Joy by Victoria Christopher Murray

she muttered, as she punched numbers into the computer.
    But minutes later, when she heard a key in the front door, her fingers froze above the keyboard. She remained still as she heard the door open, then close.
    “Who's there?” she called out.
    There was no response.
    She listened for footsteps but the only sound was the hum of the computer. She stood and walked around her desk, peering into the hallway. “Hello,” she said, trying to control the slight shaking in her voice.
    Finally he appeared through the vestibule.
    “Why didn't you say anything? I am not into playing games,” Anya snapped, holding her hand over her heart.
    “I'm sorry.” David followed Anya into her office. “I thought I'd be here alone and, when I heard you, I thought about turning around.”
    “Gee, thanks.” Anya sat behind her desk. “Don't worry, I won't get in your way.”
    “That's not what I meant. I'm just not good company today.”
    “Join the club.”
    David saw the deep frown on her face. “Is there something I can help you with?”
    She lifted her eyes and, for the first time, took a good look at him. She'd never seen him without one of his tailored suits, and she approved of this casual attire. The tight black short-sleeved turtle- neck and very well-fitting jeans revealed his daily workouts.
    “If it's one of the accounts,” David continued, “I can give my input. I'm looking for something to take my mind off…some things.” He sat across from her.
    She smiled. “Look at us pitiful souls. What's your problem?”
    He shook his head. “I was just bored and thought I'd get a head start on the week.”
    Anya didn't miss the way his eyes had darkened. “Same here,” she said. “What are you going to work on?”
    “I'm not sure.” He folded his arms. “I need to get those monthly reports to you. I have Alaister's; he's so quick with his numbers. I'll have the rest by tomorrow.” He stood. “I'll be in my office if you need me.”
    Anya returned to the computer screen and watched her screensaver scatter across it—LET GO, LET GOD. She hit the mouse, returning to the invoices. Twenty minutes later, she was staring at her blank computer screen.
    She walked to the window, her mind mingling thoughts of her business and Braxton.
    Sighing, she turned back to her desk and jumped. “Oh, my God! What is with you? You keep scaring me half to death!”
    “Anya—” David started, then stopped.
    “Yes?” When he said nothing, she took a step toward him. “What is it?”
    They both turned as the front door opened, then Alaister appeared at her door.
    “Oh. Hi,” he said, surprise in his voice.
    “Is
everyone
having a bad day?” Anya asked irritably.
    Alaister frowned. “Why are you asking me that?”
    Anya waved her hand. “You came in to get some work done too?”
    “Ah, no.” He hesitated and took off his cap, running his hands through his hair. “I… I had to pick up a few things.” He turned to David and spoke quickly. “You need the numbers and the final paperwork for Linden in the morning, right?”
    David nodded, his eyes still fixed on Anya.
    “I came to pick up the reports. I forgot to take them with me on Friday,” Alaister explained.
    Seconds of strained silence slipped by, and Anya watched Alaister's eyes dart from her to David.
    “I'll go to my office and be on my way.” Alaister disappeared down the hall.
    Anya turned back to David. “What is wrong with you? Why were you just standing in my door?”
    “I was going to ask if you wanted to get something to eat. I'm not being productive, and I thought I'd go out.” His gaze was intense.
    She frowned. What did she see in his eyes? There was something dark, maybe dangerous, something that she couldn't figure out. But then, she smiled, thinking she'd seen too many movies lately. “Sure, I'm not getting much done either.”
    The front door opened again, and Anya and David were silent until the footsteps stopped outside her door.
    “Oh, hi,