Boss of Me

“Okay.” I sit a little straighter.

“We’re going to stand by you, Fletcher. You and I butt heads, but I know you’re better than what they’re saying. I’m going to give Chip Braden a call as well. I think he’ll be interested to know what kind of a man he’s hired.”

I don’t know what to say, so I keep it professional. “Thanks, Stephen.”

“Don’t mention it.”

We hang up, and I feel a strange mixture of relief and sadness. Is it possible I might survive this? Do I want to without her?

Standing, I walk to the window, looking out at the lights of the city. I try to think of anything I can do to change things between us. I already extended an olive branch, albeit a secret one. Perhaps if I went there and apologized in person…

Taking my phone off the desk, I slip it in my coat pocket. I’m just about to grab my keys when a figure enters my office. She’s quiet, dressed in all white, and I want to rub my eyes. I want to be sure I’m not asleep.

“Rocky?”

“Hi.” Her voice sounds so good. “I came as soon as I heard.”

“You heard about the article?”

“Yeah.”

“You were worried about me?” The tiniest flicker of warmth sparks in my stomach.

“I thought you might need backup. I’m pretty good in a fight.”

God, I love this woman. “It’s been a bit of a shit show these last twenty-four hours.”

“But you’re smiling. Does that mean you came through it?”

“For now.” I walk around my desk, closer to her. “It’s possible we might have survived.”

Her eyes go to my hand, and her lips part. “What happened to your hand?” She closes the space between us, touching me gently. It feels so good. “Is it broken?”

“I don’t know. I haven’t had a chance to get it checked.” She turns my hand over and tries to move my fingers. “Ahh…” I wince, and worried blue eyes snap to mine.

Such pretty blue eyes. My stomach tightens, and I want to trace that hair off her cheek, push it behind her ear.

She’s here.

Ginger and coconut.

Her lips press into a line. “Did you punch the wall?”

“Oh, it’s better than that.” I chuckle. “You haven’t seen the video?”

“There’s a video?”

“I punched Jerry.”

Her hand flies to cover her mouth, but I see her smile. I see her eyes mist. “Sorry, but that’s awesome.”

“That’s pretty much the general response.”

Her hand drops to her side, and she turns away from me. “I got a call from that reporter. I told her the story was entirely false.”

“Thanks.”

Her eyes are on her shoes, and she hesitates. “You helped my sister get that loan?”