Page 44 of Heart of The Night

‘Would you prefer if I waited outside?’

He let out a light chuckle. ‘Only if you’re dying to.’

I surveyed the room, feeling a residue of anxiety. Walking in, I shut the door behind me.

‘That was a close call,’ I said, referring to John’s unexpected appearance.

Setting the pen down, William leaned back with an apologetic smile. ‘It was – I’m sorry. I got a bit carried away.’

I shook my head and crossed my arms. ‘You’re going to get us both sacked.’

‘I’ll be more careful next time.’

‘Next time? There won’t be a next time. You’re on a touching ban while we’re here.’

His mouth fell open in mock disbelief. ‘What? Not even a hello or goodbye kiss?’

I pursed my lips. ‘If you can prove yourself for a week, we can revisit the matter.’

He let out an exaggerated sigh, blowing out his cheeks. ‘Seems a bit severe, but you’re the boss, I suppose.’

‘Yeah.’ I cast a glance at the door. ‘Do you think John suspects anything? He winked at me just now.’

A crease formed between William’s eyebrows. ‘Hard to say. He’s got a sharp eye. But I doubt it. If he did have any inkling, I think he would have tackled it head-on – he would have confronted me.’

Comforted by his confidence, I nodded. William knew his father best, so if he wasn’t concerned, I didn’t think I had to be, either.

‘What should we tell him if we ever get serious?’ I asked. ‘Everything?’

His eyebrows twitched, a fleeting expression I couldn’t decipher flickering across his face.

‘If,’ he echoed, and I felt a pang of guilt. ‘Ever the pessimist,’ he murmured, avoiding my gaze. ‘I’d rather omit the one-night stand bit. It would be sufficient to say we met at Disrepute. He doesn’t need the intimate details.’

‘Right.’

With another drawn-out sigh, he dragged himself up from his chair, setting about gathering the strewn papers from the floor.

‘I-I’m sorry I said “if”,’ I murmured as he moved around the room. ‘I didn’t mean it that way.’

He gave me a look that was oddly neutral, as if he didn’t quite believe me.

‘No, really,’ I insisted.

He returned his attention to the floor, leaving my words hanging unanswered.

In an attempt to dissipate the palpable tension, I blurted out, ‘What did John want to discuss with you, then?’ As soon as the words left my mouth, I cringed. ‘Oh, that’s… I’m sorry, that was terribly nosy. Just ignore me.’

He let out a good-natured chuckle. ‘He just had a few questions about the Fusion situation.’

‘Ah.’ I watched him efficiently rearranging the documents on his desk. ‘You know, if you need an extra hand with that case, I’d be happy to assist.’

He glanced at me, giving a slight shake of his head. ‘I appreciate the offer, but I think it’s crucial for you to focus on the work here at the firm. As a trainee, the experience you would gain from assisting with the firm’s clients far outweighs what you might learn from helping me with that case. It’s in your best interests career-wise. I’m just looking out for you.’

His words brought a touched smile to my face. ‘You always do.’

As he met my gaze, I thought I saw a flicker of something – perhaps regret – but it vanished so quickly I wondered if I had imagined it.

‘I try to,’ he murmured.

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