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“I thought her cooking skills were on the non-existent side of basic.” He was trying to make her smile.

“She makes an effort at Christmas. Her parents didn’t.”

“Rebellion. It pops up in the strangest ways.”

He’d made her smile, and he deserved to know that. “Thanks.”

“What happened?”

“I’m making a mountain out of a molehill.”

“Not usually.”

“Jackson has asked for a rearrangement of teams now he’s management. He wants me on his team. Only me. We’re going to spearhead a new initiative, spark new ideas, manage branding differently.”

“Who told you?”

“He did. I can’t afford to lose my job,” she wailed, and Casildo could make of that what he wanted. It wasn’t an absolute admission that her entire pay packet was committed to her family, but it was the closest she’d come.

“Any official announcement?”

“Jackson sidled up to me and whispered in my ear.” She shivered.

“Did he touch you?”

“Not this time.”

“Without an official announcement, it might be wishful thinking on his part. What are you going to do?”

“Do?” She blinked at him.

“Yes. What are you going to do to prevent Jackson the Barbarian from making your life a living misery while he feeds off your ideas?” Casildo sounded calm, but his eyes were anything but.

“I can accept it, or I can leave.”

“You have other options. Think, Beatriz. There were three people on that recruitment panel. The decision to give the job to Jackson wasn’t unanimous. I’m guessing the independent was sucked in by his slick style. Who would have taken your side?”

“The idea of working with Jackson makes my brain freeze.”

“Unfreeze it. Why were you at the Digital Print Show?”

“Martin said he had some ideas for my next steps.” Bea frowned. Her boss hadn’t given the slightest hint she’d be working with Jackson on projects.

“Yournext steps. Not yours and Jackson’s. Do you think Martin will let you go at a word from Jackson?” He eased a thumb over her furrowed brow.

“I think better when you hold me,” she whispered, regretting in that moment all the days and nights of her life he’d be gone.

“I think better when you’re in my arms.” He switched to the sofa and lifted her onto his lap.

“I’ll talk to him. First thing in the morning.”

“You sound determined. I like that more than defeated. What will you say?”

She stared at him. “You like that I’m determined and persistent?”

“Essential survival skills in migrant families, especially when you’re the eldest.” He pressed his forehead to hers. “What will you say? C’mon, it makes sense to workshop it a bit.”

“What do you think I should say?” she asked.