My shirt from last night would insist we’d more than met. “We’ve talked a few times.” My phone buzzes on my desk with Calder’s name at the top.
Garrett slides the pen box off the wood. “Well. Give it a few more times, and I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” He turns to the door, but that comment sends me right back to the night before. His hand on my knee, his subtle head shake.
“Figure what out, Garrett?”
He turns back, a hint of surprise on his face. He considers his words, then shrugs. “That he’s not your type. And I think he’s into Sam, by the way.”
I blink.Sam?I ignore that for the moment. “You know my type?”
“We’ve worked together all year, so?—”
“What exactly do you know about me?” I fold my arms over my chest. “Honestly, had you not walked in here just now, I would’ve said you didn’t know where my office was.”
Garrett gives me a look, but I’m not smiling. “You’re kidding, right?”
“No. Not kidding.” I round the desk and half sit on the edge. “It’s hilarious because I’ve had a thing for you for months, and the first time you noticed me was after I mentioned another guy.”
He scoffs. “That’s—no, that’s not?—”
“Why did you say you’d drill with me? And then take me to Smash Point?”
“Because I had open play after.”
“Nothing to do with Calder showing up and seeing us together?”
His jaw tightens, and he shakes his head. “I was trying to be nice.”
“Have you ever asked about my life? My family? My hobbies?”
“I asked about pickleball.”
“I signed up for you! I didn’t even know how to play pickleball, but then I saw you were into it and there was that sign up, so I figured I could learn?—”
“Wait, you’d never played before?”
I laugh. “No! That’s why I signed up for lessons at Smash Point.”
“Damn. Well, you fooled me.”
I slump, pressing my palms into the desk. “It’s pathetic, I know.”
He looks down at his hands, his face coloring. “Well. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize.”
I groan. “It’s not your fault. I could’ve said something, but you’re always so on top of everything, and I’m . . .” I blow out a breath. “You said it last night. I’m a little over the top. I talk too much, and I laugh too loud, and I make jokes when I’m nervous. But that’s also why I’m good at my job. Clients remember me. I make them laugh, and we build honest-to-goodness relationships. Mostly the women, I think I tend to piss of the execs.”
He huffs a laugh.
“Anyway, last night, it didn’t feel like you had my back. It felt like you wanted me to do things like you do, but I don’t think that’s how a company or a relationship thrives.” I almost stopright there because I have little to no experience running either a company or a relationship, but it feels so right, I soldier on. “We have to champion what makes each of us tick. Even when there’s a flip side. Megan’s rose-colored glasses make gorgeous, hopeful designs. Sam’s realism saves us money every day. I’d like to think my personality attracts and keeps the types of clients we want here, and I’m not saying I don’t have things to change?—”
“No. I get it.” Garrett stops me, and the room stills around us. “I didn’t mean to make you feel—” He draws a breath and meets my eyes. “I was nervous. I thought I was protecting the account.”
“I know.”
He taps the pen box against his palm. “Okay. So . . . we’re good?”
I nod. “Yeah. We’re good.”
He turns again to the door, then hesitates, “I might not have paid attention when I should’ve, but for what it’s worth, I asked you last night because I think you’re fun. I did enjoy spending time with you.”
