Page 41 of Glitched Play

I ignore it.

Because she just solved a six-week problem in under three hours.

That's significantly more important.

"You were testing me."

Not a question, a statement. I don't bother denying it.

"Yes."

Her grin grows."I thought so."

"You solved it."

"You hired the best. You said I solved it like you were surprised."

"I am."

Her smile disappears. "Good to know."

Her confidence should be getting on my nerves, instead, it makes me want to smile.

I watch her open the bottom drawer and there are cords, snacks and energy drinks. She’s a gamer.

"We'll see."

She points a pretzel at me. "I intend to earn every penny or at least every pretzel." A giggle catches in her throat.

The statement surprises me, not because she’s cocky about her skills but that she believes in her skills.

I find myself nodding. "That’s what I expect."

Something softens briefly between us. Not awkward or uncomfortable, just a quiet understanding.

As I’m leaving, she says, "You must have left early."

My brain immediately trips. "What?"

"This morning." She gestures vaguely.

"I left the penthouse at six."

I freeze, internally, hoping I don’t show it on the outside too.

"You were already gone."

I nod.

The reason I left ninety minutes early.

The reason I spent the morning avoiding my own employee.

The reason my coffee consumption reached medically questionable levels.

Her.

The answer leaves my mouth automatically. "Can't make billions while sleeping,” I joke, unsuccessful.