Jill Monroe - Never Naughty Enough

The lid banging on the basket signaled her cleaning task was completed. “Ms. Scott.”

Her eyes met his, a mixture of dread and hope evident in her gaze. “Yes?”

“I’ll be working late this evening. Please lock up when you leave.”

He broke out in a sweat as she shut the door behind her.

ANNABELLE SUCCESSFULLY resisted the temptation to slam the door. Instead, she stalked over to her desk, dumped the basket next to the file cabinet and grabbed the pad under the phone.

This time she retrieved a thick Sharpie marker to cross out her stupid list. She meant business.

1. Use your tongue. Bite it the next time you feel the need to seek advice from Katie.

2. Play with your food. Leave that to the toddler set.

3. Arch your back more. Keep that up and you’ll give yourself a real backache.

The pungent odor of the marker filled the room as she colored over any trace of her latest mantra. You’re a seductress.

Yeah. Sure. A seducer right back to work.

Pushing the paper aside, Annabelle dialed Katie’s number. She should put it on the office speed dial. Her friend answered on the first ring; she must have been expecting her call.

“Are you sticky from butter?”

“How’d you know it was me?”

“Caller ID.”

“The plan tanked. I’m finished.”

“Hmm.”

The clicking sound over the phone line gave Annabelle a clear image of Katie in her mind. She reclined in her chair, clicking her pen between her teeth. Thinking. Never a good sign.

“No new plans. You’re right. The well’s a bust,” Annabelle said. She had a plan of her own. Maybe if she agreed with Katie, her next suggestion wouldn’t involve stilettos and a black feather boa.

“I don’t know. I can’t help but think all he needs is a nudge.” Katie took a sudden intake of breath. “I’ve got it.”

Annabelle cringed. “Maybe you shouldn’t say those words again. Your last two plans backfired.”

“Those plans should have worked. I’m beginning to think it’s the execution. That’s why I’m taking matters into my own hands. I’m overseeing the next operation.”

“Katie, I’m not interested—”

“You’ll start seeing another man.”

Her muscles relaxed. This newest brainchild would go nowhere. “Well, first I have to choose just one from the many clamoring outside my door.”

“We’ll start small. There’s a party tonight. Heather’s roommate got married and she’s throwing an ‘I’m still single’ bash at her apartment.”

This time Annabelle’s groan was audible. “No, not a party. I hate parties.”

“Belle, honey, maybe it’s time for you to move on. Nothing’s happening there in the office. You need to search for something new. It might not be at this party, but it’s a start to get your feet wet.”

She cut another glance at Wagner’s firmly shut door. His heart, like that door, would remain shut to her forever. She might as well get used to it. “Okay, I’ll go.”

“Great. See you there.”

Annabelle replaced the receiver and looked back at her notebook. She ripped out her carefully prepared notes. With purposeful steps, she walked to the paper shredder, flipped the switch and rammed the pages home.

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