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I keep my eyes locked on his, but he still won’t look me in the eye.

He totally is. I can’t believe this is happening right now.

I made one tiny mistake. That’s hardly enough of a reason to fire me. Isn’t there like a three-strike rule or something? I’ve barely had the job for twenty-four hours…

“I’m not sure this is going to work—” He lets out a sigh, like he’s bracing himself to rip the Band-Aid off as painlessly as possible.

“Are you sure about that? Because from where I’m sitting, it sounds like you should be thanking me.”

His head snaps back, and he narrows his eyes. “Excuse me?”

I cross my arms and double down. “I said, you should be thanking me. For saving your ass back there.”

Where I conjured up this audacity, I have no clue. But it’s not like I have anything else to lose.

He stares at me for a long moment, his head cocked to the side, like he’s trying to decide whether he’s offended…or amused. “Is that right?”

Okay. Maybe he likes me a little feisty. I can work with that.

I lace my fingers together and pop my knuckles. “I know I’m not the most qualified for this job…”

I’m interrupted by his snort of amusement. He gestures for me to continue.

“But I have connections.” I plant my hands on the desk and hold his gaze. “And you don’t exactly have time to find someone new.”

Is it a little bit of a low blow? Maybe. But right now, my back’s against the wall, and I’m not going down without a fight.

His smile fades, and this time, when his eyes meet mine, they hold a weariness that wasn’t there before. I may not know anything about his life, or what’s keeping him up at night, but it’s obvious something is weighing on him.

I know that look.

It’s the same one that stares back at me in the mirror every morning.

He blows out a breath. “All right. One more chance.”

I perk up. “Wait. Seriously?”

“You can start with contacting last year’s vendors.” He pushes up from the table and starts gathering his things. “I’ll have Luka send you his list from last year. You’ll need to go over his notes and reach out to any we want to have back.”

“Right. I’m not really much of a people person…” I start to protest, but my words break off at the glare he sends my way, and I snap my mouth shut.

He turns to leave then calls over his shoulder, “Oh, and next time, try keeping the ink on the paper.”

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Kira

The door closes behind me with a thud, and I slide my black pumps off my aching feet. Tilly’s stumpy tail wags back and forth as I rub her ears and tell her how much I’ve missed her.

It’s finally Friday and after a full week of walking around on thin ice, I’m exhausted to the bone. After the whole first day incident, I decided it’d probably be better if I drove myself to work. Things are already awkward enough between us. I don’t need to push my luck. And even though I told him over text, I swear I could feel his relief.

Luckily, between the landscapers and the cleaners, Tilly’s already been let out. I’m so grateful for Roman’s staff to help take care of her while I’m at work.

Who knew this summer job would be so much…work?

Everything I’m doing is so far out of my element, taking notes in meetings, managing Roman’s double-booked schedule. It’s just another reminder of why I’m an actor. I’m not cut out for this life. As my mother always used to tell me growing up, thank God I’m pretty.

Growing up, school never came easily to me. I had a hard time paying attention, and testing was even worse.