“Are you fightin’ mad? Madder than a wet hen? Do you have a bee in your bonnet? Are you so mad you could spit? Are you mad as a hatter?”
“Yes, I’m mad as a hatter—you’re making me crazy.”
“What exactly are you mad about?”
“I’m mad because… because you… I don’t remember anymore. But that doesn’t change anything. I’m still mad.” She put her hands on her hips and gave him her best you’re-in-trouble-with-mom look.
But Gherring grinned. “How can you be mad at me? I’m sweet and generous. And what was that last thing you said? Something about my body?”
He stood up and walked closer to her, invading her personal space. Her heart thudded so hard she could hear it in her ears.
She backed away, giving up the fight to keep a straight face. “Okay, stop right there. Let’s make a deal. I won’t be mad anymore, and you promise never to bring up that last thing I said.”
He smirked. “But maybe we should discuss it first—”
“No please. Let’s forget it. Please?”
“How could I say ‘no’ when you look at me with those big brown eyes? I promise not to bring it up again.”
Anne let out a slow breath, relieved. Why did she say such stupid things around him? He had promised not to tease her about it, but he hadn’t promised to forget.
Too late, she realized he also hadn’t promised to give Sharon any real consideration. But she didn’t dare stir up that hornet’s nest again. She was probably lucky she still had her job.
With a temporary truce in place, they once again joined forces to attack the PowerPoint presentation. Gherring had retrieved all the information he felt was relevant, and Anne was busy setting up the slides and the accompanying notes. “Who’s going to do Jeff’s part of the presentation? You or Jared? Or will you bring someone else from that department?”
“I’ll probably do it. Jared's pretty green. I was really bringing him to give him some experience.”
“I haven’t canceled the other hotel room yet. Should I do that now?”
“No, just keep it for now. I haven’t made up my mind.” He stretched and glanced at his watch. “You should head home. Your girls will be in soon.”
“That’s okay. I can stay until five or even five thirty. I left a key with Rayna, so the girls can let themselves in the apartment. And we don’t really have a time deadline tonight.”
Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved a small brown envelope. “Actually your play starts at seven.”
She opened the envelope and pulled out three tickets to Parsimonious, the Proper Wizard. “This is the newest show on Broadway! They’re amazing, but… I can’t take these. Thank you. Thanks anyway.” She tried to hand them back.
“Don’t be ridiculous. Why can’t you take them?”
“I don’t know. It just seemed like the right thing to say. Isn’t there something improper about taking tickets from your boss?”
“Of course not. I give extras to my employees all the time. It’s called a perk.”
“A perk? Are you sure?” She asked, hopping up and down on her toes.
“Of course. It’s not a big deal.” He gazed at the ceiling.
“You know, if you keep rolling your eyes like that, they might get stuck up there.” A giggle escaped, and then suddenly she hugged him, almost knocking him off balance.
“I can’t believe it! Thank you so much! Now I’m really sorry I used a yelling tone of voice.”
“You’re welcome. This is actually a much more thorough thank you than I usually get.” His tone was teasing, but he seemed quite proud of himself.
“No one ever accused me of being normal.”
How am I going to keep from falling for him when he’s so nice? It’s easier when he’s grouchy.