“I have interviews. I’m finally going to hire a receptionist.”
He hums this disappointed sound.
“What?”
“I’m going to miss being able to barge in there any time I want, is all.”
“Even more of a reason to hire someone as soon as possible.”
He smiles.
I smile at his smile.
We’re both just really fucking smiley today, aren’t we?
We linger there, him rocking back on his heels, me shifting my weight from foot to foot. Having absolutely no reason to continue this conversation but also not wanting it to end.
I throw a thumb in the direction of the conference room. “So, I should—”
“Are you coming to the team potluck next weekend?”
“I’m not,” I quickly answer for the second time today. “That’s a team thing.”
“Exactly.”
“I’m not sure the guys would want the person who holds their careers in her hands to attend their team-bonding event. Can’t imagine that’d be very relaxing for them.”
“They would want you there. They do. You’re a part of this team, Reese, and it would be good for you to start seeing that.”
I notice the way he says it would be good forme, not them. Because I’m the one who needs convincing.
I’m tempted to give him a quick and sure no. The way I did when speaking to Kennedy about this same subject. But something about Emmett asking me to join is tempting me to do so.
It’d be much simpler for me to keep some boundaries in place when it comes to the guys on the team. To try my best to view these players as pieces of a puzzle and not people. Because that’s what I should do. Remain detached. Keep things strictly on a business level.
And naturally, I’m not good at that at all. Instinctually, I probably care too much.
But then I think about all the teams I grew up around as a little girl and how much fun I had with them. How so many of my best childhood memories are from simple events just like this one.
“I...” I hesitate. “I don’t know what I would bring.”
Not a no. Not a yes.
Emmett’s lips tick up in a small smile. “Anything. I’m a terrible cook so I’m making Miller bring a second dish for me. Buy something premade at the store. Show up empty-handed. It doesn’t matter. Just show up.”
Just show up.I could maybe do that.
“I’ll think about it.”
“That’s all I’m asking for.” He nods in the direction of the conference room. “Good luck with those interviews. Make sure you hire someone that won’t make me wait forever when I want to meet with you.”
Emmett turns back to the elevator, pressing the button for it to come pick him up.
My brows furrow in confusion. “You didn’t need to get off on this floor?”
“No. I’m headed down to the clubhouse.”
The elevator doors open and he steps inside.
