Page 30 of Saved By the CEO

As I leave his building, I think back to the kiss. It wasn’t bad, not at all. There just weren’t any sparks. At least not for me. But does it have to be? Does every kiss have to be filled with fiery passion?

No, I decide. Plenty of people build relationships without fireworks.

My phone buzzes in my hand.

I look down, expecting Annie. She knows I’m on a date and has been sending me increasingly unhinged check-in texts all night. The last one simply said:If he has a sword collection, leave.

But it’s not Annie.

Mr. Bennett

Send me the revised investor deck asap

I stop on the sidewalk and type back.

Sure

Three little dots appear. Then disappear. Then appear again.

The executive summary you wrote was good. Keep it as is

I stare at the message. Was that a compliment? From Mr. Bennett?

Something stupid happens in my stomach. A little flip. A tiny, traitorous flutter.

No.

I shove my phone into my pocket and start walking.

Josh is attractive, thoughtful, and an all right kisser.

Josh is attractive, thoughtful, and an all right kisser.

Josh is attractive, thoughtful, and an all right kisser.

EIGHT

I’m at my desk, proofreading documents, when my phone lights up with Annie’s name. I frown. Annie never calls me at work.

“Hey,” I say as I pick up.

The sound of beeping monitors and distant voices fills the line.

“Hi.” Her voice wobbles. “Sorry. I know you’re working.”

I sit up a little straighter. “What’s wrong?”

For a second, all I hear is the noise of the ER. Then she lets out a small, strangled sob, and my stomach drops. “Annie?”

“I’m okay,” she says quickly, sounding anything but okay. “I’m just—I’m having a really shitty day.”

“What happened?”

Another pause.

“We had a virus patient come in yesterday.” Her voice shakes. “They tried to bring the fever down while they searched for her match, but she couldn’t remember touching anyone in the last few days, so they didn’t have much to go on.” She draws a breath. “She died, Car.”

I go still. “What?”