Normally, she would’ve replied back right away to let Keisha know that everything she said was fine – but now, all she could think of was how nice it would be if Ethan reallywasher receptionist instead.
It was wishful thinking, though. Like she could just ask him to be her receptionist! It’d be insulting – he was a high-flying corporate lawyer, even if she hadn’t known when she met him thathigh flyingcould be taken quite so literally. Becoming a receptionist for a small-town vet was the kind of step-down she couldn’t ask him to make.
Even if he was moving away from the city, he could surely do his work remotely. Or maybe he just wanted to take some time off, and not do any kind of work at all. She doubted he’d ever had a proper holiday in his life.
“What’s up?” Ethan asked. “You look worried.”
Chloe held out the phone to him, and he took it from her gently, his brow creasing as he read the message. She watched, fascinated, as his expression changed to one of resolve.
“May I…?” he asked, indicating the phone. “I won’t hit send.”
“Be my guest,” Chloe said. She was definitely curious about what he was going to say.
Ethan tapped away at the screen, and Chloe watched with mounting interest.
After what felt like an eternity, he held the phone up to Chloe.
She read:
Dear Keisha,
Thank you for your email. I very much appreciate the extra time that you have been putting into sourcing a receptionist for me.
However, I’m pleased to be able to say that I have found someone who is able to accept the role from next Monday. As such, please don’t worry about searching further, and instead enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Thank you again for your assistance.
Kind regards,
Chloe.
Chloe stared down at the message.
All kinds of emotions were coursing through her chest.
Part of her was touched that he would help her write an email that she clearly didn’t feel like writing.
Part of her was amused that even in his obvious attempts to write a friendly message, he still couldn’t quite manage to nail a more casual tone.
But most of her was just overwhelmed at the implications of what he was saying.
Because hewassaying that, wasn’t he?
Wasn’t he?
She really had to check with him, because the uncertainty was driving her crazy.
Trembling, she looked up at him. His eyes met hers, intense.
“Are… are you saying you’d like to work with me?” she asked. She felt a giggle trying to force its way up her throat. “You’re accepting my job offer after all?”
He nodded. “If you’ll have me.”
“If I’ll – of course I’ll have you!” she exclaimed. “Why would I not?!”
“Well,” he drawled, “I don’t actually have any receptionist experience.”
“You filled in the other day,” Chloe said, even as her heart felt like it would explode out of her chest with happiness. “That’s good enough for me. And I’m sure Diana would give you a good reference.”
