Page 28 of The Rebel

“I know. But HR did say it’s part of my job to attend these things. I’m still on the clock.”

“Yes, but you don’t have to take notes.”

“Right. Then what are we doing?” I asked.

Anthony drew in a deep breath. He glanced at my lips and then down at my neck. Wait, was he looking at my pendant? I’d caught him doing that a few times this week.

“Just checking to see if there were any issues. So far everything looks good.” He winked at me, flashing a charming smile. “So we can have a little bit of fun.”

Oh sweet Lord. Is flirty Anthony back?No, he was more relaxed because we were out of the office, that was all.

“What do you want to drink?” he asked.

“I don’t know. Surprise me.”

“Local cocktail?”

“Sure, why not?”

“So, your repulsion to all things Southern only is with the food?”

I gasped theatrically, putting a hand on my chest. “It’s not repulsion. I just need a break from jambalaya. Somehow every stew smells like jambalaya lately. But… the daiquiri looks good.”

“All right. I’ll have a Vieux Carré.”

“What? No, I want that too. It sounds more sophisticated.”

Anthony grinned. “It just means ‘French Quarter,’ but in French.”

“I like the sound of it.”

“All right.” He asked the bartender to make us two Vieux Carrés.

“Maybe I should try a Sazerac too,” I said.

“Hell no, not here!”

My eyes widened at his vehement response. “Why not?”

He leaned in closer to my ear. “The best one is at my brother Julian’s flagship bar. Nothing else even comes close. I’ll take you there one day.”

He straightened up, shaking his head—almost as if he was chastising himself.

My pulse sped up. “All right, boss.”

His eyes widened at the word “boss.” He quickly looked away, taking the drinks from the bartender.

As we clinked glasses, I found myself quite unable to meet his eyes.

He’s being perfectly polite, Daisy. Maybe more relaxed than in the office, but nothing more. Do not under any circumstances flirt with your boss!

I took a sip and licked my lips. “Mmm, this is good.”

I closed one eye, pondering its contents as I pushed a hip out. “Let me see… whiskey, cognac, and bitters, maybe.”

“Very good. Vermouth too,” Anthony said. “You know your alcohol.”

“I did some research before applying for that senior marketing position at Thornton’s.”