“At least tell me what you drink in case I ever want to,” I say, shuffling in the doorway.
“Americano. You?”
“I like a latte, but I also love soda. Don’t tell anyone. It’s an addiction I’m trying to limit, but yeah, love it.”
He nods. His lips quirk as if I’ve told him the best secret.
I bite the inside of my mouth and fix him with a stare.
“Niki, I need to tell you something. By law, I don’t have to tell you, but as much as I want to be known as a capable assistant, I don’t want to lie to you, either. It might impact me more than someone who isn’t…” I sputter.
He holds his hand out in the direction of the chair. “Take a breath and talk to me.”
I fumble with the cuff of my blouse. “When we met, I didn’t think I’d see you again, and while there was stuff in hindsight I should have mentioned, like my name and my age, there’s something else. Someone else.”
“Someone?” he repeats. He leans back in his chair and shifts his cap. “I lied to you by omission that night, too. Could who you’re referring to impact your job?”
“I might have more emergencies and appointments, but I’ll minimise disruption and work extra hours. I’ll never steal time.” I take a breath and open my hands. “There’s someone in my life who comes first in every situation. I have a four-year-old daughter. She’s my everything, but I’m a capable assistant who works hard no matter what.”
“Okay.” He fumbles with his papers, struggling to meet my gaze. He reaches for his sanitiser.
“I know kids can be germy, but I’ll do everything I can to stay healthy,” I add, biting my lip and waiting for his judgement.
“And if you get ill or your daughter is ill, is it okay if you stay home? I’m sorry. It’s rude to ask, but it would help.”
“Of course. I will do everything to ensure you stay healthy, emotionally and physically. Do you have any other questions or concerns?”
Niki shakes his head.
“You’re not going to fire me or be annoyed I didn’t tell you when we met?” I rattle, my voicepitching.
“It’s none of my business. I appreciate you telling me, though. You’re driven. You must have pushed to get your degree while bringing her up, but ultimately, you’re my assistant, and as long as you work hard and give me a heads up about changes impacting work where possible, I’m set.” His response is perfect and a helpful reminder he’s my boss and nothing more. “I have one question.”
I stare at him, waiting for the inevitable query I always shut down about Tabi’s father. “Go on.” I fake a smile.
“If it’s not too personal,” he asks as I hold my breath, “does she like dogs? Because a third opinion could help when we search for one.”
My true smile is immediate and unwavering. “Yes, she does. She adores them.”
“Good. I’m glad. Maybe when I’m considering what to get, you could ask her thoughts for me.” He returns my glee. “I meant to say, I’ve left Connor’s and Tawny’s numbers in your phone as well as Jimmy’s, Senna’s assistant, and Connor’s trainer, too. It might be helpful to chat to them about the staff I require.”
“Thank you.” His phone rings, and I step to the doorway.
“And Rosie?”
“Yeah?”
“Thank you for everything you’ve shared and for earlier when you cut in while Senna dragged me for information. It meant a lot.” His eyes are soft, and his eyelashes flutter in a way that matches the butterflies in my stomach.
“My pleasure.”
Fuck off, butterflies.
“You’re the best. You are, and I hope that helps your praise kink, too.”
I nod and rush away from his beautiful eyes and sweet words. He may be grumpy to everyone else, but he’s the sweetest cinnamon roll I’ve ever fantasised about tasting.
CHAPTER 17
