Page 16 of Hooked on Dallas
I shake my head, blinking blearily at the stacks of papers strewn across the conference table. “Nothing yet. But there has to be a money trail somewhere. People like this always slip up, eventually.”
“You’re right,” he says. “Let’s keep digging.”
Despite the late hour, a surge of determination rushes over me. Dallas trusts my judgment. He sees me as an equal, not just an assistant. I am not about to let him down.
As the hours drag on, we fall into an easy rhythm, trading theories and ideas. Dallas’s razor-sharp mind complimented my own, and together we are able to connect dots that previously seemed disparate.
By the time we stumble upon a crucial discrepancy at 3 AM, exhaustion has given way to exhilaration. We exchange a triumphant grin, the thrill of the chase bonding us together.
“We did it!” Dallas says, a rare smile lighting up his face. “I couldn’t have solved this without you, Laura. You’re a heck of a worker.”
I flush with pride at the compliment. “Back at you, Dallas.”
He claps me on the shoulder, and for a moment his hand lingers there, his eyes soft with unspoken warmth.
My heart skips a beat. A partnership, indeed. Maybe there is something more to be found here after all.
10
Laura
I arrive at the office early as usual, a fresh cup of coffee in hand for Mr. De La Cruz. But when I enter his office, I find him hunched over his desk, massaging his temples.
“Sir? Are you alright?” I ask.
He looks up, eyes bloodshot, a scowl etched into his features. “Does it look like I’m alright?” he snaps. “Stevens, must you ask such stupid questions?”
I recoil at his harsh tone, a flush of embarrassment heating my cheeks. So much for hoping yesterday had been an isolated incident. When will I learn that there are no “good days” with Dallas De La Cruz?
Biting my tongue to avoid a retort I will surely regret, I set his coffee on the desk with a trembling hand. He didn’t even glance at the offering, too absorbed in the papers scattered before him.
I stand for a moment, unsure whether he requires anything further. But it seems I have already proved incompetent enough for one day. Best to make a hasty retreat before I make things worse.
With a quiet “Let me know if you need anything else, sir,” I turn to leave, clutching at the door handle like a lifeline. Hisirritated sigh follows me into the hall, grating against my frayed nerves.
Once the door closes behind me, I lean back against the wall and closed my eyes. How did I get myself into this mess? When I pictured my dream job, this isn’t what I had in mind. But I am committed to this path, and I won’t give up . Even if it kills me.
I take a deep breath and steel my resolve. If Mr. De La Cruz wants to treat me like his personal punching bag, he has another thing coming. I won’t cower at his temper or shrink under his criticism.
Squaring my shoulders, I march back into his office. He glances up at my entrance, one dark eyebrow rising in surprise.
“Yes, Miss Stevens? Have you lost something else so soon?” His tone is biting, meant to cut me down to size.
But I won’t give him the satisfaction. “I won’t tolerate being spoken to this way,” I say.
He blinks, taken aback by my nerve. “I beg your pardon?”
“Yelling at me, snapping at me, criticizing me at every turn,” I continue, meeting his gaze without flinching. “I understand you may have impossibly high standards, but there’s no call for rudeness. I am not a mind reader, sir. If I’m not meeting your expectations, you’ll need to communicate that to me clearly and directly.”
Mr. De La Cruz opens his mouth as if to issue a scathing retort, then seemed to think better of it. He studies me for a long moment, dark eyes probing. I refuse to look away, willing him to see I mean every word.
He leans back in his chair with a considering hum. “Miss Stevens, you continue to surprise me.” His tone softens, the harsh edge gone. “My apologies.”
I release a breath, relief washing over me in a flood. My gamble has paid off. I can tame the beast, after all.
“I’m not accustomed to being challenged in such a manner,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck. “It’s no excuse, but I’ve been under a great deal of strain as of late. I took it out on you, and I’m sorry.”
His words ring with sincerity. Remembering the rumors of troubles at the firm and setbacks with important clients makes me stop for a second. He is only human, after all.
