Aaron sits back, crossing one leg over the other, and I can’t help but notice how comfortable he seems in my territory. Like he belongs here.
“So, William’s the type who thinks being wrong is something that happens to other people?” he asks.
“William thinks being a man means never having to say you’re sorry.” I take another long sip, letting the caffeine work its magic. “But I’d rather not talk about him. We should probably chat about the comic book launch.”
“Ah.” Aaron’s smile returns, lighting up his whole face. “So, you’ve decided to come?”
“I’m thinking about it. But I want to make it clear: it’s not a date.”
“Of course not. Because a date with you wouldn’t include other people interrupting us, unless it’s to take our order. So, this would be just two colleagues attending a social event together.”
“Exactly, and I’ll meet you there.”Sticking to maintaining boundaries.
“Minji, please let me pick you up. Since this is an invite-only event, and I have the invite.”
Crap.Okay, so maybe for once I can adjust the boundaries.
“Alright,” I agree. “But let’s take a car service.”
“I was going to suggest a car service regardless. I intend to enjoy Axel’s open bar.”
“Eight o’clock, then. I’ll text you my address.”
“I’m looking forward to it,” he says warmly, sending a traitorous flutter through my stomach.
Abort mission, Minji.
“My client will be arriving in an hour. So, you will have the office to yourself for a bit. Don’t go through my things or do you want to come with me? You’ll have to sign the additional NDA.This one is a little more intense than the NDA you signed when you started working here.”
“No, I’m okay.”
I nod, relieved that he’s not pressing to accompany me. “Good. Well, I should?—”
“Actually,” he interrupts, standing up and straightening his blazer, “I think I’ll head down to the coffee shop in the lobby and tweak a few chapters. Being in this office has given me some interesting insights into modern relationships.”
I narrow my eyes. “Please tell me you’re not using my clients as inspiration.”
“Not specifically.” His smile is infuriating. “But the dynamics, the power struggles, the emotional undercurrents? Gold for a romance writer.”
“There’s nothing romantic about divorce.” My tone is flat.
Aaron tilts his head, studying me with an intensity that makes me want to fidget. “On the contrary. Every ending contains the seeds of a new beginning. That’s what makes second-chance romances so compelling.”
I roll my eyes. “Save the literary philosophy for your readers.”
“Speaking of which.” He moves toward the door. “I should get going. My editor is breathing down my neck about this deadline.”
“Don’t let me keep you,” I reply, already turning to my computer.
As he reaches the door, he pauses. “Minji, I’m already counting down the days and hours until I get to see you out of your comfort zone.”
My fingers hover over my keyboard, suddenly unsure what to do with themselves.
“Don’t make me reconsider this.” I frown slightly.
“You won’t.” He winks walking out of my office, leaving me staring at the closed door. I shake my head and try to focus on my upcoming client meeting. Aaron Singleton might be charming and surprisingly helpful during client meltdowns, but I’ve spent years building barriers between my professional and personal life. One dimpled smile and a perfectly made coffee won’t change that.
CHAPTER 10
