He nodded. “I can’t promise that won’t be the case. You might want to think about it, if this is what you want to work on.”
“I do. Really badly. I hope you’ll mentor me. I should be okay, as long as you don’t send me to help out in operating rooms or something,” she joked.
She noted how his expression cleared from concern to humor.
“I think you could add unique perspective. Plus, the work would be a good experience that Joan would appreciate.”
“I do have a few requests, though,” she said, emboldened by his seeming acceptance of her.
One corner of his mouth quirked. Being direct worked.
She soldiered on. “First, it’s complicated with work. Joan knows you. I appreciate you haven’t said anything to her, because it might not look professional if she finds out how we really met.”
Phoenix considered her. “You know what, your recommendation’s going to come right from the client. Let’s not complicate things. There’s no need to tell anyone at your office about us at all.”
Her chest relaxed. He was on her side. “Exactly. Especially not Princeton.”
“Wait, didn’t I tell you he’s working with you on this?”
Horror welled up, as she pictured him stealing her credit, presenting their work as his own. Then, she read the mischief in the fine lines around Phoenix’s lips and she felt the corner of her mouth twitch. Finally, they both gave in to laughter.
He straightened his face. “Sorry, too tempting to resist. Keep going, what else?”
“Maybe no jokes at my expense?” She winked.
He chortled like they were in cahoots. “Got it. You won’t be the butt of any jokes. You want to be mentored, but don’t tell Joan.” he said, counting the points on his fingers.
Orchid nodded. Note to self:neverunderestimate this guy.
“Anything else?”
She swallowed. Could she ask him to be less handsome, kind, or appealing? She shook her head.
He studied her, emotions flickering that she couldn’t quite read. He swilled the rest of his espresso, and his expression grew earnest. “Sounds like we have a deal,” he said.
Orchid measured the depths of his eyes. Phoenix, who could be trusted to guard her at the club. Phoenix, who kept her cover at work. Yes bubbled to her lips.
“A couple of things you should know, too,” he said.
She held her breath.Uh-oh?
“I don’t have much time during the day. So, if you need my advice, it’ll probably be after hours. Just the reality of my life.”
“Sure,” she agreed.
“I don’t consider this a one-way mentorship. I can learn as much from you as you can from me.”
“I doubt it,” slipped out.
He continued. “There may be learning assignments that I’d recommend.”
“I’d love that. And please invite me if you’re having an agency training… or something.”
“I wasn’t thinking anything that fancy. More like reading. I brought a book you might like. This one’s my favorite guide to cultural differences between the east and west.”
“Oh, that’s so thoughtful! That’ll be useful if I go to China.”
“You seem like the type to achieve your goals. You’ll go,” he said.
