“Good. Go home. Take the rest of the day off. You deserve it for keeping things running so smoothly with all the chaos this week.”
“I’ll take it. Thanks. See you tomorrow.”
He didn’t move, so I gathered my things and headed toward the elevator, knowing he watched my every move. I glanced over my shoulder and sent him a playful grin before strutting out of there with an extra sway to my hips. I heard his chuckle and grinned.
Dinner tomorrow night with the boss. For some reason, I could hardly wait.
Chapter 17
Quentin
Istared at the pastry box from La Crumbedonna. My Friday indulgence.
Julia set the box down and gave me a double glance. “You’re looking at that box like someone who hasn’t eaten in a month.”
“Those zeppoles will be the death of me.” I licked my lips. “I can’t eat just one.”
“Maybe you should change your tradition from every Friday to every other Friday or maybe just the third Friday of the month or—”
“Get behind me, you temptress!”
“Okay, okay, every Friday I promise to stop at La Crumbedonna and get your order. Cross my heart and hope to die.” Julia crossed herself and smiled like a mischievous child. “Would you like me to serve you one?”
“No, thank you.” Standing, I pointed to the door. “I’m going to grab a coffee first. Join me?”
“Sure.” Julia looked at the box. “Should I bring the box to share with the rest of the staff?”
“Are you trying to get fired?”
“Are you trying to have a heart attack?”
Before I could admit that I had a problem with sugary carbs, Serenity Jones, my new hire, approached the door to my office. “Who’s having a heart attack? Should I call the paramedics?”
Julia pointed to the box. “Mr. Vanetti seems to have a problem sharing.”
“I’ve heard about zeppole Fridays from Stone.” Serenity pointed to the box. “I think sharing is the right thing to do. May I?”
“Okay, you two win.” I winked at Julia before waving at the box. “Go on, bring the box, but if you’re smart, you’ll join us for coffee.”
Serenity nodded. “I’ll take you up on the offer. These better be as good as Stone claims.”
“Trust me.” I wanted to take Julia’s hand as we walked out, but prudence overruled my desire.
Julia stepped into the hallway, Serenity picked up the pastry box, and we all started toward the kitchen.
I held the steaming coffee mug under my nose after Julia handed it to me. “I love the smell of Italian roast.”
“I prefer the nutty flavors myself.” Julia took her mug from the Nespresso and turned to Serenity, who slid a kitchen knife along the edge of the pastry box to cut the tape that held the lid secure. “Can I get you a coffee as well?”
“That would be nice, thank you.” Serenity set down the knife. “I have to be careful touching the cutlery without gloves. Too many of the images are gross. Unimportant, but disturbing.”
“Your gift is so fascinating.” Julia handed a mug to Serenity. “Do you get something from everything you touch?”
“No.” Serenity shook her head. “It comes at random times, usually when something has a significant event attached to it, although I don’t always know how it’s related.”
I nodded. “She recently saved Stone’s life.” Stone had resisted Serenity from day one—argued, complained, made it clear hedidn't want or need a psychic bodyguard. Now he couldn't stand to be away from her. The bastard was head over heels, and he knew I'd been right all along. “Seems I’m a good judge of character after all.”
Julia placed three zeppoles on plates and smiled at me. “Dig in boss. Your sugar-high awaits.”
