Page 52 of All Tied Down

“It’s part of the business. And it’s okay that you liked her. It’s okay that you’re hurt by her betrayal.” I let my lips tip up on one side because he deserves it. Des has been loyal to me from day one, and while he’s upset with Quinn, I know he’s more upset that she hurt me.

“We’ve just never had this before. I guess,”—he rolls his lips inward—“I guess I didn’t think it would happen.”

It’s moments like these that make me truly grateful to have him with me, not just as my executive assistant but as close to a friend as I get with people I work with. Des has witnessed countless people being let go or quitting for various reasons but he’s right—we’ve never had someone escorted off the premises for violating their contract.

And my privacy.

“I love that about you.”

Shaking his head, he rolls his shoulders back and clicks through his tablet. “I’ve already ordered lunch and it should be here earlier than usual considering you haven’t eaten. I’ll refresh the posting for Quinn’s job. Your father has already sent a companywide email highlighting the company policy on grounds for termination. How do you want to handle it?”

“Order lunch for the building…Thursday. That’s the next day I’ll be in.”

“Done.”

“Call Arden James and set up a video call with her—today if she can manage it. I know she had a baby not too long ago. You can get her number from Tom if we don’t have it on hand. I want her to run a story. She can have the exclusive and I’ll apologize for not calling her myself, but I need this pounding in my head to stop first.”

“It’s because you’ve only had coffee this morning.”

“I can’t eat this early.”

“It’s ten.”

“Still early.”

“It’s not but whatever. I’ll call her and set it up.”

“Thank you,” I tell him, sagging back into the leather of my desk chair. Arden James traveled all the way from Blackstone Falls to spend a week in Chicago with Tom’s wife, Kat, while doing a multi-part story on her author career. It was incredibly well done, and Kat had raved about the experience and Arden’s professionalism.

And that’s what we need right now.

I know how to spin a story and I know how to play the game.

I just really hoped I wouldn’t have to—not like this.

“What else do you need?”

“We really need to hire someone as soon as possible. I can’t have you any more overworked than you already are."

“I'm fine,” he says but I don't miss the flash of something in his eyes before he’s back to looking at his tablet.

“You’re better than fine. You keep everything, including me, running.”

“It’s the best job I’ve ever had and I love it, truly.” With a roll of his eyes, he adds, “Even if you are nosey about my social life.”

“What? Why? Got a hot date?”

“Possibly. Sometime.”

“Aww, that’s for saving the best for last.”

“There’s a chance it won’t work out so don’t get your hopes up too high.”

“Where’s the fun in that? Besides, if you can put up with me then Theo will be a breeze.”

“And on that note…”

“Oh, come on!” I call but he’s already across my office and out the door before I can get another word in.