I know it's ridiculous, especially considering our recent agreement to give the dating thing a go, but I avoid Casper at work.

      I've convinced myself that all it'll take is one shared look, and everyone will know. Martha will read right through me and tell everyone with a pulse. She'd rip me to shreds. I have enough on my plate at work. I don't need the addition of drama. Thus, avoidance is my best option. Casper doesn't have to know about it.

      I'm so pathetic that I actually jump into the nursing supply closet when I hear him coming down the hall. Safely hidden I heave a breath of relief against the wound care supply drawer. I wait a few minutes before daring to come out, but just as my hand reaches for the handle, the door opens. I take a sharp breath as Casper barrels inside.

      "What are you doing in here?" I accuse. "You're not supposed to have a key."

      "They thought it would be a help if I could do some of the restocking."

      Of course, they'd give him the key to the nursing storages. I wonder idly if they already know, and this is the office's way of spiting me. Then again, with his charm they'd probably give him the key to the building and their cars.

      I fidget awkwardly as he blocks my access to the door. I've been trying to avoid him, having a private conversation in the supply closet? Big no-no.

      Like he can sense my uneasiness, he takes a step closer to take advantage of it. I inhale sharply, this new proximity coming with too many good memories. I don't need to be horny at work. He smirks, only further riling me up. I try to push him away, but he's a sturdy as a brick wall.

      "This." I wiggle my finger between us, throat suddenly dry. I swallow. I will not be turned into a blubbering mess. I won't give him the satisfaction. "This. Hiding in closets at work is a big no-no. Let me make it very clear that we will not be the couple that bangs in the janitor's closet."

      His brows flick at the mention of couple and I instantly regret my words. I didn't mean it like that. I'm surprised he doesn't call me out on it.

      "We don't have the key to housekeeping storages anyways," he answers plainly.

       Oh, so they hadn't given him that key. Too bad I didn't either, or that would have become my new hiding spot. Alas, it seemed I could be trusted for the health and safety of every resident in this building, but not the toilet paper, and that now meant no hiding from Casper.

      "The point is, at work, we are only co-workers. Nothing more. Nothing in any kind of closet. Got it?"

      Despite the seriousness in my tone, he grins as he nods.

      "I'm being serious."

      "I know you are... Is this why you've been avoiding me?"

     "I have not."

      He shoots me a condescending look, a look that makes it clear that I'm not fooling anyone.

      "What did you come in here, for?" He asks.

      My eyes wander to the box of Foleys behind him and roll with it. "Someone needs a catheter change."

     He hums in understanding, although his features make it clear that he still doesn't believe me "Who?"

      "That information is not required by the social worker. Nor is it allowed."

      He doesn't let it go. "You've got nothing in your hands."

      "I didn't get the chance to grab it, yet."

      "You were in here for a while, before I came in to check."

      I swallow a groan. How long was he standing out there, waiting to catch me in the act?

      I still cling to my story. "We're out of the size I wanted."

      He looks around with doubt. "Seems pretty well stocked up to me."

      I huff as I find myself failing to keep up with his questions.

      "You were avoiding me." He takes a step closer, hovering over me.

      "I was not."

      He doesn't believe me. Of course, he doesn't. There's nothing believable about the pitch in my voice and shifting feet.

      "Why are you avoiding me, Desi?" He whispers, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. "I don't like what I'm seeing... Looks like you might need another spanking. I knew you'd be difficult to get in line, but I didn't expect you to act out so soon."

      "Fine, yes!" I yap. "I mean no! I was admitting to the avoiding. Not the spanking."

     He crosses his arms over his chest and flicks his brow in urge of explanation.

      "It's unprofessional," I say. "We don't know how this is going to go... Can you imagine explaining to people that we're just hooking up? That I'm not only hooking up with you, but also your boyfriend."

      He mumbles something that sounds like, "For now."

     "What?"

      He ignores my question. "I can be subtle, Desirae."

      There is nothing subtle about the way he's looking at me. If we stay in here any longer, I'm going to be the one to ruin everything.

      "Great," I bite, holding my fist out in hopes

      He bumps his fist against mine with a howl with laughter. "You did not just do that."

      "Colleagues can fist bump," I defend and make move to walk past him. I'm going to walk out of here with pit stains. I swear he turned the heater on before coming in.

      My fingers brush the handle when Casper pulls me back. "Just a few more seconds," he promises, and turns me to face him. "I see you have the weekend off."

      "Yes..." I'm struggling to focus on anything other than the large hand holding my wrist.

      "Are you doing anything?"

      "No..."

      He laughs at my wariness.

      "As eloquent with words as ever." He flicks my nose. "We'd like to take you on a first real date. We'll pick you up bright and early Saturday morning. Pack an overnight bag."

      "That's all the info I get?" I complain.

      "Yep." He's now the one to reach for the door.

      "Hey!" I object. "Aren't you going to ask if I want to go, rather than assume?"

      "While third grade Casper couldn't read your silent cues, I certainly can." He brushes a strand of hair behind my ear and smirks. "The way your breathing picked up tells me everything I need to know. Plus, you have a safe word."

      Jackasses... They already know that they have me wrapped around their little fingers.