Nova sets the drink down with a flourish. “You’re welcome. I also scheduled a sound bath, but I figured you’d fire me if I told youbeforethe masseuse.”
I shoot her a look.
“Noted,” she deadpans. Then, without missing a beat, she glances over her shoulder toward Josie. “So. She’s hot.”
“Nova.”
“I’m just saying. Distracting.”
“She’s a hire.”
“One you keep looking at,” she adds, voice low.
I grit my teeth. “What the hell are you talking about?”
She raises a brow. “You’re not exactly subtle, boss. I’ve worked with you foryears. I can tell when there’s a vibe between you and someone else.”
I say nothing.
Because she’s right.
She’s always been perceptive when it comes to me.
Iamdistracted. And it’s a problem.
Josie doesn’t look over. She’s focused. Calm. In control. Like nothing ever happened between us.
I envy the hell out of that.
“Fine,” Nova says, finally taking pity on me. “I’ll go harass Martin. But you owe me dinner. And no, protein powder doesn’t count.”
“Deal,” I mutter, already half distracted again as she slips out the door.
Back at the counter, Josie’s still working, still humming.
I tear my eyes away and grab my own notes.
Focus.
No distractions.
No mistakes.
Even if the biggest one I’ve made in years is standing fifteen feet away and smells like rosemary, rain, and whatever it is that keeps me up at night.
CHAPTER SIX
Josie
I survived.
Barely.
Day One at The Marrow, and I didn’t cry in the walk-in fridge, so that’s a win. Sure, my new boss has all the warmth of a glacier, but I made it.
I didn’t spill anything. I didn’t drop anything. I only burned myself once.
And most importantly, I did not blurt out, “Hey, are we going to talk about the fact that we’ve seen each other naked or what?”
