Page 63 of Work with Me

“Much.” My face felt too tight.

Alicia looked between us. “Well, I’m going to check on the rest of the team, make sure we’re ready for the demo.”

“Before you go, Alicia—”

Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck.Somehow, he’d found out. Who could’ve seen us kissing and reported it to Cooper? Frantically, I cast my mind back on the party.

“—I thought we’d bring in lunch after the review. And I have a surprise for you.”

“For me?” She put a hand on her chest. Maybe her heart was trying to beat its way out, too.

“For you. Better go on, or I’ll be tempted to spoil it.”

With a last, worried glance at me, she hurried out, clutching her tea.

“A surprise? I hope it’s a good one.” Like, not being outed for kissing me.

“She’ll like it. You will, too.”

“Give me a hint.”

“Sorry, Jay. My lips are sealed.”

Why’d he have to mention lips? Now I’d be staring at Alicia’s mouth while she presented the demo.

He closed the distance between us and nudged me with his elbow while he poured a cup of black coffee. “Really, you’re okay?”

No.“Absolutely.”

* * *

ALICIA

I expectedto see the standard selection of sandwiches and a giant bowl of salad arrayed on the credenza near the conference room’s door. What I didn’t expect to see was—

“Jamila!” I squealed and rushed to hug her.

“Hey, girl, how’ve you been?”

I ached to pour out all my troubles and confusion, but a couple of the guys were already in the room, and, besides, what would my mentor think of the mess I’d gotten myself into on my very first gig, one for which she’d recommended me?

“Good,” I said, my voice too high.

She raised a delicately sculpted eyebrow. “Come sit with me.” Grabbing my hand, she led me toward the back of the room, away from the food.

“Cooper tells me you’ve been a rock star.” She crossed one long leg over the other, her champagne-colored skirt rising to her knee.

“The team’s been great. We’ve really come together.” My cheeks went hot when I recalled how Jackson and I had come together at his party.

Jamila’s voice went low and urgent. “Alicia, you have to own your success. No one else will. Say, ‘I’m a rock star.’”

“I’m a rock star,” I parroted.

“She is a rock star.” Jackson’s hand landed half on the back of the chair and half between my shoulder blades. He smiled down at me.

Jamila stood and hugged Jackson. “It’s been a while, Jay. Join us, and we’ll catch up.”

“I’ll get some food first,” he said. “Alicia, would you like this? I grabbed you one of those chicken Caesar wraps you like.”

---