Page 8 of The Naughty List

My knees nearly go weak. I’ve had extremely vivid dreams about hearing her utter those exact words.

In my bed. Beneath me.

Dropping my hand from her skin before I give into the impulse to grab her and ruin her right here on my desk, I take a step backward.

“Zeus and Achilles need you. One week of dealing with me regularly and you’d be running for the hills. I won’t corrupt you with what I am. End of discussion.”

She doesn’t budge. Doesn’t blink.

“Hollis, did you hear me?”

She nods slowly. “I heard you.” Her teeth sink deeply into her lower lip.

If she cries, I’m screwed. I will panic and offer her the job and who knows what the hell else.

Exhaling harshly, I close my eyes for a brief moment. “Why do you want this position anyway? Elaine will probably retire in a few years. You’re great with people. Human resources might be a better fit for you.”

She huffs out a sound that’s half annoyed half hurt. “A few years.” I watch as she gives me a quick shake of her head. “I can’t believe you’re not even going to consider giving me a shot.”

If she knew the truth about what happened two years ago, she wouldn’t be so surprised.

“I’m sorry, Hollis. If there’s anything else I can do for you, please let me know. But if not…” I move to the door and hold it open for her before this can escalate any further. Or before she can wear down my defenses.

Taking the hint, she walks over to the door as well. But before she leaves, she stops mere centimeters from me.

“I don’t know how yet, but I’m going to change your mind about this.”

“My decision on this matter is final,” I reaffirm.

She nods. “So is mine.”

4

HOLLIS

MAKING A LIST

“He actually saidwholesome?”

Addi’s face twists into a mask of disgust as if this is the equivalent of him calling me repulsive.

I nod dejectedly, propping my elbows on the table and resting my chin in my hands.

“And pure and good,” I add. Salt in the wound.

“Jesus.” She sips her coffee. “Mmm, I love the holiday lattes.”

I can’t help but frown. While I enjoy an iced gingerbread latte from Dunks as much as the next girl, this isn’t helping.

“Okay, so he thinks you’re a Girl Scout. We can work with this.”

“He already hired someone else, Addi.”

“Have they started yet?”

I shrug. “I don’t know. Eli was usually at the office and I don’t go there all that often. But I haven’t seen Dalton around yet.”

“So he’s hiring a dude to be his assistant.” I can see the wheels turning in her head. She sets her drink down on the table. “Do you think this is like a chick thing? He thinks you can’t handle it because you’re a sensitive wittle girl?”