Page 15 of Her Prince in Disguise
Andi glanced at him, but quickly pulled her eyes back to her notes. There was concern in his eyes and she hadn’t seen that kind of empathy in a long time.
No, that wasn’t true. Carys was like a sister to Andi. They cared deeply for each other. When things were tough, Andi knew that she could turn to Carys and she’d be there, and vice versa. Usually with a bottle of wine in one hand and a box of chocolate or pint of ice cream in the other.
Still, Andi really didn’t want him to see the contents of that damn box!
“The box is personal, Laith,” she finally replied, clearing her throat. “I’ll check on it once I’ve finished with this report. You asked me to get you a final analysis before dinner.”
“So be it,” he sighed and stood up. “But we’ll discuss the results of your analysis over dinner tonight.” And then he was gone.
Andi wondered if she’d hurt his feelings by not letting him peek into the box. Then she remembered that women were always concerned about men’s feelings to the detriment of their own and she straightened her shoulders and sat down.
It took her another fifteen minutes to lose herself in the numbers, but eventually, she was able to find her rhythm again. She was just printing out the final report when Jonas, Laith’s personal assistant, stepped into the conference room, his ever-present tablet in hand. Andi didn’t like him. He came across as overly impressed with himself and extremely territorial where Laith was concerned. He couldn’t argue when Laith came into the conference room to speak to one of the team members, butJonas never allowed a team member to disturb Laith when he was in his office.
Also, Jonas never joined the team for social events. While the rest of the team members often joined up for dinner or drinks after work, Jonas never bothered to fraternize. That might be because he was always running around, trying to keep up with Laith’s demands. Or it could be because he was a self-righteous jerk.
Either way, she didn’t like to linger when Jonas spoke to her. She preferred to just get on with the issues so that he could return to his tiny desk outside of Laith’s office.
Still, she tried to be polite. He wielded a great deal of power as Laith’s assistant. “What’s up, Jonas?” she asked, clicking the documents and spreadsheets closed on her laptop.
The man pursed his mouth in obvious disapproval, lifting his tablet higher. “Laith asked me to find out what kind of meal you’d prefer for dinner tonight.”
Andi sighed heavily. She’d almost forgotten that Laith had asked for…more likedemanded…a briefing over dinner. “What do the others prefer?” she asked, distracted as she tried to lock down her laptop.
Jonas shook his head, disapproval in the compression of his lips. “Tonight will be just the two of you.” He looked up, still looking sour. “Have you finished the analysis?”
Why did the guy always have a hopeful “gotcha” look about him?
She collected the papers from the printer. “Right here,” she said, shoving them into a file folder, then stuffing that into her tote bag. Then Jonas’ words registered and she did a double take. “It’s just me and Laith tonight? Why?”
Jonas shrugged, still tapping on the tablet. “I don’t question our boss’s orders, Andi. I just organize things for him and get things done.” He looked pointedly at her, as if silently adding, “You should do the same.”
“Right,” Andi whispered under her breath, slinging her laptop bag and her tote bag over her shoulder. The box was sitting off to one side. She didn’t want to pick it up, but Andi knew she couldn’t just leave it here. Someone would throw it away or, worse, open it. She didn’t want anyone else seeing what was inside.
Of course, it could be benign. Maybe this time, the creator had sent her a happy diorama! Maybe it was just a picnic scene with puppies and kids playing soccer!
She nearly snorted out loud. Andi reached out and scooped up the package, wishing she didn’t have to touch it.
“I’ll take your laptop and that box and have them delivered to your hotel room,” Jonas announced, grabbing the box.
Andi started to protest, but the jerk was already halfway out the door.
So, she stepped out of the conference room where she’d been working since before dawn and looked around. Sure enough, Laith was walking down the hallway, his long legs eating up the distance. Andi couldn’t help the indrawn breath asshe watched him, fascinated by the confidence in his walk and the strength in his shoulders. He truly was magnificent!
“I hope you’re hungry,” he commented when he reached her. He startled her by putting a hand to the small of her back, leading her to the elevators.
“Starving,” she replied, looking at his shoulders again. But…why had she glanced at him? He was her boss! He hadn’t thought that she’d meant that she was starving forhim, had he?
Thankfully, he was looking at the elevator buttons, so he didn’t notice her cheeks heat up.
Turning her head away, Andi stared at the glossy elevator doors where she noticed her cheeks turning a ridiculous shade of pink. But she could see his reflection as well. And he was staring back at her with a strange expression. Was that lust? Surely not!
The doors opened before she could accurately interpret his gaze and they both stepped in. He pressed the button for the garage floor and they rode down in silence.
“Which restaurant did you choose?” he asked.
Startled, Andi turned her head, looking up at him. As always, she was surprised by his height. How did they grow men so tall where he was from?
“I…uh…didn’t choose anything,” she admitted. “Jonas asked me, but then left before I could answer.”
