Page 38 of Mine to Love

“Finally coming up for air?” He laughs. “It’s already half-past six, well past punching out time.”

“Air is definitely something I need. And you’re still here.”

“Babysitting duty.” He winks.

I liked Doug instantly. He’d been friendly on the phone during the initial interview and in his emails, and especially this morning when he gave me a quick tour of his floor, as he calls it.

I had noticed the large office behind Doug’s desk, and had overheard him answer the phone as, “Mr. Pierce’s administrative assistant.” Only Mr. Pierce hasn’t made an appearance. I figure he must still be in Maine.

Besides, the hiring of the staff is way below his eight-figure pay scale. If I get the job, I wonder if I’d even work with Logan. Since the job is based in Maine, and he’s rarely there, I should be in the clear.

“If you’re ready to call it a day, I can call Max to take you back to the hotel.”

“Are Chad and Margaret still here?”

“They left at five.”

“Oh. I don’t want Max to have to go back and forth to the hotel. I can call a cab or even walk. It’s not far.” I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad sign that the project is taking so much longer for me than the other two. They either have more experience and don’t see it as much of a challenge, or they aren’t as determined to get the job as I am.

“It’s no trouble at all.”

“Actually, I really need to stretch my legs.” My stomach growls quite loudly, and I cover my belly with my hands. “And eat, apparently.”

“Care for some company? I can show you a few great places to eat between here and your hotel.”

“I don’t want to keep you from your family.” I don’t see a wedding ring, and don’t get the vibe that he’s hitting on me. Being friendly is all. The men in Texas are quite hospitable. Of course, I could be misreading the innocence behind his offer.

“It’s just me and my cat, and Suzy-Q couldn’t care less if I’m home as long as she has her food bowl filled.”

“If you’re sure.”

“Most positive.”

“Okay. It’ll only take a few minutes to pack up the paperwork.”

“You’ve already put in a long day.”

“I still have a few things I want to look over, but my legs and stomach are cramping up. I’ll have a fresh set of eyes after dinner, I’m sure.”

Doug proves himself to be a fun tour guide and nothing but a complete gentleman. He tells me about his pregnant sister who is due any day now. The baby daddy took off the moment his sister showed him the positive pregnancy stick, and Doug stepped in to be by her side. It’s sweet how affectionately he talks about his older sister.

After filling up on steak and salad, he walks me the final two blocks to the hotel. “Don’t stay up too late. Your eyes aren’t going to do you any good tomorrow if they’re crossed.”

“Thank you, Doug. I’ll see you in the morning.” I give him a small wave and enter the hotel.

Following his advice, I take a hot bath and only spend an hour going over the files, hoping it will give me energy to knock their socks off tomorrow.

***

I PACE MY STERILE APARTMENT, controlling my temper as Doug fills me in on the three candidates, and then his evening dinner date with Reese.

“Fraternizing with potential employees, Doug?”

“Fraternizing?” Doug sounds offended, rightfully so. I can count on both hands and both feet a hundred times over how many times I’ve asked Doug to socialize and schmooze with clients. He’s great at it. Everyone loves him. He is always one hundred percent professional and never crosses the line, even with men and women who make it clear they wouldn’t mind if he did.

I’m pretty sure Doug’s door swings both ways. He loves people of all ages, genders, races, and religions. He’s a people person, which balances out my lack of people-ing. It isn’t like I’m a grump, but idle chatter isn’t my strong suit.

“She did well? Reese?” I ask, changing the subject, and then realize I should show just as much interest in the other two. “And what about the other two, Mr. Lands and Miss Jones?” I don’t remember their first names.

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