Page 22 of Mr. Green

I was pushed into coding by Ryan.

“Lana, you should do something that’ll make you money,” Ryan states.

“Isn’t it kind of hard? To be honest, I was thinking about becoming a chef.” I shrug.

“You think your cooking is good? I’m not trying to be offensive, it’s just that you won’t make much money being a line cook.”

That’s not what I had in mind. I love cooking, so I was thinking I’d open up my own restaurant or catering business. Sharing my love for food with everyone else who appreciates it.

“I know I make some good dishes.”

“Sure, babe, but you should think about an option that people need right now and that’ll make you a steady income.”

I nod. “Yeah. You’re right.”

I know Ryan was just looking out for me and my future. He told me in no uncertain terms that maybe my cookingisn’t as good as I thought. I can appreciate the constructive criticism. He was just trying to help. Grant is not helping me focus on my work in front of me, though.

“I’m trying to get this done,” I tell Grant, pointing to my computer. “Maybe you should go back and sit in your original seat.”

He doesn’t budge and continues the conversation like I didn’t say a thing. “I love numbers. They always come together and make perfect sense.”

“Cool.” That’s what I always say, but I can’t let him know I think that. Then we’d have something in common.

He leans in to see what I’m working on. I have to hold my breath, so I don’t hop on him.

Lana! You’ve sworn off men. They’ll leave you. You don’t need them!

He’s so broad, and he smells so nice, and that beard is so sexy.

Goddammit! Focus Lana!

I get up and go to the restroom for a break. I don’t know what I’m going to do once I get back. I can only stay in here for so long. At least I can breathe in here.

~

I’ve waited twenty minutes. I wish I would’ve brought my laptop with me so I had something to do. It smells like weird dish soap in here. I miss the pine scent I had filling my nostrils minutes before.

A knock sounds on the door.

“Someone’s in here.” I’ll camp out in here the entire flight if I have to. I was thinking it would make me look like I took a really bad number two, but I don’t give a fuck as long as I don’t have to give in to temptation with Grant.

“I know.” His voice hums so much it’s about to break down the door—or maybe that’s me wanting to be next to him. “I’m just checking to see if you’re okay. It’s been a while.”

Just as I expected, he thinks I’m taking a huge dump.That’s not sexy. I’ve managed to make this awkward as hell. What do I do now? Stay in here anyway? Maybe he has to go to the bathroom and I’m taking up the only restroom. That’s a dick move.

“Do you need something?” I ask in the smallest voice I’ve heard from myself. I look in the mirror to blushing cheeks. If I have to go out there, I’ll die of embarrassment.

“Just to see your face.”

“Oh, God.” I roll my eyes. “Go away.”

“Come on, Sunshine. No need to be embarrassed. Everyone uses the bathroom.”

My fists clench. “I wasn’t using the restroom; I was hiding from you.”

“Yeah, I figured. But, I found you. So, it’s probably time for you to come out now.”

“I don’t think so.”