He laughs for a solid few seconds. “Good luck with that. It’s only risky because clearly she brings more to the table than her looks.”
“That’s the problem. She’s funny, gives as good as she gets, and knows me better than most. And I’ve seen her naked.”
“Ah, so yeah, you went full swing on this.”
I’m getting a headache. “I don’t want to be that guy who hooks up with his assistant. She deserves a hell of a lot morerespect than that. Plus, it isn’t that. It’s something else that I can’t pinpoint, but it’s gnawing at me.”
“I’m not the guy to be telling you to explore that. I have zero experience, but it would seem to be the obvious advice someone would give. It only takes one person to flip your world, right?”
I swivel my chair as I contemplate. “I’m not the relationship type of guy. I can’t offer her much.”
“Fine. Have fun watching her receive flowers from some guy named Steven, who she probably had a date with because her friends set her up.”
The hint of jealousy for a fictitious what-if is deeply concerning.
“I have a no-flower policy,” I deadpan.
“Don’t be stubborn. You are about to be stuck with the woman on a business trip. At least be open-minded. Tell me, are your rooms next to one another? No, even better, let’s hope they misbooked, and boom, you two need to share a room.”
“Funny.”
“Anyhow, I have to run. If you can hold an engaging conversation with her and there’s attraction, you might as well stop being an ass. Don’t let good things get away. I mean, fuck, I still think about that woman from a few years ago and my stupidity for not exchanging details.”
I snort a laugh. “Really? Are you bringing that up again? I hope your therapist evaluates that more.”
“This isn’t about me.” I can hear him smile. “All I’m saying is sometimes we have to look at things from a different angle, even if that means it involves a physical or non-physical connection with your PA.”
Rolling my lips in, I’m struggling to accept his logic, even though I know he’s right. “She makes it impossible tofocus, invades my space, and messes with my rationality. What’s worse is that I believe she is well aware.”
“Easy. Break down a layer or two. Maybe you’ll prove the world wrong and be a good catch. Hell, it’ll be refreshing to hear that you decided to take the next step.”
“I have been an ass lately. Still, she hasn’t quit. But that’s work. Who knows on the personal level?”
“Well, you should figure that out. Anyhow, I need to go.”
We say our goodbyes, and I’m left to consider some of his views. It’s a solid five minutes, then seven, then ten before I decide to take a plunge and tell Savannah that we should talk.
Getting up from my chair, I almost charge to my door, which I open with force, and Savannah quickly looks up. She must have put on a fresh coat of lip gloss, damn that move.
“For the trip. You and me, we should discuss…” It’s on the tip of my tongue, but my throat clogs, and I’m unable to find the words except… “Be sure to bring your A-game on this trip,” I instruct, and I sound condescending, to be honest.
No wonder her eyes turn to saucers. “And this is why I ensured I booked my seat on the plane, not next to you.”
“Really?” Damn, that’s hardcore avoidance.
“Yeah. I didn’t want to take the risk that you’re having a moment when you’re a complete jerk.” The widespread attitude in her voice drives me wild.
I hate her for that. “Let’s hope your seat has a life vest in case of emergency.”
“Yeah. Thanks for that. Completely cursing our flight,” she flatly replies.
“You’re welcome. A-game, only that,” I remind her with firmness in my voice before I pivot back into my office and slam the door shut.
Because Savannah is causing me to lose my grip, and I’mstruggling to hang on. I’m the one who needs a damn life vest, even if there’s no water.
16
SAVANNAH
