I froze, cup in hand. Before explaining the reason for her call, my mind went on a roller coaster, imagining she was in trouble since that was the reason I left the note.
“Okay,” she sighed, sounding defeated.
“Sorry—what?”
“It seems every obstacle has been removed—not by my doing, mind you. The only reason not to accept your offer would be my stubbornness, which isn’t my favorite quality. So, if your offer still stands, I’d like to accept. Hence, the ‘okay,’” she said hesitantly, waiting for my reaction.
A grin broke across my face before I could stop it. Thank God no one was around to see me looking like a complete idiot.
“Oh my God. I can physically hear you smiling,” she said. “Keep it in your pants!”
“No, I’m not,” I said defensively, though my tone betrayed me.
“If you plan to give me crap about this or hold it over my head, just say the word and I’ll decline right now.”
A warm feeling spread through my chest, the same one I’d felt at the bookshop, seeing her up close. The frustration from my last caller vanished instantly. I carefully picked my words to avoid freaking her out, though I doubted she meant her warning seriously.
“Well, Hazel, that’s a wise and excellent decision. Nicely done.” Professional tone, appropriate word choice, no teasing.
“Okay, good. But I have questions and rules,” she said firmly.
“I’m listening.” Her tone was all business, and I did my best to stay professional, just like she’d requested. It was cute. Like a tiny little banker.
“First, thank you for the gift. It’s kind and thoughtful, but I... I can’t accept it. It’s too much, too expensive, and—”
“Did you like it?” I interrupted.
A sudden laugh filled my ear. “Of course, it’s Austen. But still...”
“Then keep it. I didn’t buy it, I got it from someone who didn’t really need or value it, so it’s yours,” I explained. Another pause.
“I want to pay for my own ticket.”
“Absolutely not, next question.” I sipped my coffee.
“Luke!”
“Hazel, as I said, it’s covered by the company. I don’t need your money, so it’s fine. Let’s meet when it suits you, and I’ll explain more about the trip and everyone going.”
“Mhh.” I could sense her struggling to argue about the money, but my reasoning held. I suspected she couldn’t easily afford an international flight, and I wasn’t going to let her stress over it.
“Okay, I’m busy the next two days, so maybe Friday? When do we leave?” I liked how she used the wordwe.
“We fly out on Sunday. Friday works for me.”
“I’ll probably see you before then if you guys come by for coffee. Till then, I guess.”
“Deal. And Hazel...”
“Yeah?”
“I’m really glad you’re coming. It’s gonna be great. The sea needs you.”What? The sea needs you? What kind of garbage compliment was that? You’re not even flirting, which, by the way, you promised you wouldn’t do.
“Haha, thanks. Till later. Bye!”
And my day suddenly got better. Ah, Friday felt so far away. I finally had to buy those tickets now. I pulled out my phone, saved Hazel’s number, and sent a quick message asking for her personal info.
Half an hour into the meeting, we were in a heated discussion when my pocket vibrated again. A text from Hazel with herinfo, which I immediately forwarded to Sally, my secretary. She was one of the few women with whom I had a strict no-flirt policy. Not because she wasn’t attractive, but because business was business. I needed a strong team, no distractions. We had an unspoken understanding, and she’d definitely kick my ass if I tried anything.
