Why the hell is she so different?
You were a complete asshole after you ran her over and you secretly feel bad about it.
Okay, so? I’m her boss now. Who the hell talks to their boss the way she’s talking to me? That’s not how the goddamn world works. People will think I’m soft. Everyone will think it’s okay to do it if she does it in front of people.
Regardless, it’s me chasing her now toward the elevator, like a goddamn puppy. When I get on, it’s her who’s wearing a slight smirk now, like she just got one up on me. When the doors close, I have half a mind to throw her up against the wall and show her what happens when you disrespect me.
I’m pretty sure she’d kick you right in the balls, and then report you the second we get to HR.
It’d be fun, though.
In fact, I think I could get away with it. I saw the way she looked at me earlier, when we first made eye contact. She likes it, even though she’s far too proud to admit it.
But I don’t do anything. I just stand there like an idiot. Karli stands there too, glaring up at me.
Fuck this. I just keep standing there.
After about three long seconds, she finally asks, “Are you going to push the button?”
I wheel around on her. “Interesting. So you don’t know where you’re going?”
Her face heats up and it’s glorious, but she remains silent.
“Because it looked like you knew where you were going when you took off toward the elevators. I figured I’d just follow you around and let you lead the way, since you make all the rules. Maybe you could even teach me a thing or two. Maybe you could revise our employee handbook for us without reading a single word of it.”
Her whole body looks tense, like every muscle is flexing. Her jaw is clenched tight. She finally exhales a sigh and says, “Okay, fine, can we just, try to get through this?”
I reach out and push the button for the correct floor. “I don’t see why not. If you can manage your emotions a little better.” I don’t even look at her when I say it, just smile straight ahead at the door.
I’m pretty sure I can hear her exhaling through her nostrils next to me, like a damn bull waiting to charge. Through her teeth, she says, “Are you…” but surprisingly, manages to stop herself. After another second or two, she says, “Fine.”
I turn my head toward her. “Good.” At the same time the elevator dings, and the doors slide open. I hold out a hand. “After you.”
There’s hate in her eyes. So much hate. Not only can I see it, I can feel it burning a hole in my face. Once she’s off the elevator, I walk past her toward the HR offices. No matter how many times I do this, it still makes me nervous over here. Only bad things happen at HR.
We walk inside, and I introduce her to the manager. She gets Karli and her paperwork all filled out. They go over the company handbook—she glares at me the second she takes it after what I just said on the elevator—and Karli puts her copy in her bag. She also fills out her I-9 and W-4. They take her picture and give her a badge, and then we’re on our way.
“What now?” Karli looks up at me as we walk back toward the elevators.
“Tour of the building.”
“Okay.”
I stand there, staring at her like I’m waiting. I do it so long, it gets awkward.
Right when she’s about to say something, I cut her off. “Oh, so you’re not going to give the tour?”
Her cheeks start to flame up again.
I hold out a hand like I’m confused. “Sorry, because you went to the elevator earlier, and I just thought you were taking the lead on this whole training thing.”
If eyes were capable of hate, Karli’s would be a few levels above that. Loathe, maybe? Abhor? Whatever it is, it’s fantastic. To her credit, she doesn’t say anything back. Just glares daggers.
“Okay then, right this way.” I walk over and push the button for the elevator.
She follows along on my heels. I may even speed up a little, just to make her more uncomfortable in the shoes she’s wearing.
Still, she’s hot as fuck when she’s mad. I think I like her better that way, truth be told.
We make it to the elevator and head up to the main floor. I smile when she puts as much distance as possible between us in the elevator.
That’s smart, Karli. You should stay away from me.
I smirk right at her when her eyes dart over to mine. She tenses immediately.
I have to make a conscious effort not to check her out, and it’s difficult. She’s right there, just begging to be thrown up against the wall in here. Fuck, her legs, ass, tits—everything is in perfect proportion. I’m not lying when I say it’s almost unbearable, knowing she’s just a few feet away, and the only thing separating us is a few layers of clothes.
Fortunately, for both of us, the elevator dings and the door slides open. When it does, it’s like I can breathe again and the collar on my neck loosens a little.
Karli’s eyes widen when the light spills over us.
“This is the main floor, with the bullpen, and most of the partner offices around the perimeter.” I hold a hand out, indicating for her to step off first.
Might as well be a gentleman. It is pretty impressive the first time you see it, so I don’t want to fuck up her moment.
Karli takes a few steps, and her head turns on a swivel.
“There’s the receptionist desk.” I point right in front of us.
A woman is answering the phones in front of a giant granite wall with The Hunter Group in giant letters behind it.
“Follow me and I’ll show you the different departments.”
“Hey, Matthew! Who’s this?”
I whip around, then straighten up fast when I see who just called my name. “Tate, Quinn.” I give them a little nod. “This is Karli. She’s a new intern.”
Quinn and Tate basically step in front of me like I don’t exist.
“Hi. Tate Collins.” She shakes hands with Karli. “Oh yes, I remember meeting with you.” She turns to Quinn. “She’s the one I told you about, from U of C Law.”
“Quinn Collins.” She glances at Tate as she says it, like they’re just now realizing they have the same last name, then she shakes Karli’s hand as well. “It’s so nice to have you here. Tate raved about your interview, said you’re perfect. I hope you’re enjoying it here so far.”
It’s like Karli’s entire personality morphs into some new person I haven’t met yet. “Yes, I am. It’s so nice to meet you both.” Karli looks at both of them like she just spotted a couple celebrities. “Well, to meet you, Mrs. Collins.” She looks at Quinn as she says it and must realize they both have the same last name. “I mean, to say, because I already met you…” She turns to Tate. “Mrs. Collins, when you came to the school.”
Tate smiles. “It’s okay, our names are confusing, and I know what you meant.” Tate’s eyes dart around. “Don’t let any of these men give you any shit. If they do, come find me.” Tate smiles at Karli, then looks over at me, still smiling. “Except Matthew. He’s a good one.”
My grin grows to epic proportions, and it’s aimed right at Karli. She looks like she might puke.