Page 26 of Saved By the CEO

“Not great,” I admit. “The diner closed, so she’s out of a job. I’ve been sending her money, but I don’t know if it’s enough. I’m worried she’s going to lose the house.”

“Fuck.” Annie shakes her head. “That sucks.”

I nod. “I’m afraid she’s going to stop accepting the money at some point. She’s proud like that.” I sigh. “I just don’t want her to end up in some shitty apartment somewhere. She loves her house.”

We round a corner, and I walk straight into a wall. At least that’s what it feels like.

A familiar pair of green eyes meets mine.

“Hello, Miss Michaels.”

Oh no.

“Mr. Bennett.”

Next to me, Annie goes completely still. Then her eyes widen. “Oh my god. You’re Mr. Bennett.”

“Great observation there, Annie. Let’s go.”

I grab her arm and try to pull her away. She doesn’t budge.

Damn those gym classes.

“It’s so interesting, seeing you in person,” she says, openly staring. “I’ve seen pictures, obviously, but you can’t really tell how tall someone is from those.”

“Annie, we’re going to be late.”

We have absolutely nowhere to be.

“Oh, we don’t have to rush yet.” She tilts her head, sizing him up. “You’re quite the gym rat, aren’t you?”

“I’m sorry,” he says, looking at Annie. “Who are you?”

“Annie Hopkins, Carly’s roommate.” She sticks out her hand. He shakes it. “Pleasure to finally meet you, Clank.”

His brow furrows. “That’s not?—”

“Let’sgo.”

I shove Annie. Hard.

“Okay, okay,” she says andfinallystarts moving. “Geez.”

“I’ll see you at the office,” I say to Mr. Bennett while practically herding Annie away.

He gives me a strange look, and I realize I’m still in my gym clothes. There’s a very real possibility I have pit stains.

Great.

Annie twists around. “Thanks for not letting her die!”

He opens his mouth, then closes it.

When he’s out of earshot, she turns to me. “That man is the hottest man I have ever seen in my entire life.”

“I thought you were into girls.”

“And that makes me blind?” she says with a snort. “Just because I don’t want to fuck him doesn’t mean I can’t see that he is like, sex on legs.”