I don't know who Callum thinks he is claiming he owns me or that I'm his. He can believe and threaten me with that bullshit all he wants, but it won't don't do him any good.

I still won't listen.

And this morning, I've decided that after five months of Mason trying to get me to go on a date with him, I'll accept his offer to take me out. Mason is friendly, charming, funny, caring, and thoughtful. He's also tall, which I like, with dark hair, blue eyes, and very masculine. All traits in men I like.

I've avoided going out with him because, after my breakup with Donovin, I felt the best thing to do was to take a break from men altogether. Primarily after he used the cliche excuse for the split, it's not you; it's me... coward.

After our breakup, it didn't take long for Donovin to move on. Supposedly, he found a woman that came from money—something I didn't have. And something he had brought up many times throughout our three-year relationship, wishing he didn't have to work so hard that he wished he or I came from money. So he found someone who would allow him to mooch off her. She can have him. He wasn't all that good in bed anyway—very dull and only cared about his own arousal.

Not to mention, Donovin had the smallest penis in the world. I thought so, anyway. Especially now, more than ever since my last sexual experience. He was also one of those guys who knew it was smaller than other guys, so he compensated for that with his attitude—big cocky attitude with a small dick.

I'm a bit curious to see what Callum does or what he'd do if he found out I went out with a man that wasn't him since he seems to think I'm his when technically we've never met. He may have had me pinned against the wall, kissed, and finger fucked me; nevertheless, I can't say I've physically met him when I haven't even seen his face—without a mask in the dark.

However, since Callum will be in New York this week, I know I won't have to worry about him hunting me and my date down. The only problem with this is Mason works for Callum, which may not turn out well.

I'll cross my fingers that Callum leaves him alone.

What confuses me, for someone who's a one-and-done type of guy, who refuses to be in a relationship, who refuses to come to the office to see his other employees or me for that matter, I don't understand why he's so obsessed with claiming me as his? It makes absolutely no sense to me.

He said I was a fucking hemorrhoid. If I'm that to him, then how am I his? If someone is a nuisance to them, you'd think they would want them to stay far away. He's also said other insults to me that weren't very nice. So again, why is he threatening that I am his? On top of that, Callum's wanted me fired since I started working at Wish Upon A Star—the first day. So I'm flummoxed about what is going on in my boss's mind.

And for Callum to tell me he let everyone know I was his when he carried me out of the bar Friday night? What's up with that? And what did he do or say to whoever was in the bar?

I can't stress over this. It isn't worth it. So I guess I'll respond to Callum's email before heading to the office to see what I can get out of him. If he even responds to what I have to say.

From: Eloise
To: Callum
Subject: Get over yourself

Dear arrogant bossy pants,

I'm glad you finally came to your senses, agreeing that you have no say in what I do, where I go, or what I wear outside of work. But watching me? For what? And why? That is the most ridiculous thing you could do when I'm not your GIRLFRIEND or WIFE! I'm nothing to you other than your administrative assistant. That's it.

Do you have some loose screws that you need help tightening? Because I can use my screwdriver and re-tighten it for you.

Are you a few fries short of a happy meal? Because if you are, I'll look for someone to help you.

Are you a few bricks shy of a load? Because again, I will find someone to fix that for you as well.

As for whatever I supposedly did when you brought me home, that was the alcohol talking, so thank you for not taking advantage of me. Oh, wait... I forgot. You took advantage of me in the HALLWAY, then left me there like I was a fucking toy you got bored with.

At least you admitted you were a clown. So that's a plus. Next time the circus is in town, I'll give them your number.

I'm glad I cleansed your palate. Hopefully, it's still lingering in your mouth, reminding you of what you'll never taste again.

As for calling you a molester, do you think that was a bit harsh? Because I thought it was pretty relevant to say. You left me standing in a hallway I wasn't familiar with or had only been down once. So that was uncool of you to do.

Since you're such a manwhore. While in New York, don't forget to cover your whacker before you attack her. We don't need you returning home to spread diseases. It's a good thing the club asks for weekly tests.

I'd say I'll see you when you get back. But you and I both know that won't happen. You're too much of a coward to come into the office. One who enjoys hiding behind masks, emails, and darkness.

Sincerely,
Your perturbed assistant, Eloise

***

"A delivery just arrived for you," Emma informed me with a broad smile when I entered the office.

My eyes rolled. "Let me guess. From Callum?"

Still smiling mischievously, she shrugged. "No name, so I have no idea."

In the last couple of packages Callum sent me, he failed to address who sent the gifts. So that tells me it's from my boss.

What did he send me this time?

Termination papers? Another voodoo doll and knife? Black roses? A butthurt care package because I accused him of humiliating me? A dildo or vibrator? Thinking that would be funny since he halted pleasuring me when I reached my peak and believing that would help me get off? A glitter spring bomb that'll make a mess when I open it? That way, he can watch me bend over when I clean up the mess. Or even a bag of gummy dicks since I apparently told him he had a small cock?

I sighed. "Where is it..."

"It's on your desk," she grinned, still having a look on her face that she knew it was from Callum. If I knew any better, it seems like she's been trying to set him and me up since I first started. That is probably the entire reason why she hired me.

"Thanks. And don't try playing stupid. You know it was from Callum. I can see it written in your eyes."

Her lips pressed together. She bit the inside of her cheek. And then she smiled, trying not to. "I don't know. It's a different wrapping. But... I should tell you that Callum came by the office—Friday afternoon."

My eyes widened, and I pointed my finger at the ground, shouting, "Here? In this office? When?"

"Not long after you left. And let's just say he was extremely angry."

Pfft. Whatever. Now he acts like he cares when it's the first time the asshole has stopped in with everyone in the office in years?

I rolled my eyes. "He's an idiot. How mad did he try acting to be?"

"He left you a love note on your desk." She pursed her lips. "I'm sorry. I saw it on your desk, and I couldn't help but read it... just an FYI, don't worry about what he wrote you. I've got your back," she winked.

Great... what now?

I spun on my heel to head to my office, walked a few steps, then stopped when something came to me and turned around, asking, "Emma? What are the odds that Callum comes in for the first time in two years on the day I leave early?"

I crossed my arms.

Continuing, "... and what the fuck are the odds that I run into him at the club that same night? Only he was wearing a masquerade mask and barking orders at me in the dark? So by him doing this makes me think he's hiding something." I lifted a brow—high. "Do you know what he could be hiding?"

Emma shrugged. "I have no idea. Coincidence, maybe?"

Huh...

"It's just so weird," I breathed as I turned back around to head to my office.

I wasn't sure if Callum was watching me since he should be on the airplane by now, heading to New York. But because this has become one of my things for the last few months, I did my everyday good fucking morning to you bosshole salute. Then, I flipped him the bird—both middle fingers.

After what happened Friday night and what was said and done to me, I decided to wear something more daring for my top today. I wore a fire-red bra that didn't cover much this time and a see-through white blouse. And when I say see-through, I mean see-through. It bares all. So. If mister bossy pants are watching and see Mason come into my office as he always does at noon, I'm sure I'll immediately hear about it—from Callum.

I sat in my chair, saw the note Emma was talking about, and flipped it off. Fuck you, Callum; I'll look at it later. I've got a gift to open... I pulled the box toward me, unwrapped the wrapping paper, and when I opened it, I immediately knew it was from Callum.

And seeing what was inside made me smile. Asshole... cute... and sweet.

He's trying to be a funny guy...

Callum sent me a dozen rainbow cupcakes. There was also a note inside that said, 'guaranteed not to have a gray sprinkle on the cupcakes. I told them I'd make sure they were all fired if there was.'

I can't believe I'm going to say this. But you, Callum, just earned a point with me. But this sweet gesture also has me wondering why you're trying to be nice or sweet. Whatever it is that you're trying to be. Because Callum Harrison is anything but friendly or sweet.

So this is throwing a red flag.

But why?

He's been acting so weird lately, especially since our run-in on Friday night.

My computer chimed, letting me know an email had just come in.

Of course...it was from Callum. I gave him the bird in the camera while clicking his email open.

From: Callum
To: Eloise
Subject: Clothes

Eloise,

Put on some damn clothes, will you? Put your jacket back on if you didn't bring anything else. That's not appropriate office attire.

Callum

Pfft. Whatever, bosshole.

Then I looked at the camera and laughed. I knew he would immediately contact me once he saw what I was wearing. And Mason hasn't even entered my office. But, then again, that may have been a warning. Because if he's been watching me for months like I feel he has, then he knows when Mason comes in and he, Emma, and I leave for lunch.

Having a feeling he was still watching me and most likely had air buds in his ears to listen, I grabbed a cupcake, lifted it, smiled, and shouted, 'good morning motherfucker! Thank you for the cupcakes!'

I bit into the cupcake, rolled my eyes up, and moaned. "They're delicious too," I said, food in my mouth. I licked my lips, adding, "and nobody needs to get fired. There's not one gray sprinkle on them."

I waved at the camera. Shouting, "Thanks again! Have fun in New York! And don't forget to cover your stump before you hump!"

If he thinks I'm covering up because he said so, he has another thing coming.

I chuckled when another email came in. Of course, it's from Callum.

From: Callum
To: Eloise
Subject: You're welcome

Eloise,

Good morning to you as well. I'm glad you enjoyed the cupcake and that the bakery didn't screw up the order. And just an FYI, I'm not a manwhore; I haven't gotten laid in months. I'm not a few fries short of a happy meal. I'm not short on bricks, and I didn't take advantage of you. You asked for what I did to you. Do I have to remind you again what you did and what you said?

I'm pretty sure you remember. So I won't bring it up.

I will say I may have a few screws loose right now because my mind hasn't been thinking straight for about four months now, but I'm sure that will soon change.

And, yes, I will see you sometime after I return from New York. You must be very excited about that! No mask. No dark hallways. It'll be me and you, face-to-face, and I'm looking forward to it.

Sincerely,
Callum

P.S. Don't forget to read what I left you on Friday afternoon. I'm sure I'll get another flip of the bird, but that's okay. I like seeing you angry. Wink. Wink. And put some damn clothes on, for crying out loud!

Nope... I don't need to cover up inside my office.

And why do I feel excited that we will finally meet face-to-face for the first time? Finally, after six months of working under Callum Harrison, instead of talking with me through emails, he's finally going to make his face known?

This is exciting!

I grabbed the love note, as Emma called it, and another cupcake, because what's wrong with having one more? Then, as I bit into the cupcake, I began reading Callum's note.

Eloise,

FYI, this is your second warning from your favorite boss. And guess what happens the third time you receive one from me? So, next time you have to leave early, you must let me know before you go. Right now, it's Friday afternoon, about an hour before you're scheduled to leave, and it's not appreciated. You said you read the employee handbook? You might want to reread it—the section about leaving before your shift ends.

Callum

You're right, Callum. You're getting another flip of the bird.

Now he's going to act like he cares when his employees come in and leave?

I raised the note and slowly shredded it in front of the camera—this is what I think about your bullshit letter, Callum.

***

"Knock. Knock..." Mason said as he opened my door. When his eyes found me, he cleared his throat before saying, "This just came for you. I told Emma I'd bring it to you since she's on the other line."

"Have a seat, Mason," I said, smiling. "What did the boss send me this time?"

"Callum's been sending you gifts?" he looked surprised. And he also sat taller when I brought the box closer to me.

"He has. Nothing special. Just some gifts to mock me. The first time was a voodoo doll and a knife. The second one was the same but was inside a coffin with black roses and a rest in peace note after I stabbed the shit out of the first one he sent me. He sent me cupcakes this morning after I told him he was like a rainbow cupcake with a gray sprinkle on it."

Mason bellowed a laugh, and it came deep from the pit of his belly.

"So, this one will be interesting to see what he's mocking me with next." Mason also looked curious, so I told him to stay and witness what he sent me next, and after untying the bow and lifting the lid of the container, I laughed. "I also told him he was so disappointing that he was like an unsalted pretzel. So Callum sent me six heavily salted pretzels with a note saying he made sure they added lots of salt and that I could remove what I didn't want on them. He also sent some cheese to dip the pretzels into."

"He's being a smart ass. It's nice that he's finally allowing his humor to return."

I arched a brow. "Mister bosshole used to have a personality?"

Mason lifted a shoulder, twisting his lips. "He somewhat did when Rory was co-owner here. The two were constantly fucking around, playing practical jokes on each other. But his humor ended when Rory went on his own. That is one of the reasons he isn't in the office much anymore. I think he feels there's no reason for him to be around."

"Well, that's just stupid. If that's Callum's reasoning. This place he started from the ground up, it's his livelihood; why not hang around something he worked hard at achieving to be the best company around granting wishes and raising money for cancer and sick patients?"

"It's because he trusts us to do the work he wants us to do. So we do the work, and he does all the traveling to complete what we set up for him—ensuring the charities get their money and events are set up correctly. And he travels to meet the patients to who he's gifting the money."

"It's still stupid. Callum can't rely on us to do all his work for him."

He chuckled and leaned forward. "Honestly, I don't mind him not hanging around. Even though he and Rory goofed around, that was them, but with us, he was just a flat-out asshole. It always felt like we were walking on eggshells when he was in the office."

Now that sounds like the Callum I've come to know. But even so, he should be coming in and working with and complementing his employees with their excellent work. That's just what good bosses who care about their employees do. Not just surprising them on their paychecks with a pay raise or adding a bonus, how he has been doing, thinking that's good enough.

But what do I know? I'm just an employee that was lucky enough to get the job—something I was definitely not qualified for.

Suddenly, a worried look appeared on Mason's face. And I think I know why. He wants to ask me out again but looks afraid to ask, fearing I'll turn him down again. And what I'm wearing probably isn't helping because he may think I might think he's only asking because of how I dressed today. "Anyway," he emphasized, pausing, looking down at the ground.

"Yes, Mason. I'll take you up on that date."

His eyes shot up. "Really?"

I nodded. "Yes."

He let out a breath of relief and smiled.

"I can't do it tonight. It's my night with my sister, but I'm free any other day this week."

"Will tomorrow work?"

"Yes."

He stood. "Great. I'll figure things out and will let you know. I'd ask if you still want to go to lunch with Emma and me," he said, eyeing my pretzels, "but it looks like the boss already has your stomach covered."

I giggled. "Yeah, I better eat at least one of them. Something to tie me over before going to dinner with Lilah."

From: Callum
To: Eloise
Subject: Disobedient girl

Eloise,

You're playing with fire.

Callum

What the fuck? Instead of working, does he just sit on his phone all day watching and listening to me?

From: Eloise
To: Callum
Subject: Re: Disobedient girl

Bosshole,

I enjoy playing with fire. Maybe you could send me matches next time?

Eloise

***

I'm in the mood to spoil myself today, so I'm going with, "I'll take the filet mignon, topped with bearnaise sauce and garlic. Baked potato—loaded, please. And asparagus. Thank you."

"And to drink with your meal?"

"The best Cabernet Sauvignon you've got."

Lilah's eyes widened. "Did you get a raise?"

I laughed. "No. I'm just in the mood to splurge." I shrugged. "It's been a while since I went all out buying myself a good, expensive meal. I never eat steak anymore, and I always get the cheapest wine the bar and restaurants have. And after working my ass off for Callum these last six months, I feel like treating myself tonight."

Lilah gave the waitress her order and then looked at me, looking humored. "So, Eloise. Tell me, what happened the other night?"

"What do you mean?"

"With your boss," she quickly said, smiling ear to ear.

"Nothing. Why?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe because your boss stormed into the nightclub like he was on a mission, you two fought, and you accused him of looking like the guy in Florida—which he did. And when he told you he was taking you home, you slapped him across the face, telling him he wasn't the boss of you. He told everyone there that you were his, and when a bouncer came by to throw him out, Callum handed him a wad of cash if he looked the other way, saying he was only there to get you home." She cackled, then added, "And when he threw you over his shoulder, and you fought back, he slapped your ass, telling you that you needed to behave. And you listened!"

"I was drunk."

"You were. But when he came to our table, and you saw him, your face instantly flushed. And you called him your hero for coming to save you, that it's been months since he fucked your brains out, and how you were pissed at him for leaving your room without saying goodbye. Save you from what I don't know and fucking your brains out?" She leaned closer to me, loudly whispering, "I didn't know you fucked your boss!" She sat back in her chair. "The whole interaction between you two was funny. Then when he said he was taking you home, you flipped out and started going ape-shit on him."

I felt my cheeks heating. And took a large swallow of my water to help cool me off. "It was the alcohol talking," I replied, feeling extremely embarrassed.

"Did you fuck your boss a while back or something?"

"What?" I asked loudly. "No! Friday night was the first time we met! I swear!" I added when Lilah gave me the I don't believe you look.

"Why would you tell him that, then?"

I shook my head, thinking as hard as I could about that night, wondering why I couldn't remember a fucking thing. And it was pissing me off. "I have no idea. What the hell was I drinking that I blacked out?"

Lilah laughed. "Everything. Tequila. Tequila. And more tequila. Tequila shots, you were pounding like crazy. Plus, you had, I don't know, how many jello shots in the bus, and all the other drinks you drank throughout the night added up. You were definitely on a mission to get hammered."

"Do you blame me?" I groaned. "I literally have been busting my ass for months. That's all I do is work. And I hardly go out, so I'm sure I felt like I needed to catch up on months' worth of drinking. I don't know."

Her eyes light up brightly. "I do have to say; your boss is fucking hot as fuck. I'm jealous."

"Don't be. He may be hot, but I wouldn't know. I don't remember. All I remember is him wearing a masquerade mask and... well... I'm not getting into it. I'm over it. I do wish I could recall what he looks like because he said this morning in an email that we would be seeing each other very soon. Face to face. No mask, no darkness, no nothing."

"And you will," Lilah muttered just as the waitress came to our table with our meals. "Just when you finally see him face to face, be easy on him. Okay?"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

She shrugged, smiled, then lowered her napkin on her lap, saying, "I think you should allow him to explain himself. That's all. He may have been an ass to you, but I know you and how you like to run your mouth. I'm sure he was just going along with what you were saying to him. So I think you should just let him talk and allow him to explain his reasoning on certain things."

Why do I get the feeling she's trying to warn me about something? Like she knows more than what she's telling me.

Everyone has been acting weird around me lately. And it's making me feel highly uncomfortable. So somebody better start filling me in on things because there's definitely something I'm missing here.

I hope you enjoyed the chapter!! 🤞🤞