Page 10 of Unwrapping Romance

“Lunch.”

“Are you buying? Because I’m broke.”

“Yes, I’m buying.”

I called my driver and told him to meet me downstairs. Sierra grabbed her purse and followed me to the elevator.

“So, where are we going?” she asked as I pushed the button to the lobby.

“La Grande Boucherie in Midtown. They have the best French dip.”

“I’ve never been,” she said.

“You’ll like it. Trust me.” I winked.

Chapter Five

Sierra

I first noticed his clean, woodsy scent with a hint of bergamot yesterday in his office. But today, it was stronger, especially when I was inside the elevator with him. The way he behaved with Robert was nasty, and I didn’t expect that from him. His reputation was proving to be true. But what I saw was a broken man. A man who carried the weight of emotional scars. I knew what that looked like because I carried the same weight.

A black Escalade pulled up to the curb. Jack opened the door, and I slid inside.

“Eric, this is my new assistant, Sierra. Sierra, Eric, my driver.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Sierra.” Eric smiled.

“Thank you. It’s nice to meet you, too.”

“We’re going to La Grande Boucherie for lunch.”

Eric pulled away from the curb, and Jack pulled out his phone and made a call. I stared out the window as Eric drove us to the restaurant.

“This goddamn city decorates earlier every year,” Jack said, slipping his phone inside his pocket.

“I know.” I let out a sigh. “Can I let you in on a little secret?” I glanced at him. “I had eleven job interviews in three weeks and wasn’t hired.”

“Great. Did I make a mistake?” he asked, arching his brow.

“No. It was my fault. I made negative comments about their Christmas decorations. I told every person who interviewed me that it looked like Christmas threw up all over their offices and someone should clean it up.”

He let out a chuckle. “Seriously? You said that?”

“I did.” I smiled. “That’s why you hired me. I didn’t have to comment on your decorations because there weren’t any.”

He chuckled, and my belly fluttered.

We arrived at the restaurant and were immediately seated at a table. I opened the menu and looked it over.

“Good afternoon, I’m Marla, and I’ll be your server. Can I get you anything to drink besides water?”

I looked at Jack. “Is there a rule about drinking during work hours?”

A smirk crossed his lips. “Not when you’re with the boss.”

“In that case, Marla, I’ll have a glass of pinot.” I smiled.

“And I’ll have a bourbon, neat,” Jack said.

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