Page 126

Am I rambling?

Stop speaking, Rocky.

“I hope it’s whatever they speak in Madagascar.” Patton’s tone is dismissive, and he pivots as if to go.

“French.” My voice is a bit louder. “They speak French in Madagascar, and you’re in luck.”

He turns back, and I smile, doing my best to redeem my wobbly first impression. I’m a professional woman, not some swooning school girl.

His dark gaze sweeps up and down my body quickly, and my knees tingle. “Are you going to a funeral?”

The sarcasm in his tone irritates me. I hold my smile steady, and I remember what Renée told me, my mantra. “I’m working at one of the top firms in Nashville. From what I hear, it’s a very professional place.”

The corner of his mouth twitches, and I’m not sure if he’s going to smile or frown. I’m briefly distracted by the fullness of his lips, but I kick that thought out of my brain. Patton Fletcher is testing me, just like my sister said he would. It’s a fight or flight situation, and I’m not about to run.

“Try some color next time. We want our clients to feel positive about working with us, not depressed.”

Rude! He starts to go, but I can’t resist. “I think choosing my wardrobe is a job I can handle.” I’m teasing, but only a little bit.

“I guess we’ll find out.” He glances over his shoulder, and I’m not sure—is he teasing, too?

“I have been dressing myself for a long time.” My tone is thoughtful.

I could say as a self-respecting devil, he should be the one wearing all black…

But I don’t.

“Have you been doing this job longer than me?”

I don’t want to answer that.

“Right.” He turns to Sandra. “Tell Taron to come to my office as soon as he arrives. We have a video conference with Hastings and Key at ten.” I think that’s it, and I realize I’m holding my breath. It catches again when he points at me. “Skype meeting with Madagascar tomorrow. Sandra will put everything you need on the G-drive. I expect you to be ready.”

“I will be.”

He’s gone, and I glance at the thin envelope in my hands. Shit. What do I need to know by tomorrow?

When I look up again, Sandra is grinning, one eyebrow arched. “Sounds like you’d better get busy. Your passwords and everything you need are on the sheet by your computer. If you need anything else, let me know.” She pushes off and leaves me alone in my office, but I hear her last words as she walks away. “This is going to be fun.”