“Is she dangerous?”
He blinked. “Ah, no. At least, I don’t think so. She’s just trying to hold onto someone who’s moved on.”
“She was really pretty. Gorgeous, actually.”
“Yes, and she’s very aware of that fact. Look, Christine is a good person, but we didn’t mesh. She got too needy, which made me pull away even more.” Something he’d already told her.
After a pause, Justine asked, “Am I too needy?”
“Hell, no.” He hurried to reassure her. “You have a terrific sense of self-worth. Although…”
“Go ahead. Say it.”
“Although you don’t always act like it. Stand up for yourself with your boss. Demand they pay you what you’re worth or leave.”
She frowned. “I left on time today.”
“That’s great. Keep doing that while demanding to be compensated for your work.”
“I will. But baby steps work better for me than just ripping into my boss.”
“I didn’t say rip into him. I just worry they’ll keep taking advantage of you if you let them.”
She looked annoyed. “You sound like my father.”
“Ouch.”
She sighed. “I’m sorry. You’re right.”
“You asked.” He shrugged, a little hurt she didn’t seem to be listening to him. “This is why I have trouble with relationships. Sometimes I should just listen, but you did ask.”
“I know.” She leaned forward to kiss him. “I’m just frazzled because I made a big leap forward. Leaving on time when my boss wanted me to stay. It might not seem like a lot, but I hate confrontation.”
“Most people do.” He stroked her hair and kissed her. “You’re so smart and talented.”
“You’ve never seen my work.” She smiled.
“But I know who you are, and your intelligence shines through.”
“That’s one of the nicest things anyone’s said to me.”
“It shouldn’t be, though I can see men commenting on your looks before your smarts, only because you’re gorgeous.”
“Keep it up and my head will swell.”
“You mean, more than it already is? You’re pretty and all, but yeah, what a big head.”
She laughed and knocked him back. “Take it back.”
“Make me.”
Their wrestling match turned into a tickle fight. Except he got the better of her.
“Stop tickling me, you monster,” she said between giggles.
“Nope. I want to hear the words.”
“Your beard makes you look like a red panda?”
