I didn’t have a chance to ask him how he knew that.
“And this office … it suits you. Very nice place for when you’re in town. Serene and private.” He released my hand, stepped closer, met my gaze. “I amsosorry. I tend to ramble, but I assure you, I’m a top-notch assistant. I follow directions extraordinarily well; I’m prompt and dedicated. Plus, travel isn’t an issue for me. I can work any and all hours you need me. Since my last boyfriend dumped me via text message, I’ve taken a hiatus from dating. Nothing and no one will interfere with the time you need from me.”
Even as my brain spun from his rapidly spoken rundown, I knew I was hiring him. I couldn’t quite explain why I liked him, other than that he was cheerful and happy and … well, fun. The others I’d interviewed today had had one thing in common: they were very work-oriented and prided themselves on being professional at all times.
While there was a time and place when it was required, the last thing I wanted was to get into a rut and end up hating my job.
I had a feeling that would never happen with Emmett Ward at my side.
~~~~
Kieran
“I’m heading over to Emily’s,” I toldKnox when he answered the phone. “You meeting us there?”
“Not tonight, no.”
His gruff response drew me up short, had me waving two people onto the elevator as I stepped back, turned around. I specifically recalled him telling Emily he would see her tonight.
“Something wrong?” I asked as I marched down the narrow hallway to the private door that gave me access to Knox’s elevator.
“Don’t bother,” Knox said gruffly. “I’m not in the office.”
I stopped. I didn’t ask how he knew I’d been coming to him. He was just that good.
“I’m heading overseas for a few days,” he continued. “Have some things to deal with.”
“What things?”
“I don’t have time to get into this with you, Kieran,” he groused, his voice low, as though he didn’t want others to overhear. “Stay with Emily. I’ll call you when I’m back.”
Before I could say another word, the call disconnected. I stared at the blank screen, my mind working a million scenarios in my head. It wasn’t unheard of for Knox to take a trip overseas. He had manufacturing plants in the Philippines, call centers in India, IT functions in China. However, he tended to keep his feet planted on US soil these days, enlisting his executives to make those trips. I knew him well enough to know when something was pressing enough that it required his attention.
I couldn’t think of a single thing that was more important than spending time with Emily. Having waited for her for so long, I couldn’t see how he could willingly leave right now. I’d thought he would move heaven and earth to stay here until this relationship with her was on more solid footing.
So what the fuck was taking him away from her?
I pondered that question for the duration of the trip to Emily’s apartment. Had it not been for the exuberant smile she greeted me with when I arrived, I probably would’ve pondered it a little longer. Instead, I shoved thoughts of Knox from my mind, opting to see how her day went because the moment I laid eyes on her, she became the only thing in my orbit.
“Are you hungry?” she prompted after I’d kissed her hello. “Guillermo insists on cooking for me until the restaurant opens.”
“I could eat.” I followed her toward the kitchen. “How was your day?”
She peered back at me over her shoulder as she stepped into the kitchen. “It was amazing.”
I could practically feel her excitement, and I was curious as to what had made her so happy.
Emily headed for the banquette, sliding in and giving me room to sit beside her. I couldn’t resist.
Stewart and Guillermo finished the dinner preparations, silently working while we talked.
“I hired an assistant.” Her eyes glittered with joy. “He’s just the cutest thing.”
Cute? I would’ve expected half a dozen other adjectives, but not that one.
My eyebrows lowered slowly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think being cute was a prerequisite for the job.”
She smacked my arm lightly, giggling. “It’s not. I’m telling you, I think he’s going to make my life so much easier.”
