Page 59 of Honor

“We don’t know each other outside of the office.” She circles a finger between us. “Knowing you’re someone’s best man makes you seem more human to me.”

The roar of laughter that escapes me turns the heads of the people seated near us. “More human? What the fuck does that mean?”

She keeps her gaze locked on my face. “The man I sat next to last night, and this one across from me... he, I mean you… you’re very different outside the office, Reid.”

“Different in a good way?” I ask, even though judging by the way she’s stammering her way through this, I already know the answer to that question.

“A very good way.” She finishes the last of the water in her glass.

She refused the waiter’s offer to bring her anything besides the water he set down next to her shortly after we arrived. I was tempted to order something stronger, but I’ve been nursing my glass of water, too, and it’s been surprisingly satisfying.

“Do I seem different outside of the office?” she asks, her eyebrows perked.

The truth is she’s exactly the same. The warmness that radiates from her is always there. She’s got a smile for everyone she sees, and her signature red lipstick is as flawless as ever.

“You don’t,” I tell her the honest truth. “I consider that a good thing, Evie.”

“You do?” She tilts her chin up.

Before I can affirm that with a nod, she goes on, “I consider it a good thing, too. I promise I won’t tell anyone at Vidori you’re a nice guy.”

“Good, because if you did, I’d fire you.”

I’m not surprised when I see a muted grin slide over her full lips. She says nothing, but the way she looks at me speaks volumes. She trusts me to keep her employed. For now, I will.

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

Evie

“How was your weekend?”Cleo strolls into the private washroom attached to my boss’s office.

“Fine.” I shoot her a glance and a smile as I check my hair in the mirror above the sink.

The wind was calm on my way to work today, so my straightened hair looks just as fabulous now as when I left my apartment.

“Someone seems extra happy,” she comments before she steps a few feet closer to me to adjust the white collar of my red and blue polka dot dress. “This is cute as can be, Evie.”

I pinch my fingers over the fabric on the skirt of the dress and move it slightly so it swings back and forth. “I think so, too. I went shopping yesterday and indulged in this.”

I don’t bother to add that the shopping took place at Past Over. It’s my favorite vintage shop. I stepped inside yesterday afternoon on my way home from lunch with Reid. I instantly spotted a rack of ‘gently worn dresses’that were all a great price.Since I couldn’t decide between three, I bought them all. It was money well spent.

She looks me over. “The shoes are new, too, right?”

They’re not. I lugged them to New York with me when I moved here. They’ve spent most of the time since then in my closet. They’re red patent leather, so they look great with the dress. Judging by the approving grin on Cleo’s face, she agrees.

“Old,” I say with a sigh. “They’re timeless, though.”

“What’s timeless?” The deep voice asking that question catches us both by surprise.

Cleo’s smile disappears as her gaze catches mine. She doesn’t need to say a word because the panicked expression on her face says it all. I’ve never been in this washroom when my boss has arrived at work.

“Good morning, Reid,” I say to add to the shock value.

It works. Her eyes practically bug out of her head, and this time, she doesn’t stay silent. “Reid?”

“That’s my name.”

She spins to face my boss. Since I’m still standing directly in front of the sink, I have to take a few steps to the right to land in his line of sight.

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