It had been bothering me why he would even say something like that to me in the first place, so I asked him.

“Why do you think I don’t eat?”

“Because your ex-boyfriend deterred you from eating a chocolate bar on the plane and then he insulted you by comparing you to other women. Look at you. You’re a what? A size four? Don’t get me wrong, but from what I can tell, you have an amazing body. I just want to make sure you’re not starving yourself.”

I sat there speechless. It was highly inappropriate for him to be commenting on my body.

“You saw and heard that on the plane?” I asked.

“Of course I did. That asshole has a big mouth. I’m sure everyone on the plane heard.”

“You’re right. I am a size four because I eat healthy and I work out.”

“There’s nothing wrong with indulging in sweets every now and again.” He smiled as he took a bite of his food.

“And I find it highly inappropriate for you to be talking about my body. You’re my boss and I do believe that’s a form of sexual harassment,” I spewed.

“See it as you wish, Gabrielle. But I like looking at your body clothed and I would like to see more of it unclothed.” He winked.

Jesus, my panties were soaked. No one had ever talked to me like that before. I didn’t know what to think. I was angry but turned on at the same time. Strong. Stay strong, I kept chanting in my head.

“I’m not sorry to say that my naked body is something you’ll never see.”

“We’ll see about that.” The corners of his mouth curved up into that sexy smile that I’d been seeing way too much for one day.

“Are we finished here? I need to get back to work.”

The ride back to Young International was silent. Patrick smiled at me as he opened the door and helped me out. Simon walked a few feet behind me into the building and I was very uncomfortable, for I knew he was checking out my ass. We stepped into the elevator and I pushed the button to the sixteenth floor.

“By the way, I don’t think I mentioned that I like what you did with your hair. It’s very attractive on you,” he spoke as he took a few strands in between his fingers.

I didn’t say a word. I just shot him a look, and as soon as the elevator doors opened, I stepped off. Before they had the chance to shut, I heard him yell, “You’re welcome.”

“Asshole,” I mumbled under my breath.

****

Sitting down at my desk, I looked around my office. An office that needed a woman’s touch.

“Katie, can you please come in here?” I yelled from my chair.