Page 104 of Van Cort

Every inch of my body screams for me to back down. To capitulate and agree to what he wants. Telling him that I was with my friend – my best friend – isn’t a big deal. But at the same time, it’s huge.

The woman returns and nods at him before returning to her desk.

He starts walking.

“Will you be explaining what you’d like me to do more specifically today?” I ask, as I follow.

“Do I need to? I thought you were the analyst.” He opens a door, waving me inside.

“I am.”

“Then analyse. Run the risks. Look at the fine details. You might find something others can’t.”

The office is huge. Windows, a sectional, a coffee machine, fridge. It’s impressive. And flattering. And everything I’d want if I were moving firms or getting a promotion. It’s also only three offices down from his, so it makes no sense that he’s done this for me just to review some of his financials. This is an office for his finance director.

I look back at him. “I’m only here for two weeks, wasn’t that the original contract?”

“Unless I decide otherwise.”

“Don’t.” I close my eyes.

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t decide otherwise.” My voice is strained, emotion closing my throat. God, he’s frustrating. “This is my career, Everett, you don’t get to play with it like a game. This might have started as a way of spending time together and getting to know one another, taking me off to Vancouver, but I’m serious, even if I dislike my current boss.”

“You’d rather go back to the asshole?”

“I’d rather I have the decision for myself. And if you wanted me to be part of your business, you’d offer me a job based on my credentials and skills, rather than wanting to keep tabs on me.”

I take a step back, away and out of reach, to head off any and all potential hands-on contact to derail my confidence and stand.

He pauses, and I latch onto the idea that he’s actually heard me.

“I’ll send Devon in with the files, computer login and whatever else you need. I have several meetings, so won’t disturb you again today.”

He leaves, closing the door behind me.

Great.

***

I pour the glass of wine, knowing it’s not the wisest of decisions, but then again, there are more than a few decisions that I could do with drinking to.

Everett was true to his word, and I didn’t see him again, and I’m left second-guessing myself. Hopefully the wine will solve that, and I’ll face Everett again tomorrow, and things will…

The door buzzer sounds, and I contemplate ignoring it. I’m not expecting anyone, but Mom hasn’t made a spontaneous visit for a while.

But it’s not Mom at the door.

“House calls again?” I ignore the immaculate suit he’s wearing and leave the door open. He’ll just come in anyway, at least that’s what I expect after the last couple of days.

“Am I interrupting?”

“And if I said you were, what would you do?”

“Well, it would certainly change my plans for the evening.”

“Which are? You’re clearly here with an agenda.” I flick my eyes down his annoyingly handsome body and make sure he sees the move.