Chapter 6
“You don’t want to hear me complain about all of that. You’ve had to deal with your fair share of my intense days.”
“You asked me to keep it real with you. I hope you can do the same with me. I mean, some of those morning phone calls were ridiculous with how the person on the other end screamed at you.”
“You heard that?” She cringed, replaying the regular beratings from her new boss, reminding her how easily she could be replaced.
“I think the whole city did, without it even being on a speaker. Why would you put up with that?”
“It wasn’t always like that. I came to Seattle to work for this company. It was an awesome opportunity to get into the agency side of PR and marketing. I worked hard to prove myself and was doing well.”
“Until…” he prompted, knowing there was more to the story.
"A few months ago, our CEO was ousted, and her replacement decided that I was 'too big for my britches' and demoted me to an admin.
She calls me 24/7 for the most menial tasks and argues that I always get her instructions wrong, even though I write them down and record them.
" Bri's fingers tightened around her glass, the condensation cool against her palm.
"That's messed up. Did you find out why your boss was dismissed?"
"The rumor was that someone accused her of bribing companies to work with us, and that's the only way she could make the sales numbers she did. Which is obvious jealousy. Others say she was embezzling funds."
"What did she say?"
"I'm not sure the board gave her a chance to defend herself before she was escorted out. I haven't been able to reach her, but all the allegations are petty bullshit." She met his eyes, searching for judgment and finding only concern.
"Is that why the new one seems to hate you?"
"You mean because I voiced my opinion? Maybe…" Her nose scrunched in that way that told him she was holding something back.
"Uh-oh. What did you do?" He leaned closer, a smile playing at the corner of his mouth.
"Technically, it was just some research. Just because she assumed I was digging for the truth doesn't mean she was or was not correct." The mischief in her eyes belied her innocent tone.
"That's my girl! I mean… I can't believe you're still there after all of that." He caught himself, heat creeping up his neck at the slip.
"I tried to leave, but she won't give me a reference and has threatened to blackball me in the industry. So I started over and tried to figure out how to please her."
"Is that really what you want?" His hand found hers on the bar, thumb tracing circles on her wrist.
"I have to keep my eye on the prize. I've had a plan since before I went to college.
I got my MBA, and I've worked on the business side of this field.
If I want to have an agency of my own one day, I have to learn that side of things, so I'll do what it takes to get there.
" The determination in her voice was undercut by the weariness in her shoulders.
"That's admirable, but what would plan B look like if this agency wasn't around?" He watched her carefully, noting the way she stiffened at the question.
"That's impossible. They're one of the largest firms in the country, top five internationally."
"Sure, but crazy things happen every day. As organized and focused as you are, I imagine you have contingencies for everything. So what would you have done if you hadn't gotten the position at this company?"
"I would have stayed in DC and waited until another opportunity came around. Why all the questions?" She tilted her head, studying him with those penetrating green eyes that seemed to see through every deflection.
"It doesn't seem fair that such a beautiful, kind, intelligent woman is run off her feet daily, and hasn't been able to see the people she cares about." His fingers wove through hers, holding her gaze with an intensity that made her breath catch.
"That's sweet of you. Actually, I had to fight for this trip."
"See? And maybe I'm feeling a little selfish because the more I get to know you, the more time I want to spend with you." He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles that sent warmth spiraling through her chest.
“I know what you mean. I guess we’re lucky we get to have this date.
” She gave him that quirk of a smile and winked at him.
“It was a lovely idea to come to my favorite restaurant for dinner. Sitting at the bar gives us a great view of the city,” she remarked, sliding her hand into his.
He looked around the windowless establishment, then laughed in understanding.
“I’m glad you approve. Only the best for you, Bri. After dinner, perhaps you’d be up for a little field trip.” He squeezed her hand and brought it to his lips.
“Absolutely, if it includes you and dessert.” It felt like she had just shifted the definition of them. If she had changed her mind about the possibility of them, he needed to find a way to come clean about his work before it was too late and backfired on him.
“I think that can be arranged.” He was practically vibrating at the idea of spending the next few hours with Bri.
After all of these months, he found it hard to believe that he was spending time with her and he hadn’t fucked it up…
yet. He thought he had built her up in his mind because of his burgeoning obsession, but she was so much more than he had imagined.
Her willingness to adapt and change plans added to the enjoyment.