“Goodnight.” She disconnects her hand from mine, and I watch her open the door and give me a wave before she clicks the door shut. I leave knowing I’ll see her in eighty-four hours, but it doesn’t seem soon enough.
Chapter 17
Evan
I walk into thelobby on Monday morning, closing my eyes and sucking in a deep breath, trying to calm the tic in my neck at the strong masculine odor. Reopening my eyes, I spin around and face Bobby. “Are you here to apologize?”
“Well, yes, that, and something else.”
“Let's start with the event. You were out of line.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
My eyes narrow at his unfazed expression. Bobby seems too comfortable and agreeable. Uneasiness washes over me, making my skin prickle.
“I shouldn’t have had so much to drink.”
He didn’t seem that affected by alcohol. “Next time, limit yourself if you can’t be trusted. Otherwise, you’ll have to find another company to work for.”
“Yes, sir.”
“What else did you want?”
He steps forward, clutching papers. “I've got this article I wanted your opinion on.”
One thing he knows I can't do is turn down work. But I need to remember my boundaries and why I hired Shyla.
“You know you’re supposed to go to Shyla for help, right?”
“Yes, but she’s in a meeting and this is urgent.”
All the staff know if they ask for my opinion, I'm happy to share the knowledge and experience that was passed down from my dad. But very soon, I won’t be around as much. That’s why Shyla is running the day-to-day operations.
“Follow me into my office.” I turn and head to the elevator.
I don't speak. Bobby chooses to talk my ear off about his adventurous weekend.
He probably thinks if he opens up, I will too. Only, I won’t. I’ll remain tight-lipped. Chelsea isn’t up for discussion.
We arrive at my office. I take my chair, and he takes the one opposite to me.
He hands over his papers, and I lay them out, my elbows on my desk as I read.
The picture is surprisingly good. When I am done reading, I glance up.
He's got a smug look on his face that I want to wipe off him.
Not wanting to add to his over-inflated ego, I say, “It’s good. But I'd move the picture to the right. Other than that, go for it.”
I hand back the papers and twist to my computer, ready to begin packing it up.
I'm moving the last few pieces to my new office. I can’t wait to have no interruptions.
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Bobby still sitting there shifting awkwardly. “Is there something else?”
“I want to let you know that I’ve taken your advice and started leaving on time.”
“You should’ve been doing that all along.”