Page 29 of Kiren

“Inside lines to promotions, that sort of thing.” Her hand waved through the air as if her words weren’t a big deal.

“Wait, that doesn’t mean either of us can’t be promoted at all, does it?” I asked.

“No. I just have to say all of that so you understand.”

I understood very little except that if my parents saw my form they would now know I was dating someone from the office.

I turned to Max. “Are you good with all of this?”

He smiled at me. “I already signed and dated.”

He was the greatest daddy that ever lived. I signed my name, dated it and stood.

Mackenzie spoke. “You’re both good to go. If the relationship ends, please report it for the updated files.”

We walked into the hall. “It seems so stupid. I know the company has to cover its ass but it’s none of their business, too. Maybe I should complain to my parents.”

“Your parents have experts running this place the proper way. They probably wouldn’t interfere with something like this.”

“You’re right. But still… it’s like people are watching your every step when you work for a corporation.”

“You don’t like it?” Max asked.

I didn’t reply. We came to the break room and ducked inside. Max went to the counter and poured himself a coffee.

“Kiren, why do you work here if you don’t like it?”

“I didn’t say that, did I?”

“But I could tell by the way you avoided my question just now.”

I grabbed a water from the fridge. “It pays well, and I can do it well. Also, I needed a job and my parents provided it. To say no to them after—after everything they’ve done for me seemed rude.”

“They didn’t make you take the job, did they?” Max sat in a chair at the table.

I joined him. “No. Not at all. It was them doing something for me.” I glanced around to make sure we were alone. I didn’t like talking about my parents at work.

Max sipped his hot coffee. “Got it. But working a job you don’t like is tough.”

I stared at my water. “Hardly anyone loves their job.”

“I do.”

I looked up at him. He wasn’t joking. “You said you did, but do you really?”

“I’ve loved numbers all my life. It’s what I do. I understand numbers and how they fit and if something doesn’t work. It’s more of a job description now that I’m in charge of my team, but it’s something I love. The day flies by when there are numbers in front of me.”

“I’m glad you enjoy it here,” I said.

“Me, too.” He put his arm on the table and lowered his voice. “But you, baby… it’s hard not doing what you love.”

“I’m not complaining. I have everything I need.” I sucked my bottom lip. “And now I have you. It’s official because we filled out the forms.”

Max laughed. “It’s about way more than forms for me, baby.”

I was always fumbling over my tongue. “I meant that, too. It’s much more than forms.”

“I know you didn’t mean it any other way,” Max said.

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