“Essentially.”
She was smiling now, not mocking but understanding. “That’s actually really sweet.”
“Don’t tell anyone. It’ll ruin my reputation.”
“Your secret’s safe with me.” She glanced at the crate. “So tonight’s benefit—if it goes well, what happens?”
“If it goes well, Evergreen Apps becomes the go-to platform for every major charity event in the region. Which means more revenue, more staff, more?—”
“Control?”
I looked at her. “You make that sound like a bad thing.”
“It’s not bad. But it’s also not everything.” She pushed off from the table, moving closer. “What happens when you can’t control something? When life throws you coffee on your desk or a package that might be broken or a woman who wants twelve toppings on her hot chocolate bar?”
“I adapt.”
“Do you?” She was close now, close enough that I could see the gold flecks in her eyes. “Or do you just work harder to force it back into your plan?”
My phone buzzed again. The transport team was here. Saved by technology.
“I should go meet them,” I said, not moving.
“Yeah,” she agreed, also not moving.
We stood there for another heartbeat, the air between us electric with something I couldn’t name and wasn’t ready to examine. Then I forced myself to step back, to pull out my phone, to become Grady Thorne, CEO of Evergreen Apps, instead of whoever I’d been for the last twenty minutes in this mail room.
“Thank you,” I said. “For waiting with me.”
“Thank you for the ride home. And the conversation.” She picked up her laptop bag, and I realized I didn’t want her to leave yet.
The words came out before I could stop them. “Actually—the benefit tonight. If you want to see what The Evergreen Room looks like when everything comes together, you’re welcome to come.”
She turned back, eyes wide with surprise. “Really?”
“Seven o’clock. Cocktail attire.” I kept my voice steady and professional, even though my heart was pounding. “Consider it research. For your party.”
A slow smile spread across her face. “Research. Right.”
“Unless you have other plans?—”
“No. No other plans.” She was trying to play it cool, but I could see her eyes light up. “I’ll be there.”
“Good.”
We stood there for another moment, neither of us moving, and I had the sudden, irrational urge to say something more. Something that would explain why I’d just invited her, why the thought of waiting until Thursday to see her again felt impossible.
Instead, I said, “Don’t be late.”
“I won’t.” She started toward the door, then paused once more. “And Grady? I hope your event tonight is perfect. You deserve it.”
She left before I could respond, disappearing into the lobby.
I stood in the mail room surrounded by other people’s deliveries and realized two things. One, I was in serious trouble. And two, I couldn’t wait until seven o’clock.
3
MOLLIE
