Page 60 of Without Apology

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

Peyton

I wondered when Simon’s work persona would make its appearance into this new development of our relationship. I wasn’t stupid. Nor was I naïve enough to think, come Monday, the dynamic wouldn’t change once we returned to the office. I was walking into this with eyes wide open. This relationship was both temporary and complicated, given we had to work together. But I did think it funny that while he was throwing out disclaimers, trying to maintain his control, he’d also ordered a limo in order to facilitate alone time out of sight of the driver. Not that I was complaining. I was all for it. But first, it was important to get a few things straight. I started in as soon as we were both seated in the back, quite alone.

“Although you said I wouldn’t have to do another interview, I think I should have one.”

He seemed thrown by my statement. “You’re up for CFO. It goes without saying they’d want you in your current position at least. So you don’t need an interview.”

“I know I don’t need one. But you have me for the next twenty-four hours. I’ve been curious what an interview with Simon Granger would be like.”

“It would be in the office, to start.”

His stern tone almost made me smile. “Where everyone can hear through the walls? Wouldn’t it be better to conduct it in private?”

An apprehensive look passed over his face, indicating he wasn’t sure where I was going with this. Perfect.

“Hit me with your first question. What you would typically ask me if it was you still doing the interview?”

He backed up a bit on the black leather bench seat, moving far enough that we weren’t touching. Then he tried to take on an air of authority.

“Okay. What makes you qualified for your current role?”

I grinned. “Such a cliché question. I expected something harder.”

Challenge flashed in his eyes. I knew I was probably both amusing and annoying him.

“Meaning you won’t answer it.”

“Of course I will. I’m qualified for my current role because I do the job. I put in the work. Not only for the position I was hired for, but also as the acting CFO. Since the previous officer’s retirement, all of his duties have become mine.”

“And what qualities make you good at your job?”

Could I help it if I messed with him a little? He was back in a suit and looking way too controlled for my liking. Like a stack of neatly organized paperwork. Of course I wanted to mess it all up.

“Loyalty. Commitment. I believe in that the most. Committing to one thing, bordering on obsession. Believing from the beginning there won’t be anything or anyone that will come between me and that commitment once it begins. Trusting that connection is unbreakable. Guess you could say I’m an all-in kind of girl when it comes to my commitments.”

I swear every time I mentioned the C word his eye twitched. I had to bite the side of my cheek to keep myself from giving up the game prematurely.

“You’re aware this job will be changing. How do you feel about that change?”

It was a decent question. “Change is inevitable. I’m willing to be flexible if that’s what it takes to keep the commitment. To ensure we weather the storm of change and can stay together forever. I wholeheartedly believe in the unwavering promise of a long-term relationship. I can’t help but get completely invested and attached once I become involved with someone—Er, I mean, something.”

Panic. Written clear over his face and in his clearing of the throat.

I went in for the kill.

“Also, I tend to obsess about that thing I’ve latched myself onto. It really only takes one night for me to be unable to let go. My sister says it’s unhealthy, and maybe the restraining orders tend to support that theory, too, but I can’t seem to help myself.”

I could no longer keep my laughter in. His face. His priceless expression before his eyes narrowed in on the humor in my voice. “Oh, my goodness. Now that’s funny.”

He was trying unsuccessfully to keep a straight face. “No. It’s not. Jesus.”

“Serves you right for getting all weird after the shower.”

He looked offended. “I wasn’t weird. I was attempting to be practical.”

“No. You were trying to distance yourself. Putting on your suit and making a point that, come Monday, we are back to being only professionals.” I tried to do an impression of his stern accent, which set me into another fit of giggles.

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