“Good.”I nod.“When the dress arrives this afternoon, head to the salon to have your hair and makeup done as planned, and I’ll see you at home tonight.”
I climb out, giving her space, and as I pass Josh, I say unnecessarily.“Stay with her.”
He gives me a sharp nod.
It’s her I want protected, not the diamond.
As I walk into my office, the next reality check of the day hits me.
My phone rings and it’s Mason.
“Ringing to give me more shit?”
“Of course.”He laughs.“But I want to talk to you about what you plan to do after you get this funding situation sorted.Obviously, Emily can’t keep working for you.”
“Why?”
“You’re fucking the girl.”
Woman.
“Fine, let’s say I agree with you.”I drop my bag onto my desk and slip out of my jacket.
“Then I would say that’s a good way to think.Mostly because Idoneed a PA and figure it’s an excellent solution for us both,” Mason replies, sounding all business.
He’s serious.
I tense.I’m not happy with the idea, but can’t think of a single reason to disagree.Especially given I overheard some of the conversation between Emily and her parents on the phone the other day.Her father’s comment grated on my nerves, and it continues to bug me.
Has she lost her job yet?
It was the way he said it, with so much cynicism that got under my skin.It was rude, and I saw how upset she was, and how embarrassed.
Emily is an excellent assistant, and if it wasn’t for our personal situation, I would keep her on without question.
Even changing companies would give her father reason to judge, but it’s better than me just letting her go.Or keeping her and both of us getting in deeper.I can’t let that happen.
You don’t want her to leave.
Seeing the hurt in her eyes earlier is a stark reminder that I care, and that’s dangerous.
I need to let her go.
“Fine.Set up an interview time for early next week.I’ll tell her,” I respond, grinding my back teeth.I really need to see my dentist before they all fall out.
“Excellent.I’ll have my HR team reach out to yours to get a copy of her resume,” Mason replies, then I hear him pause and wait.
And wait.
“Ask your question.”I grunt.
“You like her.”
“Not a question.”I push the button to fire up my laptop.
“Be careful, buddy,” he warns me, and I close my eyes.
“She’s not Sandy.And I’m not marrying her, Mase.It’s fine.”
