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 22709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22709 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
I nodded. It was the best I could do; I knew if I said any more, I’d be blubbering all over myself, and that was not the first impression I wanted to make at my new job.
I didn’t even realize Geo was still holding my hand from our initial handshake until he enclosed his other palm around me. His touch was warm and comforting. It was the first touch from a man that didn’t have me looking over my shoulder for prying, judgmental eyes. I didn’t flinch or fight it. Geo’s touch was…natural. It made me feel like this was exactly where I was supposed to be, which was a thrilling but dangerous thing.
“I’m sure she is so proud of you,” he offered sincerely, and my throat squeezed and burned.
I had to clear it twice before answering, “Thank you,” in a quiet voice. I needed to get the attention off of me, and I wanted to make Geo feel good as well, and to remind him of his importance, so I told him, “I’m sure yours is as well.”
His loud snort of laughter caught me off guard. “Sorry.” He regrettably let go of my hand as he explained, “But no, that ship has sailed. And then their ship sailed.” He laughed again at the joke I didn’t understand. “But you don’t want to hear about that.”
Geo was wrong; I definitely wanted to hear about it. I was intrigued to learn everything I could about him. But if he didn’t want to speak on it, I wouldn't push. And perhaps this wasn’t the best place for that conversation.
“Anyway, I better show you around before Jennifer comes back and chews my ass.” The words caused completely irrational flashes of both protectiveness in wanting to keep him from harm, and jealousy of anyone having anything to do with his ass. I was in dangerous territory indeed.
Geo started for the door, but I stepped ahead of him to open it. He smiled and walked through before me. I want to go on record saying I did not take the opportunity to check out his aforementioned ass. Which is a damn shame, because I did not notice how firm and round it was, or the way it swished beneath his khakis.
Geo showed me around the room, introducing me to several of my coworkers, who each gave a friendly smile or quick words of welcome before returning to their work. He pointed out the restrooms, break room, copier, and coffee pot before leading me to an empty cubicle.
“This is where you’ll sit.” He pointed to a folder on my desk and added, “In there, you’ll find your username and temporary password to get into the computer system. It will prompt you to change it after you log in for the first time. Jerry will be your preceptor.” Geo nodded to a portly, grumpy-looking man standing next to a water cooler in the corner before leaning in closer to me. “He looks like a hardass, but here’s a pro tip; ask him about his dogs. He breeds Dachshunds, and anyone who brings them up in conversation is golden.”
“Dachshunds, huh? He doesn’t strike me as the kind of guy who likes wieners.” Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have told the inappropriate joke; I was trying to make a great impression. But I instinctively trusted Geo, and I also wanted to make him laugh. The melodious sound tickled my eardrums as he playfully slapped my shoulder. “Thank you for the tip. I really appreciate it.”
“Of course,” he smiled brightly. “If there’s anything else I can help you with, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll be right over there.”
He jutted his chin towards a desk not far from my own. It was turned sideways, so that it was facing the room full of employees. Instead of being closed up in a cubicle and covered in paperwork, it was open and inviting, decorated with knick-knacks, plants, and candy dishes. It matched Geo’s bright and bubbly personality.
An idea popped into my mind. It was a terrible idea, and my better judgement screamed at me to not say it out loud. But keeping the words from my lips was like trying to stop a freight train.
“There is one thing,” I began, and Geo stood up straighter, appearing eager to help. “I’m not familiar with the area; where is the best place to grab lunch?”
“Gabby’s,” he answered without hesitation. “It’s only a couple of blocks away, so you can just walk and not have to worry about traffic. I go there a few times a week.”
“Would you like to join me for lunch there today?” It was not a bright idea to get involved with anyone at work. I knew that as well as I knew my own name. I’d worked so hard to land here, and I could risk it all with one little lunch invitation. But did that stop me? No. Maybe I wasn’t as smart as my degree would suggest. Or perhaps the enchanting draw of Geo made my logical brain stop working. I wanted to know more about this beautiful man if he’d give me the chance.