Page 12 of The Boss's Triplet Surprise

“I really think it will.” Dan went to squeeze her hand, then quickly held himself back. He would never take the hand of one of his employees, and despite the closeness he felt with Leah and the plans they had, they were only colleagues. It wouldn’t be appropriate. Even though he’d held her hand once before.

They sat down for lunch in the hotel’s dining room. Leah ordered a salad, and Dan went for soup and a sandwich.

As the waiter left, Leah leaned forward. “You were so wonderful when you answered that question about how Forenal is better than its competitors. I think the guy asking worked for another company, and I could see him deflate after what you said.”

“No, you were wonderful. You answered so many questions so well. I think the audience really understood how the drug works — even the less technically minded like myself.”

“Don’t sell yourself short. You understand a lot more of the nitty-gritty of drug development than a lot of people in your position would. I’m always impressed by how much you understand.”

“I try. But I could never do what you do.” Dan paused. “Do you like your job? I mean, working in a lab most of the day? Doesn’t it get… boring?”

“Not at all. Lab work is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. Sure, there are hours and hours of doing the same little thing over and over with no results, which isn’t the most thrilling. But then I have a breakthrough and I realize that an idea I came up with in my head is really backed up by the laws of science. There’s nothing like it.”

“That does sound nice. I just can’t imagine not working with people.”

“People?” Leah wrinkled her small nose. “I like people, but I couldn’t work with them. You never know what people are going to do. Chemicals and formulas, though, always work in predictable ways. If something happens that you don’t expect, you can always find a logical explanation for it.”

“Sure, but the unpredictability of people is the fun part. Sometimes they can surprise you. You can work with a person for years and never realize just how spectacular they are.” Dan pulled up short. He’d been about to compliment Leah specifically, but he knew that was a bad idea. Luckily enough, their food arrived at just that moment and they dug in.

As they ate, conversation turned to the rest of the conference.

“I’d love to check out the session on complementary therapies for infertility,” Leah suggested. “Though it’s not my field, I think it’s always good to broaden my horizons.”

It wasn’t the kind of topic that Dan would usually be interested in, but he found himself nodding. “I’d attend that with you. There’s nothing wrong with seeing some other perspectives. I was also thinking of attending the seminar on pain management in chronic conditions. We have a few pain medicines, but it’s an area I think RMA needs to look into more. So many pain medicines have such negative side effects.”

“True. I know very little about pain medicine, but I’d be interested in checking it out with you.”

“And then we can maybe hit the mixer,” Dan suggested. “It could be a good chance to spread the word about Forenal on a personal basis.”

“That’ll wrap up the afternoon and bring us to dinnertime. Will you be attending any of the evening sessions?”

As serious as these conferences were, major conferences were also known to be big party centers. Attendees from across the country were all staying together in one hotel, which often led to drinking, dancing, and late nights at the hotel bar. In the distant past, Dan had enjoyed this side of conferences, but lately he’d been more likely to spend his time in his hotel room, looking over his work and planning for future sessions. Maybe it was a sign that he was getting old.

Now, with Leah around, he was even less interested in the party scene. He’d rather spend the evening getting to know her better.

“I probably won’t, but feel free to join in on the festivities if you’re interested. Otherwise, I was thinking that we could grab dinner and start learning more about each other.”

“Right! Our arrangement.” Leah nodded. “I’d be happy to.”

“Great.” Dan wasn’t sure he loved the way Leah said, “our arrangement,” but he wasn’t about to say anything. It was a business arrangement. He had no reason to take issue with her calling it that.

The rest of the afternoon went by in a blur of talks and panels and the mixer. Dan enjoyed the session about complementary therapies more than he’d expected and even scribbled down a few notes. It was clear people were more interested than ever in natural remedies. Perhaps RMA could capitalize on that. He’d have to ask Leah about it later.

Leah also seemed to enjoy the pain-management session. As they left, they chatted about what the organizers had told them. The conversation took them all the way to the mixer, and it was with a heavy heart that Dan bid Leah goodbye to go mingle with others.

As he spoke with the professionals about Forenal and about RMA in general, Dan found himself musing about Leah. He’d traveled to conferences with colleagues numerous times, but he’d never been so interested in talking to his colleagues that he was willing to pass up the chance to network and advertise. Today, he almost had.

When they met up again after the mixer, Leah was smiling. “That was great. Everyone seems so excited about Forenal.”

“As they should be.” Dan gestured for her to head towards the hotel’s restaurant, then hesitated. “Should we eat here or go out?”

“As you prefer.” Leah smiled. “I’m happy with anything.”

“Let’s go out, then. Cleveland had lots of good restaurants. How do you feel about Mexican?”

“Great.” They turned and headed for the parking lot. Earlier today, they’d driven to the conference together in Dan’s car. That conversation had been mostly focused on the presentation and the conference, so Dan decided to stick with what was comfortable.

“What sessions would you like to attend tomorrow?”

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