Page 32 of Sass

Anger sparked in my gut and I shot him a fulminating glare. “Because it’snotsimple. And because all that other stuff is second nature to me. Because I understand social media and how it works. Because it doesn’t need degrees or qualifications. Because anyone could’ve done what I did. Because this is Rhys’s business, and I owe him. I can’t fuck it up for him.Thisis different.”

Leon settled back in his chair and a tiny smile tugged at his lips. “I know it’s not simple, Chris. That was just a nudge to fire your passion up because that’s who you are. That’s the energy you use to get shit done. You’re a fierce campaigner for justice.” Leon’s gaze drilled into mine. “Youlovefighting for the underdog or when the odds aren’t in your favour, just like with this problem you have. And maybe in those other fights nothing was on the line for you personally, but that doesn’t mean they were simple problems, either. Yes, this is Rhys’s business, but he’s trusted you with both and has for a while now. And from what he’s told me about you, and what I’ve seen for myself, he’s totally justified.”

“What?” I stared at Leon. “Rhys has spoken to you... about me?”

He shrugged. “A little. We talk business and, of course, your name comes up. He’s said time and time again, he couldn’t do what he does without you. You’re a natural businessman, Chris, albeit a little scary sometimes.”

Well, shit.What the hell did you say to something like that?

Leon continued. “You treat this place like it’syourbusiness, in the best possible way. And that’s what every business owner wants from their manager. You said Rhys wants you to take on a formal role with more responsibility, so that he can focus on his designing. But from what he’s told me, you’re already doing nearly all of what he wants. So, I don’t get what the problem is.”

My voice rose. “Theproblemis, I don’t know enough. This manufacturing thing is a classic example. I should have had a solution by now.”

He gave a frustrated sigh, but there was no judgement in his stormy grey eyes, just concern. “No, that’s not the problem.”

Goddammit. I rolled my eyes as he pushed on.

“The problemisthis whole belief that you don’t have what it takes. That’s what’s screwing with your ability to think clearly, and I’m calling bullshit on that. For the first couple of years after I opened The Tattoo House, I felt exactly the same. Like I was an imposter. Like I didn’t have any right to be running a business. That I was going to fuck up at any moment.”

I blinked. “But you’re always so calm. It’s one of your most irritating traits.”

He grinned. “Or maybe I’m just better at bluffing. But back then, not so much. I knew nothing.Nothing.And I also didn’t haveyournatural talent for organisation, or your insight into people and your quick mind.”

What?“I don’t—”

“But what Ididhave,” he talked over me, “was determination. If I didn’t know something, I found out. What you achieved when you helped Rhys and Alec wasn’t easy, and contrary to what you think, most people couldnothave done it.Icouldn’t have done it. I’ve seen you take charge at fashion week and during the aftermath of the fire—just two examples of complicated logistical management. You’re one of life’s natural problem solvers. You’re a fixer. And that’s a rare and highly transferable skill, and I have no doubt if you put that big brain of yours to work, you’ll come up with a possible solution or two for your problem.”

I sat, speechless, staring at his earnest expression while I tried to get my head around his shocking appraisal of me. Leon thought I was smart? Capable? A natural businessman? A fixer?

Warmth flooded my chest. Apart from Rhys, no one had ever taken the time to consider who I really was underneath the banter, let alone spell it out for me like Leon had done. The idea that I might have something to offer other than looks and entertainment and the ability to sell some clothes. I chewed on my lip because I wasn’t going to fucking cry.

“How can you be sure about any of that?” I demanded, almost angry that he’d read me so clearly and, apparently, effortlessly. “You barely know me. In fact, before today, I’d have said you knew fuck all about who I am. So where did the CliffsNotes on my psychology suddenly spring from?”

He flushed pink above his beard. “I... notice things. I observe people. It’s what I do. Especially people I’m interested in.” The flush deepened. “And I’ve observedyoufor two years now.”

I blinked. “You’veobservedme?” My brows hit my hairline. “Like that’s not creepy at all.”

He shrugged. “When someone interests me, whena woman or maninterests me, I want to learn about them. And you interest me, Chris. I believe we’ve covered that. And it’s precisely why I won’t fuck you... under the circumstances.”

Well, shit.He was serious. And that annoying little voice inside went up a notch. “But aside from today, you’ve never really even talked to me,” I protested, because it seemed somehow vitally important that he was totally fucking wrong. “Hell, we’ve barely had a conversation in two years that didn’t involve bullshit and snark on both sides.”

His eyes danced. “I believe the bullshit and snark has mostly been on your side.”

And yeah, okay, that was fair. Still. I huffed. “No less than you deserved.”

He raised his hands. “You’ll get no argument from me.”

I folded my arms and studied him, still stuck on the wholeinterested in mepart of the conversation and what the hell that even meant.

“And I think that’s my cue to leave.” Leon got to his feet and smoothed the soft denim over his thick thighs. Thighs that were front and centre in my line of vision, along with one or two other interesting appendages which looked equally inviting and shockingly proportionate to the man’s towering height.

I swallowed hard and dragged my gaze up to meet his smirk. “Fucker,” I sniped and tipped my head toward his groin. “You got a pair of socks shoved down there?”

“Hardly.” He grinned, slinging his bag over his shoulder. “As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke...”

I leaned back in my chair and clasped my hands over my stomach, feeling suddenly on much safer ground. “Well, asIalways say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”

He snorted and adjusted himself and, in the process, dried every scrap of saliva in my mouth. Then he eyeballed me. “Shame the kitchen’s closed.”

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