Page 25 of The Naughty List
He pulls his hands out of his pockets and holds them up. “I don’t know, Hollis. What I do know is that you’re the girlfriend-engagement ring-marriage type. And I am most definitely not the boyfriend-fiance-wedding bells type. So we’re shopping in different categories, that’s all.”
The truth is, I haven’t beenshoppingat all. Between living with my parents and working for Jonah, I haven’t had time to meet anyone. Nothing kills the sex-me vibe likewant to come hang out at my parents’ house? Oh, hang on, I have to run by the home of the sexiest ex-MMA fighter on the planet. Yeah, I have a key to his place. No worries.
A lot of guys liked to flirt with me at the bar, but the few who made it past my brothers couldn’t get past my involvement with Jonah.
They all assumed we were already sleeping together. Sometimes I wished they were right.
I nod. “Okay, so we’re clear then. You’re not interested in any type of relationship with me other than a professional one. And Iprofessionallywould like to be your assistant instead of your dog walker. So where does that leave us?”
His eyes tighten at the edges. “We’ve covered this. You don’t know what you’re asking and I don’t think you can handle that position. Next topic.”
I shake my head. “You have no clue whatpositionsI can handle, Jonah. Because you’ve pigeon-holed me as your sweet little dog walker. Which I was, two years ago. But I’m twenty-four now and I’m ready to move out on my own and be an adult. If you really won’t consider me for the promotion, then I need to put in my notice and find something else before I wake up a thirty-year-old dog walker. We both know I’m capable of more than that.”
He throws his hands up and blows out an exasperated breath. “You want me to change the title? Fine. How aboutprofessional pet specialist? That better?”
“Fuck you, Jonah.”
We stand there, stunned by my outburst. This is worse than the towel incident because this time I wounded him. Intentionally.
But I’m drowning in my own hurt feelings and don’t have the air in my lungs to apologize.
Cars go by down the street, someone honks a horn. But Jonah and I stand in silence. Breathing. Hearts beating. Locked in some sort of stand-off I don’t know how to navigate.
“I’ve never heard you speak that way,” he says quietly. “Good for you. That was disrespectful and I’m sorry.”
What the…
I cross my arms, rubbing them to create warmth. “I shouldn’t have said that to you. But my feelings are hurt that you don’t think I can do this job. I don’t understand why you won’t give me a shot. A trial run or a probationary period. Something.”
He stares down at his shoes for what feels like forever.
When he looks up, his eyes are softer. More vulnerable than I’ve ever seen them.
He takes a step closer to me. “I don’t want to lose you, Hollis. It’s selfish, I know. But you’re the only constant in my life. Everyone else…”
“Leaves,” I finish, because I’ve noticed this.
Erma is the second housekeeper he’s had in two years. Eli just left. And Elaine is probably only three years or so from retiring.
He nods but says nothing.
“I don’t want to leave you, Jonah. But I have other skills besides walking dogs and cleaning up after them.”
His brows lift. “You realize being my assistant is just walking me and cleaning up after me, right?”
“Very funny.” I stare at him intently. “I’ll have you know I maintain the books, the event calendar, payroll, and the employee schedule for this bar. I have for years. I create all of the promotional items and manage multiple social media platforms. I even designed the shirts the waiters and waitresses are wearing.” I reach out, tugging at his jacket. Maybe to keep his attention so he’ll hear me, or maybe because I need some form of connection. “On top of that, I take care of Zeus and Ache like they’re my own. And you already know I’ve been handling several of Eli’s responsibilities since he left.”
“Sounds like a job interview.”
“Maybe it should be.”
Jonah’s eyes fall to my hands on his jacket. “You still going to follow through with your list?”
The list. I’d almost forgotten.
I nod. “If that’s what it takes for you to see I’m not some innocent goody two shoes who can’t handle the messes you make.”
“Goody two—” he stops himself and gives me an amused grin. “If you really want to see what it’s like being my assistant day in and day out, then I’ll show you. But don’t be surprised if it isn’t as glamorous as you expect it to be.”
