“Duncan Fairweather.” She rolls her eyes. “I’ve never known a more entitled prick.”
That’s not what I’m expecting to hear.
I jump, caught off guard, laughter pouring from my mouth. “Evie!”
“What?” She giggles, returning to her usual self, and I’m grateful the job hasn’t crushed it out of her entirely—not yet. “You’ve had to deal with that guy; you know it’s true.”
“I plead the fifth.”
“Whatever.” She yawns, stretching her hands over her head. “You’re the one who has to meet with him once we’re back, so… good luck.”
“You’ll need the luck, too.”
“Will I?”
“Oh, yes. I need my assistant at my side at all times.”
She shakes her head, wrinkling her nose. “I may suddenly fall ill that day.”
“Probably not the best idea to let me know you’re faking sick ahead of time.”
“Probably not, but I have a feeling you’ll let it slide. You’re soft, remember?”
Something unsaid passes between us—my soft spot forher. I know I can write it off, that it’s because she’s my friend’s little sister, but that’s not it.
“Iwilllet it slide, and I am soft.” I chuckle. “Does that make me a bad boss or a good boss? Be honest.”
“You’re a great boss. Easily the best I’ve had—no competition—but I’m not the only one who thinks so. Take a moment to appreciate how you inspired everyone out there today. I never thought I would see Bill from accounting chopping away with a hacksaw.”
I snort. “You would be surprised at what Bill gets into on the weekends.”
“What do you—” Her lips part. “You know what? No. I don’t want to know.”
“Not much of a hunter?”
“No!” Her eyes widen. “Never! Are you?”
“Not really.” I lean back in the chair, running my fingers through my hair. “I’ve been hunting a few times, and even though I realistically know it’s better for the environment than factory farming, I don’t enjoy it.”
“I guess itisbetter than that.” She looks me up and down, sending goose bumps across my flesh without a single touch. “You know what will be better formyenvironment?”
I turn my head, meeting her gaze. Keeping my employees comfortable is part of my job, and it’s especially important when we’re traveling. “What’s that?”
“If you go shower.” Her nose wrinkles. “You smell. I can smell you all the way from here.”
Well, that’s not what I was expecting.
“Evie!” I let out a shocked laugh.
More surprises from her.
“What?” She holds up her hands. “You’ve been hard at work all day. Obviously, you’re a little dirty… and alotsweaty.”
“Okay. I get it. I’m going.”
But for another moment, I let myself stay there with her, watching the way her face screws up when she’s focusing on her laptop screen. My heart is racing when I finally leave the room.
“Theo!”
