Page 72 of Moon Tamed

That I could understand. “He could use a larger tea pot if she’s the kind who feels that he must be shown gratitude.”

Calden’s father raised a brow. “You figured that out quickly. How?”

If I started counting the ways I’d done my best to show gratitude to someone who had done something meaningful, unnecessary, and unexpected, I’d be at it for several days. “Give me a week, and you will start experiencing this phenomenon, especially when it sinks in I have book money. And camping money. And anything I want money.”

“It makes a great deal of sense for the company to provide housing for my executive secretary, as your former domicile was at least an hour away by public transit.”

“Book reading time,” I reminded him.

“We’ve been over this before. You can now spend the time reading books in front of your fireplace instead of on a bus. One is infinitely more comfortable than the other,” he replied in an exasperated tone.

Calden’s chair and fireplace were infinitely more comfortable than the bus and superior to the townhome I technically occupied when I was not sneaking over to his place. “That’s true, but I’m going to require at least two to three weeks to get used to this idea.”

My new boss frowned, he bowed his head, and he sighed. “I’m going to get yelled at for being excited, aren’t I?”

“Dad, relax. Yes, you finally have a secretary who can put up with you at your worst. Yes, she needs some time to adapt. Let her settle, remember she needs to learn how we operate here, and that we have a hunt coming up soon. You cannot arrange for any kidnappings until after our camping trip.”

“May I kidnap her for the camping trip?”

Calden frowned and glanced my way.

To make it absolutely clear I wanted to be kidnapped and taken camping, I turned both thumbs up and bobbed my head.

“I think she wants to go camping, son.”

“I think you’re right. That’s fine. She’s obviously okay with it. But no kidnappings of any sort until then. That way, I know if it’s a real kidnapping this time. Do not make me remind you of the time I played along because I thought you were yanking my chain again.”

“Which time?”

I needed to review the records of kidnappings more carefully. “Please add at least three paid days for me to review this kidnapping list and come to terms with being a potential target. For some reason, I anticipate becoming a target.” I gestured in the direction of my new boss. “Leverage against you, obviously.”

“I see I am taking full blame for this, son.”

“I’m pretty sure this is your fault, Dad.”

“You could take some blame for being a most handsome son. Surely that plays some role in your status as frequently kidnapped.”

“You know what? Please leave the papers here and go to another office to hold this argument. I need to work, and that work does not involve listening to you two verbally posture at each other for hours. If you want to posture, do so quietly, preferably as wolves, so I can have sufficient silence.”

To my amusement, both men fled.

SIXTEEN

I wanted to talk to you about Calden.

Some week and a half after my promotion to Allasandro’s executive secretary, Sarai cornered me in the lobby, begged until I agreed to meet her new bunnies, and lured me to her office. Her three fluffy animals ruled half of her office with their expanded hutch serving as their palace.

The animals bounded over to meet their owner, and she showered them with her love.

“Calden really had no idea bunnies existed,” I told her, unable to keep the amusement out of my tone. “And then he had to have two of his own.”

“I saw the pictures. Mr. Stephans showed me. I didn’t understand he really had no idea bunnies weren’t just rabbits people caught and tamed. It makes sense now.”

With a little luck, the problem wouldn’t come back to haunt me. “I’m glad you like your bunnies, though. Did Mr. Stephans talk to you about the bunny program?”

“He’s having me organize everything. Thank you. He mentioned you’d made the recommendation due to my past interest in them.”

“It’s usually best to put people where they have the best chance to shine, and you really like your bunnies, so it’s a good project for you.” I smiled at the animals, who showed every sign of being happy with their circumstances. “Do you take them to the playroom?”

---