Page 25 of Inevitable

“Sheffield is on the phone,” Cody’s voice announced through the intercom.

“Thanks. I’ll just be a minute,” he said to Cody before turning to me. “Thank you, Sumner. Thank you for taking the time to do this with me. I really appreciate it.”

“It’s my pleasure.” I stood, taking that as my cue to leave. “And I’m happy to continue. That is, if you’d like me to.”

“Of course. I’ve already noticed a difference, and I absolutely want to continue working with you.”

“I’m glad. And thank you.”

I’d been sharing my opinions more at the office. Eric and Jack had both been receptive to my ideas. But seeing Wolfe embrace my coaching suggestions meant even more.

“Look, I have to take this call. I’m seeing this client in New York in a few weeks, and I need to speak with him.” He hesitated, then added, “Unless you want to stay and listen in?”

“I’ve taken up enough of your time,” I said. “Besides, I need to check in with Jack and Eric on a few things.”

“Sure.” He walked me to the door. “And don’t forget to talk to Isla. While I’d love to be your only—” he cupped my elbow, his tone laced with meaning “—I also want you to succeed.”

I bit back a smile, feeling the sincerity of his words. He had no idea how much it meant to me. “Thank you, Jonathan.”

He’d already answered the call before I opened the door, but I heard him say, “Hold on just a second,” before calling my name. “You busy this weekend?”

I shook my head, wondering why he’d asked.

“Good. There’s something I want to show you. Let’s talk later.”

I nodded, closing the door behind me with a soft snick.I stood there a moment, dissecting everything that had happened, but then Cody’s voice snapped me out of it.

“Uh oh. Don’t go getting all moon-eyed over the boss. That never ends well.”

I pushed off the door and rolled my eyes, though my face heated as if to broadcast my thoughts. “Please. I was just thinking about a solution to a problem. Besides, he’s way too old for me.”

“Mm-hmm.”

I could hear his unspoken words just as clearly as my own thoughts.Liar, liar, pants on fire.

Chapter Eight

“Here we are,” I said as I pulled up to the curb of a house in Los Feliz. The yard was more weeds than grass, and one of the windows was boarded up. I glanced to Sumner, trying to gauge her expression.

“Are you buying a new house?” she asked.

I shook my head, unbuckling my seat belt as Alexis pulled up behind us. “I’ve been flipping houses the past few years. It’s a passion project of mine. Come on.” I grinned. “Let me introduce you to Alexis.”

I’d invited Sumner earlier without thinking. For some unknown reason, I wanted to show her this. I wanted her to know this side of me. Toseeme. And even though she knew how many times I’d jacked off last week, somehow sharing this felt more personal than letting her study my time audit.

I climbed out of the truck and greeted Alexis with a hug. “Hey.”

“Hey.” Alexis smiled, but her attention was directed at Sumner, curiosity written in her features.

“Alexis—” I glanced over my shoulder at Sumner, her smile like a punch to the gut. She was so gorgeous, it stole the air from my lungs. She was also my best friend’s daughter and my intern.

I cleared my throat and turned back to Alexis. “This is Sumner. She’s working as an associate at the Wolfe Group this summer.”

Alexis extended her hand to shake. “Nice to meet you. Are you interested in residential development?”

“I’m here to learn.” Sumner and I shared a secret smile, and I knew she was thinking of her time spent coaching me.

“Wolfe’s the best. Even if he can be a pain in the ass sometimes.” Alexis nudged me with her elbow, grinning as she said it.