Page 17 of Ruining Hattie

HATTIE

B astion texted me last night around eight to tell me that he probably wouldn’t be home before I went to bed, and he was right. With the time change, I ended up falling asleep around nine thirty, and I didn’t wake up until after eight this morning.

Which was no problem, because he said we didn’t have to head into work until around noon anyway. I’m not sure what type of office doesn’t start until noon, but maybe he’s being nice and trying to ease me into things by only making me work a half day.

Apparently, we’re to head into the office together today, which I guess makes sense given that we’re leaving from the same place. I don’t want the other employees to think anything of me showing up with the boss, though.

I’m so nervous because I have no idea what to expect.

Bastion has been very vague whenever I’ve asked for specifics.

He keeps telling me not to worry about it, that I’ll be fine.

I’m trying to hold the same confidence that he has in me, but it’s difficult when I know how I tend to struggle connecting with strangers.

I have no doubt I’ll be able to handle the responsibilities of the job itself.

It’s the social aspect of a new work environment that makes me anxious.

I haven’t seen Bastion this morning. I left my bedroom around nine to make myself some breakfast, and there was no sign of him.

His bedroom door was closed, so maybe he’s sleeping.

I have no idea what time he returned to the condo last night.

And when I finished eating, I went to shower and get ready for work.

Unsure what to wear, I chose a blouse with short sleeves with a bow that ties around the collar and falls down the front of the shirt. I paired it with a long, flowing floral summer skirt and white flat sandals. Then I pulled my hair back into a bun and put on a little mascara and lip gloss.

As I stare at myself in the full-length mirror in the walk-in closet, I think I look professional.

It should be fine for today. Once I get a sense for the work environment, I’ll be better able to plan my outfits.

When I asked Bastion what most of the other people wore to work, he told me, “Whatever they want,” which I took to mean there isn’t a dress code.

But I always prefer to be overdressed than underdressed, so today it’s a blouse and a skirt.

I step out of my bedroom at a quarter to twelve and make my way to the main living area. I spot Bastion in the kitchen, standing at the counter and finishing what looks like a smoothie. When he turns to face me, the air rushes out of my lungs.

I’ve never seen this version of him. He’s dressed in a tailored suit that fits him to perfection.

It’s dark gray with a pale blue shirt underneath and a dark tie.

Rather than his hair being a little mussed and flowing naturally away from his face, he’s put more effort into it and has it styled back with product.

This is businessman Bastion, a man I haven’t met before today. But he’s just as appealing, maybe even more so, as the man I met in Wisconsin.

I swallow hard, pushing back my attraction. The last thing I need is to screw this up. He’s offered me a great opportunity to help my parents get ahead and be able to retire without a mountain of debt. Making him know I’m attracted to him will only ruin things.

“Good morning,” he says with a smile and sets his glass in the sink.

“Morning.” I offer a smile, hoping it appears natural.

“Do you need to eat before we head in?”

I shake my head, finding it difficult to speak when his gaze roams me up and down. Suddenly, I’m self-conscious. Am I dressed okay? But he doesn’t say anything.

“All right then. Let’s get going.” He motions for me to head to the door first.

I do, then we walk side by side to the elevator, where he extends his arm and presses the button.

“It’s only a few blocks away. It’s a nice day, so I figured we’d walk.”

I blink in surprise. “Oh, I didn’t realize it was that close. That’s handy.”

He chuckles. “It is.”

The elevator dings, and the doors swing open in front of us. I step in first, and he follows.

Maybe I was too in my head yesterday, or maybe it’s just seeing him look so different than I’m used to—more powerful, more assertive, and more dominant—but the space in here feels stifling.

I’m keenly aware of his every move, every breath, and the complete quiet as the elevator zooms toward the ground.

Needing to fill the silence, I ask him something that was on my mind last night while I was in the condo by myself. “What should I say about my living situation?”

He shifts to look at me, pushing his hands into his pants pockets in a casual stance. “What do you mean?”

“If someone asks, should I say I’m staying with you?”

He shrugs one shoulder. “You can say whatever you like. I have nothing to hide, but if you’d be more comfortable with no one knowing, I understand.”

I gave it a lot of thought last night. “It’s probably best. I don’t think it would go over well if people knew the new girl lives with the boss. They might think I’m getting special treatment.”

“You are,” he deadpans.

The elevator comes to a stop, and the doors swing open, revealing the wide expanse of the white marble lobby.

“I know. But I mean…”

“What?” He stops and turns to face me, arching an eyebrow.

“We’re not… you know…” Jeez, my face is so hot.

“Fucking?” he says with a grin.

My face is officially on fire. I swallow hard and try to collect myself because I’ve never heard someone say that so blatantly and unapologetically. “That, or dating, or… anything more than friends.”

I don’t know why I wait on bated breath to see what he’ll say. Do I want him to dispute it? Tell me I’m wrong? What exactly was that between us back in Wisconsin?

“I don’t fuck my employees. Everyone who works for me knows that.” He doesn’t elaborate before he makes his way toward the building exit, saying a quick hello to Jeffery.

I give Jeffery a wave before passing by Bastion as he holds the door open for me.

As soon as I step onto the sidewalk, I’m met with more sights and sounds and smells than I’m used to. City life is a little overwhelming, but taking in everything around me, I love it.

“We need to buy you some clothes,” Bastion says. “Something more appropriate for the workplace.”

I glance down at my dress. “You said there wasn’t a dress code?”

“You look like you’re headed to church, Hattie. That won’t do.”

“Oh, is it more formal than this? I can go change quickly.” I thumb behind us toward the building as we approach an intersection and wait for the light to change.

“Not more formal,” Bastion says before the light changes and he starts to cross.

I quickly walk to catch up with him. “If you tell me what I should be wearing, I’ll make sure I dress properly tomorrow.”

“I doubt you have what you’ll need. No worries, I’ll arrange for someone to come to the condo with some options this week.” He leads me off the road and back onto the sidewalk with a hand on my lower back. The intimate touch that feels almost possessive sears my skin.

We walk for a minute before turning a corner. When I see the familiar red letters on a large sign at the end of the road, I don’t even think. I just reach for Bastion’s forearm and tug.

“Oh my gosh, I always wanted to come here. I’ve seen it in so many movies!”

Bastion chuckles and places his large hand over mine that’s still gripping his forearm. “Then we’ll have to check it out.”

I take one last look at the PUBLIC MARKET CENTER sign before we turn the corner and it disappears from view.

We walk for another minute before Bastion stops us in front of a black building with a marquee outside that says The Black Orchid in a gold script.

Below that I see the words Gentleman’s Club.

I’m a little confused, but when Bastion pulls a set of keys from his pocket and unlocks the door, holding it open for me, I realize with horror that this is our destination.

The Black Orchid is his club?

Bastion owns a strip club.