Page 40 of Keep Your Friends Close and Your… Work Enemy Closer?

Venus brushed her platinum-colored locks off one shoulder, then resumed petting the puppy in her hands, her cleavage spilling out of her skin-tight dress. This woman held my future in her hands, and it was all I could do to breathe.

Jared shifted the puppy to one arm, cradling her, and I suddenly felt his steadying hand on the small of my back, weirdly reassuring.

"Hmm," she hummed. "Iwillsay I liked the idea."

I could sense a big, fat 'but' coming, and I held my breath, my heart now racing at a frantic speed.

"But..."

I fucking knew it.

"I want to be wooed."

What on earth did that mean? Glancing up at Jared, I wondered what he thought. But he was staring right at Venus, deadly serious, assessing.

"Wooed," he echoed. "Got it."

She patted his arm coyly. "Good. I'm sure you can figure it out. You look like a smart man." She turned to me. "And you look like a smart woman. A very smart couple, as a matter of fact."

"Uh, we're not—" I began.

"Oh, excuse me," she interrupted. "My husband is trying to wave me over, and for once, I suppose I'll do as he asks."

Jared chuckled lightly. "Well, it was nice to meet you in person."

"Likewise."

And with that, she was off, hips swaying like the goddess she was as she walked away, leaving Jared and me in the wake of her very strong perfume.

"Uh, I guess we're not getting that dog back," the attendant said with a laugh.

"I guess not," Jared agreed with a smile.

A smile. The man was smiling after that interaction. But I was... I didn't know what I was. Devastated? Embarrassed? Confused?

Taking Sunny back from him, I held onto her, drawing comfort from her soft fur and cuddles. I had no idea a dog could make you feel like this.

"You good, Dee?" Jared asked.

"I don't know. Yes. No."

He chuckled, his good humor kind of annoying. "You're not happy with our interaction with Venus, are you?"

"I'm not sure what to think."

"She didn't say no, did she?"

"I guess not."

"So we've got a chance. And she'll for sure remember us when we start wooing her."

That one author we'd won over with cake came to mind, and I sighed. "I guess I've done it before, and I can do it again."

"There's the spirit. We've got this."

Motivational talk was beyond annoying, but I didn't say anything to Jared. The attendant made a move for the dog, and I reluctantly handed her over. "Bye, Sunny. It was really nice meeting you. I hope you find the best home ever."

I couldn't believe how sad it made me feel to walk away, and I excused myself to head to the restroom where I took my sweet time to collect myself. By the time I came back, the whole event was over, and I honestly was still sort of depressed and down.

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