Page 32 of Dream Chaser

“Thank you,” I said, slipping my fingers from his grip. It was safer this way—no touching, no looking at him if I could help it. “I didn’t think you’d give me the job before the trial was over.”

Or ever.

He shrugged. “Two more weeks wouldn’t have changed anything. I make decisions based on evidence. You did great in Barcelona. Asher’s sponsors are happy. His social media looks great.”

I bit back a smile. “I’m glad.”

“And speaking of sponsors,” Alejandro said, “I have a lunch meeting with the NitroFlow marketing director. I want you to come with me.”

“The energy drink?”

He nodded. “I’m trying to get them to work with Asher. It’ll be good for you to learn.”

I pushed a strand of hair behind my ear. “Okay. Is there anything I can read about them before the meeting? A pitch deck?”

“I’ll email it to you now.” Alejandro walked to his computer, his steps confident, expression serious. “Be ready to leave at one.”

***

At ten to one, only Eleanor and I remained in the office.

“It’s a shame the boss wants you all to himself,” Eleanor said, picking up her purse. “The occasion calls for a celebratory lunch.”

Alejandro didn’t want me to himself. He wanted me to learn so he wouldn’t need to supervise my every move two months from now, afraid I’d screw up the agency’s reputation, but I didn’t bother correcting her.

“Maybe some other time,” I said with an apologetic smile.

She winked. “Tomorrow. There’s a cozy Japanese restaurant nearby, unless you’d rather eat somewhere else.”

My stomach knotted. How many times would I be able to decline my colleagues’ invitations before they collectively decided I was antisocial and stopped trying?

“If Alejandro doesn’t need me tomorrow.”

Eleanor eyed me like she saw right through the feeble excuse. She headed for the door. “Well, let’s go then.”

“I’ll wait for Alejandro. He asked me to.”

She waved, smiling, then disappeared down the hallway. I leaned against my desk, releasing a shaky exhale. I wanted to have lunch with her tomorrow, but allowing her to pay would make me feel like a charity case. I couldn’t afford to spend a cent until I’d saved enough for a lawyer and a place to stay, but I was already looking forward to my first check.

“Nova.” Alejandro’s frame filled the doorway. “Vamos.”

That meant, let’s go. Could’ve sounded bossy if he didn’t use the soft tone. I walked out of the room with him trailing behind me.

“Have you got an umbrella?” he asked. “The restaurant’s nearby, but it’s pouring outside, and I left mine at home.”

I clutched my bag tighter. “Um, no.”

Alejandro gaze swept over me as if he noticed I was wearing the same clothes he’d already seen a few times, but there were only so many ways to mix and match four outfits. “We’ll take my car, then.”

A faint rumble of thunder echoed in the building as we waited for the elevator. A car was definitely better.

The elevator opened. Alejandro held the door to let me go in first before following.

We descended a few floors, and a sudden jolt shook the car. It came to a halt. The light flickered before going out, submerging us in darkness. The motor stopped humming.

I swallowed hard. What was going on?

“What the fuck?” Alejandro muttered.