Page 1

0

For sensitive readers, there is a very mild content warning at the bottom of the "A Gift" page in the back. Feel free to hop over there for a peek if you need to.

It may give mild spoilers.

1

Florence

"Is there anything else, ma'am?" Jason Bakker shifts in his seat, his fingers tightening around his pen. He looks nervous.

I tap a manicured nail against my desk. "In a hurry, Mr. Bakker?"

He squares his shoulders, but the flicker of unease in his eyes remains. "My daughter's first meet starts in half an hour. I was hoping to get there on time to watch."

For a moment, I let the silence stretch—just long enough for him to wonder if I'll say no. I give a slow, deliberate nod. "I have a few last-minute things to go over with Richard about the fundraiser, but we don't need you for that." I glance at Richard. "Do you need anything from him before he goes?"

"No, ma'am."

Another beat of silence. Jason shifts. I finally nod. "Go. If anything comes up, I'll email you."

He exhales, a hint of relief flickering across his face. "Thank you, ma'am." He's careful to keep it professional, but there's the faintest hint of a smile as he heads for the door.

Of my C-Suite, I like Jason the best. He has balls, and he's not afraid to speak up when he has something to say. He's a hard worker. He's smart.

A few months ago, he had the gall to bring me his resignation letter because he was missing too much time with his kids. We negotiated an arrangement where he still puts in the hours, but he can do some of them at home after the kids are in bed. I can't imagine his wife is happy with that, but that's not my concern.

I push the thought away and turn to Richard, pulling my auburn hair off my shoulders. "Where are we with the fundraising gala for the new research lab?"

He pulls his chair closer, angling his laptop toward me. "The team is almost finished nailing down the details. They're under budget, since the venue is offering the evening at a discounted rate."

"I don't want the discount." I fight the urge to sigh. "We pay them the full rate. If we don't, service will be subpar, and that's unacceptable for an event this high profile." He should know that.

"Yes, ma'am." He leans in, his leg brushing against mine.

I go still.

Not again.

Straightening, I shift away—just enough to make it clear. But no—he has to push it further. I should have known better than to be alone in a room with this pig. This isn't the first time he's tried to push it. "I think that's all for today. Do you have anything else for me?"

He closes his laptop and turns toward me, his expression smug. "You'll need a plus-one for this event. I don't have a date yet, if you'd care to join me?"

I exhale slowly, forcing myself not to overreact. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll pass."

He doesn't take the hint. He never does. "Do you already have a date?" he pushes.

"I do." It slips out before I can stop it. A defense against men who won't take no for an answer. My go-to shield.

I should be above using it by now.

He lifts an eyebrow, smirking. "I didn't know you were seeing anyone."

"Not that it's any of your business." I hold his gaze, my voice steady. "My fiancée is a rather private person. She doesn't like the spotlight."

The moment the word comes out of my mouth, I kick myself.

What the hell was that?