Page 6 of Hers to Love
Her brows came together. “Oh, no. I rarely drink. I’ve been around enough high-powered individuals and have been invited to more than my share of their parties that I would honestly be okay to never see another drink again.” She unfolded her napkin and placed it in her lap, keeping her gaze down. “It does something to people, and it’s usually not very good,” she said softly.
Hmm.Marshall glanced at his already empty wine glass. Maybe he shouldn’t have ordered that second drink. After a year of steadily increasing his tolerance, he could comfortably have a few glasses and still maintain impressive equilibrium. He thought himself talented.
“I see. Well, you don’t have to attend any parties if you don’t want to. I haven’t been in a party mood lately. But today”—he held up his wine glass for the server to fill, and then he tipped it in Kori’s direction—“is a celebration.” He took a nice large gulp.
“What are we celebrating?”
“You don’t think we’re drinking to you?”
“I only have a water…”
“You can toast with water. I’m not a wine snob.”
She smiled, lifted her glass, and clinked it to Marshall’s.
“But to answer your question, no. We’re celebrating a year of freedom.”
“Freedom?” Kori took a sip, licked her lips, and set the water glass down.
“Yes. Freedom from my ex. It’s been a whole year since we’ve divorced, and I can’t be more thrilled. I’ve truly had a fantastic year of business and personal growth. I highly recommend you stay single for as long as possible.”
Kori frowned.
“Don’t worry. Sabrina and I are obviously still on very good terms. I love her dearly. She’s the best thing that came out of that failed contract.”
Kori cleared her throat. “Here comes the food! I can’t wait, I’m starving.” Her smile looked forced as she picked up her fork.
Marshall kept his mouth shut. He really should’ve done that about a couple of minutes ago, but he couldn’t be the only one celebrating. That would just be…sad. He was technically already drinking alone, even if the company seemed sweet.
He silently chastised himself. Kori was here to work, and he was her boss. Sure the boss-assistant dynamic was different than other boss-employee relationships. More…intimate. But he didn’t know her, and she certainly looked like she was not interested in knowing much more today.
He finished off his wine, waved down a waiter, and ordered another all while ignoring Kori’s quick glances of disapproval. As long as she kept her mouth shut. That was her job.
Other than her issues with Brigham—that is, her failed attempt to be in a more intimate relationship with him—she came highly regarded in her job. And Brigham was one of the hardest workers in his industry; fanatical about the number of hours spent at work—as many as you could. Marshall was surprised he had time to be in a relationship and that Kori would believe otherwise.
Well, a relationship wasn’t what Marshall was after. Not after his first year of freedom. He had told Kori the truth about enjoying every minute of it. No strings, no commitments other than the ones he made, and no expectations he couldn’t meet.
Standards were his own.
The remote was his own.
Time was his own.
Body was his own.
No one else would own anything of his ever again. Especially not his heart.
Chapter 3
This was a complete mistake.
And Kori could kill Sabrina for keeping quiet. She was supposed to be her best friend!
Kori sagged against her closed hotel room door. She had just said good night to her boss—who had a suite a few floors above her. Again, she was living near her boss. Convenient, yes; uncomfortable, absolutely.This is the very last time,she promised herself.
Her eyes shot across the front foyer to the small pile of luggage she had brought with her. She groaned and closed her eyes. At least she didn’t have to unpack. She’d only take out what she needed for tonight, and then she’d check out in the morning. It’s just that she was really looking forward to exploring Italy, and now that wasn’t going to happen.
Why did her bosses have to be so much trouble?
