Page 5 of Heart Like Yours

I sigh, finishing off the last of the candy hearts before focusing back on my computer. It’s easier than looking at him while I answer.

“It’s just,” I start but cut myself off and try to find my words. It’s not that I don’t want to answer him. It’s simply that I don’t like the idea of stressing him out. However, not telling Garrett the truth is not fair to either of us.

“You know I love it here and how much I care about the company and this team.” I pause, still refusing to look at him. “Lately, I’ve been feeling like I could be doing more. Eva wanted to be more involved, so I took her under my wing. Only now, she could walk in tomorrow and domyjob without missing a beat. Hell, she’d probably do better than I did when I first got here.”

I finally peek at Garrett and my chest tightens at the worry etched across his face. He opens his mouth to say something, but I shake my head and continue.

“I’m not looking for another job, so don’t worry about that. You asked what’s on my mind and I’m not going to lie to you. Leading this team, even with the hiccups of a bad employee, is something I’ve been able to do with my eyes closed for a long time now.”

Garrett nods slowly and runs a hand along his jaw as he sucks in a deep breath.

“So you’re not leaving me, right?” He questions and my shoulders drop as I smile softly at him.

“I don’t have any plans to.”Yet. I leave that part out, not wanting to panic him further when all I’m doing is musing what I’ve been feeling out loud. At the same time, I know better than to make promises like that.

Garrett nods again and this time I hold his gaze as I continue.

“I can’t imagine working anywhere else. I’m just…I feel like I can be doing more. Like my knowledge and time could be doing something more useful and beneficial to the company.”

“No, I get it.” Garrett is silent for a moment before his eyes shoot open wide and an excited smile tugs at his full lips. “What if I told you I might have a way that you could get everything you want?”

The heat in his captivating eyes makes my heart skip a beat and a little voice sings in the back of my mind, tempting me withinappropriate thoughts about Garrett himself being included in everything I want.

Swallowing thickly, I silently hope that my voice sounds normal as I answer him.

“How?”

Garrett stands, shoving a single hand in his pocket as he grins down at me.

“I don’t want to speak when I don’t have all the information or before things get set in motion, just in case they fall through. I have a couple calls this week that will solidify my plans. Can you give me until Friday?”

I can only nod. The curiosity bubbling inside me is strong enough that I have to bite my tongue not to dig for information.

“You have piqued my interest, Boss Man.” I grin up at him. “I guess I can be patient.”

Garrett snorts a laugh, shaking his head as he turns toward the exit. “We both know that’s not true.”

“Hey! I can be…when I want to be.” I stick my tongue out at him and the sound of his laugh follows behind him as he leaves.

As I settle back in my seat, I smile to myself and shake my head.

Telling Garrett how I’ve been feeling about work was not something I gave much thought to, and even if I did, I shoved it aside quickly. The dread that came from just the idea of working anywhere else was always enough to keep me content where I am.

I wasn’t lying when I told him that I love this company and the people here. It’s simply that I can do more than send emails and check lists.

He is right about one thing, though. Patience is not my strong suit. The fact that Garrett didn’t give a single hint as to what his plans are is going to drive me insane all week long.

And yet, as I turn back to my computer to get back to work, relief and excitement mix with the anticipation of whatever he has in store for me.

GARRETT

Normally, when looking at a new business venture, there’s a sense of excitement that lingers just beneath the surface. Even with the endless uncertainty that comes with most negotiations, there’s a thrilling challenge in analyzing every angle until you find a path that leads you to what you want. Sometimes that also includes walking away.

However, that isn’t an option right now.

For what feels like the hundredth time today, I flip through the proposition file. And just like every time before this, it doesn’t take more than a few sentences for my brain to wander back to my conversation with Paige two days ago.

While she did say that she had no intentions of leaving me, the lingering unsaid ‘yet’ hung in the air between us.

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