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Collins nods. “It does. Nice to not have to add more layers when I get here anymore.”
I frown. “You’re cold?”
She mentioned the building’s cool temperature when we were stuck in the elevator, and they do blast the air-conditioning in here over the summer. But I tend to run warm, and cold air is bliss when you’re wearing two layers of starched fabric.
“I’m fine,” Collins replies, which isn’t really an answer.
I glance at my watch. “You’re here early.”
It’s barely past eight. The company’s workday “officially” begins at nine a.m.
“So are you,” she points out.
I showed up at eight on the dot on Monday, wanting to clear the air with Collins as early as possible. She arrived ten minutes later, and I didn’t ask why. I simply apologized for my behavior on Friday, and she did the same. I didn’t ask about her date; she didn’t mention Vegas.
We’ve reverted to the same civility as when she first started, and I keep telling myself it’s for the best.
I like Collins. I’vealwaysliked Collins, and I also happen to be insanely attracted to her. That was true long before she started at Kensington Consolidated, and spending a minimum of forty hours a week in close proximity to her hasn’t solved the problem.
But sheworksfor me. And not only is she a fantastic assistant, but she’s settled in well at the company. I’ve seen her smiling and chatting with some of the other assistants on this floor. Eating lunch and grabbing coffee.
An affair with my assistant is what some people would probably expect from me. They’d gossip and whisper and point, but plenty of them would wink and laugh and joke.Allof them would gossip and whisper and point at Collins. I’d be called irresponsible; she’d be labeled a slut. My world is especially vicious to outsiders.
I’ve already lingered at her desk longer than I should’ve. We’re not alone on this floor, although it’s a lot quieter than it’ll be in an hour.
I tap the wood counter once. “Hold any calls this morning. I’ve got to review all the latestPhoenix Gazettedocuments and don’t want any distractions.”
Collins nods. “Will do.”
I nod back, then continue walking.
“Kit?”
I halt and turn around. “Yeah?”
“I, uh …” Collins taps a pen against her keyboard. “I was wondering if it would be okay if I left a little early this afternoon. Around three? I have a, um, doctor’s appointment.”
My forehead furrows as I take a step closer to scrutinize her appearance more closely. “Are you okay?”
Shelookshealthy. She’s wearing some makeup, but not a lot. Maybe she’s a little pale?
“I’m fine,” Collins says quickly. “It’s just a regular checkup.” She bites her bottom lip. Nervously almost.
Does she seriously think I’m going to tell her she can’t go to the doctor?
“Of course,” I reply. “Take all the time you need. The whole afternoon if you want.”
Collins smiles. “That’s not necessary. But thanks.”
“Don’t worry about clearing that stuff with me, by the way.”
“I’m supposed to. You’re my boss.”
She grimaces a little on that last word, which makes me grin.
“I trust you. If you need to leave early or come in late, you don’t need to ask my permission. Just put it on my calendar so I don’t wor—wonder where you are.”
“This won’t be a regular thing. Nospecial treatment, remember?”