Page 2 of If You Give a CEO a Chance

“Any chance there’s another bottle of the good stuff in the back? I’d like to share a drink with you,” I say, unabashedly.

She runs her hands down to smooth the wrinkles in her apron. “Depends. Care to explain why you were busting through the door and nearly toppled me over?”

“Wanted a moment to myself,” I answer vaguely. “I’m Harrison, by the way.” I hold out my hand.

She doesn’t appear to know who I am, which is unusual. I’m used to everyone recognizing me, so this is a refreshing change.

The woman stares at me, her teeth skimming her lower lip.

“This is when you tell me your name,” I nudge playfully when she doesn’t answer.

“Elizabeth,” she answers boldly, accepting my hand.

The way her name falls from her lips is soft and inviting.

“A name as pretty as the woman it belongs to.” I smile softly.

She scoffs, rolling her eyes. “How original. I’m guessing that line works wonders with the ladies, huh?”

I frown. Anyone else would be swooning by now, but Elizabeth just stares at me, unimpressed. Oddly enough, her resistance is captivating.

“So, this is what it’s like to meet someone immune to my charm,” I say, clutching my heart like I’m wounded.

“Charm? I must have missed it. Was it hiding behind that terrible line?” she quips.

“Guess I’ll have to rethink my strategy.” I playfully tap my chin. “This could be fun.”

“As amusing as it is watching you dig yourself deeper, I really have to get back to work,” she says, tapping her foot on the floor.

I might be pushing my luck, but I can’t let the chance to get to know her better slip away. Even if all I get out of it is playful banter, I’ll take every second. Especially since she’s the first woman I’ve been interested in this past year who’s not after me for my family’s wealth or my status as a hockey player.

“Why don’t I take you out after your shift, and you can help me brainstorm a new strategy?”

Elizabeth raises an amused brow. “Did I give you the impression I was interested? What if I’m seeing someone?”

I stuff my hands in my pockets and rock back on my heels, a smug smile on my face. “If you had a boyfriend, you wouldn’t be flirting with me.”

Her mouth falls open before she snaps it shut. “I’m not flirting with you,” she says, defensively. “If anything, I’m just trying to get through this conversation without dying of boredom.”

The corner of my mouth twitches up as my smile widens. “Whatever you say, Elizabeth.”

A faint blush rises on her cheeks. “Does this non-date include fries and a Diet Coke, because I could go for both after my shift.”

“You’d choose Diet Coke over Dom Pérignon? I don’t know whether to be impressed or concerned.”

“Don’t judge. We all have our vices.”

“I promise you’ll get your Diet Coke. Hell, I’d bring you a whole truckload if that’s what it takes.”

She chuckles. “Unfortunately, my shoebox apartment doesn’t have room for that, but I admire the enthusiasm.”

“Then we’ll settle on a six-pack for tonight. It’s a date,” I state.

She laughs softly. “Why do I get the feeling I was just played?”

I shrug, feigning innocence. “What can I say? When I see a shot, I take it.”

“Okay, Mr. Hotshot,” she retorts, biting her lip to keep from laughing, but the sparkle in her eyes gives her away.

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