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She flipped back a couple pages and showed him past lists she’d made. “I mean, look at that. All crossed off. All done. There’s nothing like that feeling of accomplishment.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, I’ll just use an app. I don’t have time to write out a list.”
“Suit yourself. I don’t have a smart phone anyway, so I can’t do apps.”
His eyes widened. “You don’t have a smart phone? How do you get anything done?”
She started laughing and held up her notepad and ancient flip phone.
“Oh my gosh, you’re serious.”
“It works for me.”
“So, what’s next on that notepad of yours?” he asked.
“Contacting potential sponsors, coming up with a budget, designing a logo for advertising, a marketing plan—”
“Take a breath,” he told her.
She did just that and looked into his eyes. “Can I be honest with you?”
He glanced away toward her notepad then out the window. “I wouldn’t want anything else.”
“This is the biggest event I’ve ever coordinated. I mean, I’ve done this before, but on a much smaller scale. And honestly, I’m kind of nervous that I’ve bitten off more than I can chew with this one.” Her attention turned to her notepad again. “A regatta sounded like an amazing event, but now that I’m looking at this list—”
His hand moved atop hers, and her eyes shot up to his.
“It will be amazing, and you can do this. We’ll do it together.”
He left his hand there for several long moments as they looked into each other’s eyes. She wondered if he could feel her pulse beating rapidly or see her throat move as she swallowed hard. “Thank you, Kurtis,” she managed.
He looked away and removed his hand. “So, how about I make some calls while you work on the budget.”
She groaned. “My least favorite part.” She handed him the list of potential sponsors. “Have at it.”
“Want to get out of the office to work on this today?”
She couldn’t contain her smile. “What did you have in mind? The beach again? I’m not wearing white today.” She glanced down at her deep green sleeveless blouse.
He laughed and tilted his head toward the door. “We’d get no work done at the beach. I have a better idea. Come on.”
She quickly gathered up her things and stood.
“Don’t forget your notepad,” he teased as he typed something on his phone.
They walked to the private executive elevator, and she watched him press a button for the top floor. As they started to ascend, she felt a little like they were breaking a rule. “Are we even allowed to be in here? I was told this was only for the big wigs.”
He softly touched her arm. “It’s fine.”
She eyed him again. “An employee perk I’m not aware of?”
“Let’s just say I’m Employee of the Year and leave it at that.”
“Are you now?”
“Is that so hard to believe?” He feigned shock.
“I don’t know you that well, so I don’t know if you’re a good employee or not.”