XOXO

“Fine,” I say. “And you?”

The look of surprise on her face is one for the records books. I’ve never asked her that, and it shows in her expression. “I’m very well, sir. Thank you for asking.”

Thank you for existing.

I need to get a fucking grip, so I fall back on my routine with a slight twist because I need caffeine immediately. “I’d like my coffee now.”

The fact that I didn’t say ten minutes from now doesn’t faze her. Instead, she points a finger toward my office. “It’s on your desk.”

I glance in that direction. Next to the coffee is a bagel, toasted how I like with poached egg whites sitting atop one half of it.

“I know you usually workout first and then eat, but I thought since we’re diving headfirst into work early, you might need something to satisfy your craving.”

I glance at her. Eating her would satisfy my craving.

“If you’d prefer to have it later, I can get you one then,” she goes on. “Your schedule doesn’t indicate anything before nine.”

That’s because I had to scramble to come up with a reason for ordering her down here this early. I couldn’t tell her it’s because I didn’t want Lowell’s dick anywhere near her last night, but that would fall well beyond the scope of what I’m willing to share.

There’s no need to tell Arietta I’m... what the fuck am I?

Am I protective of her? Am I attracted to her? Am I looking for a chance to bury my face between her thighs?

Scrubbing a hand over the back of my neck, I exhale harshly. “I have a phone meeting with a client in Sicily in thirty minutes. Alessia Sagese. I want you to pull up her file on the computer for me.”

She looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “You want me to open a file on the computer for you? That’s why I had to come in early?”

I wait for her to say more, but a smile slides onto her lips.

Damn, she’s good.

She’s holding her anger in like a champ.

“Yes,” I answer succinctly. “I’m still getting acquainted with the new filing system.”

She rounds her desk and types something into her laptop. “Once you open your computer, the information will pop up on your screen.”

“Just like that?” I question like I have no idea how to click open a client’s file.

“Just like that,” she repeats with a snap of her fingers. “It’s like magic.”

I fight like hell to hold back a smile. “I’m all set.”

I start past her desk on the way to my office.

“Sir?” she asks from behind me. “What would you like me to do during your call?”

Good question.

I turn to face her. Her glasses slip down the bridge of her nose. With a push of her fingertip, they slide right back up.

“Prepare all the documents for Mrs. Blanchard to sign.”

It’s premature, but Arietta has already secured this deal. I saw it yesterday when Clarice hugged her goodbye and promised to call her today to find out how her date with Lowlife went. Lowell. Fucking Lowell.

“You believe she’ll sign with the firm?” she questions with a lift of her brow.

Nodding, I step closer to her. “I do, and it’s thanks to you, Arietta.”

She doesn’t push back on the compliment. Instead, she straightens her shoulders. “I’m glad I could help. She’s making the right choice. You’re the best in the business.”

The temptation to ask about her date is strong, but that’s showing too much of my hand. I have to play this close to the vest until whatever the fuck I’m feeling for my assistant fades away.

It will fade away. It has to.

Chapter 26

Arietta

“You look like you’re about to fall asleep in your salad.”

I glance down at the wilted lettuce and overripe slices of tomato in front of me before I set my gaze on Bronwyn. She has a cheeseburger in her hand. “What?”

“You zoned out.” She waves the burger in the air, causing a slice of red onion to tumble to the top of the table. “Are you tired?”

Nodding my head, I pick up my fork and try to spear a piece of too-soft cucumber from what’s left of the salad I had last night. I took the leftovers so I could bring them for lunch today.

Lowell carried the container for me when he walked me home. He didn’t move in for a good night kiss as we stood in the lobby of my apartment building. He did give me a soft peck on the cheek.

It wasn’t good. It wasn’t bad. It just was.

“I had to come in early today,” I confess as I push the salad container a few inches away from me. “I only got a few hours of sleep.”

Bronwyn places the burger on its wrapper before she goes for a fry. Sliding it in a puddle of ketchup that’s next to the burger, she takes a bite. “Why did you have to come in early?”