The Gargoyle from General Management (Claws & Cubicles, #3)

by Kate Prior

I’m a little impressed by his general sturdiness. Not that that’s something to be impressed by—that’s not a quality people say they’re looking for, ever.

some people wear their best business casual clothing to fly in; I’m firmly in the comfort category.

“Where are you going that requires a suit this time of night?” I ask, because actually I've decided it is really weird for him to be dressed like this, now that I think about it. What are boundaries in the airport, anyway?

“I mean, for a suit, it looks comfy,” I try, and he rolls his eyes. There is a hint of a smile there. “If nothing else, it makes you memorable.” That gets him, and he looks away to hide the wider smile.

And I can’t even imagine flirting with someone I’ve made a fool of myself in front of already. Then again, maybe it’s easier if we’ve already established that I’m a mess. I kinda doubt it though.

“I think I owe you a drink after this morning,” he says in that lower-than-the-crust-of-the-earth voice. It cuts through the sound of the crowd and the music easily. I'm not really following his logic, but I agree. I'm owed many, many drinks, and a therapy bill.

“Why does being a team player have to mean ignoring my discomfort? Doesn't seem like a good team to be on.”

No. The last thing I want is to get invested in the sort of guy who is only emotionally available for stock market shares and financial portfolios. Or maybe it’s like the third thing I want, after a raise and one of those really big chocolate sculptures. I’m definitely not sober enough to put numbers on my priorities.

Too many people treat it like an invitation to cross boundaries they wouldn't normally. Telling people means getting harassed, and if I call them out for changing their behavior, it gets shrugged off because my existence is “asking for it.”

Seducing people is a lot of work when you're an introvert, and not actually a skill inherent to being a siren, despite the common misconception.

“Do you think if you make it harder for people to love you, and they're still there, that will prove to you finally that you're worthy of being loved?”