Irresistible Boss Succumbing to Your Touch (Maria Anita) novel Chapter 3

Manuela’s POV

Lexie left Rick's office with a weak smile on her face, and I knew it was because she and Patrick did not get along well.

"Little Key, let's take Lexie for coffee. I thought this woman would be jumping for joy with the job..." Rick came out laughing behind her.

"I am happy, Rick, but I'm worried." Lexie remained quiet until we reached the break room, but she really didn't seem like someone who had just landed an excellent job.

"Well, don't worry. You and Patrick haven't seen each other in a long time, he's changed and become a better person, I guarantee you. And if he's a jerk to you, just tell me and I'll kick his butt." Rick served us coffee and pastries.

"Rick, how was your trip?" I remembered he went to see Tess at her parents' house to resolve their situation. He didn't want the divorce, but judging by his expression, I guessed he hadn't been successful in convincing his wife.

"She wouldn't talk to me. She simply hid and had her father send me away." Rick sighed. "It's over, Manu, I better accept that."

"What do you mean she wouldn't talk to you?" I was shocked. How could someone end a marriage of years without facing the other person?

"Yeah. She had her father tell me it was better this way, that her life had moved on and that I should sign the divorce papers and give her freedom." Rick was upset but seemed more resigned. "Honestly, I better accept it's over. I just can't accept that she did this over the phone instead of in person."

"I'm so sorry, Rick. You deserved much better." I squeezed his hand trying to comfort him.

"Thank you, dear! Lexie, please don't mention this to anyone, only Manu knows my marriage is going down the drain, and now you." Rick requested. "I'm not ready to talk about this with others yet."

"Don't worry, Rick. You can count on me to support you and keep your secret, and I count on you to kick Patrick's butt if he's a jerk - and believe me, he will be." Lexie made a very funny face.

"My goodness, you really are worried!" Rick laughed. "Tell me, what's the story?"

"Nothing much, I'm his friend's younger sister and he thinks I'm annoying and only tolerates me because of Flavian. But he never misses a chance to pick on me, gave me nicknames, didn't like me participating in anything they did, had an awful habit of pulling my hair, criticized everything I did, said I was too young to go out with them, well, all that stuff." Lexie had a look of displeasure.

"It's hard to imagine Patrick being like that." Rick laughed. "But he's a good person now, you'll see."

"I hope so. By the way, where is he?" She asked Rick.

"Patrick called after lunch and said he wouldn't be back today, he'd work from home. He's been working from home a lot lately." Rick explained.

"It would be paradise if he worked from home permanently." Lexie sank into her chair making us laugh.

Lexie stayed at the company until the end of the workday, already getting familiar with her duties and meeting everyone, then drove me to college.

"Can I come in with you?" She asked anxiously. "It's just that I don't know anyone yet and staying in the apartment all the time is boring."

"Of course you can, it'll be great. Come on!" She parked and I pulled her by the arm. "You'll love PH. Look, there he is."

Peter Hank waved and walked in our direction. He was a handsome guy, tall, strong, with light brown hair and green eyes. He loved going dancing and was always inviting me, but I wasn't really into those things. I preferred tranquility, going to bed early, and cuddling with my big guy.

"Hello, ladies!" PH said as he approached.

"Hi, PH." I gave him a quick hug. "This is Flavian's sister, Lexie. She's hanging out with us today."

"Wow! How gorgeous! Please tell me you have more beautiful siblings like the one Manu snagged?" PH joked, and Lexie laughed.

"I have another brother, but he's taken too." Lexie had an amused smile.

"Finished saying what you wanted? Then get out of here now." I wanted to drag her by the hair into the street and throw her there, but I was at college and couldn't do that.

"What are you doing here, Sabrina?" Lexie approached.

"Oh, of course you'd team up with this little nobody!" Sabrina spat when she saw Lexie. "I've got a bone to pick with you, Lexie. You ruined my hair!"

"How is it my fault that you're a walking lice factory?" Lexie laughed mockingly.

"You pest! I found out about your little scheme, Lexie. You were cruel, making me cut my hair like that." Sabrina whined.

"Oh, Sabrina, stop being so dramatic. Hair grows back, and yours has already grown a bit." Lexie laughed.

"I hate you, Lexie! I hate you!" Sabrina stood up, facing her.

"Okay, dear, but you can hate them from far away. Let's go." PH grabbed Sabrina's arm to remove her.

"Let go of me! Who do you think you are? Another defender of the miniature?" Sabrina complained.

"Oh, come on, Sabrina! You're annoying and exhausting. Just leave already." Lexie sat down beside me.

"Yes, I'm leaving, especially since I've already delivered my message to Tiny here. Don't forget, Shrimp, Flavian will be with me." Sabrina turned and left.

"I can't believe she came here for this!" Lexie commented. Neither could I. I thought Sabrina was in the past, but I was wrong.

"For this and to give me half a dozen different nicknames," I complained.