Shift Happens

SARAHI stare blankly at the paycheck in my hand. How am I supposed to save Grandma with this paltry sum?My eyes return to Sir Leonardo's stern face, my eyes pleading like a puppy's. “Sir, it's a dark time… My grandma's at the hospital. And I need to come up with some serious money for her surgery. If I don't within six months, her condition will worsen… and…"The words die on my lips as I notice his gaze has wandered south… and not to the paperwork on his desk. The pervert is openly checking me out, his eyes roving over my frontal assets.After his little breast-scouring detour, Sir Leonardo regains his composure with a flippant question. “Uhh, sorry, I tuned out for a sec. What were you saying?” he asks, his eyes finally dragging back to mine. A surge of rage courses through my veins as I glare at him. I've just poured my heart out to this obtuse, self-absorbed excuse for a human being, explaining how Granny's medical bills are crippling me financially. And what does he do? H

SARAHThe secretary rises from her chair, file in hand, looking feminine and pretty with her golden hair in a bun, wearing a black pencil skirt that fits snugly around her curves and a white top that is tucked in neatly.Her stilettos click-clack against the polished floors as she escorts me to the boss's office.She opens the door, and a blast of sweet, cool air conditioning fills my lungs. The room is huge spacious, with glass walls that offer a stunning view of the city. I assume the handsome young man behind the desk is Grey Sullivan, CEO of Grey Incorporations. His nameplate flashes on his desk, confirming my assumption. He gestures for me to take a seat.My nerves, which were already doing the salsa in my stomach, turn into a full-blown rave party as I do. From what I'd seen on newspapers and magazines, I expected Grey Sullivan to be some warm, fuzzy grandfather type, not an Adonis in a three-piece suit.“Good to finally meet you, Sam,” he greets, his eyes still focused on

SARAH “Act as my partner, and I'll increase your driver's pay threefold.”My eyes dart upward. He’s dead serious about this. leaving me tongue-tied and swallowing hard. “Mr. Grey, uh…"“Call me Grey, please,” he says, and even cracks a smile.“Eddie has to pay for what he's done.” His jaw clenches, and the chill sets back in.My heart races a mile a minute. Grey motions for me to park my butt,”Have a seat. Let's discuss this, father.” The atmosphere lightens somewhat, but there’s still an undercurrent of unease. I check out the comfy gray chair, then plop my behind into it. Heels click-clack, grabbing our attention. A radiant woman descends the stairs, wearing a sunny yellow top and a lively floral skirt. Her graying dark hair frames a face full of warmth. Grey can’t hide his happy grin when he lays eyes on her. His chocolatey eyes twinkle, forming adorable wrinkles at the edges. She wraps him in a warm hug, peppering his cheeks with gentle kisses. “Oh dear. What'll it be for

SARAH With that hair, look, and makeup, Ruby was clearly yanked straight from a strip club mid-shift. Her eyes? A masterpiece of sleepless drama—smudged liner, panda vibes strong, like she’s been rubbing them raw after 24 hours at the precinct. Her curls? Total chaos. Not “sunset in Sedona” vibes—more like forest fire in July. Her lipstick—fire-truck red—somehow still flawless. Either she’s got supernatural staying power… or it’s the real deal, not some drugstore knockoff that flakes after two sips of water. There’s that black leather jacket again, with its one lonely button doing its best to hold things together and failing gloriously. Her assets? Fully on display. And that dress—red, tight, barely there… “Listen, I didn’t put Leonardo in the hospital. I’m innocent. And you’ve got no right dragging me in here like some criminal. If you can’t treat a lady right, at least do your damn job and catch the actual culprit.” She’s not arguing—she’s stating facts Ruby’s got that “I

SARAH I’m one breath away from collapsing when Grey finally pulls back. The air rushes in, and in my mouth? A bitter aftertaste of coffee and mint. I stay upright by sheer will. And pride. Mostly pride, grinding my teeth so hard my dentist felt it. Fisting my knuckles because if I don’t, I’m punching his torso on sight. And God help me, I want to. Because… What was that for, huh?! That’s how you kiss a girl?! My gaze darts sideways. Treacherous, traitorous eyes—don't you dare look away first. I yank them back, facing Mr. GREY squarely. I adjust my suit too. If I’m gonna die of secondhand embarrassment, I’ll at least look tailored. His brow pinches in thought. He’s studying me like _I’m_ the science experiment. Wait—_I'm_ the one who crossed a line? No, seriously. He mugs me with his mouth, nearly kills me via oxygen deprivation, and _I_ get the ‘fascinating specimen’ squint? Scoff. The nerve of this man! “Unbelievable.” “Sam, you’re—” Grey’s voice catches, and for one s