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"So, Roth, how is your executive assistant working out for you?" Travis Traynor asked as he matched Benjamin's step down the hallway.
Several comments came immediately to mind, but Benjamin suppressed his inner amusement behind a wide smile. "Just great, Travis. I'm glad I convinced you to let me have her."
"Good. I'm glad she's working out. I had a nagging feeling when I interviewed her she had too much background to be in administration. I wish you'd mentioned your difficulty with Carol's shortcomings before you did. We could have dealt with it sooner."
More illicit thoughts he had to keep to himself. "Timing is everything. Carol is far better suited where she is now."
"Well, Jewell must be good because you certainly seem more relaxed."
Benjamin did his best to hide his lurid grin. He wasn't sure what he felt around Jewell constituted as relaxed, but he knew he was happier.
Not happier.
Happy. Something he wasn't sure he'd ever been.
He just shrugged and nodded and let the comment lie between them without expounding on it and possibly losing his composure altogether.
They continued down the hall together to the door of Benjamin's office. Once there, Mr. Traynor extended his hand in a hearty shake.
"We were all very sorry to hear about your sister. How is she doing?"
Benjamin nodded. "Her recovery will be slow, but she'll be just fine. I wanted to thank you for the flowers you sent. They were thoughtful."
Traynor nodded. "It was the least we could do. If you need to take more personal time just say the word. You've certainly earned it."
"I appreciate that, Travis. But we're coming to the end of the year. Things get crazy for us the last quarter with tax reporting and earnings calculations. I've been going on the weekends, and if I need the time, I'll let you know."
Travis nodded his understanding and patted Benjamin's shoulder before he walked away. Benjamin turned on his heels and smiled down at April. Unlike the first several months she worked for him, she greeted him with a smile back instead of a panicked expression.
"Has Ms. Kincaid returned from her meeting yet?"
April shook her head and tapped the end of her pencil against her cheek. Benjamin recognized the devious twinkle in the young woman's eyes and wondered what put it there.
"No. I heard the meeting is running long. Might be another hour. Do you want me to let her know you're looking for her when she gets back?"
"I'm sure she'll stop by my office."
He turned, but a motion of April's hand brought his attention back.
“A gentleman is waiting to see you in your office, Mr. Roth. He said he was your godfather and wanted to wait until you got back."
Benjamin arched his eyebrow. "Thank you," he said before opening the door.
* * *
"Do you want a drink?" Jewell asked as she let Benjamin into the apartment shortly after seven that evening. By the look on his face, she thought he needed it.
Benjamin nodded his head and draped his coat on a chair in the living room, dropping heavily into the cushions of the couch. His fingers flicked across his lips and he stared at some indiscernible point on the floor. With a sharp tug, he loosened his tie and yanked it out of his shirt collar.
He had been gone when she returned to the office after her meeting. April filled her in with sparse details only. Ben Prescott had been there, and after he left Benjamin said he'd be gone the rest of the day. It was mid-afternoon, and he never returned. By the looks of it, he had a hell of a day.
Jewell came out of the kitchen and joined him, carrying a chilled glass of wine in each hand. She sat beside him and slipped into the circle of his arm. He drank nearly the entire glass before setting it on the coffee table. Jewell waited patiently for him to explain. When the lack of clarification continued on for several more minutes, Jewell pressed her hand against his chest and drummed her fingers to draw his attention. Benjamin turned a slow gaze her way.
"What happened today?" she asked.
He stared at her for several long moments, his brown eyes skimming over her face. Benjamin's fingertips brushed her cheek and smoothed over her mouth. She enjoyed his gentle touch and parted her lips slightly. Jewell looked up into his face, and her stomach tumbled with a sweet, aroused sensation. She curled her fingers into the fabric of his shirt.
Benjamin shook his head, and Jewell struggled to remember the original question. "Not tonight. Don't worry about it."
