T's & C's (don't) Apply

40. (Don't) Waste My Time

I stared at my computer screen midweek and read over the reply to Mr. Berkeley's secretary twice before I pressed send.  

Kai had been ignoring his father's calls and texts since he heard about the breakup. Kai also told me not to answer any questions about his relationship if his father asked. I thought it was fair since I wasn't hired to intervene in Kai's private life. Although it seemed I was doing more for him in his personal life than in his professional life.  

However, I was more than happy not to answer any of Mr. Berkeley's questions. He was still abroad and by midweek, his secretary sent an email to set up a meeting for that Saturday. I wasn't keen but also had the perfect excuse not to attend.  

It was my father's fiftieth birthday party that weekend. I'd been dreading it since my mom told me about it. I thought of excuses not to attend but when Laurel asked me to attend, I couldn't turn her down. I decided to go as a guest and leave like one.  

"Ms. Wright?" 

I looked up from the computer screen and saw Kai's assistant, Denise, call for me.  

"Mr. Berkeley would like to see you."  

"Now?"  

Denise nodded and I had no choice but to follow her. Keenan smirked a little as I passed him and I wondered what that was about. Kai and I had gotten friendlier but no one at work could've picked up on that. Could they?  

I smiled at Denise as I walked past her desk and knocked on Kai's door. He allowed me in, and I was pleasantly surprised to see that he was working instead of gaming on his phone.  

"You called, sir?" I spoke when he didn't notice me.  

Kai looked up and a slight frown covered his forehead for a second. "You know you don't need to refer to me as sir, right?"  

I can't believe this is the same bloke who hated that I called him by his name a month ago. 

I made my way over to his desk. "I know but your reaction every time I do is amusing."  

"What reaction?"  

"It's hard to explain. Next time I'll make sure we're in front of a mirror."  

"Pardon?" Kai's tone raised a smidge.  

I didn't have time to play along. "Never mind. Why did you call for me?"  

Kai rested back against his chair. "Remind me why you moved out of my office again."  

"Because I was only supposed to work here until my injury was healed."  

"Did I say that?"  

I nodded. "It was implied. Besides, I'm more comfortable working in my usual spot."  

"Or you just don't want your co-workers to discuss our working arrangement more than they already do?" Kai raised a brow. "You shouldn't worry what others say, do, or think. If you live to please others, you'll never do what pleases you nor will you ever have peace of mind."  

"I'll keep that in mind," I curtly said even though his words were true. "I have a lot of work to finish up, if that's all you wanted to say, I'll get back to it."  

Kai leaned forward and stared at me for a long moment. I felt a little self-conscious under his intense gaze. I shifted slightly in my spot and instinctively ran my fingers through my hair.  

"What?"  

"You're being awfully formal after what I saw this weekend," Kai mused.  

"P-pardon?" I played ignorant.