Page 54 of Mine to Love

Reese is the type to be offended by the request. I won’t blame her if she calls me out on being sexist and accusing me of instantly demoting her to an assistant instead of financial analyst, as it says on her contract.

“I mean, I love to shop, and if it’s on your card, all the better. I need to put more time into the Odyssey account first though.”

I dip my chin. “Very well then.” I spin on my heels and head back into my empty office, fire up my laptop, and stare at the doorway willing Reese to come back.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

After another week of very little conversation with Logan, I start wondering if he really did give me the job out of guilt. He speaks only when necessary and keeps his office door closed when he’s here. Half the time I don’t even know if he’s in his office or in Texas.

It’s the day before the fourth of July weekend, and I’m scheduled to share my findings about Odyssey with Logan. Only he hasn’t shown up yet. My phone rings and I answer the call from Doug.

“I bet you’re ready to share your report and start your long weekend.”

“I am,” I say, which is mostly true. Emerson invited me, my father, and Mariah to the Pierce family cookout tomorrow. While I want to respectfully decline the offer, Emerson asked in front of my dad, and he was all too eager to show off his lady friend, as he calls Mariah.

There will be enough people and lots of room to spread out. If I don’t want to talk to Logan, I won’t have to, if he’s even going to be in Maine.

“Well, let’s get this show going. I’ve got Melinda and Mr. Pierce in the conference room as well. We’ll project our video call on the screen.”

“Video call?” Last I knew I was presenting in person to Logan.

“I had some business I had to take care of in Austin,” I hear Logan say. No apology. No more explanation than that.

While I know he’s a busy man, I highly doubt that’s the reason he left. He doesn’t want to be in a room alone with me, which I can’t exactly blame him for. Our few and far between conversations have been nothing but awkward, and no mention of what happened in my hotel room in Texas.

If anything, I need to prove that no matter why he hired me, I’m more than capable of doing my job, and doing it well, and won’t shy away from uncomfortable situations.

“Very well. I’ll connect now.” I hang up and log into my computer, thankful the team won’t be able to see the sweat under my arms.

I take a final gulp of my caramel latte, and once again knock their socks off with my research and proposal.

***

“ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT to carpool with us, peanut? What if Mariah and I want to leave before you’re ready? I don’t want to cut your evening short.”

“I’m not worried, Dad. I’ve been tired lately anyway and don’t plan on staying out too late.” It’s true. I am tired, but that isn’t why I want to hitch a ride with them to the Pierce estate.

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