Monday morning arrived with drizzle. A cold, damp autumn day. Just as Ainsley was heading to the shower, her phone buzzed. She smiled as she read Ian's text. Share a ride or would you rather get wet.

Her thumbs tapped a quick response. Yes, but wet is still possible.

As she pulled off her oversized tee and dropped her panties, laughing emojis came back. She could get used to the shared commutes and a lot of other things. Although sex was on top, it was a long list.

She put on one of her shorter skirts, still work appropriate, and wished she had long legs like Lilli. Ian knocked on her door with a smile. His eyes scanned her outfit, and she watched as they darkened.

She pushed on his shoulder. "I don't like to be late. I'm not a director."

He chuckled. "So I've heard."

Mrs. Bernstein had seen them bringing in her groceries on Saturday and going out for coffee on Sunday. She smiled and said she was thrilled her two favorite people were together. It was safe to assume every stranger in their building knew about them. They could deny it, but they were a 'them'. While he was out on Saturday night, she missed his company.

Their building was one thing, but she didn't want anyone at work to know. Ian instructed the driver to turn the corner to the garage entrance. She exited first and walked around the corner to the main entrance while he disappeared through the garage.

Smiling, she beat both Henry and Nina and had dry legs. Catrina was in her office. Ainsley walked over to greet her.

Her boss looked up. "How was Friday afternoon?"

"I survived, although Henry had a good idea."

After she explained, Catrina said, "I thought they were all young. Just keep getting along with Henry. I rely on both of you."

"I'll try." Ainsley frowned hopefully things would get better knowing she wasn't single. She was in limbo between single and committed.

Nina arrived asking about her weekend without waiting for Ainsley's answer she thrust out her left hand. A diamond sparkled off her smile.

"Oh my God! You didn't text me!"

"I wanted to show you plus I know you were tangled in the sheets all weekend with your hot guy."

Henry walked around the corner frowning. Ainsley bounced with excitement. "Look! Nina's engaged!"

The man's expression changed. "Congrats!" He hugged Nina.

Ainsley walked to her desk while Nina ran off to spread her good news. He treated her differently. Even though she didn't want a hug from him, she wouldn't mind some kindness.

Leaning her head into the aisle, she called to him. "I told Catrina about your idea. She loved it."

"Did you take credit for it?"

"What? No. I'm not like that. I wouldn't put it past you though."

They were in a staring contest when Catrina appeared. "Ainsley, HR called. They need to meet with you."

A natural tightening occurred in her chest. As her palms started sweating, she thought of JJ. Could he protect her from something she didn't do? Henry's sinister smile made her think he complained about her.

She felt like her heels were filled with lead, as she made her way to the department on the first floor. A receptionist seemed to expect her. She pointed to the conference room. "You're expected."

She stepped through the door with trepidation. Around the table sat the director of HR, Joshua Roche, and Ian. Ian didn't make eye contact as he tapped one finger on his phone.

Joshua stood and said, "Ainsley, thanks for coming down. Do you know Donna?" Ainsley nodded. "And Ian Gillespie?"

A familiar voice said, "I've met Ms. Douglas."

Donna said, "We've asked you to discuss some interactions you had with help desk staff."

"Am I in trouble?"

Ian shot his head up, but Josh answered. "Not in the least."

She gave a half smile and nodded as she sat down. Luckily, Josh was all about business. The last thing she needed was for him to ask about her sister or Zach.

Ian stayed quiet, except to concur when she told the bit about him fixing her internet after hours.

Josh asked most of the questions. She looked at Ian before looking down, when the lawyer asked, "At any time did any employee make you feel uncomfortable?"

She looked from Ian to Josh, her new crush to her former. "Honestly, no. I found them amusing. Not my laptop not working part, but I have had to call on them for other reasons. I refer to them as the acne boys because they are so young and innocent in a geeky way."

Josh laughed and looked at Ian, who looked displeased as his ears turned pink. Ainsley wanted to protect him but couldn't.

Donna stood. "Thank you for coming down. We'll let you know if we have any more questions."

Josh held out a paper. "Could you sign this? It's an agreement to keep these matters confidential."

She trusted Josh and scrolled her name. Guilt seeped in as she thought of Ian telling her more than what she had learned from her surprise meeting. When she stepped outside another young woman sat looking nervous. She tried to give her an encouraging smile. On the way upstairs, Ainsley frowned. At least the other one hadn't ridden to work with one of the meeting attendees, one who could have warned her. Henry seemed to take delight in her deep frown as she returned to her desk. Nina looked at her, but her friend was much too happy to care about anything but her diamond.

Sighing, she lifted her phone wishing she could text Lilli, but she signed an agreement not to talk to anyone. Instead, she stared at notification texts from Ian. The tension left her with a long exhale as if she had been holding her breath since she walked in the conference room. Ian had tried to warn her. His last message stated the need to keep their friendship a secret at work. She wouldn't argue there. Things were way too complicated. If only she could have a fun relationship with no strings. The helpdesk thing somehow tied their strings together into a tangled knot. Work was the answer.

Both Nina and Henry tried to find out about her meeting. Human Resources encompassed personnel issues, recruiting, and benefits, like health and life insurance and retirement plans. She lied. "I had some questions about retirement savings. My father said I should be saving." It wasn't a lie because he encouraged her to save enough for the full employer match. Hopefully, it was her last meeting, because Henry looked at her through squinting eyes, like he didn't trust her.

Feeling drained, she left on time. Ian had texted he needed to stay longer. When she stepped into the lobby, Mrs. Bernstein smiled. "I made dinner for you and Ian. Stuffed shells. I'll bring them to you."

Ainsley smiled at the thought of warm carbohydrates. Her upturned lips didn't last as her neighbor scurried away humming 'Her comes the bride'.

Everyone had a preconceived notion that dating was a precursor to marriage. Ian was perfect because he wasn't interested in marriage either. Truthfully, Ian was just perfect.

When he finally arrived, she had a glass of red wine poured for him. "Tough day?"

He ran his fingers through his hair. "I don't think we should talk about it. Seriously, everyone is worried about the boys acting appropriately and I sat there acting innocent."

"You weren't breaking my laptop."

"No, but I used fixing it to my advantage."

Ainsley's cheeks heated. "You were close to me, but I didn't feel uncomfortable." She reached up and put her hands behind his neck. "I liked it."

"But if you hadn't?"

"I would have stepped away and given you space to work. No matter how this goes, I won't complain to HR about you. We're two consenting adults. I liked you before I knew we worked together."

Ian answered her with his lips. Only skin to skin contact would be enough, as she pulled at his tee shirt. The sweatpants he changed into had easy access to what she needed.

His lips left her just enough to speak. "I was afraid if I looked at you they would see."

"See what?"

"The heat in my eyes."

His words drove her crazy. "When you called me Ms. Douglas. I hadn't seen your texts."

He kissed her again. "We got through it. I want to forget about it."

He made Ainsley forget about everything. When she caught her breath, she looked around at the scattered clothes. "Let's hope dinner isn't dried out."

"I'm starving thanks to you."

She picked up his tee shirt and put it over her naked body. He frowned. "Hey, what am I to wear?"

"Nothing. I like you shirtless."

He shook his head. "You are crazy."

For you, she bit her tongue. "I wanted to kiss Mrs B. when she offered this comfort food heaven. Melted cheese, sauce and pasta are perfect, but then you came. Better than comfort food and way less calories and fat."

He laughed. "Do you mean you came?"

She smiled like she just got Violet in trouble. "I meant you came over, but if you want to be dirty then that too."

He shook his head. "You are full of it."

"I was full of you and now this food. It is almost orgasmic."

"I. I, um." Ainsley tensed as his pupils grew bigger. Please don't ruin this. "I like being with you. You are more fun than anyone I know."

She breathed. It was a sentiment she agreed with. "You are too. For a techie, you are not boring at all."

"I thought. I was wondering if maybe you wanted to meet my good friends. Um, I think you'll like them."

"Are you sure?"

He nodded. "They have no ties to Roche-Sumner."

Ainsley's best friends had ties, even the ones who didn't work there. Zach and Lilli were practically related to the Sumners. Ainsley's sister was a Sumner.

"Sorry. Did I scare you?"

"No. Meeting your friend might be fun. I can learn more about you."

He beamed. "Great! I'll set something up."

Drama at Roche-Sumner. Please vote ⭐️