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She snorts. "Of course not. I don't think any sane woman would touch Woodhouse with a ten-foot pole. And you have too much integrity to cross that line. The point is—he's trying to undermine you. With what end in mind, I don't know. Before today, I'd have guessed he wanted in your pants. Now I wonder if he wants your job."

"He would run this place into the ground," I dismiss out loud. "He's not even remotely capable." Still, it is cause for concern. "Did Bakker say anything?"

"Only that you'd worked with him to prioritize some family issues."

I nod. "He handed in his resignation. I convinced him to stay—he's by far the best person for the job."

"I know, boss. I was there, remember?" She shifts again. "I'd like your permission to go to HR with what I heard."

I blink. "You don't need my permission to speak to HR, Gwen. You know that."

She straightens her stance. "I know. I just—" She takes a deep breath. "I wanted to be one hundred percent sure it wasn't true."

I stare at her, eyes wide. "You know I'm engaged, right?"

Her eyebrows nearly dance off her forehead. "No?! You don't wear a ring..."

"Because I'm engaged to a woman," I say drily. "And rather than deal with all the drama, my fiancée and I prefer to keep things private."

"Oh." She's quiet for a long minute.

"What would you have done if it were true?" I ask, genuinely curious.

She blinks. "I don't know, Boss. I never considered it."

A knock sounds on the door.

I lower my voice. "Please report it to HR, Gwen. I've already spoken to Carole about issues with Woodhouse, but talk to whomever you're most comfortable with."

There's another knock on the door, louder this time.

"One minute," I call. I turn back to Gwen. "I've tried to keep my relationship with Josie private—mostly because it's no one's business. But she'll be coming to the charity gala with me next month. I'd like to introduce you."

"That would be my pleasure, Boss."

I motion toward the door, and she opens it. "Mr. Bakker. Come in. I was just leaving."

He hesitates, glancing nervously at me. He clears his throat. "I'd prefer she stay. I need to speak with Ms. Pietra, but I'd appreciate a witness."

I nod to her. Her presence will remove any speculation. "Come in, Jason. What can I do for you?"

Gwen closes the door behind him and takes a stance near it, silent.

Jason sits down, visibly uncomfortable. "I— Um." He glances back at Gwen then back at me. "I'm going to talk to HR, but I wanted you to hear it first."

I arch an eyebrow. "Are you planning to quit on me again?"

"No, ma'am." He takes a deep breath. "Woodhouse approached me earlier and accused me of gaining special favors from you because I left early for Finley's meet."

"To be fair," I manage to keep a straight face, "youdidgain special favors. By threatening to quit on me."

He shakes his head. "He implied he was sleeping with you… and that I am too."

"He's wrong on both accounts," I say drily.

"I know that, and you know that." He opens his mouth again but closes it.

"Gwen knows about my fiancée, Jason. It's not a secret, but my love life isn't workplace conversation."