Page 35 of Billionaire and the Barista

“Not per year. I kept them for at least eighteen months, two years typically.”

“So what’s different this time?”

“The assistant that came with this job. I told her I needed a personal assistant, and she vetted candidates for me and arranged interviews.”

“Sounds like she knows what she’s doing.”

“She does, but I need her in the office, so I can’t have her be my PA as well.”

“Well,” Gabriella said as she pushed off the counter and returned to wiping things down. “I don’t typically have that problem. I tend to have more jobs than candidates. And I frequently just offer jobs to people who I would like to work with. I think in your case maybe make a spreadsheet with a pros and cons list. None of them stood out exceptionally?”

“Oh, no, one did. But not exceptionally, quite the opposite in fact. That’s why I have a list of three, and not four.” I sipped the coffee while it was still hot. “A spreadsheet, huh? Has anyone told you you’re a smart woman?”

“Not this week. Thank you.” That grin was back.

“How do you know about spreadsheets?”

“You did not just ask me that?” She flicked her towel at me.

I stopped leaning on her counter and returned to my table. She had customers to take care of. I had a PA to hire.

“Cameron,” I said into the phone. “Would you extend an offer to Jonah, get the paperwork started, and begin the background screening.”

I ended the short call and watched Gabriella. I had already decided to hire Jonah but gave myself some time to be certain. Since Gabriella had made it clear that bragging rights were not to be had, I decided to involve her in my decision-making process. As far as conversation starters went, it was the better choice.

I started to pack up my things. I couldn’t concentrate looking at her. And as much as I would have preferred to work in a location with a beautiful view such as her, I needed to focus.

“Leaving so soon?”

She wiped down the empty table nearest to me. I caught movement in my peripheral vision, her counter person was back, and Gabriella was out here talking to me.

“I need to get some work done, make calls. That’s better done in an office. No one around here is interested in soil samples and water tables and run-off reports.”

Damn that smile of hers. “I think you’re right.”

“I’ll be out of your way in a minute, then you can clean away all vestige of my presence.”

“That sounds so final,” she said.

I looked up from putting my laptop away and saw her frown. I could kick myself for taking that smile away.

“Until the next time, I guess.” I hiked the computer bag over my shoulder and picked up my dishes.

“I’ll take those.” She extended her hand and took the plate and fork.

She turned one way to deposit them in the bus tray and I turned the other to walk out the door.

“Nathan,” her voice stopped me.

I turned in the doorway to look back at her.

“Aren’t you planning on asking me out? You’ve asked me every time you’ve come in here.”

“Did I take away your fun in rejecting me again today?” I shook my head.

“The Nathan I used to know took chances.”

“Well, I’m more risk-averse these days. I prefer to be more calculated, act on more certainties. I’ll ask you out again when I’m sure you’ll say yes.”

She shrugged and twisted her lips in a way I clearly remembered as a challenge.

“Gabriella, are you seeing anyone at the moment?”

She shook her head, “No.”

“Are you single?”

“Yes.”

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