Page 28 of About Last Night

“Um, no, we, um should talk about working together. Boundaries,” I say.

“Like Greta said, we won’t be working together. I’m running the adventure division. I have nothing to do with manufacturing or shipping or any of that other super boring stuff you talked about the other night. Absolutely no conflict of interest.”

With enough space between us I turn to Toni again.

“Everything I said the other night still holds true. I had a great time with you, but I’m getting out of a toxic relationship. I need time and space.”

“And as I said the other night, I totally get it.”

“Even if that wasn’t an obstacle, we would have to put this on hold for this project. It’s our first project on our own and the last thing Willa and I need is to do anything that would undermine our professional reputation and?—”

“Audrey, I get it.”

“I wasn’t finished,” I say.

Toni’s eyes widen at the snappiness in my voice. I don’t apologize. I really don’t like being interrupted.

“At my last job, I blew the whistle on an inappropriate affair between an executive and one of his subordinates. I wasn’t fired, but I was passed over for a promotion I deserved because of it. That’s why I’m an independent consultant. I’ve never had an inappropriate work relationship, and I’m not about to start now.” No matter how much I want to kiss those lips of hers, I think.

Toni nods. “I won’t lie and say I’m not disappointed, because I am. I had a great time the other night and really want to get to know you better.”

I open my mouth to respond but Toni holds up her hand.

“I’m not finished,” she says, with a wink and grin. I chuckle and nod. “I’m not going to do anything that would jeopardize your business or this project. It’s important to Greta, and the company. But I do have to warn you…”

I raise my eyebrows.

“I’ve been told I’m pretty fucking charming, so you’ll have to be strong.” She shrugs her shoulders as if she’s helpless against her nature.

I roll my eyes. “Oh my God you are so much like my sister. I’m pretty sure I can resist you. I imagine you’ll be out guiding most of the time.”

“I may fill in for a guide here and there in our desert hikes, but it’s off season here in Colorado. I’ll be working regular office hours, though I have a couple of overseas hikes planned for January and February.”

“Oh.” I don’t hate the idea of Toni being around. It will be nice to get to know her a bit better. I suppose “better” is an interesting word choice here. It will be nice to get to know Toni on a professional level, maybe even as friends. The challenge will be keeping my mind on business when she’s just so goddamn nice to look at with those eyes and that amused smile on her face?—

Aaaaand I’m staring at her. I clear my throat and turn away. I reach for a Fourteener blue puffy vest then pull my hand back. It’s their bestseller and it costs a pretty penny. I should go for something more reasonable. I see a white button-down tech shirt that will be an OK substitute for the day.

“Here,” Toni says.

I turn around with the shirt and she’s holding up the vest. “Consider it the first part of my repayment for ruining your shirt.”

I want it, I’ve always wanted one, but I hate being given it. I like to earn my splurges.

Toni shakes the vest. “You’re going to be late for our meeting. Here.” She shoves the vest in my arms. “Change into the shirt and vest. I’ll wait outside.”

She leaves and I change. I put my arms through the vest, zip it up, and put my hands in the pockets. It’s a perfect fit.

I step outside and Toni’s eyes light up. “Looks great on you. Though I’m guessing you’re the type of woman who looks great in everything.”

“Thank you. For the vest and shirt.”

“You’re welcome. Friends?” She holds out her hand.

I take it and feel the shock. The way Toni’s eyes narrow slightly, she feels it too.

“Friends,” I say.

Toni smiles and nods. “Now, let’s go see if I can stay awake during your presentation.” She winks at me, and my insides go all gooey and soft.

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