Hot Coffee (The Hollens) novel Chapter 48

Ethan's POV

I was at the office but I couldn't focus on the task at hand at the moment. My mind kept going back to what happened earlier, the way she got me to lay with her and show up late. I kept wondering if I'd see her when I got home, if she'd be there waiting for me on the bed, or if she'd be gone without a trace.

She said she would be leaving.

I raked my fingers through my hair, heaved a frustrated sigh and went back to paperwork.

Ten minutes in, my office door opened and the sound of heels hitting the tiles was heard. I glanced up and noticed Linda standing close to my desk with a smirk on her face, and she started bouncing her nails on the surface of my desk. 

I closed the folder. "Can I help you?" I asked in annoyance.

Although she was the COO, I didn't appreciate her just walking into my office and looking seductive. It was unprofessional. I had already explained to her that what happened between us was a mistake and was alcohol influenced and would never happen again, but it seemed like she wasn't getting it through her thick skull and hair extensions.

I could fire her at anytime, but I didn't want to raise a red flag, and a woman like her could ruin your image and reputation with lies, so I decided to keep her around and forgive and forget what happened with her. But, here she was, just showing up at my office unannounced.

"I want you." She leaned over my desk, her butt sticking out, her cleavage popping through her half unbuttoned, tight shirt.

Linda had never been like this. She was loyal, trustworthy, and professional in every way. I trusted her more than anyone in the building.

"Linda, get out of my office. I already told you what happened between us was a mistake."

"A mistake? A mistake! Like, really, Ethan? So I'm a bloody mistake?" She was furious.

"Look! I was under the influence and I was under a great deal of stress in my personal life. We made out. I didn't even penetrate you; but, here you are, acting like you own this dick or have rights to me. I'm giving you exactly thirty seconds to button up your shirt, get off my desk, and get out of my office. I'm a taken man."

"Oh, to that little black girl or the gold digger? You really know how to pick them, Ethan. You could have had all of this but you'd rather have black trash."

"Don't you ever open your mouth and talk about my fiancee like that to my face. Are you crazy? Matter of fact, take next week off because you're suspended!"

"Are you for real?"

"Linda, get the fuck out of my office!"

She turned on her heels and, literally, ran out of my office, slamming the door behind her.

The nerve of that damn woman! Insulting my Emma to my face and trying to seduce me with her tits. She had to be crazy.

Linda made my morning more complicated and frustrated than it had already started. I looked up at my wall clock: 11:00 am. I  finished signing off on the paperwork and informed my assistant that I would be gone for the rest of the day so she should take messages if anyone important called for me.

Saturdays weren't like normal work days. I used Saturdays to catch up on things that were behind, especially my signature on paperwork, payrolls and propositions, to advance the company's work load. Only my immediate team, which consisted of my assistant, my COO, CFO, and general managers had access to the office on weekends.

The company had fifty departments and occupied ten floors of the building. I was strict but friendly side; I didn't see a reason for acting like a beast towards the people helping me earn money unless they got on my dark side, like last year when a deadline wasn't met by one department and no one wanted to take the blame for the screw ups. The entire department was fired, including the managers, and replaced. I was fair but I wasn't generous with my deadlines. When I gave a task, I expected it to be done efficiently and on time.

I was now in my car heading home with only one person on my mind. When the guards saw my car approaching, they immediately opened the gate. I had an automatic voice recognition gate, like my Nana's, but when Emma was attacked, by my own mother, I had it changed and hired more security and more household employees, including a new chef.

I took the elevator, though I usually took the stairs; I was eager to see if Emma was around or if she had left. I opened the bedroom door and saw her talking on the phone. She was wearing a very sexy tight vest with a short shorts with part of her booty hanging out. She looked delicious. I was lost in my thoughts for a moment, but when she said the name "Roger" into the phone my mood changed instantly. That bastard couldn't just leave her alone?

I moved over to the bed, where she was sitting and I sat down besides her, listening in on the conversation.

"So when are you coming back?" I heard him ask. 

I had heard enough from this asshole.

I took the phone out of Emma's hand and yelled through the phone for Roger to mind his own business then hung up. I threw the phone aside. Emma eyes were wide and she looked scared.

Great, Linda at work, and Roger at home!

I had had it. I really needed a vacation. I lie back on the bed and heaved a sigh. I was happy she was home.

"Hey," she said softly to me, pushing her tiny fingers into my hair and rubbing my forehead. "Are you alright?"

"Yeah," I answered shortly and pulled her onto me with a strong hug. 

She planted small kisses on my lips, which made me smile every time. She was so delicate and beautiful, like a flower. I was happy she was finally back.

"How was your morning?"

"It was alright. I went for a walk but the sky looked like it would rain so I didn't stay out long. I spoke with Halley, Chef made me a yummy breakfast, and I watched television."

I smiled because she was smiling. She seemed happy and that was the way I wanted her to always be. Happy.

I got up and changed into my exercising t-shirt and pants.

"Where are you going?" she asked.

"The gym."