Page 14 of Another Round
“You cook?”
Pretending to be offended by her squeak of surprise, I cross my arms and chastise her. “That’s awfully sexist of you to assume I don’t.”
Realizing her faux pas, she giggles softly and throws up her hands in apology. “Sorry! Sorry!”
At least she sounds more relaxed than before. Maybe from the wine. Maybe from my avoidance strategy I’ve perfected over time. Either way, I’m glad she isn’t as obviously upset. We can pretend together. “Apology accepted, so I’ll make you my chunky guacamole.”
“That sounds amazing.”
“It is.”
I gather cilantro, tomatoes, and onions and slide them onto the cutting board while she tops off her drink. My bartender responsibility slacking from my chef duties although she doesn’t seem to mind. “Are you excited about tomorrow?”
“A little. First day is always awkward.”
“It can be. But preparing is the key. Let me hear your elevator pitch.”
“My what?”
I love her adorable frown. “You know, if you were riding in an elevator with the CEO and only had thirty seconds to tell him about yourself, what would you say. You want him to be impressed long after your conversation is over.”
Her fingernail picks at the edge of the sticker on one of the limes while she shakes her head. Tsking in feigned disappointment. “Why do you assume the CEO is a man? Now who’s being sexist?”
I laugh this time. Genuine and entertained because she’s got me. “Touché. Okay, so what would you say if you want himorher to remember you?”
She ponders while I chop. Enjoying her company more than I expected since I’m rarely good company myself. Another positive impact she has on me.
“I’d tellher…” The damn eyebrow raises again to ensure I receive the message she conveys. Which I do, loud and clear. With her sweet grin softening the blow. “…that I’m working to gain experience in multiple areas so I can take over my family’s business because I’ve earned it not because I inherited it.”
Impressive. Shows her drive and her genuine personality. I nod with approval. “Not bad.”
“Really?”
“Yeah really.”
The pleased smile is even more glorious because I’m the one who put it on her gorgeous face. She cares about what I think, which she probably shouldn’t. Yet I like her wanting my opinion nonetheless.
“And, that fits with the internship since it’s a variety of companies, right?”
“That’s right. It’s a small business incubator so you have all these different people who we’re helping. Like this one guy is a videographer and wants to open his own design studio to make commercials but he doesn’t know anything about accounting or billing or stuff like that.”
Over our snack she tells me about the other clients. Entrepreneurs wanting to launch or grow their companies and seeking guidance in areas outside of their expertise. Giving me a rare optimism to hear about people working hard to chase their dreams and her involvement in their plans. While it might have been her father who gave her the opportunity, I think she’ll really work hard to prove she can succeed.
With the dip pretty much demolished between the two of us, I rinse the tortilla chip crumbs into the disposal and crumple the empty bag into the rubbish bin.
“I guess I should go.”
A harsh ting rings out from her sitting her glass and plate in the sink next to mine. Her movements a bit erratic from the alcohol she finished off.
“Thanks for letting me hang out.”
I smile down at her. The tension from earlier finally gone from her expression. “You’re welcome.”
A different type of tension coils inside me when she inches closer and her arms slide around my waist. Tight and lingering. Cuddling into my chest because she’s tipsy. Because she’s sympathetic. Because she’s thoughtful.
I’m none of those things but I let her hold me anyway. Wrapping my arms just as strong around her because I’m a sick dirty bastard who feels something he shouldn’t. Who feels something for the first time in two decades. Who feels something since I thought I died too.
Fuck. I grasp her slender shoulders and push her away from me. Forcing a huge smile on my face to ensure she doesn’t think it’s her when it’s all me. “I’m glad you came over. You’re pretty tolerable for a drunk.”
