“I’m sorry, Jos. I’m feeling extra cynical today, it would seem. Just ignore me.”
“Nothing to be sorry for,” I say, pulling him in for a big hug. He looks like he could use one. “We’ve all been there.”
He returns my embrace with a fierceness I don’t expect. After one last squeeze, he steps back, giving me his genuine smile again.
“You’re one of a kind, Ms. Robertson. I hope your guy appreciates it.” He steps toward the elevator, and I watch as he dons his unemotional business persona.
“I’ll have my assistant send you a meeting recap, and I’ll give you a shout in a few days once I’ve followed up on our action items. I appreciate the business. Thanks for thinking of me.”
“You’ve earned my business, so no thanks necessary. Talk to you soon.”
I head back to my office, thinking of ways I can subtly ask Damon to dinner.
Chapter Fifteen
Damon
I’m deep in thought as I trek back toward my office. Jason and Joslyn seem to be quite comfortable with each other. How do they know each other? What if they used to date? Shit, what if they’re dating now? I’m an idiot. Why would I even expect that she’s not dating someone? She’s beautiful, intelligent, and kind. Of course, she’s seeing someone.
You don’t know that. Maybe just ask her.
It looks like I’d rather stew in my jealousy than ask why she was hugging Jason River by the elevator. A hug doesn’t mean anything. Not really. They could just be friends. Or they could be dating. Ugh, I need my brain to stop.
I have some serious concerns about Joslyn confronting Bill this week, particularly in light of the discoveries at the audit meeting. Maybe I’m being dramatic, but I have this feeling he won’t back down easily. The idea of just her and Debra, our fifty-five-year-old HR lady, being the only ones present during a confrontation with him is making my inner caveman foam at the mouth.
If Jacob were there, there wouldn’t be a cause for concern, but he’s out this week. If I ask to join the meeting, will she misread my intentions? My protective feelings are anything but professional. Just the thought of someone hurting her makes me livid. Maybe she’ll go to dinner with meagain, and I can work my request into casual conversation. With that in mind, I make my way toward her office.
Abby greets me with a head bump and doggie kisses, so I bend down to stroke the downy soft fur around her ears, while Joslyn sets her meeting materials on her desk.
“Well, what do you think? Interesting meeting, huh?” she asks.
“I would love to discuss it more in-depth, but I haven’t eaten since eleven, and I’m starving. How about we hit the diner again?” I ask, trying to sound nonchalant.
“I was just going to suggest that myself.” Her gorgeous smile illuminates her face, making her gray eyes sparkle. That cheery look goes straight to my heart. I would do just about anything to keep her smiling like that.
She grabs her purse and leashes up Abby so we can head out. I hold the elevator door for her, sweeping my arm out wide.
“Your elevator awaits, my lady.” I give her a bow with a little flourish.
She laughs and steps on the elevator. Turning back, she flutters her eyelashes at me before replying with a terrible English accent. “Thank you, kind sir.” She sounds ridiculous, but God, she’s so damn cute.
“Shouldn’t quit our day jobs for acting?” I quip, waggling my eyebrows. She laughs, and my insides light up. That laugh. My inner teenager wants to do all sorts of crazy things to keep her laughing, but I hold back because I’m a grown man. Mostly.
We kept the conversation casual on our walk to the diner to lighten the mood. That was an intense meeting, and I can tell she needs a break from that. It’s a gorgeous night, with a refreshing breeze providing welcome relief from the day’s heat. Denver’s weather is just one more perk of living in this city. Boston is a fascinating city, but I don’t miss the humidity.
The diner is considerably more crowded tonight, but as luck would have it, we still manage to get a booth in the corner. Abby greets Sid as we walk in the door, as usual, and I scan the crowd, bemused by the largeturnout. It’s quite an eclectic group, from teenagers to seniors, and I’m glad to see the place is bustling with customers. I like Astrid, and her food is spectacular.
We give the waitress our order and settle in with our drinks to discuss the meeting. I don’t know where to begin, but Joslyn jumps right in.
“So I was thinking, if you’re free, maybe you could be there for the meeting with Bill? “ She sounds nervous asking me, but I’m incredibly relieved by her request.
“Of course! I was concerned about you meeting with him alone, but I didn’t want to say anything. I don’t want you to think for even a moment that I’m a misogynist who thinks women need a man to handle tough situations. I’m well aware that they can, but I can’t stand the way he disrespects you. It would kill me if something happened. I don’t know him well enough to predict what he’ll do.” I’m so worried about her reaction that I can’t stop babbling like an idiot. Silence.
I look at her with trepidation, hoping she’s not about to take me to task, but her eyes are dancing with laughter, and her hand is covering her mouth to keep it in.
“Are you laughing at me?” I quirk up my brow, trying to maintain my composure. I’m equal parts relieved and amused.
“Oh, I absolutely am.” Her laughter is sweet and bright, just like her. It’s contagious. I try to keep a straight face, but it’s impossible because she’s so beautiful when she laughs. Giving in, I let the mirth take over.
