Page 14 of Untroubled Heart

“I think that’s workable.” Steven looks at me and I give him a nod. “On occasion, there are events at night or on weekends requiring your attendance. Is that something you’ll be able to accommodate? There is a bonus payment whenever these events occur.”

“That shouldn’t be a problem.” She smiles.

“Mason… any questions from you?” Beth prompts.

Several, but none to do with the job. I shake my head as Beth narrows her eyes, but I go back to staring at Callie. No, not staring, respectfully giving her my attention.

“Does Monday work for you to start?” Steven asks. “I’d like to get training started as soon as possible.”

Callie nods. “I’ll stop in at the daycare on my way home to get Navie sorted.”

Navie. That’s cute.

“Perfect.” Beth stands, prompting Callie and Steven to follow. “We’ll see you then.”

They shake hands, then all heads turn to me. I smile, standing from my chair, eager to prove to myself that I can be professional. “I’ll walk you out.”

I pull the door open and wave a hand to usher Callie forward. She gives me the briefest flick of her eyes and a thin smile as she passes me, making her way to the elevator with me following.

My fingers tap against my thigh as I think of something to fill the silence until the doors open and we step inside.

The air feels even thicker once they close. I shove my hands in my pockets, rocking back on my heels.

“Did you like the margaritas?” What are you doing, you idiot?! Anything other than that would have been better.

I don’t dare look at her, but I see her reflection in the elevator doors as her head slowly twists my way.

“Yes,” she says, matter-of-factly. “Thank you again. Did you enjoy the rest of your night?”

My heart stops pounding against my ribs, snatching my breath, and I’m curious about why she’d ask.

“I don’t kiss and tell.”

She snorts, and it’s cute as fuck. Women are always so perfect around me, but in that fake, manicured way. Callie has no such filter.

“Did your husband pick you up later that night?” Yeah, I’m fishing for information. What of it? Doesn’t mean anything. I’m just getting to know the woman who’s going to be my new assistant. Who I’ll see five times a week. I don’t think I thought this through properly.

“I don’t have a husband.”

“Boyfriend?”

“Nope.”

My brows pinch. Where’s her kid’s dad? Are they separated? Maybe she had it with a friend, or it was a one-night stand? Either way, I guess it makes sense now why she turned me down cos women don’t ordinarily do that to me.

Callie sighs, pilfering my rogue and random thoughts. “I really hoped this would have gone without saying, but I think if this is going to work—” She gestures her hand between the two of us. “We need to maintain a professional relationship. We don’t need to know each other’s dating history. And I’m certain you agree that the office is for work activities only.”

Work activities? I pop my hands on my hips with a scoff. “Are you suggesting I’d be anything less than professional in my own office?”

She folds her arms over her chest, stepping closer into me. “I’m suggesting I don’t know you. I only know that guy from the club, and I need this job, and it sounds like you need an assistant just as bad.”

We’re locked in a stare-off. I couldn’t properly gauge her height at The Wayside since I was sitting down the whole time while she stood. The top of her head falls just below my eyes. That same salted caramel scent that I detected then rises between us.

“I don’t fuck in the workplace.”

Her eyes flare, and her chest heaves, slow and deep. I could choke on the tension, and it almost feels as if we’re drawing closer when the elevator dings and the doors open.

We jump apart, and Callie hitches her handbag higher on her shoulder as she steps out, marching to the front doors.