Page 17 of Executive Benefits

Before I knew what I was doing, I leaned over and kissed her cheek.

When I inhaled, her sunflower scent overtook me, and I lingered a little longer than I probably should have for professional purposes.

Julia stepped back with questions in her eyes. I was grateful to her that she didn't ask them right now, and I hoped that I didn’t just blow my chance at working with her. “We’ll talk later,” she said, and I saw kindness in her eyes as well as a maturity I didn’t expect to see. My heart stalled, and the idea of asking her on a date seemed more plausible than ever now.

The worst she could do was say no.

At best, she would say yes and I’d get the nagging sensation to ask her out off my chest so I wasn’t driving myself bonkers on top of everything else.

“Thank you,” I whispered in her ear, my lips almost brushing her lobe. She touched my hand and looked up at me. When our eyes met, she gave me a knowing look, turned, and walked down the hall.

I hated the reminder that Kendra was still behind me.

I scrunched my eyes up and shook out the embarrassment I had, watching Julia disappear down the hall. After she was gone, I shored myself up and turned. I snapped back into myself, notsure what I was doing, but the daggers Kendra threw at my back left me with a sick sense of satisfaction.

Kendra didn't bother to hide her rage, but I was okay with that. I pointed out the door. “Let’s go. I’ll get you the box, but you don’t own this restaurant anymore. You’re not welcome in the office or anywhere else that isn’t the dining room. And frankly, you’re not welcome there either. But if you want to spend your money here, I’m not going to stop you.”

Winston stood looking between the two of us. I didn't know what he saw in my face, but he leaned over and said, “Come on, babe, let’s get your stuff. I’ll take you somewhere nice afterward.”

I didn't even care if it was a dig at the restaurant. If he could get her out of here, I would name a drink after him once they were gone. Kendra looked at me. I smiled and perked a brow, something that always drove her into a bigger rage. Satisfaction rode over me, and in the moment, I felt vindicated.

After Kendra and the guy she was with left my office, I followed them out, locking the door behind me. I didn't trust Kendra not to pull any other stupid shit.

We got out to the hostess stand, and I pointed at a spot on the floor. “Wait here.” I didn't wait for her to respond and instead walked to the back of the room toward the kitchen.

I spotted Julia sitting at the bar, and I was surprised to see her but also happy I didn’t chase her away.

I got everything out of the storage room that Kendra left, tossed it into a box, and brought it back out. Shock that Kendra was still waiting where I told her to be rode through my system. She must have known something about the IRS payments and was probably waiting for me to bring it up.

I wasn’t going to give her that satisfaction today.

But I wasn’t going to sit on it, either.

“Here.” I pushed the box into Winston’s hands, knowing she wouldn't hold it herself. She couldn’t be bothered to get her fingers dirty.

Kendra scoffed and spun on her heel without another word. Winston looked at me with something I couldn’t peg, but I bet what Kendra told him would happen and the stark reality of what did happen were sinking in right now.

A small part of me was happy with the way I reacted. Proud, even.

I didn’t let her rattle me. It was what she wanted.

I didn’t know why she was clinging to the idea that she was going to get the better of me. But I didn’t think she was going to anymore.

And an even bigger part of me was thrilled with the fact that this might be his and Kendra’s last date because she'd wildly exaggerated. Another part of me ate that satisfaction because I knew I'd pissed her off. Even though I might have cut one head off the beast, I suspected two more were going to grow in its place.

I tipped my head at him, and when I could no longer see either of them through the window, I hurried back over to Julia. “I am so sorry,” I said just as she was taking a drink.

My hand hit her shoulder and caused her to jerk, and she coughed after she swallowed her bourbon. “Shit,” I said, reaching over the bar and grabbing a napkin. “Double apology, I guess.”

She took the napkin and wiped up the extra liquor on her chin, giving me the warm smile that filled my heart up probably a little more than it should. “It’s fine. I just don’t drink hard liquor often, but your mixologist was so convincing, I thought I’d try it.” She lifted her tumbler in the air. “Takes a minute to get used to.”

“Who’s a mixologist? Frank?” I pointed to the bartender leaning against the back counter. Frank waved at me and I shot him a look.

“Yep.” She took another sip, this time smaller than the first, and did her best not to wince. I didn't let the chuckle slip out that I wanted to because she looked damn cute.

“He’s a part-time bartender with another job at a Kinkos.”

“Ah, yes, but see, calling him a mixologist elevates his title to sound more important.” She tipped her glass to me. “Rebranding.” She laughed.

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