Page 21 of Kiss and Tell

“Something cool.”

I stifled a laugh as he leaned back into his chair, stretching out his long legs with a sigh.

“I’m sorry, I know I’m not a great help,” he said. “I can’t really describe what I want, because I don’t think I know exactly what that is yet.”

I put the papers back in my folder and closed it shut.

“I’ve got an idea,” I told him. “Let’s do a field trip.”

“Like going to the zoo as a kid in school?” he asked, bemused.

“Let’s call it a pub crawl,” I told him. “We can make note of what you like about each place and what you don’t like.”

“Going to different bars in person?” His eyes lit up. “I love that idea.”

“I’ll put together a list of places and we can check them out together. Remember,” I warned him. “It’s not only about the interior design. You also need to think about drinks and menus, and hiring employees, and marketing materials, and more.”

“We already have two employees,” Connor said. “Walt is keeping on Grant and Lizzy, the bartender and hostess who worked at the old bar.”

“You need more than one bartender for a place this size,” I told him.

He thumped his head against the table.

“Since when is owning a business so damn hard?” he complained with a groan.

“It’ll all work out.” I placed a consoling hand on his back and patted. His firm muscles shifted under my hand. The heat of him soaked through his t-shirt and into my fingers, causing a tingle to run through my fingertips, down my arm and into my chest, settling low in my belly.

Connor lifted his forehead from the sticky table surface, his hair falling into his eyes.

I pulled my hand away.

“Thanks for putting up with me,” he said.

“I’ve dealt with more challenging clients.”

Although I’d worked with other colleagues to back me up on those. This was my first solo client, just like Peter had said.

Having that bastard’s face flash through my mind threatened to ruin my good mood. I remembered all the paperwork and filing I still needed to get done. I’d put it aside to finish preparing for this meeting. It wasn’t my job to do the filing, but if I didn’t…

The corners of my mouth dipped down into a frown.

“I know this must be frustrating for you,” Connor said. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m not frustrated with you,” I replied, not wanting him to think my sour mood was because of him. “I’ve got other work stuff on my mind.”

“Anything I can help with?”

I met his eyes. They were open and sincere.

“Thank you for the offer.” I adjusted the hem of my skirt where it sat just at my knee, tugging it down smooth. “I’ve got to deal with this one on my own.”

“That doesn’t sound good,” Connor said.

“It’s nothing.” I brushed off his concern as I packed up my bag to go. “Just office politics.”

“That’s why I’m glad I never worked in an office,” he said. “Although I can’t lie, it wouldn’t be bad working in an office with you. I enjoy the sight of you in those pencil skirts.” He gave me a teasing wink. “I’m not a fan of that button up blouse, though. Too stuffy.”

I pursed my lips at him as I stood to leave.