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Noah is cute, which might be a huge part of why I gave her this job, but that doesn’t mean I’m not going to hold her to the highest standard. This isn’t only my livelihood. It’s my passion.

“I’m organized, so that shouldn’t be a problem.”

Good. Maybe hiring the girl I’m pining for won’t be the biggest mistake I’ve ever made.

“The paperwork and everything that goes with it is the most important part of the job, but you’ll also be doing some basic secretarial type stuff, such as answering the phone, taking messages, visiting job sites, running to the bank, and overseeing supplies and deliveries.”

I watch while she takes notes as I speak and chews on her lip when she starts to struggle with getting each and every one of my words. Her leg bounces beneath the desk.

“Don’t worry; you’ll get it.” I try to boost her confidence.

“I’m a quick learner, and I want to do well here. That was just a lot of instructions at once. I’ll handle it though. I don’t want to let you down because it was so nice of you to give me this chance.” Her words are rushed but genuine.

“I have no doubts, you’ll do great, Noah.” I lightly touch her wrist.

“Thank you.” She casually pulls her hand away and rests them both in her lap.

Noah smiles sweetly as she hangs on my every word, as if I have all the answers.

There is so much trust written all over her face as she gazes at me.

The way she looks at me when I compliment or reassure her has me doubting my resolve to stay professional. Her eyes brim with pride as I encourage her, and it fills me with a need to do that for her always. I step back from crowding the desk when the overwhelming desire for Noah gets to be too much.

“Ahem.”

I jump at the sound behind me.

Shit! When did she get here?

I turn to find narrowed eyes looking my way.

My business partner isn’t happy, which I knew was coming.

“Brazen, can I speak to you for a minute? In the back … now.” She doesn’t wait for a response from me but goes into the kitchen part of the office. It’s the only area with a door.

“I’ll be right back.”

Noah nods as she watches the doorway my partner just stormed through.

The second I close the door behind me, Sunday’s anger wraps around me, but there is something else behind her anger, something I can’t put my finger on.

“Who is that?” She points toward the wall, indicating the girl on the other side of it.

“Our new assistant.” I leave off the part where I’m thinking the answer to her question is obvious. It’s too early in the morning to egg on Sunday. Plus, I think I’ve done enough.

“What happened to the assistant we hired and agreed on together?” She throws her arms up in the air, exasperated with me.

“Funniest thing. He called late last night and said he was taking a different job.” I shrug after my blatant lie.

“That’s bullshit. Is this girl qualified? Can she handle the job?”

Surely, Noah can hear Sunday’s raised voice. These walls aren’t that thick.

“It’ll all work out, Sun,” I promise her.

“It had better.” She taps her foot and crosses her arms.

Suddenly, Sunday’s emotions switch from annoyance to knowing. Her voice softens and compassion runs through her as her posture relaxes. “Do you know how long I was behind you before you noticed? I saw you with her, Braze.”

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