SM owns. DH and I own UPSward and secret, smiley-faced belly rubs.
Jessica was getting on my nerves. More than usual. And that's saying something.
"What do you mean you don't want it? It's just how you like it." I frowned down at her, pushing the coffee cup across the front desk.
As far as job rankings go, Jess and I seemed to be fairly equal even though our responsibilities were very different. Sometimes when I was in the break room I made a cup of coffee for her at same time I made one for myself. Not because I had to, but because I'm a nice person. Hear that Karma? Because I'm a nice person.
"I mean just what I told you," Jessica said. "If I'm having a coffee date with Edward tonight then I don't want to fill-up before hand."
"It's ten-thirty in the morning," I said flatly. "The only thing you're in danger of filling up with is bullshit."
"Green's not a good color on you, Bella Swan," she said with a sniff. "You're looking more and more like the Grinch every day."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I folded my arms. She was getting close to hurting my feelings. That was the last time I was bringing her coffee!
"Just admit that I have dibs—oh shit! He's here!"
I leaned up against the doorway in an attempt to look casual, a little amazed that Jessica checked her breath, fluffed her hair and pinched her cheeks all the space of about three seconds. She might be a bitch but the girl had skills.
"Good morning," she purred as soon as Edward came in the door. He was slightly out of breath, the hair at his temples damp.
Oh god. Did UPS have professional uniform fitter-people? Because no way in hell did that ass and thighs in those brown shorts just happen.
I sighed, my hand unconsciously going to my stomach, rubbing lightly. I knew exactly where that little smiley face was.
"Got three for you today," he said, bending down to leave them on the floor. "Watch out, this one's heavy."
"Oh, good," I smiled, peering at the label. "That one's for me." I looked up. "It's all the literature on the new Tantric chairs."
"Oh…" Edward's cheeks turned a little pink. "Really? Tantric chairs, huh." He moved a step closer.
I nodded, caught up in the nearness of him. "Mhmm… will UPS allow you to bring it back to my office desk? Since it's so… heavy and everything," I murmured. I shivered, still feeling his warm breath on the bare skin of my stomach.
"Bella, don't be rude," Jessica butted in with a glare. "Edward's on a tight schedule. And seriously, stop rubbing your stomach. I'd think you were pregnant if I knew for a fact that you never get any action." She gave me one last scowl then turned the charm on my man. "Edward, where's your thingie? Don't I need to sign?"
"Yes." He straightened and gave her the electronic tablet. "Thanks." He glanced at me through his lashes while Jess was occupied, one of those seductive secret looks, full of promise.
I promptly blushed, melting a gooey trail down the wall.
"Sooo," Jessica smiled and wiggled in her seat. "Where are we going on our coffee date?"
His eyes darted to her then back to me. "I was thinking of that place a block over, on the corner. That good for you, Bella?"
"Oh!" I grinned, delighted. "Yes, it's very good for me."
"NO, it's NOT good for her," Jessica bit out, turning purple. "Bella, the edits on the catalog are back, didn't I tell you?"
My spirits sank. "No, you most certainly did not. You said it'd be next week." Oooh, I smelled a rat. A self-absorbed, bleached blonde, nail-artified rat.
"Well, you know how involved that process is. Deadline tomorrow!" She grinned evilly. "You'd better get to work if you don't want an all-nighter in front of you."
"It's okay," Edward said softly. "As long as you come Friday."
"Friday!" Jessica's eyes narrowed. "What's Friday?"
Edward looked as if he suddenly understood the bitchy politics going on right in front of his face. "Um…" he grimaced. "Bella, let me take this box to your office and then I really gotta get a move on."
fuck fuck fuck… Jess with her claws unleashed was not fun. Not fun at all.
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