Page 36 of Jep

“Good for you. But make sure you stick up for yourself. Let him know where you stand from the start. If he thinks he’s going to get you into bed with him?—”

“Carla.”

“What? You said he’s not a great guy. That goes with certain connotations. It’s in your best interest to make sure he understands from the start that that is not a road he should even contemplate taking.”

“I understand what you’re saying. I need to be on the offense with him. Not the defense.”

“Exactly.”

“I haven’t had any trouble speaking my mind before. I’m not going to start now.”

“Since when do you speak your mind at work?”

“I do with him.”

“Really? You’ve already had words?”

“I don’t know why, but as intimidating as he seems, I’m always on the front foot with him.”

“Wow. The new you. Sounds like God’s opening the right doors. You’ve been too comfortable sitting at your desk anyway. It’s the perfect time to try something new.”

“I could use a positive change. But please be praying for me because I am way out of my depth.”

“Definitely. And good luck.”

“Thanks. I’ve gotta go. He’s probably waiting.”

“Let me know how things go.”

“I will.”

Jep started the car and looked down at Emery’s lap, where her fists were kneading her legs.

“Everything okay?” he said.

“Yeah, I just…” She took a deep breath. “I won’t sleep with you.”

“Excuse me?”

“I wanted you to know that from the start. In case that’s why you chose me as a partner. If you thought you could have a bit of fun while you’re here, you chose the wrong person.”

He had shifted into drive, but he put it back into park. “Look, Em. Emery. I know there’s a lot of gossip around the office about my time here before. Some of it’s probably true. But I have never treated any woman disrespectfully. You can ask Lawson if you don’t want to take my word for it. He doesn’t like me for a lot of reasons, but that’s not one of them.”

She chewed on her lip for a second.

“What is it?” Jep said. “You want to say something? Let’s hear it.”

“Why me?”

“Ah yes. The question on everyone’s mind.”

“If you think I’ll sit quietly and let you do whatever you want. If that’s your reasoning…” Her face reddened. “I will. You can consider me invisible. I won’t complain about anything as long as you don’t put me in a compromising position. But do me the courtesy of being straight about your motives. Other than that—” She zipped her lips.

Jep sighed. He knew she wouldn’t believe him if he told her. She’d made that clear the other day at the park. He’d have to show her.

“You want to know why I chose you?” He put the car back into drive and pulled out of the parking spot. “I’ll show you.”

“Where are we going?”

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