Okay, okay. I've got three exams this week and there will definitely not be enough time in the day to get everything done. BUT, while I was reading about Auxins in plants the idea for this story emerged (I don't even know how, lol).

Later this week, I will get to posting on my other stories (Next update on the list is for Missing;).

Disclaimer: The Plum universe belongs to JE.

I was up to my armpits in paperwork. Tank was on vacation, so that meant I was stuck doing a lot of office work. I despise desk duty with a passion, but it's gotta get done and Tank deserves time off too. With a sigh, I continued. Maybe I can get through most of the stack by the end of the day.

I'm not sure how much time had passed before my neck and shoulders started tingling from having my head bent. Hand on my nape, I rolled my shoulders and neck to work out the stiffness. Guess I'm not as young as I used to be. I blinked several times to adjust my vision and pushed away from my desk. I need coffee.

A short trip to the breakroom later, I walked back to my office with a hot cup of black coffee. I took a glorious sip, savoring the taste of the dark liquid. On my second sip I entered my office just as my desk phone started ringing.

"Yo." I answered, taking another sip before sitting.

There was a pause before Zero came on the line. "Joe Morelli is here. Says he needs to talk to you." I could hear the wariness in his tone.

I frowned. I have no idea why Morelli was here. "Business or personal?" If it's business, he can kiss my ass and talk to my lawyer. And if it's personal, well, he can still kiss my ass.

There was another pause before I heard Morelli say 'It's about her'. "Send him up." I told Zero before disconnecting.

I waited in my office so he would have to step into my domain. My cup was empty by the time Morelli finally arrived at my office.

I stared at him with my blank face in place.

"I've come to propose we switch places." His jaw ticked before continuing. "I'll be her lover and you can play the boyfriend part."

My right fist clenched automatically.

"I can't force you to forget her..." A small smile escaped him. "She has a unique natural effect that wedges her in your heart."

I narrowed my eyes at him, not understanding where he intended for this 'conversation' to go.

"I know you've offered her a job." It was Morelli's turn to squint, dark gaze trying to intimidate me. Keyword here is trying. "I'm sure this employment opportunity will have her here..." He gestured with his hands to emphasize the office. "...at your disposal."

It's true that I recently offered her a job as office manager. My reasons are many; amongst them being that she's worked for Rangeman in the past and knows both the company and my guys. She's capable. I am sure of that. And sure, what if maybe aside from needing someone to keep order so Tank and I can get involved in more field-like work, I also crave her company?

"It's time to end this once and for all. She's going to choose." Unsaid went the fact that the loser would step aside, vanishing from the equation completely. With a smug grin in place, he continued. "And she's going to pick me."

Anger at him and his presumptuousness; talking about her as if Babe were an object that clearly belonged to him, clouded my thoughts and made me lose my cool. Rational thought was instantly replaced with a strong emotion, my love her, and it was the only explanation I found for the response that left my lips. "If you're so sure, then I accept."

It was my turn to smile. Game on.