Page 41 of Keep Your Friends Close and Your… Work Enemy Closer?

Everything was suddenly getting to me tonight—handing the dog over, or maybe the fact that I'd been a complete dumbass when we'd actually had a chance to talk to Venus and pitch our idea. I was disappointed in myself professionally, and it sucked even more because I'd been doing so well in my new job lately.

"What's got you frowning?" Jared said as we walked toward the exit. "The fact that Venus didn't say yes outright?"

"That's part of it."

"What else?"

I fiddled with my purse as we walked through the huge lobby area. "I don't know."

The truth was I didn't really want to confide in Jared. I desperately wanted to maintain the façade that I was a capable and confident businesswoman who busted her ass and always knew what to say and do in any and every situation. What had happened to me back there was unacceptable. And the fact that Jared had done all the talking, and done it well, was even more galling.

"Come on, Dee. Aren't we friends?"

"Friends?"

"Or you hate me a little less than you did before?"

I couldn't help laughing. "A little less."

"See? We're making such great progress. You can tell me any—"

He suddenly stopped talking, and I glanced up at his line of vision to see what had made him pause. Rain pelted the large windows on either side of the lobby.

"Oh, wow."

"Have no fear, baby, I'll protect you from the big, bad rain storm," Jared said, whipping out his phone and furiously tapping away.

"First of all, don't fucking call me baby. And secondly, I actually like the rain."

He put his phone down and gaped at me. "You like the rain? As in, you want to go out in it and get all wet?"

"I can't think of anything better."

"You really surprise me sometimes, Dee."

I didn't bother asking if that was a good or bad thing because I really didn't care at the moment. All I could think about was reveling in the beauty of a summer rainstorm in the city, and I strode toward the exit.

And then Jared did the most obnoxious thing in the world when he didn't let me get out of the revolving door, making me go around three whole times until he slowed it enough so I could make a dash for it.

"You jerk," I said, not able to hold in my laughter as I stumbled onto the sidewalk, a little dizzy and a whole lot breathless.

Jared steadied me with a strong hand, his grin contagious.

For now, a large awning protected us from the wet weather, a crowd of gala people waiting for their cars, all of them avoiding the rain like it was acid.

Jared and I stood on the edge of the green carpet, facing outwards, taking in the sight of a few brave souls dashing to cabs or rushing into a restaurant or bar. A few people walked along with their umbrellas out, bobbing along with each brisk step.

I felt Jared's eyes on me. "You sure? You want to just get out there and go for a stroll like it's a fine summer night?"

"Thisisa fine summer night," I argued.

Instead of saying anything, Jared just jumped right out into it, the rain pouring down on him as he turned to smile at me. "Yep. Fine summer night."

He held out his hands as if challenging me, and I took the leap, well, not technically leaping, just stepping out into it, the rain cool against my hot skin, instantly dousing me.

I did a twirl, wiping my hair back from my eyes as Jared laughed. "You're crazy, Dee. Who knew?"

Someone cleared their throat loudly behind us, and we turned to see the doorman. "Did you need any assistance?" he asked.

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