6 - Felicity

"Thank goodness. Such a close call." I let out a sigh of relief after getting off the phone.

I managed to get in touch with the tailor in Switzerland. Thank goodness he was already awake. I've just sent him payment from the digital wallet set up on my office computer and told him to deliver the suits to the hotel as soon as he's finished with them.

In short, I've managed to prevent a disaster. Now, Shawn is all set for Switzerland.

And I can go home.

My lonely flat.

I glance at the door to his office as I gather my things. I can see the sliver of light beneath it so I know he's still inside. I should get home before he knows I'm here and —

I gasp as I see the leather-bound journal inside my purse.

What?

I pick it up and flip through the pages just to make sure it is what I think it is. It's my journal, alright. I must have accidentally shoved it inside my purse along with my other things while I was panicking over my mistake.

Oh, Felicity, you can be so stupid sometimes.

I'm about to put it back in my purse but the door to Shawn's office opens and I panic again. I stand up so abruptly that the purse on my lap falls off. Before I can pick it up, I realize I'm still holding my journal, which I definitely don't want Shawn to see, so I quickly hide it behind some sheets of paper on my desk.

"Stell?" Shawn calls in surprise. "Are you okay?" he approaches.

"Yes," I answer as I pick up my purse and its spilled contents. Then I stand up and face him with a smile. "Everything's fine."

Shawn doesn't look convinced.

He stares at me with a puzzled expression and I realize I must look like a mess. I didn't get to tie my hair before I left home and it's flowing past my shoulders with more than a few strands out of place. And what I'm wearing is a lot more casual than my usual office outfits - khaki slacks and a plain white blouse. Shit. Why did he have to see me like this? I've just ruined the image of the woman who's efficient, cool, calm and completely in control that I've tried so hard to create.

"Weren't you wearing something else earlier?" Shawn asks.

Yup. Something nicer.

"I was,'" I admit as I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. "I already went home, changed, and was all set to enjoy my weekend, but I suddenly remembered something I had to do."

"It couldn't wait until Monday?"

"Not really. And I didn't want to worry about it over the weekend so..." I draw a breath. "Anyway, it's done now. Nothing to worry about. I can go and enjoy the weekend."

Shawn nods. "You do that."

"How about you?" I ask him.

I know he just gave me my cue to leave, but a part of me can't help but want to extend this conversation even just a little longer, especially considering this is the first time he's talked to me in days.

"Are you sleeping in your office again?"

"No. I don't think I will." He touches his neck. "I miss my bed."

I suddenly have an image of him between black sheets, completely naked and with a massive bulge poking the silk. I shake it off. It's one thing to imagine him while I'm in my apartment. It's another to do it when he's standing right in front of me.

"Well, you need to rest, too," I tell him. "I know you're stressed about this Swiss acquisition, but you need to be in perfect health so you can stay at the helm."

"I know. Thanks."

He smiles and my knees go weak. Why does he seem to have a stronger effect on me than usual? Is it because of what I'm wearing? Because of what I was doing earlier?

I swallow. "You're welcome. And I should go."

Before I completely lose control and make another stupid mistake.

"Good night."

"Good night," Shawn says. "And take care."

I nod and walk away.

Somehow, it's more difficult than usual, especially since I can feel him watching me. I can feel his magnetic force and I almost want to just succumb to it, to turn around and throw myself at him and make my fantasy come true instead of going back to my empty, lonely apartment. Besides, I can tell he needs a break, and there's no one here right now, so we could do whatever we want, and no one would know. It would just be our own dirty little secret.

The thought is enough to make my cheeks hot, and I'm glad Shawn can't see my face. I keep walking, reminding myself with every step I take that Shawn is my boss.

No more mistakes today, Felicity.

Get a grip.