Chapter 9 Vanessa's truth

We were almost to the top floor when Grayson leaned over to me and said "How do you feel about not having any panties on in the office? he chuckled.

I blushed and said, "I am going straight to the bathroom when we get upstairs!"

The doors opened and as he's walking out, he turns to look at me and says "I think you should leave them off." He winked at me and went into his office.

Was he flirting with me? Just then I got a text.

Alyssa {Girl, you have been ignoring my messages! How was your work trip? Are you back in office?"}

Me {Sorry! It was really busy. We just walked into the office. Want to meet later for drinks?}

Alyssa {Sure, text me details later.}

I sat down at my desk.

Julia was back in office, she looked like she had lost weight. "Hi Julia, are you feeling better?" I asked.

"Hi Tessa, sorry, I didn't notice you walk in. I have been swamped catching up on work. I am doing better now. I had strep throat, it was awful!”

"I'm so sorry, Julia. I'm glad you are feeling better.”

I immediately started working since I too had a lot of work to catch up on.

Grayson's point of view:

I was sitting at my desk trying to get work done but all I could do was think about Tessa. Knowing she is sitting at her desk without her panties on was turning me on so badly. I now realize it was a mistake as it is so distracting.

There was a knock on my door. It was Vanessa. I have known Vanessa for years. She was my wife's best friend growing up. She started working at my company about 3 years ago and runs our Marketing department. She was a great support system for me when I lost my wife and child and I owe her dearly for that.

"Come in." I told her.

"Grayson, I am so glad you are back. How was your trip?" She asked me.

I engaged in small talk with her, but I could not keep my eyes off Tessa. She clearly noticed.

"Why do you keep looking at your receptionist? Are you expecting someone or something?"

I looked at her "No, did you come here for something?" I asked.

I could tell she was trying to figure out what was going on. She wasn't speaking so I started working on my computer and asked "if there is nothing else? I have a lot of work to do.”

Her eyes got big when she looked at my hands as I typed. "When did you stop wearing your wedding ring?!" she exclaimed.

I have been wearing my ring everyday since my wife died and only stopped wearing it the night I was with Tessa. The reason was because of the shame I felt wearing it while being with another woman. I also realized if I truly wanted to move on, then I needed to stop holding onto things like this.

This was none of Vanessa's business, however. I simply said "I can't wear it forever, Vanessa. Now if you will excuse me, I have work to do.”

Vanessa's point of view:

I could not believe my eyes.

He never took his ring off, even when he tried dating briefly. This girl has been here all, but 2 weeks and he has removed his wedding ring! I had a feeling that he hired this girl because she looked like Olivia and this clarifies it.

Olivia and I were close growing up. I was the one that introduced her to Grayson. I had a huge crush on him my first year of college and was heartbroken when they dated and got married.

He never knew how I felt about him so I couldn't blame him, but it definitely tarnished my relationship with Olivia.

I have been trying to show my interest in him recently, but he was oblivious to my advances. I figured he just wasn't ready to date yet. But now this girl is here two weeks, and he can't keep his eyes off her. Am I really going to lose out to another Olivia?

I didn't head to the elevator but instead wanted to talk to this TESSA and she what she was all about.

"Ahem, Tessa, right? I don't think we had a proper introduction last time we met. I am Vanessa. Grayson's wife Olivia was my best friend. She meant everything to him, and I don't think anyone will ever be able to replace her in his heart. Make sure you do not get distracted by the fact you look like her. You will never be her or mean anything to him. Just do your job, ok?" Before she had a chance to say anything I said "too-da-loo" and walked to the elevator.

Tessa's point of view:

What just happened? Did Grayson tell her something about us? Why would she say this? Julia was just as confused and asked, "what was that about?" I told her I had no idea, but I am going to go ask Grayson.

I walked into his office, and he was on the phone. I was going to come back but he gestured for me to sit. I sat there and watched him. He really was the perfect man, he was handsome, has a successful career, and a great personality. Not at work of course, his work personality is arrogant and demanding. But for some reason, that side of him was also attractive. I was lost in thought and didn't realize he had hung up the phone.

"Tessa, did you need something?" I was startled by his words.

I quickly regained my composure. "Do you know why Vanessa went out of her way to basically tell me to stay away from you?" I asked.

"She did what?" he asked.

"She told me your story of how you met and that no one will ever replace your wife and that I should focus on my work and not on you." when I said this he started laughing. "Why are you laughing?" I was so confused.

"Vanessa has always had a thing for me. She does not know that I know. My wife had only told me about it after we were together. I had just hired Vanessa and she thought I needed to know the truth. Olivia felt bad that she pursued me even though she knew Vanessa's feelings for me. It was a big regret of hers." He said.

"But what does that have to do with me? Did you tell her about us?" I asked with a little bit of anger to my tone.

"Of course not. She just noticed that I could not keep my eyes off you. But can you blame me? Knowing that I could lift your skirt and…"

My face turned bright red, and I could feel the pressure growing between my legs. If I did not leave at that moment, I don't think I could control myself. I stormed out before he could finish his sentence. I grabbed my purse and hurried to the bathroom to put my panties on.