Gherring’s frown returned. “If you put my executive assistant in the hospital, I’m taking my bone marrow back.”
3
Katie re-counted her underwear before zipping the mesh pouch closed. Each type of clothing had a separate packing cube—one for tops, one for shorts, one for skirts, one for sundresses. She’d also included an iron in case the cottage didn’t have one.
“I thought you packed last night.” Nicole, her effervescent roommate, shot through the door and launched herself onto the bed. Katie didn’t complain, even though she now had to remake the bed to its former crisp state. Nicole was Nicole… impulsive and carefree, and full of life. Everything Katie wasn’t. But she was also fiercely loyal and the best friend Katie had ever had.
“I did pack last night. I’m double-checking in case I missed something.”
“Did you bring a swimsuit?” Nicole rolled onto her side, propping her head with one of the throw pillows, destroying its perfect alignment.
“Yes, I stuck one in.” Katie gave her head a small shake. The swimsuit had only been included at Nicole’s insistence. Swimming was part of her exercise routine, but only in chlorinated pools. “I don’t know why I had to pack a suit, since I’m not getting in the ocean.”
“You need to lay out and soak up some sun. It gives you Vitamin D and hormones that keep you happy.”
“I don’t want skin cancer,” Katie argued.
“One week of sun won’t give you skin cancer, as long as you’re careful about wearing sunscreen. Besides, you look great in a swimsuit. Steven Gherring will take one look at you and fall in love, just like that movie, Beach Blanket.” Nicole folded her hands together. “Please, can I be your maid of honor?”
“Number one, I never saw that movie. Number two, I’m not interested in marrying anyone, especially not my boss.”
“I’d marry him in an instant.” Flopping on her back, Nicole wrapped her arms around herself, miming a hug and making kissing noises. “Oh, Steven! I’m in love with you, too. Yes! Don’t worry, I’ll make do with this fifty-carat diamond solitaire until you can buy me a bigger one.”
“Believe me, having a big diamond is no guarantee you’ll be happy. Joseph is proof of that.”
“Joseph doesn’t count. He was a jerk. He cheated on you.”
Yes, because I was too boring for him. Katie kept the thought to herself, having heard Nicole’s flawed-but-devoted-to-her-best-friend opinion on the matter.
“I should’ve known he was too good to be true. Why would a smart, successful guy like Joseph be interested in me?” Katie asked. “I come with too much baggage. I’ve never done anything, accomplished anything. For Pete’s sake, I’m thirty-four years old and I’ve never even been more than a hundred miles from home.”
“You moved to New York City, all by yourself, and found a job and an apartment.” Nicole giggled. “And a great roommate.”
“I can hardly be proud of leaving my parents’ home in my thirties after being jilted by my fiancé. Besides, I was desperate to get away from Allentown once Joseph and Candace moved in together.”
“All that changes today.” Nicole sat up, bouncing on the bed. “It’s a week of firsts for you. First time on a plane. First time going to South Carolina. First time to stay at a gorgeous beach cottage, all-expenses-paid. First time to kiss your boss.”
“Nicole! Stop it!”
She fell back on the mattress, dissolving in laughter. “Okay, you’re not going to kiss your boss. How about that other guy?”
With blood rushing to her cheeks like someone opened a faucet, Katie was glad she was facing her closet. “The other guy? You mean, Greg? No wait, I think his name was Gary.”
“That’s it—Gary,” said Nicole, apparently oblivious to her awkwardness. “I know you said he was rude, but maybe he was just having a bad day. What did he look like?”
“I didn’t pay much attention. I was too busy waiting for thousands of baby spiders to pour out of my desk.”
Nicole laughed again. “I still think that was hilarious, even if you did have a panic attack until he came out and told you he was teasing.”
“I ought to be grateful,” Katie grumbled. “It prepared me for my next panic attack when Mr. Gherring told me I was going on this trip.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t talk them into driving to South Carolina.”
“Believe me, I tried. But Mr. Gherring wanted his plane so he could get back fast if there was an emergency.”
“Why didn’t you tell him you were afraid to fly? Maybe he would’ve rented a car for you.”
“I’m not about to admit that to Steven Gherring.” Katie zipped up her bulging suitcase, wondering if she should separate into two smaller bags. “Last week, he told me I’m the best executive assistant he’s ever had. I don’t want to give him a reason to change his mind.”