“That’s right.” I lean on the desk, taking a moment to catch my breath—and to avoid giving Theo his icy, sweet latte.
He lets out a sigh of relief and pretends to wipe sweat from his brow. “Thank God you’re here. I tried helping him with some of your tasks last week, and let me tell you… I don’t envy your job. Not one bit.”
“Oh!” I try not to let my shock show, but the nervous laughter escaping my lips may give me away. “Well, I’m happy to help in any way I can.”
That feels like the right thing to say.
“And I’m sure you’ll do great. Definitely better than me.” He leans back and tilts his head. “Sorry. I don’t want to make you late.”
“No problem. I’m a little early, anyway.” I was twenty minutes early, but I spent the first ten sitting in my car. Now, I’m right on time, but the ice in the drinks is melting, so I scurry off to find Theo.
He’s in his office, already on a call. His voice is a low rumble, professional but raspier in the morning.
I slip inside and set the coffee on the desk, prepared to leave, until he holds up a finger.
There I stand, frozen by the silent command.
“We’ll be there,” he says. “Seventeen days in total. My assistant will set up lodging and tickets. Just make sure everything else is ready.”
Right. Another thing for me to figure out. I’ve found flight tickets and hotels for my trips, and I wasn’t lying about finding the best deals, but who am I kidding? Theo doesn’t care about good deals. He’s probably used to the finer things in life.
I don’t want to disappoint. Oh, I’m stressed. Having a company credit card only makes me more stressed. It’s too much power.
I’m still frozen when he ends the call.
“What’s this?” Theo smiles and swirls the ice around his cup.
“Um… that is a lavender oat milk latte.” I blush from head to toe and squirm in my spot. Even the sweet smell of lavender can’t calm me now. “I thought I would surprise you.”
“That’s awfully nice of you, but you don’t have to get me coffee. I don’t want you to feel like you have to do personal tasks.”
My lips pop open. He doesn’t like it. I got the wrong drink, and now he’ll never let me get coffee again. “I know. This was nothing. I wanted to… well, I wanted to thank you. That’s all.”
He tilts his head, and his eyes drag over me. “Sit down, please.”
I listen, finally defrosting enough to take the seat across from his. Considering how often I am perched right here, it’s becoming a usual seat.
“If you don’t like it,” I say, “you don’t have to drink it. I wasn’t sure what your order was, and I know it’s silly… so silly…”
He takes a slow sip. “The drink is delicious, don’t get me wrong. It’s just that I don’t want you to make a habit of getting my coffee.”
“Like I said, this is my way of thanking you. That’s all. It’s not part of my job, I know.”
His expression softens. “For what? You don’t have anything to thank me for. You earned this job, and you’re the one helpingmeout.”
“I’m not thanking you for hiring me. I’m thanking you for, well… for yesterday.” I shift in my seat. “The situation with Rod was awkward, and you helped put a stop to the awkwardness.”
A steely glint flashes across his gaze. “I was doingmyjob. Keeping a safe work environment is an important part of that.”
“I know, but… there’s no saying how that would have ended if you didn’t show up.”
“You don’t have to worry about Rod anymore. He’s been let go.” His jaw ticks. “I would never let anything bad happen to you, Evie.”
“I-I know that.” Because he’s Everett’s friend, right? Everett probably threatened him into being this nice to me.
“Nevertheless.” He smiles, and some of my tension fades away. “You’re welcome—and thankyoufor the drink. I do like lavender.”
“Are you sure? Some people say it tastes like soap?—”
